In late 2022, BPL and FOSEL circulated a survey to South Enders to determine which types of services the community would most like to have available during the closure of the Library for renovations. We received 349 responses. According to the survey results, the five services most in demand are the following:
Book pickup and return,
Meeting space,
Story time,
WiFi in the Park, and
Computer services with WiFi.
Survey respondents indicated a preference for the above-listed services to be made available at a temporary, staffed location, which could be visited on a daily basis. Their second choice was to have a modular unit in Library Park, and third was a mobile unit, such as a bookmobile.
BPL Central Branch
Now that it has heard from the community, BPL is working on finding ways to provide the prioritized services. It is attempting to establish a shuttle service to bring South End residents with mobility challenges to the Central Branch, where tax preparation will be offered. Tours will be offered for those who are new to the Central Branch. BPL is also exploring the possibility of hiring a Mobile Services Manager, who would oversee temporary services not only during the South End Branch closure but during temporary shutdowns at all branch libraries.