DISTINCTIVE ASPECTS OF THE COLLECTION
The branch holds a large collection of local history. In addition there are strong collections of travel guides, adult new reader materials and children's picture books. The children's room also has a collection called, "Picture Peace" which contains books on peace, respect and creative conflict resolution.

RECURRING PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Preschool story hours, toddler story hours, and after school story hours are offered weekly for children. There is an adult book discussion group.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Lecture programs are typically offered in the fall or spring focusing on topics of local interest including local history. Summer reading clubs are offered for children.

HISTORY
The Jamaica Plain Branch began in June 1876 as a small Reading Room in Curtis Hall, with books supplied by the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library. In September 1877 it expanded and became the first Boston Public Library branch to purchase books from public funds. After a fire in 1908, the present building was constructed. It opened on July 24, 1911. An addition was built in 1936 and the interior was remodeled in 1963.

JAMAICA PLAIN BRANCH LIBRARY EXPANSION STUDY