Imagine East Boston without a library. Hard to do right? The East Boston Public Library Building stands as a testament to community support. It also stands for a love of reading. This wasn’t always the impressive structure we see today.
The story of this library begins much earlier. It begins with a vision to bring knowledge “free to all.” Fast forward to 1870. The East Boston Branch opened as the very first branch library in the entire United States.
The East Boston Public Library initially resided in the old Lyman School. The school was on Paris and Meridian Streets. It shared space with the East Boston Courthouse. Imagine the hustle and bustle. Court cases and library books all under one roof.
By 1912 the community needed more space. The library temporarily moved to the Austin School. A new building was constructed at 276 Meridian Street. This location opened in 1914. It served the community for many years.
President John F. Kennedy played a special role. His father and grandfather grew up in East Boston. JFK anonymously gifted the library a record player. He also gifted an amplifier and loudspeaker. This led to the creation of the BPL’s first music listening room. A relic remains a 1946 telegram from then-Congressman Kennedy. He congratulated the East Boston Branch on its 75th anniversary.
The East Boston Branch has always served a diverse population. The population includes Italian, Irish, and Jewish immigrants. More recently it welcomes patrons from Central and South America and North Africa. The East Boston Public Library stands as a hub. It is a gathering spot for community engagement. It is a place to read, learn, and meet neighbors.
In 2013, the East Boston Branch relocated to 365 Bremen Street. This new location consolidated the Meridian Street and Orient Heights branches. The 15000-square-foot space includes a reading porch. It also includes the first library teen zone in East Boston. The BPL’s first dedicated early literacy nook is also here.
The building boasts eco-friendly features. Storm water management conserves water. Sustainably harvested wood is used throughout. Floor-fed ventilation and conditioning provide comfort. High-performance glass and a reflective roof add to its efficiency. In 2016, the East Boston Branch won a “Best of Boston” Award. It won for “Best Neighborhood Diversion.”
Today the East Boston Public Library continues to evolve. It offers books, digital resources, and community programs. It’s more than just a building. It is a vital part of East Boston. As we leave the East Boston Public Library Building remember its history. Remember its commitment to serving all.