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Brighton Branch Library
40 Academy Hill Road, Brighton, MA 02135
617-782-6032
Branch Librarian:

Please note: The Brighton branch is currently closed for renovations.
We will be glad to assist you at the nearby Faneuil or Honan-Allston branches.

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exterior of branch

Hours

Directions

Map

Current programs and activities

For more information about the Brighton community
spacer graphic DISTINCTIVE ASPECTS OF THE COLLECTION
The branch holds a very good collection on local history, currently adding oral histories of Brighton residents that will soon be available online. In addition to a comprehensive basic collection, the branch holds a large collection of in large print materials. There are also Russian and Spanish reading materials for all ages. There is an ever growing collection of DVDs, Videos, and Books on Tape.

RECURRING PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Preschool films and stories are presented weekly for children. There is a monthly book discussion group for adults.
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Lectures of all kinds are offered from fall through spring. Cabaret performances with local Boston talent are held from October through June. ESOL Conversation Groups run daily Monday through Friday.

BRIGHTON BRANCH LIBRARY RENOVATION PROJECT

The Boston Public Library - Brighton Branch renovation project has been under discussion for a few years and now construction will begin in 2009. This project is managed by the City of Boston, Property and Construction Management Department – Public Facilities for the Boston Public Library. The Brighton Branch Library will be one of the first renovated City of Boston buildings that will incorporate the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED-CI guidelines toward achieving the Leadership Energy Environmental Design (LEED) status. This project is quite extensive and will require the branch to be closed for 12-15 months.

What you can look forward to when the branch reopens

  • New HVAC -Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning system, plumbing and lighting throughout.
  • Increased in the wiring infrastructure to provide more public and staff computers.
  • Installation of a new elevator for universal accessibility.
  • New insulated windows throughout and windows currently blocked will be uncovered for additional natural light.
  • Acoustic treatments will be made to minimize the noise throughout the branch.
  • Gallery rails will be added for art displays.
  • Front and rear entries will be renovated with accessible doors and vestibules added.
  • Improved exterior lighting to improve public access to the branch.
  • New front entry approach ADA ramp and granite pavers.
  • New paneling, carpeting and will be added throughout the branch including the meeting room.
  • New public service desks.
  • Reconfiguration and expansion of children’s area.
  • New Young Adult area.

Schedule

To complete this work in a timely manner the branch will close on January 16, 2009.


 HISTORY
In the 1800's Brighton was Boston's Wild West, home of large stockyards and the supplier of Boston's beef. Over two hundred years ago the people of Brighton formed the Brighton Social Library, open to local citizens for a fee. When the town was annexed to Boston in 1874, the Brighton Social Library became a branch of the Boston Public Library. The same year the collection was moved from the Town Hall to a ornate library building named for Brighton notable, James Holton. In 1969 a new Brighton Branch building was opened. The building was designed by Norman C. Fletcher of the Architects Collaborative of Cambridge.