Inside the new East Boston Branch Library. It was announced that Massport partnered with the
Boston Public Library (BPL) to enrich and grow library services at the new Eastie branch.
With the new East Boston Branch Library abutting the park that Massport owns and operates, the Port Authority is sending some help the library s way.
Last week, Massport partnered with the Boston Public Library (BPL) to enrich and grow library services at the new Eastie branch. Massport donated $25,000 in order to support a year of programs for the branch along the Bremen Street Park.
The generosity of Massport ensures the library programs at the East Boston Branch will thrive, said BPL President Amy E. Ryan. We are immensely grateful for Massport s investment in providing learning opportunities to the residents of East Boston.
Massport sponsored the November 2, 2013, opening day program at the East Boston Branch and is planning for 2014 that will include author and speaker appearances, performances, and events for library users of all ages, including an upcoming bike program for teens that focuses on building skills in basic bike maintenance and safety.
That event will be held on Monday sat 4:30 p.m. from February 24 to March 17.
Massport is proud to support an outstanding community resource like the Boston Public Library, said Massport CEO Thomas Glynn. We can already see how successful it is, and we are happy to have played a role in bringing a new library to our neighbors in East Boston. †
Eastie s new $17.2 million state-of-the-art library opened in November
At 15,000 square feet in size and with space to accommodate nearly 20,000 books, CDs, and DVDs, the new East Boston Branch features an open floor plan with dedicated areas for children, teens, and adults. The creation of a dedicated space for teens is new for library service in East Boston as is the creation of an early literacy nook in the children s area, the first in the Boston Public Library system. Other features of the library include free building-wide wifi, 54 computers available for public use, a flexible multipurpose room, and a quiet reading room with materials dedicated to East Boston s history.
The new library overlooks scenic Bremen Street Park, complete with views of the Boston skyline from the library s inviting reading porch. The diversity of East Boston is signified and celebrated by stone pavers on the exterior of the branch that show the name and distance to the capital cities of the top 21 countries of origin of the residents of East Boston.
Boston Public Library s new East Boston Branch was designed by William Rawn Associates Architects, Inc., and is a capital project of the City of Boston, managed by the Property and Construction Management Department. The project budget is $17.25 million. Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners supported the project with a grant of $7.25 million. The branch was designed for building and energy efficiency, and will achieve LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council.