Proposing Programs for the Boston Public Library
General Program Proposal
The Boston Public Library (BPL) is dedicated to offering culturally diverse and inclusive programs that are free to the public and engaging, educational, and informative for all ages. Our librarian staff are committed to accomplishing this by way of offering Author Talks (local and award-winning writers and scholars); lectures that explore the humanities and special topics; entertainment (film screening, concerts, theatrical, and dance), and wellness (i.e., arts & crafts, cooking, yoga, dance classes, music reading workshops).
To curate programs that reflect the communities and individuals that we serve, the BPL welcomes and accepts program ideas. Programs are planned 90 days in advance. Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis.
To conduct programming at BPL, we have revamped our processes. With this new process, we are seeking general program proposals from the public to help plan for our programming throughout the year. There will be two deadlines to submit general program proposals.
The deadlines are indicated below for 2026:
- Submission timeframe for Winter/Spring and Summer/Fall programs:
- Winter/Spring: October 1 to November 14
By submitting by this date, if selected, you plan to have a program start date from the period of January to June. - Summer/Fall: March 2 to April 10
By submitting by this date, if selected, you plan to have a program start date from the period of July to December.
- Winter/Spring: October 1 to November 14
If your idea is selected, library staff will contact you.
NOTE: Library staff have the discretion to modify proposed dates and times. If you have questions about programming opportunities for a specific branch, please call them directly.
Fellowes Athenaeum Trust Fund Program Proposal
The Fellowes Athenaeum Fund Advisory Committee is pleased to issue the 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP). The application portal is open from Tuesday, July 1, 2025 to Friday, August 15, 2025. We are asking applicants to submit a grant program proposal for in-branch learning by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025.
This RFP supports the mission of the Fellowes Athenaeum Trust Fund (FATF) to provide a variety of literary and instructive programming for the Greater Roxbury community at the Shaw-Roxbury Branch (formerly named the "Roxbury Branch") of the Boston Public Library. We seek ideas for activities that will engage people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Nutrition Lab
Boston Public Library offer programs and lessons about healthy eating and wellness at our Nutrition Lab at the Roxbury Branch. If you would like to learn more about programming and to submit an idea, please visit the Nutrition Lab page.
Revolutionary Ideas Community Program Partnership Proposal
We are pleased to announce that we are accepting proposals for the 2026 Revolutionary Ideas Community Program Partnership! Boston Public Library is committed to providing meaningful and engaging programs to meet the needs of our patrons. The application portal is open from Tuesday, July 1, 2025 to Friday, August 15, 2025. We are asking applicants to submit a grant program proposal by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025.
The "Revolutionary Ideas" theme will be a year long exploration of the art, activism, and energy that highlights the revolutionary thought and innovation that has evolved since 1776. Through programs, performance, and the first major BPL exhibition in more than a decade, visitors will experience firsthand the revolutionary concepts that not only form the bedrock of our nation, but will also shape our future.
All BPL programs are free and open to the public, and we are committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
We are asking partners to consider submitting proposals that include experiential programming and aligns with our mission and guidelines.
