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DISTINCTIVE
ASPECTS OF THE COLLECTION
The collection provides a wide diversity of reading material, including
biography, history, travel books, finance, art, interior decoration,
health, cooking, literature and advice for writers. The children's
collection emphasizes picture books. The Branch also has an extensive
local history collection.
RECURRING
PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Preschool storytime - Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 3
to 5. Toddler storytime - Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for children
one and a half to 3 years old. Storytimes include stories,
songs, games, fingerplays and simple craft. Children must
be accompanied by an adult. A monthly book discussion group, films
and lecture series are offered for adults. There are monthly blood
pressure screenings offered by the City of Boston Commission on
Affairs of the Elderly.
SPECIAL
PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Lecture programs are typically offered in the fall or spring focusing
on topics of local interest including local history.
LITERACY
SERVICES
The West End Branch
is developing a diverse literacy collection tailored to the needs
of its patrons, many who work in the "downtown" area.
Some of these adult patrons are preparing to become U.S. citizens
and are industrious students. We support the English as a Second
Language program offered for employees at Massachusetts General
Hospital as well as other schools and individuals in the "city
center" area. The branch library staff is available to assist
in locating books, studying from audio- or videotapes, and reserving
materials from other branches. Tours of the branch can be arranged
for individuals and groups.
HISTORY
Library service in the West End was initiated in 1894 with the conversion
of the Old West Church on the corner of Cambridge and Lynde Streets
to library use. The West End Branch opened in February 1896. The
West End Redevelopment Project necessitated closing the Branch in
1960. As part of the project a new building designed by Maginnis,
Walsh and Kennedy opened in January 1968.
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