1st Communty Meeting

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

New Library Process + Temporary Services

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.

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. 

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.       

Architectural Firm Selection

A list of the architectural firms that responded to the Request for Qualifications

A list of the architectural firms that responded to the Request for Qualifications

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. 

New South End Branch - 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.