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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.
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