The BPL Trustees meeting held on May 18, 2021 began with a reaffirmation of the BPL’s commitment to value the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, to embrace the goal of being an antiracist organization, and to acknowledge that BPL is located on indigenous peoples’ land.

President David Leonard then gave his report, highlighting BPL’s key recent achievements, including the following:

• Programs and services were successfully continued during the pandemic (hotspots were provided for digital equity; Wi-Fi improvements were made; chrome books, book bundles, craft kits, and virtual access to the McKim building were offered).

• Demand for services has remained robust, with a record 5.2 million items borrowed in 2020, 100% increase in digital borrowing versus three years ago, and 77,000 new ecard patrons.

• A Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement and Action Plan was formally ratified and a new $75,000 grant was received to increase the library’s antiracist collection.

• Improvements to neighborhood branches were made, with the opening of the Roxbury branch and planned openings of the Adams and Roslindale branches.

Leonard touted additional BPL programs such as Tech Goes Home (offering beginner level instruction for new computer and internet users), ESL conversations, online homework assistance, future readers club, and Repairing America programs.  He also pointed to developments in the digital realm, with expanded online access to collections and rare books and manuscripts, and other accomplishments in the areas of youth engagement, workforce development, and out of school programming. 

In an important step toward more equitable availability of the library, the Trustees voted to permanently eliminate fines for overdue items.

Leonard reported that going forward, the BPL’s focus will be on staff development, hiring an Equity Coordinator, enhancing strategic partnerships, increasing Trustee engagement, and reopening branches.  Although no announcement was made regarding reopening dates, Leonard indicated that there would be news soon, and that many locations will continue to have restrictions when opened.  Remote options will continue to be available, resources permitting.      

Leonard stated that Capital projects for fiscal year 2022 will include the kick off of the Programming Study for our own South End branch.  Funding for the Study has been rolled over from the previous budget.

For those interested in reading more, a 17-page document detailing the BPL’s recent accomplishments and initiatives is available at:  https://www.bpl.org/about-us/board-of-trustees/board-meeting-schedule/.