NEWS RELEASE

On October 23, 2021, Nubian Square in Boston was full of people celebrating the Grand Re-Opening of the newly renovated Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library. The $17.2 million project is being funded in part by a $5.6 million grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP).

Boston Mayor and Roxbury resident Kim Janey spoke fondly of the library which she visited while growing up in the neighborhood “every day” while her parents were working. She said, “I am excited to see so many people here to celebrate the reopening of the Roxbury Branch in Nubian Square,” adding, “This inviting design serves as a symbol of the revitalization of this neighborhood.”

The library, which opened its doors officially on October 27, 2020 but delayed the celebration due to the pandemic, is one of the largest in the Boston Public Library system.

The new design was created with input from the community. Ideas that were included are displays of public art from artists in the community, a dedicated space for African American literature, and a food lab, the first of its kind for Boston Public Library – a full professional kitchen that will host cooking classes and demonstrations.

MBLC Chair Mary Ann Cluggish gave her congratulations on behalf of the board. “Opportunities for learning while having fun just multiplied in Roxbury.”

The MPLCP was first funded by a state bond authorization in 1987. Since then, it has helped more than 250 communities plan, build, renovate and/or expand their public libraries. MPLCP projects are currently underway in the following communities:  Grafton, Marlborough, Medford, Sharon, and Sherborn. Projects in Dartmouth, Erving, Hadley, Littleton, Norwell, and Weymouth were recently completed. Learn more about the program on the MBLC website and the Building Literacy podcast.