June 2024 Update

SUMMARY OF THE 3RD COMMUNITY MEETING

by FOSEL Founder Marleen Nienhuis

The June 12th community meeting of the "Programming Phase" was a lively SE branch planning hearing focused on balancing strong support for 3rd story option with cost & timing restraints; a kitchen facility; branch's visual connections to street and park.

It gathered some 75 people to a discussion about what size the building should be to accommodate the programming options South End residents had requested in hearings held earlier this year.

Among the options: adding a third floor.

The hour-and-a-half (friendly enough) skirmish over size, cost, timing and programming between Boston Public Library president David Leonard and Utile Architects' Brett Bentson on one hand, and passionate library users accompanied by some of their elected representatives on the other, illuminated the concern that by the time the new library's doors open, around 2027, the $30 million construction project will be inadequate for the library needs of the South End's growing population.

"Libraries are not just built for now but for the future," commented Bob Barney, chair of the Claremont Neighborhood Association. Compared to library square footage as it relates to population in other neighborhoods, Barney added, "we are really low."

The current plan is for a two-story, 16,000 sq ft new building on the same site as the now-closed library, one that juts out into the park by 9 feet, but preserves all the trees. It will also slice off 3.5 ft from the private alley between library and abutters' homes on W. Newton Street. By locating mechanical equipment and library storage on a "partial" third floor, however, additional programming space was opened up on the lower two floors.

Utile principal Brett Bentson's presentation highlighted exciting new features proposed for the branch, including multiple large windows overlooking Library Park, back alley and Tremont Street from all floors; one large community room and four smaller-sized ones; almost a dozen separate restrooms for children, teens, adults and families; dedicated teen, adult and children's areas and a "grand staircase" to the second floor. Bentson emphasized the importance of keeping specific programming and collections on one floor instead of splitting them up over several. David Leonard added he had encouraged Utile to use as much glass and transparency as possible.

From the proposed park-side entry, a ramp and elevator would take visitors from the street up to the lobby. Bentson explained that risk from flooding due to storm and sea level rise has made it necessary to raise the first floor above existing street grade by some 30 inches.

Concepts like sustainability and even a green roof would be considered in the one-year design phase that starts in September, as well as issues such as the actual location of all the programs within the building, which audience members suggested could be moved elsewhere. Suggested changes were a Tremont street-side entrance rather than one on the park's side; siting the large community room next to the park; and placing the children's area where they can make noise not but not disturb other visitors, perhaps on a higher floor. 

Countering persistent public comments by participants, including two local architects, that a third floor is needed because 16,000 sq ft is inadequate for the South End's estimated 38,000 residents, BPL president David Leonard insisted there would be enough space to accommodate all the programming requested on the proposed two floors, including dedicated spaces for seniors, Latino/Latina and the Chinese communities, as well as kitchen infrastructure for nutritional programming. and storage space.

Calling the proposed 16,000 sq ft project within the "sweet spot" of the 12,000 to 16,000 sq ft sized buildings popular for new libraries "across the country," Leonard described the South End branch's proposed square-footage increase "the largest by point of comparison" to all new branches elsewhere in Boston.

However, as Steve Fox, chair of the Rutland Square Association pointed out, most of the new branches cited in that comparison were in neighborhoods with two or more libraries serving populations of comparable magnitude to South End's, like Jamaica Plain, Dorchester and Brighton. The South End would have only one library for its 38,000 people. A general rule of thumb is to have minimally 20,000 sq ft in libraries serving 25,000 people or more, numbers that are already reflected in space allocations of existing libraries in Boston neighborhoods.

The limited square footage proposed for the two-story South End branch also appears to circumscribe how many computers will be available: only 19, divided among adults, teens and children. It's a small number in light of the high computer usage at the now-closed 7,000 sq ft South End branch. In the first quarter of 2019, for example, with 20,632 visitors, the library had 738 wireless and 2,845 computer sessions.

In comparison, Jamaica Plain's two branches offer public usage of 23 computers to 37,000 residents. The 21,000 sq ft Mattapan branch, serving 36,800 residents, has 32 computers. The 27,300 sq ft Roxbury library has 39 computers. The Roxbury population, moreover, is served by not just the Roxbury but also the Eggleston and Parker Hill branches. They have a total of 63 computers available to its almost 60,000 residents.
(The image below, of what Brett Bentson called "the chicklets," shows all the components that will have to go into the new library building, locations to be determined in the design phase coming up next.) 

President Leonard reminded the audience that the library's construction was on an "accelerated pace" and that a budget of more than the $30 million that has been approved "would have to go beyond a whole different level of review," especially in a time of "escalating construction cost."

He compared the South End branch's construction budget to the one for the 15,000 sq ft Fields Corner branch. That library, however, is in a neighborhood of  20,000 people, when the South End branch's reach is for 38,000 residents.

Architect and long-time South End resident, Ken Kruckemeyer suggested that a taller building with a smaller footprint might have the same price tag as a two-story building with a larger one, as a result of lower costs for the perimeter's foundation construction. He also cited the importance of visual/auditory connections for visitors when viewing a building from within an atrium, and the opportunity that offers to quickly understand where what can be found using those visual/auditory prompts.

State Rep. John Moran was one of the last speakers to comment. He described how, as a relatively new representative, he had become aware of how everywhere in his culturally rich and diverse district culinary programs created a sense of community.

"I like to dream of a scenario where we do have a kitchen," he said. If money stood in the way of building "a really good community library," he added, "let me try from the State perspective to get you the money."

"It's just an ask," he said.

Click here to watch a video of the meeting including the discussion after the presentation.

Click here to see a slideshow of the presentation for in depth study and please leave comments at https://www.bpl.org/south-end-project/

February 2024 Update

Our second community meeting for the development of a new South End Library took place on February 12 at 6:30 pm virtually.

Meeting Highlights

Brett Bentson from Utile started off the meeting and introduced his team including the Spanish and Chinese translators. Then David Leonard, BPL President, introduced library staff and welcomed the elected officials and neighbors. He stated that the project is on an accelerated path and we are currently in the middle of the Feasibility Phase. To understand the bullets below please access the slides at https://www.bpl.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2024/02/2024-02-12_South-End-Library-Community-Meeting-2.pdf

• Our library location is in the flood plain and therefore requires a building that is 3 ft above the current floor level.

• While there were slides on the neighborhood characteristics, we did not discuss planning for future branch library needs/size, such as population increase/decrease or demographic changes.

• The program items include space for the local history collection.  Many of the ideas from the first community meeting were included in the feedback and the proposed building program, but they do not include a café or cooking area. 

• Three test fits were presented -– these are not designs but rather concepts for accommodating the square footage that the library program, as presented, requires.  All three involved increasing the square footage to over 15,000. 

• Only one allows for our park to remain with minimal change to the tree canopy. This was the 2-story new construction option.

• A third floor is not being considered by BPL, primarily due to staff constraints for monitoring activity in the space and concern about increased costs.

• The height requirement of the South End Landmark Commission is a minimum of 30 ft and can be higher.  Most of the buildings surrounding the current building are higher.

• An elevator would appear to be required in any of the options. 

• Now is the time for input as BPL and Utile hope to have a decision on the key direction for the new building by the next community meeting in the March/April time frame.  

Our Subsequent Written Request to BPL/Utile

In the presentation, Utile stated “It is important to test many different options during the feasibility study phase as a form of due diligence.”  Given this statement I would like to request a test fit for 3 stories to accomplish the following:

• Eliminate the using 8 ft from the alley which is already a tight space for servicing the library and residents using the alley.  

• Add a program element allowing for a kitchen/café multi-use space; this aligns with our community history of events and celebrations with food.

• Build the structure so that it can be increased upward beyond 3 stories, since we want this building to serve us into a 50+ year future.

January 2024 Update

Our first community meeting for the development of a new South End Library took place on January 8 at 6:30pm virtually.  We had a good turnout of 86 people.  

Meeting Highlights

Introduction of key attendees 

Brett Bentsen - Utile Principal; Chantel Kocher - Assoc Principal and several additional Utile team members; David Leonard - Pres PBL; Kerrie Griffin - Dir PFD; Christina Jones - SEL Librarian;Priscilla Foley - BPL Dir of Neighborhood Srvcs; Alison Ford - BPL Project Manager - SEL; State Rep John Moran; Kim Crucioli - City SE Neighborhood Liaison

Members of the Utile team either live in the SE or are quite familiar with it.  Additionally they have done work with BPL and PFD previously.  Their website: https://www.utiledesign.com/

Timing of the Project

Phase 1 - Feasibility Study - starts now and planned for 3 months

Phase 2 - Design Phase - generally takes 12 months

Phase 3 - Construction - TBD 

Phase 4 - New Building opens - TBD

Additional Community Meetings are envisioned for Feb 12th and March, and potentially two after that as the project moves forward.

Existing Building

The existing building was described as 9000 sq ft including the basement which housed all the electrical and mechanical systems now destroyed.  It was described as somewhat introverted with limited windows, and not so welcoming.  Because of the floods which closed the branch, resiliency will be key in the feasibility study going forward.

The neighborhood is immediately present and connected to the library.  Stores and restaurants are nearby; the new building needs to fit the character of its surroundings.

Programming/Building Uses

Programming refers to the types of activities a space or building will be used for.  The heart of the library will be space for adults, children, and teens to take advantage of all that the branch can offer.  There will be different types of spaces, perhaps emphasized by color, artwork, seating.  It should be open, airy and sunlight filled.  

Other spaces/uses for consideration would be for Local History (the SEHC), classroom, programs unique to the branch such as an art studio, a nutrition/food prep space, etc.  

The community room will likely seat 100-150 people and there will be study rooms for smaller groups of people, number and size to be determined.  

Due to the extended time it takes to develop a mixed-use (library + retail or library + residential), the SE branch will not be considered for mixed use.  Other branches are considering the mixed use option.

Library Park

Utile realizes Library Park is an extension of the library and has been used for various types of programs. 

Next Steps

Study the existing conditions in more detail; begin the process of evaluating building options such as renovate the existing building with an addition, or construct a completely new building.  This will likely include an assessment of building upward.  Bring initial ideas to Community Meeting #2.

For Community Meeting #3 - finalize the approach to the building after test fits of required programming. 

Community Members Questions and Suggestions

Community members were asked to ask questions and provide input into what we need regarding the building and the park. 

Here are some of them:

· We need to talk about the needs of all the user groups, including patrons who are not housed with consideration of their storage needs.

· Multi-use spaces, such as our community room being able to use the space in flexible ways

· Library Park is an important part of our community used for working, relaxing, connecting, and programs.  FOSEL believes we could sacrifice a small portion to increase the footprint of the building.  A community member expressed the importance of the tree canopy and doesn't want to lose any trees in the process.

· The park should be integrated visually and functionally, perhaps with a patio/terrace so that it can be entered when the library is open and when it is closed; need a seamless ability for the park and the library to work together

· The importance of history in the South End was expressed and in particular, the South End History Collection was discussed with dedicated space needed for storing it safely and for patrons to access it easily, perhaps with its own study space.

· Computers are important for adults and children; make appropriate space for computer use now and into the future.

· Lots of windows onto Tremont Street to connect passersby to the library

· Move the entrance to the street and have the park connect to the library in a different way than it is now.

· A special section highlighting local authors

· High top tables for meeting or working, distinct from sitting areas

· One or two study rooms for four people seems insufficient and too small for our community; need a classroom size space and meeting room for 10-12 people

· Space for organizations like the Ward 4 Democratic Committee to meet

· Gallery space or sufficient walls for hanging art; this is a neighborhood with many artists; visually available from Tremont St

· What about a Library of Things (this is being surveyed system wide)

· Look into the TMC Workspace library furniture that enables moms and their babies to read/study/play in close proximity.  They were being used at Marlborough Public Library, Marlborough, MA.

· Appropriate space for culinary programs that include learning about food and cooking

· In response to a question of capital budget currently available, there is $1M for these early phases.  The decision about renovation vs new construction, likely in March, will require a relook at capital. 

· Supercharge the community outreach process to reach diverse groups of potential and existing users; children and teens need to be represented in the programming process

· Many families with children under the age of 3; kids activities are key and these are important people to reach; consider parking of baby carriages

· Need to hear from upper middle-class families in the SE

· SEL should be a showplace for a carbon neutral building (an appeal to younger patrons)

In response to a question about the capital budget currently available, there is $1M for these early phases.  The decision about renovation vs new construction, likely in March, will require a relook at capital.  

Pls note you can access the slides our architects, Utile, presented on the BPL website's South End Branch page:  https://www.bpl.org/locations/south-end/  They are located in the South End Branch Project section.

UPDATE ON TEMPORARY SERVICES 

Taken from the January newsletter from Christina Jones, our Librarian, outlining services currently on offer.  

Book Club at FoMu Ice Cream | 1/9/2024 | 2:00pm

January's book discussion will be Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Wuthering Heights tells the story of a romance between two youngsters: Catherine Earnshaw and an orphan boy, Heathcliff. After she rejects him for a boy from a better background he develops a lust for revenge that takes over his life. In attempting to win her back and destroy those he blames for his loss, Heathcliff creates a living hell for those who live at Wuthering Heights. This tale of hauntings, passion and greed remains unsurpassed in its depiction of the dark side of love. This book is available on Hoopla Digital, which means...no waitlist! For a physical copy, please send an email to southend@bpl.org or call 617-655-2441 to schedule a pickup appointment.

FoMu Ice Cream Address: 655 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118

Story time with Librarian Margaret at United South End Settlements/Thursdays at 10:30am

Story time with Librarian Margaret welcomes babies to preschoolers and their caregivers to join us for stories, songs, dance, art, and play time.  This is meant to encourage children to love books and to encourage interactive play with each other.  Please join us at our temporary location at United South End Settlements, 48 Rutland Street, for a fun morning!

Age Strong Shuttle Service Ongoing/ Monday and Wednesday 10am

NOVEMBER 2023 UPDATE

New Library Process

We just received official word from our librarian Christina Jones that the contract with Utile (architecture firm) has been approved and BPL is planning a first community engagement meeting for January.  It will be on Zoom; postcards from BPL will go out to announce it.  This engagement process is important for our community to learn about how the project will proceed and to provide input about our needs for the new library.  We will be counting on you all to engage your South End neighborhood members and organizations to come to the meetings as they are scheduled.  We expect several of these community meetings as the process proceeds in 2024.

Temporary Services 

Below is a summary of activity implemented by Christina Jones, our new head librarian.

Shuttle

A shuttle service (operated by Age Strong) on Monday and Wednesday mornings began Nov 1st and is aimed at taking SE residents from the SEL to Parker Hill Branch in Mission Hill.  We took the ride and found the Parker Hill Branch to be lovely with friendly staff.  We hope this service will be well-used.

Space at USES on Rutland St has been rented by BPL from October until April 2024, and a children's Story Time program started there in October.  It's a small space that is available to SEL on Thursdays from 10-12:30.  We have not yet identified any other appropriate space for after April.  In a meeting with Mayor Wu she suggested that she and her Neighborhood Services group might be able to identify city-owned, community center space which could be used.  I believe our neighborhood liaison Kim Crucioli is pursuing this but we have not received anything further on this possibility.  I believe this is the most significant need and that our neighborhood would be so much better served if we had ongoing space in the SE for two-three days per week, 5 or 6 hours per day.

Halloween Concert for Preschoolers

On Monday October 23rd at 10:30am SEL hosted a Little Groove for a spooktacular Halloween concert in Library Park.  Preschoolers, caretakers, and classes participated.

Urbanity Dance Partnership for all ages 18+ and all dance levels

 A Dance Movement Class at Urbanity Dance, 725 Harrison Ave, Suite 100 took place on Thursday, November 2 from 2-3pm.  

Book Club

Christina started a book club called The Scoop.  It meets monthly on Tuesdays at FOMU Ice Cream at 655 Tremont St. from 2:00 to 3:00pm.   December’s book is Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King. Pick up a copy of December’s book, every Thursday morning in November at USES or send an email to schedule a pickup appointment. The eBook is also available on Hoopla Digital (no waitlist!).

Book Pop-up Event

A book pop-up event on December 5th in Library Park is happening.  This will include free books for children and adults, book returns and new library cards or renewals.

Other Desired Events/Activities

Christina is working on the possibility of an ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) class/conversation group at United South End Settlements on Thursdays in the late morning after the children’s program. 

We need Tax Preparation Services in the new year when tax season starts.  We also need to offer one-on-one tech help and workforce development programs.  Patrons in the neighborhood really want the ability to drop off and pick up requested books.  All of this requires appropriate, consistent space.

OCTOBER 2023 UPDATE

New Library Process

The architectural firm Utile, Inc. has been selected to design the new South End Branch Library.  The City is in negotiations with Utile and is expected to finalize a contract soon.  Following execution of the contract, the firm will commence a 12-week feasibility study to assess the building and determine whether to redesign it or tear it down and build something new.

Interim Library Services

FOSEL hosted a well-attended and wonderful series of concerts this summer in July and August.  Pat Loomis and Friends delivered a variety of jazz and blues tunes to a large and appreciative audience. 

In addition, Christina Jones, our new South End Branch Librarian, brought several services to Library Park this summer, including sessions for young children with Sherry Eskin, a pop-up event with book giveaways, opportunities to borrow current, popular books, and Library Card signups and renewals. 

On September 1st, Priscilla Foley, BPL Director of Neighborhood Services, announced a partnership with United South End Settlements for the use of the Children’s Art space at 48 Rutland Street.  Beginning October 5th, Children’s Librarian Margaret Gardener will offer Story Time starting at 10:30 am on Thursdays.  The Library is considering sponsoring additional programs that might be offered following Story Time.

BPL is also planning an Age Strong van service to take South End Library users from the South End Branch to other branches, including the main branch at Copley Square.  The current proposal is for twice weekly service.  BPL is awaiting confirmation from Age Strong about days and times.

Christina also initiated a monthly adult book group, which began in September.    

JULY 2023 UPDATE

Interim/intentional Library Services

The significant length of the unplanned branch closure makes it very important to have enhanced interim library services.  Regarding interim/intentional space, in a recent FOSEL board meeting we heard from head librarian, Christina Jones, that BPL apparently cannot pay a nonprofit for rental space.  This presents a problem in saying an immediate “yes” to USES’ space at their Rutland Square children’s art center.  Presumably another funding source could handle the payment, but that is not yet clear.  

Any location for interim services will not have a library collection.  Book drop-off may be possible, however, until the above space/payment issue is worked out, we won’t know about this. 

Christina and Margaret are working on Storytime and Little Groove musical programming for kids which can be held in the park until the weather gets too cold. Christina is planning on initiating a monthly adult book group in September which could meet at FOMU; other ideas are in-process, and we will communicate them as they solidify.  Of course, FOSEL will support these activities with publicity materials and communications.

Christina’s learned that the BPL bike mobiles are not available:  one is out of commission and the other is located at another branch. 

 A virtual 8-week GrubStreet personal narrative program is starting on 7/20; it will run until 9/14 on Thursdays from 5pm – 7pm.  Registration is currently full, however, there is a waitlist.  Click here and scroll to 7/20 for more info.

Architectural Firm Selection/Public Facilities Commission Approval

Our City Project Manager, Rohn (Jay) MacNulty, presented the South End Library project with Utile as the selected architectural firm to the Public Facilities Commission on July 19th at 10am in a public meeting.  The PFC approved $679,129 for a programming study and initial design work.  Once the contracts are written and signed, there will be a 12-week feasibility study to assess the building and provide input into whether the building could be transformed into a new library to meet the community’s needs or whether a new building will be necessary.  Within a few days, a recording of the meeting should be available on the Public Facilities Department’s website.

The City Hall process of contracting will take 1-2 months, so we hope the feasibility work and early design phases will begin in mid-September or sooner.  

Community Engagement Process 

The Community Engagement Process would involve community meetings during the Programming Study and Design Phases, likely several meetings in each, that would involve the architects, BPL staff, Public Facilities staff, and all community members interested in attending. 

In addition to these architect-led meetings, BPL staff plan to reach out to engage with the community, perhaps with specific groups, like Seniors, Youth, etc.  The Interim Library Survey that FOSEL presented in early 2023 and a FOSEL report called Introducing our Community updated January 2023 will be provided to the architects.

Early in their work the architects will develop a project timeline which will be published on the BPL website on the South End Branch pages.  We will also publish it on the FOSEL website, and it will be available from the South End Community Forum via links and through other social media.

JUNE 2023 UPDATE

New Librarian for the South End Branch

The South End Library is delighted to welcome Christina Jones as our new Librarian. Christina has been with BPL for about five years as a floating librarian, doing stints in every department at Copley and at all but two BPL branches.  Just prior to starting at the South End on May 25th, she was overseeing the interlibrary loan process.  Before joining BPL, Christina worked in retail.  She holds a degree in Library Sciences from Simmons University, where she worked in the campus library.

Christina is excited about serving our community. She is investigating the bike bookmobile possibilities and preparing to implement interim services such as story times, author talks, and other valuable programming.  She can be reached at cjones@bpl.org.   

 Architectural Firm Selection

Four architectural firms made the short list for the Library renovation.  These include, in ranked order:

 1)   Utile, Inc

2)   Oudens Ello Architecture, LLC

3)   Annum Architects, Inc

4)   Schwartz/Silver Architects, Inc

The top choice, Utile, has significant experience with other branch libraries (such as Roxbury and Jamaica Plain), a strong community engagement process, and a design inclination toward transparency/natural light.

Fee negotiation with Utile has begun.  The project will likely be presented for formal approval to the Public Facilities Commission (PFC) at its mid-July meeting.  (Information re how to join this public meeting can be found on the PFC section of the boston.gov website.) 

Following approval, the City Hall contracting process will begin.  As the contracting process is expected to take 1-2 months, work on the study and design phases will likely begin in late summer/early fall.  The design process usually lasts a year, and construction about two years.

Community Engagement Process

As part of the study and design phases, the architects will reach out to the community for input on the project.  They will host four meetings for this purpose, which will also be attended by BPL staff, Public Facilities staff, and all interested community members.  It is expected that the first meeting will be virtual and subsequent ones will be hybrid.

In addition to these architect-led meetings, BPL staff will reach out to engage with the community, perhaps with specific groups, such as seniors, students, etc.  

As they begin their work, the architects will develop a project timeline, which will be published on the South End Branch page of the BPL website, as well as on FOSEL’s website and via links and through other social media. 

Interim Library Services

Because the South End Branch will be closed for a significant period of time during renovation, it is critical that BPL offers enhanced interim library services.  BPL staff are optimistic that the space offered by United South End Settlements may be usable as a fixed location to house temporary operations and programs such as story time, book clubs, and workforce development, as well as book drop-off.  As noted above, BPL is also looking into using a bike bookmobile.       

MAY 2023 UPDATE

Architectural Firm Selection

The City’s Public Facilities Department (PFD) received Statements of Qualifications from 14 architectural firms seeking to be chosen to redesign the South End Branch Library. A list of the firms that responded is reproduced to the right of this text. A copy of the request can be seen here: https://www.boston.gov/bid-listings/project-7289 (note the $20 million construction estimate).

A public meeting to review the 14 candidates was held in April. Present at the meeting were PDF Project Manager and personnel Rohn MacNulty, Alistair Lucks, and Carleton Jones, BPL Project Manager Alison Ford, and FOSEL’s Yvette Jarreau, as well as several representatives from the community and architectural firms.

The Selection Committee reviewed and ranked the firms based on several criteria including: community engagement, Boston location, experience with similar projects, the Chapter 149 development process, and urban projects, LEED certification, previous recent projects with PFD, and overall appropriateness for this project.  Based on these rankings, PFD Contracts Administrator, Laura Junior, produced a final, short list of candidates:

1. Utile, Inc

2. Oudens Ello Architects LLC

3. Annum Architects, Inc

4. Schwartz/Silver Architects, Inc.

On the whole, the review committee found the quality of the candidates to be very high and the PDF has past experience with many of them, so the committee has decided not to draw out the process by conducting interviews, which could take another month. 

Now that the top firm is identified, MacNulty will negotiate a fee and hopes to bring the selection before the Public Facilities Commission at their next meeting on June 14.   You can watch this virtual meeting on Boston City TV at Xfinity channel 24, RCN channel 13, Fios channel 962, and livestreaming on the Boston City TV website. 

After approval by the Commission, a contract will be drawn up, a process which ordinarily takes around two months.  Accordingly, we hope by late August, we will have top-notch, experienced architectural firm ready to get to work! 

Branch Librarian Search/Staffing

The new South End Branch librarian will begin on May 25th and will be available initially by email and phone. She will work on plans for additional interim services.   

Library Services

United South End Settlements (USES) CEO, Jerrell Cox, a great believer in the importance of libraries to their communities, has generously offered to potentially allow use of USES space for some of the Library’s interim services. BPL President David Leonard and some of his staff have visited the available space to gauge its suitability. The location would not house books or other library collections, but could serve as the base for programs such as Story Time, Book Clubs, workforce development, etc., and book drop-off. Arrangements to make this happen are ongoing.  

Summer Concerts

FOSEL has received approval from the Parks & Recreation Department for four concerts in Library Park this summer. Attendees will need to bring their own chairs as the Library will likely not have furniture at that point. 

April 15, 2023

SOUTH END BRANCH RENOVATION PROCESS UPDATE

The process for developing a new Branch Library for the South End has begun!  Public Facilities Department (PFD) Senior Project Manager, (Jay) Rohn McNulty reports that 14 architectural firms have submitted proposals for the redesign.  Most of the proposals have come from Boston-based firms, including a few located in the South End.  Notably, one submission came from Mitchell Giurgola, the NY architectural firm that designed the current building. 

PFD and the Design Selection Committee is reviewing the full list based on criteria including professional experience, engineering and mechanical expertise, LEED experience (green buildings), previous urban projects, and experience with community meetings.  The ranking process will yield a short list of three firms by the end of April, followed by a final recommendation to the PFD Commission.  After the selection, fees will be negotiated and a contract drafted and signed.  It is hoped that this phase will be complete by the end of June.  Once the contract is in place, the architects will begin community engagement to gain a full understanding of the South End and our residents’ needs.

We are pleased to report that FOSEL President Yvette Jarreau has been invited to participate in the Design Selection Committee, which will next meet on April 28th.

December 1, 2022

BPL Updates the Community on South End Branch Developments

On November 29, 2022, BPL President David Leonard and Priscilla Foley led a meeting to update the community on South End Branch developments.  They announced that the City is committed to a full renovation of the Branch, using an accelerated process to be formally kicked off after January 1, 2023.  Once an architectural firm is hired, BPL will hold another community meeting on Zoom, which will be recorded and available for public viewing.  The target date for the meeting is March 2023.

The key phases of the new capital project will be as follows:

Study Phase.  A Programming Study will be conducted to gather input and develop preliminary design elements.  The current plan is to use the existing site and to keep the space exclusively for library use, rather than adding housing or some other mixed purpose use.

o   Community meetings will occur during the Programming Study for providing information and receiving input.

o   A Project Manager will be assigned to manage the process of seeking requests for proposals from architectural firms with previous library experience. A committee comprised of three people from the City, two from BPL, and one from FOSEL will select the firm.

o   The size of the new Library will be determined by many factors, including BPL/City requirements for the different patron populations, e.g., adults, teens, children, the size of the community served, computer availability for adults and teens, the size of the collection, community room needs, the number of smaller meeting rooms desired, etc.  Expanding into the Park is a possibility, as is expanding upward (though increasing the square footage would have implications for staffing which would have to be considered). The Study will also look at whether it makes sense to include lockers for public use and whether to  feature children’s rooms with their own, appropriately sized children-only bathrooms. 

Design Phase.  Based on the results of the Programming Study, the architects will determine whether to renovate or rebuild and how best to design the new space.  They will consider accessibility issues and will present options to the community before finalizing the design.

Construction Phase. The final stage will be engaging in construction based on the selected design. 

The BPL representatives could not say with certainty how long the full process will take but noted that the Adams Branch renovation was in the planning stages for two years and then in construction for two additional years. 

Addressing the plan for accommodating unhoused patrons, the BPL representatives noted that they have engaged a team of social workers who help provide job training and social services information, and that staff are trained in how to handle challenges that can come with serving this population. 

Temporary Services

The BPL representatives expressed their satisfaction in partnering with the FOSEL on the neighborhood survey to determine which temporary services to prioritize.  The results were made available in December and a summary is posted on the FOSEL website. 

October 21, 2022

Special Meeting Held to Discuss Status of the South End Library

A FOSEL-initiated meeting was held on October 17, 2022 to engage BPL and City leaders in a discussion about the short and long term plans for the South End Library.

Among those present were Boston City Council President Ed Flynn, BPL President David Leonard, BPL Director of Neighborhood Services Priscilla Foley, Ben and Jane Siegel from South End Seniors, South End Forum leader Steve Fox, Chief of Boston City Operations Dion Irish, State Representative Jon Santiago, FOSEL board members Yvette Jarreau and Joe Rondinelli, and FOSEL founder Marleen Nienhuis. 

Leonard provided an update on the current state of the Library, which requires a complete systems redesign, following last April’s flooding , according to the engineering firm that evaluated the situation.  It is estimated that the repairs are likely to cost roughly $1 million and take 18 to 20 months to complete. 

Leonard pointed out that the South End Library has been in line for a major renovation for several years and that the City’s capital budget already includes funding for a programming study as the initial phase of the renovation.  Given this context and the cost and complexity of making the short-term repairs, Leonard recommended skipping the repairs and instead accelerating the renovation process.   

The FOSEL representatives presented their concerns about losses suffered by the South End community as a result of the Library’s closure (whether for repairs or renovation). They requested implementation of well-publicized and reliable temporary services and programs for the South End Branch specifically, and recommended more generally that the BPL implement a system-wide policy of providing temporary services and programs during all significant branch closures.  In addition, FOSEL requested regular monthly meetings with BPL and City leaders to keep the community up to date on the Library’s status until it reopens, as well as the posting of regular and visible communications/notifications on the street-facing side of the Library and online about the status of repairs.

Siegel shared key points from the South End Seniors’ meeting with Mayor Wu, indicating that this group also favors moving forward with a full renovation while offering temporary services.  He put forth a variety of suggestions for operating during the closure, such as utilizing space at the Mel King technical center, deploying a bookmobile, providing transportation for seniors to the Central Library, and partnering with the community in other ways.

Leonard stated that although it would be impossible to provide a full panoply of temporary services, the BPL might be able to locate alternative spaces to make up for some of what has been lost.  He is interested in a detailed accounting of which programs and services are most urgently needed by various South End cohorts.  Flynn stated that the needs of residents of Castle Square, Villa Victoria, children in general, and immigrant families, should be examined, for a start.  Additional insight may be gained through regularly scheduled community meetings.

Leonard acknowledged that although online programs and one-off events in Library Park have been occurring, there is a need for consistent, scheduled services and ongoing engagement.   

Fox raised the need to establish a process to move forward, highlighting the importance of keeping the community informed and engaged in the decision on whether to make the short-term repairs or skip to the full-scale renovation.  He suggested an Article 80 process for an impact advisory group that includes all neighborhoods, South End Seniors, and Library users, with public meetings to be held on a short timetable.  Leonard suggested that the BPL Community Advisory Process can be faster than Article 80.

Speaking on behalf of the City, Irish indicated that the South End Library is a priority for the Mayor, State Reps, City Councilors, and the South End.  He stated that the City will assign a project manager to the South End renovation by year-end, start community engagement in early 2023, move into design within 2023, and proceed to construction in 2024 -a two-to-three-year timeline.  Leonard concurred with this approach and Flynn expressed his support for the funding.  Santiago noted that he too supports an accelerated renovation process.

Leonard proposed that Jarreau, Nienhuis, and Fox head up a Working Group to recommend temporary services ideas and to coordinate with Kim Crucioli of the City Office of Neighborhood Services to set up a broader public meeting and identify candidates for the BPL Community Advisory Committee (the group that would engage in the Programming Study process).  The City Office of Neighborhood Services has the final word on Community Advisory Committee participation and would welcome the input.

FOSEL Prepares and Shares Community Research in Anticipation of a New Library Programming Study

April 2021 - Aiming to provide foundational information about our neighborhood to a New Library Programming Study Team to be formed by the BPL, the City Facilities Department, and architectural designers, FOSEL has compiled data regarding organizations that reside in the South End through direct interviews and online research, and has prepared two reports summarizing what we learned: 

•      SE Community Outreach Initiative (Summary information about the South End with data sheets)

•       Introducing our Community (A visual report showing the “face” of the South End)

The organizations researched were selected for their potential and current use of Library services, and fall into four categories: local nonprofits that support people and families, churches, schools, and neighborhood associations.

These reports were shared with BPL President, David Leonard, and BPL Director of Library Services, Priscilla Foley in February in anticipation of the programming study to explore South End Library needs, current and future.  

Click here for SE Community Outreach Initiative or here for Introducing our Community.

FOSEL Begins Community Research in Support of the Upcoming New Library Process 

December 2020 - With the Mayor’s support, the Boston Public Library (BPL) has planned and executed major renovations and rebuilds to the Central Library and several other BPL branches over the past few years.  In the next 3-5 years, the South End Library is slated to undergo transformative change to meet the needs of current and future growth in the community.  FOSEL is excited to collaborate in planning the reinvention of the South End Library with the BPL, Boston’s Public Facilities Department, and you, the South End community.  

 An intensive Planning Process for the Library overhaul is scheduled to begin next year.  It will be sponsored by the BPL and the City and will start with a Programming Study, to be funded in the FY 2020-2021 budget.  In accordance with past practice, it is anticipated that the BPL and the PFD will hold a public information-gathering meeting with South End residents to inform the Study.  

 In preparation for the Program Study, FOSEL hopes to enhance the planners’ understanding of our diverse community with basic qualitative research about the residential and commercial demographics of the neighborhood, the various aims of South End-based nonprofit organizations, and the needs and expectation of South End residents vis-à-vis their use of the Central Library and the South End Branch.  

 A New Library Committee comprised of FOSEL board members and volunteers has begun to reach out to our various South End neighborhood associations, churches, schools, and charities and is gathering information to inform the Planning Process.  Committee members include Joe Rondinelli, Yvette Jarreau, Dorothy Kelley, Russ O’Haver, Michael Hinchcliffe, and Derek Lessing.  

 We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas about how to best improve our library.  To contact us email info@friendsofsouthendlibrary.org.

Future Planning – The Big Picture

The recent “refresh” to the South End Library significantly improved its look, feel and functionality.  But with the exponential growth of the South End community over the past decade, BPL and City leaders have acknowledged that a more comprehensive overhaul is required to fully meet the evolving needs of our neighborhood now and into the future.  Accordingly, initial planning has begun for a multi-million-dollar expansion of the South End Branch into a state-of-the-art facility to support 21st-century library services for the community.

The process for a major library renovation begins with a year-long study (referred to as a “Programming Study”) conducted by the City’s Facilities Department and its selected architectural firm to determine what library services are needed.  The determination is based on current neighborhood demographic data and the space available for expansion.  The South End Library’s site, which includes Library Park (owned by the BPL but managed by the Boston Department of Parks and Recreation), is approximately 16,000 square feet, with the building accounting for about 8,000 square feet.  

At the outset of the Programming Study, slated for early 2021, a public meeting open to the entire South End community will be held, at which local residents will be invited to provide thoughts and ideas regarding what they would like to see in their improved Library.  This feedback will inform the Programming Study, which will be followed by a Design Study, additional opportunities for public input, and, finally, the funding and construction of a new South End Library.  It is anticipated that the full process will take 3-5 years.  

FOSEL board members are now gathering relevant information through contacts with neighborhood associations, nonprofits, schools and churches, which will be presented to the Programming Study team.  At the same time, we hope to ignite the community’s collective imagination and interest in contributing ideas and becoming engaged with the Study.  We will post the date and location of the initial public meeting when it is scheduled.    

In early preparation for the coming renovation process, a committee of FOSEL’s directors last year conducted reconnaissance visits to other Boston branch libraries as well as to libraries around the country.   We spoke with librarians, took photos, explored the various program offerings, and studied the nature of the communities served, seeking ideas and similarities to the South End.  Our results have been compiled in a presentation shared with BPL, available here.

The visits generated some preliminary concepts regarding what we might like to see in an upgraded Library.  These include:

*State-of-the-art electronic/digital infrastructure 

*Multi-lingual signage and informational digital touch-screens 

*A spacious, separate area dedicated to teens 

*A children’s room that can accommodate various age groups and activities 

* Seating arrangements attractive for seniors, adults, teens and differently-abled Library users

*A community space dedicated to the prominent display of images and artifacts of the South End and the many books written by local authors

*Art exhibition space with windows on Tremont and West Newton Streets to better connect the Library to the streetscape

*Flexible rooms of various sizes/capacities for tutoring, conferences, workshops, and neighborhood meetings

*Retail space for businesses that complement a public library’s mission, such as a café, a book/craft store, a food purveyor who offers culinary workshops

WE WOULD ALSO LOVE TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS FOR A SOUTH END LIBRARY RENOVATION!  

Please email us at info@friendsofsouthendlibrary.org with your thoughts and suggestions.