Building improvements planned for the Jamaica Plain branch of the BPL

The major renovation will improve collections, technology, and spaces for all ages, including a reading room addition.

The Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library at 12 Sedgwick Street in Jamaica Plain will undergo major building improvements beginning in August. The building renovation necessitates a temporary closure of the branch while work takes place. The temporary closure period will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2015, and is expected to last 18-24 months.

“The branch transformation marks a new era of library service for Jamaica Plain library users; once the renovation is complete, the branch will be a more user-friendly, welcoming place with offerings for all community members to enjoy,” said Christine Schonhart, Director of Library Services, Branches.

The goals of the renovation project include an enhanced and expanded children’s area, creation of a teen area and gallery space, and improved technology, including a maker space, expanded adult reading area, an upgraded multi-purpose room, and refreshed collections. A 700-square-foot addition to the building will provide a new reading room for the community.

Collections may be returned to the Jamaica Plain Branch up until August 1. During the temporary closure period, Jamaica Plain Branch users are encouraged to use the Connolly Branch, located at 433 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain; and the Egleston Square Branch at 2044 Columbus Avenue in Roxbury, as well as any of the Boston Public Library’s other locations throughout the city. An interactive map of locations is available on the Boston Public Library website. The library will post information about the project on the Compass Blog on the Boston Public Library website along with any necessary program rescheduling information.

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Boston Public Library has a Central Library, twenty-four branches, map center, business library, and a website filled with digital content and services. Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library has pioneered public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. Each year, the Boston Public Library hosts thousands of programs and serves millions of people. All of its programs and exhibitions are free and open to the public. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning. To learn more, visit bpl.org.