First 18 collections include American, European, and New England historical treasures 

Boston Public Library unveiled its initial Collections of Distinction this week, a group of eighteen collections that represent the most outstanding, expansive, and renowned of its holdings of more than 22 million items. The collections include Medieval and Early Renaissance Manuscripts, Maritime Charts and Atlases, and American Civil War 20th Massachusetts Regiment materials as well as holdings related to Shakespeare, John Adams, and William A. Dwiggins. Within the collections is an array of books, maps, manuscripts, letters, drawings, and other original works dating back as early as the 10th century. Read more »

Chilldren’s programming emphasizes discovery through reading

Summer reading at Boston Public Library offers programs and activities designed to inspire children’s creativity and imagination. The theme for 2013 is Dig into Reading for children up to age 12. Programs begin in June. Read more »

New roof, windows, and heating system part of multi-month project

The municipal building that houses the Uphams Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library at 500 Columbia Road in Dorchester will undergo building improvements in May. The building improvements necessitate a temporary closure of the branch while work takes place. The temporary closure period will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2013. Construction will begin on Tuesday, May 28, and is expected to be completed in September 2013. Read more »