Program Overview
The Friends of the South End Library sponsors many programs, such as our South End Author Series, Local / Focus, Book Awards, Jazz & Blues concerts and the ever popular Easter Egg Hunt in the Spring.
Many of these programs are on hold during the closure and new building development process. Please see the News & Updates section on the homepage for current programs.
South End Library Author Series
After many years of South End Writes, which was interrupted by Covid, FOSEL is beginning the South End Library Author Series with a reach beyond the South End and Boston to entice our friends and neighbors to experience acclaimed authors, their books, and the conversations they generate.
In April 2024 we sponsored an in-person author talk by Douglas Bauer, former long-time South End resident, currently residing in Cambridge, who spoke about a recent book, The Beckoning World. This event took place at BCYF Community Center auditorium.
For Fall 2024 The South End Library Author Series will present three events on October 15, 23, and 30.
Local / Focus
With our Local / Focus program, FOSEL showcased and celebrated the work of our neighborhood's diverse group of local artists, creative projects, and South End-based nonprofits through exhibits displayed in the Tremont Street windows of the Library. People strolling could see and learn from the interesting and informative installations designed by and featuring talented, dedicated, and creative individuals from the South End community! FOSEL hopes to revive this program when a new library is open.
For guidance about exhibiting in the Local/Focus window
Book Awards
Each year dozens of national, state, and local organizations evaluate and honor writers with literary prizes, recognizing outstanding work in a broad variety of categories for all ages and interests. FOSEL brought you the highlights by selecting relevant, timely, and interesting awards and displaying the winning books in the Park window to the left of the Library entrance. A new award was chosen every six to eight weeks. All displayed books were available in the BPL collection, and could be borrowed through BPL TO GO www.bpl.org/news/bpl-to-go/. Not currently possible with the library closed, FOSEL will revisit this program when the new building opens.
Outdoor Events
The South End Library is one of the rare few in the BPL system lucky enough to have adjacent outdoor space. Our beautiful Library Park is a great place for outdoor, community-boosting fun.
Our past line-up of events included the popular annual Easter Egg Hunt, Summer Jazz Concerts, our famous Halloween Party, and other special events for children, teens, and adults.
With the library closed, we have more limitations on what can be offered, although our Librarian, Christina Jones and Childrens’ Librarian Margaret Gardener are taking advantage of the good summer weather to offer residents various events such as Little Groove, Story Time, and popups in Library Park.
Also FOSEL is sponsoring summer Jazz and Blues Concerts every other Wednesday, starting July 17th in the park. Bring your chairs and enjoy long time SE resident, Pat Loomis and Friends playing great music for 5 of our summer evenings!
Other Programs
Pre-pandemic and pre-closure, FOSEL collaborated with the South End Library to bring you a variety of enjoyable and informative programs and events relevant to the South End community. From concerts by world renowned musicians from the New England Conservatory, to historic tours of the neighborhood, to film presentations and discussion groups, there was always something exciting and interesting going on!
We continue to support the SEL with getting the word out about SEL branch activities and look forward to the time when we can again help to enrich the neighborhood with more programs. Keep connected to our website and social media for announcements about how our new library is being shaped. Sign up for our newsletter to receive FOSEL program updates.