A commercial conference center could be created from the existing Rabb Lecture Hall and adjacent underutilized spaces on the lower level as a state-of-the-art facility used by both the BPL and outside organizations for significant, large scale events. The conference center could attract authors rolling out their latest book; companies and organizations that want to announce new products, ideas, and innovations; local and distant universities to offer their newest courses; and conferences looking for the premier knowledge meeting space in Boston. The vision is if someone had major news, developments, or technology to announce in the United Staes, the BPL’s Central Library in Copley Square would be the place to do it.

Adjacent spaces could include meeting facilities equipped with teleconferencing capabilities linking BPL to the world, function space for smaller meetings and social functions, and support and catering space to facilitate events. The conference center would be adjacent to the existing Kirstein Business Library, creating opportunities for shared events and resources.

A commercial partner would be sought to market and manage the conference center for the Boston Public Library. Time would be preserved for BPL events and its programming needs as part of that partnership.

Commercial space for retail and potentially dining could be developed at the street level in the Johnson Building along Boylston and Exeter streets. Likely areas include the existing children’s room, the Boston Room, and Deferrari Hall. The commercial space could open onto the street and/or into the library, creating connected experiences to/in the neighborhood.

Tenants would be sought that would add to the library experience, potentially linked to the concept of knowledge. For example, one approach is for the commercial space to become the place for companies to showcase their latest innovations and technologies that may not be available yet for purchase. Companies may be willing to pay highly competitive rents for BPL space. Some space could be allocated for more traditional retail, but for products that are knowledge-based such as software, books, and maps.

If dining is considered, even on a limited or modest basis, the goal would be to make it part of the library experience. In addition to normal food services, the dining experience could include a speaker’s series or weekly round table discussions on topical subjects for book clubs or idea groups made up of micro-communities coming together to discuss subjects about which they are passionate.

The commercial space would facilitate improved architectural qualities of the building by creating transparency and activity toward the sidewalk, as well as new potential revenue source.

Space X (to be named) in the Johnson Building would be created on the street level, adjacent to the lobby and children’s library. This less formal, comfortable space could potentially include:

• New acquisitions across all collection types
• New popular books
• New popular DVDs
• Newspapers and popular magazines
• Comfortable seating
• Small tables (perhaps café style)
• Several catalog computers
• Community information area
• BPL programs information area
• Colorful and fun artwork.

What do you think of this concept? The BPL is at the very early stages of thinking about this and we welcome your ideas. In early conversations, this part of the project was referred to as a “living room” space, but we’re opening the conversation up to welcome suggestions on what it contains and how it will be used before we name it .

The Boylston Street entrance and lobby area of the Central Library in Copley Square could be reconfigured to be more transparent, welcoming, and efficient, and potentially include:

• An improved public service point at the entrance
• Reconfiguration of the circulation and work areas to gain efficiency and clarity
• Reconfiguration of Boston Room for potentially additional commercial space
• Use of Deferrari Hall as supplemental seating, an exhibition and/or performance space, with the intent of making it a vibrant, lively space for adults to spend time
• Removal of exterior granite screens on Boylston and Exeter Streets, and the creation of additional garden areas.