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