Imagine a building that’s more than just books. It’s the Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library. It’s a community hub a place of learning and a testament to Mattapan’s rich history.
The Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library has a story that stretches back further than you might think. As early as 1849, the people of Mattapan recognized the need for library services. Increase S. Smith founded the Mattapan Library Association that year. Later, in 1870, Dorchester including Mattapan became part of Boston.
Library service in Mattapan started humbly. It was a reading room attached to a delivery station in the Oakland Hall Building. The book collection numbered only ninety-eight volumes in 1898. Yet, this small beginning laid the groundwork for what was to come.
By the 1920s, Mattapan was experiencing a population boom. Jewish immigrants were moving to the area in large numbers. The reading room was granted branch status in 1923. However, the small space couldn’t keep up with the community’s needs.
The Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library saw its annual circulation climb. It jumped from 20000 volumes in 1924 to 75010 in 1926. Residents knew that they needed more space for all the new books. Citizens wrote letters and petitions pushing for a new library. Finally their voices were heard.
On June 22 1931 the Mattapan Library Branch opened at 10 Hazelton Street. This new location served the neighborhood for over 75 years. But Mattapan continued to evolve. A Mattapan Library Task Force was formed. Funding was procured in 1997. Mayor Thomas Menino and Councilor Charles Yancey championed the project.
A new chapter began for the Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library. On February 28 2009 the community celebrated the opening of a new building. It was located at 1350 Blue Hill Avenue. The new Mattapan Branch was architecturally stunning and technologically enhanced. William Rawn Associates Architects designed it.
Today, the Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library stands as a beacon in the neighborhood. It offers world language collections in French Haitian-Creole and Spanish. You will find a local history collection. Also you can relax in its beautiful courtyard. It continues to serve the community. The Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library enriches lives every day.