Building improvements made during temporary closure

The Uphams Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library, which is located at 500 Columbia Road in Dorchester, will reopen at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 30, October 21, after several months of building improvements. The municipal building that houses the Uphams Corner Branch was temporarily closed in May in order to allow for replacing the roof, including insulation and flashing; removing, replacing, and painting selected downspouts; repairing and replacement of the exterior gutters; repointing the masonry; rebuilding the exterior and interior stairs; and installing a new heating system.

This press release was edited on September 16. Please read the September 16 press release about the new date for the branch reopening. 

Free research, computer, and careers classes offered each month

As Boston’s elementary, high school, and college students begin their annual return to campus, Boston Public Library (BPL) is putting the finishing touches on its new tech classroom and schedule of classes for learners of all ages.

Each month, the BPL’s Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street, offers weekday computer instruction classes along with courses geared toward job seekers, budding family history researchers, and those interested in learning more about the library’s resources.

In September, all classes will be held in the Central Library’s newly-completed tech classroom, which is located inside the business library on the concourse level. Research, computer, and career classes offered at the Boston Public Library are free to all. Read more »

Local film critic Peter Keough and ‘Schindler’s List’ author Thomas Keneally featured

Throughout September, Boston Public Library will host author talks at the Central Library in Copley Square and branch locations. Author appearances include:

• Author Stephen Hornsby discusses his book Surveyors of Empire: Samuel Holland, J. F. W. Des Barres, and the Making of the Atlantic Neptune on Thursday, September 12, at 5:30 p.m. in the Commonwealth Salon at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street.

• Film critic and editor Peter Keough speaks about the book Kathryn Bigelow: Interviews on Saturday, September 14, at 2 p.m. in the Commonwealth Salon at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street. This collection details Oscar-winner Kathryn Bigelow’s journey to become one of Hollywood’s most influential directors. Read more »

Detailed hours information available on the Boston Public Library website

Saturday hours at the neighborhood branches of the Boston Public Library return on September 7. Saturday hours at Boston Public Library branches vary per location, but are typically 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. or 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Three Boston Public Library branches have 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. hours on Saturday: Lower Mills, North End, and West End.

The Roslindale Branch, located at 4246 Washington Street, will have a full week of updated public service hours beginning in September. The branch will be open Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. On Thursday, the branch will be open 12 – 8 p.m. On Friday, the hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Saturday the hours are 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Read more »

Application compatible with Android and iOS systems, mobile web version available

Boston Public Library (BPL) recently launched its much-anticipated BPL mobile catalog, offering library users instant access to its online catalog through Android and iOS mobile devices, including a mobile web browser version that presents visitors with a display specifically designed to fit small screens.

“We are thrilled to now offer a mobile catalog; it is a valuable resource and option that allows our collections to be easily accessible to our library users anytime, anywhere,” said Amy E. Ryan, President of the Boston Public Library. Read more »