branch libraries

Library branches won't hang separately: Backers form citywide group to fight for them; will oppose Liberty Mutual tax cut

adamg — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:02:13 +0000

Members of branch-library friends groups have started a citywide organization to push for enough funding to keep all 26 BPL branches open.

People of Boston Branches was formally organized at a meeting last night at the Connolly library in Jamaica Plain, according to Brandon Abbs, who organized a protest read-in at the Egleston branch on Saturday.

Abbs said in the short term, the group will support an effort by city councilors Chuck Turner and Felix Arroyo to use $3.6 million from a city reserve fund to make up an anticipated deficit that Mayor Tom Menino and library officials say will force the closing of up to ten branch libraries. The group will also fight for more public hearings on the issue; Abbs said group members are concerned about all the private meetings city and state officials are holding on branches without public input. He added the group will "also organize resistance to the tax breaks being offered to Liberty Mutual Group to build new headquarters in downtown Boston."

Abbs said the group will also try to get the city and state to apply for federal stimulus funds for library use. "Over the long term, the group will begin fundraising efforts to protect and enhance branch resources as well as help the Friends organize volunteer programs to assist in the work at the libraries," he said.

Twitter feed.

Giant South Boston waterfront project not dead yet

adamg — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:39:17 +0000

The Boston Business Journal reports the developers of Seaport Square today submitted revised plans to the BRA for their proposed 23-acre office, retail and residential district next to Fan Pier. The total square footage remains the same, although the shape, design and type of some buildings has changed.

BRA documents on the project.

Critically review your favorite libraries, college libraries, public libraries, branch libraries, reading rooms.

theszak — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 23:23:17 +0000

Review your favorite libraries critically as reviewers critique restaurants, theater, motion pictures and so forth.

How good are the usability features of your favorite libraries?...

Libraries to be reviewed, critiqued.
Orient Heights Branch Boston Public Library?...

The planning, progress and development of the new Chinatown Branch Boston Public Library?...

Massachusetts State Archives?...

Boston City Council Library?...

Our libraries will benefit by back and forth critique, dialogue about featured services.