Boston Public Library
Strategic Planning

The BPL Compass

Compass

Latest Blog Posts

Johnson Building Improvements Update

Posted on May 3rd, 2013 by Michael Colford in Johnson Building Study, Major Projects

On April 8, Community Advisory Committee members reconvened to review predesign concepts for the Johnson Improvement Project.  President Amy Ryan along with representatives from William Rawn Associates, Architects Inc. and the City of Boston Public Facilities Department reviewed the goals of the project, introduced design concepts and program themes intended to enhance the user experience, reviewed the remaining schedule for the planning process, and discussed some of the next steps.

On April 10, BPL hosted a public program in Rabb Lecture Hall which featured an update of the early phases of the project lead by Michael Colford, director of library services.  Chris Gordon, consultant to the project, reviewed enterprise opportunities, and William Rawn and Cliff Gayley from William Rawn Associates, Architects Inc. led a discussion about the design principles of the Johnson buildings original Architect, Philip Johnson.

The night concluded with a dialog between the public and the presenters.  There were questions about the enterprise aspects of the project, the overall schedule, and discussion about how the public input being collected would be incorporated into the project.  Several audience members expressed appreciation for the context and asked that the project team continue to “think big.”

Johnson Improvement Project: CAC meeting postposed

Posted on April 29th, 2013 by Nancy Grilk in Johnson Building Study, Major Projects
Tags: ,

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Johnson Improvement Project scheduled for May 8th has been postponed.

A rescheduled meeting will be posted once the date is set.

A message from Boston Public Library President Amy E. Ryan

Posted on April 24th, 2013 by Gina Perille in Library Services
Tags: , , ,


Dear Friend of the Library,

On April 15, the Boston Marathon and the Commonwealth’s celebration of Patriots’ Day were suddenly and sadly overtaken by tragic events. In the days that followed, the people of Boston and beyond have responded with enormous courage, support, and resilience. These individuals make us proud to have “Boston” in our name and are an inspiration as our community begins to recover and heal.

Boston Public Library is a community gathering place, a place for lifelong learning, a place to seek knowledge, solace, and renewal. This is true during good times and challenging times, and has been so since our founding in 1848 and the day our doors opened in Copley Square in 1895. Each day, whether in Copley Square or in one of our twenty-five branches across the city, we welcome residents and visitors from around the world.

All of us at the Boston Public Library have been waiting for the opportunity to welcome you back to Copley Square. With this message, I can now tell you our Central Library doors are open. Please know that we’d like to see you, whether your visit is today, tomorrow, or in the weeks that follow.

Sincerely,

AmyRyan_sig085

Amy E. Ryan
President
Boston Public Library

 

Uphams Corner Building Improvements

Posted on April 12th, 2013 by Christine Schonhart in Library Services, Major Projects
Tags: ,

2013uphams_smallThe municipal building at 500 Columbia Road, which houses the Uphams Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library, will undergo building improvements beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. The building improvements necessitate a temporary closure of the branch while work takes place. Construction will begin on Tuesday, May 28, and is expected to be completed in early September 2013. Improvements planned for the building include replacing the roof, including insulation and flashing; removing, replacing, and painting selected downspouts; repairing and replacement of the exterior gutters; repointing the masonry; installation of new windows; rebuilding the exterior and interior stairs; and installing a new heating system.

The BPL will post information about the project on the Uphams Corner profile page on the BPL website along with any necessary program rescheduling information. Current Uphams Corner Branch users will be invited to use the Dudley and Grove Hall branches during the temporary closure period.

Johnson Building Improvement Project: Ideas Being Collected

Posted on April 2nd, 2013 by Gina Perille in Johnson Building Study, Major Projects
Tags: ,

JohnsonBuildingLobbyDisplay_pic1We have already started to receive comments and suggestions on the display in the center atrium of the Johnson Building. Thank you to all who have already particpated. If you are not able to visit the Central Library this month or attend the April 10 program, please feel free to comment directly on this blog, send an email to compass@bpl.org, or send a letter to Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116.

The questions posted on on the display at the Central Library are similar to ones shared on this blog in January. They are:

  1. What areas or services in the library seem underutilized when you visit? What areas might need some updating?
  2. What can the library do to establish a stronger connection to Boylston Street and Exeter Street?
  3. How might the library make the Johnson Building more attractive and inviting?
  4. What sorts of enterprise or entrepreneurial opportunities might the library pursue? What sorts of entrepreneurial activities might fit in well in the Johnson Building?