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.