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DISTINCTIVE ASPECTS OF THE COLLECTION
The Parker Hill Branch is proud to offer a wide range of services to the residents of
Mission Hill. The Parker Hill Branch collection holdings include an ESL collection,
Spanish collection for both adults and children, large print, numerous fiction titles
(particularly mystery/detective novels), SCI-FI/fantasy, romance, historical fiction,
nonfiction holdings include popular reference, informational materials (e.g. self-help and
"how to books"). Additionally offered are a large variety of paperbacks,
magazines, books on tape, c.d.’s and videos. The Parker Hill Branch also houses the
Streetfeet Archives. Streetfeet Women, a culturally diverse troupe of writers and
performers was organized and founded by Elena H. Dodd and Mary M. McCullough in 1982.
These historic documents are housed in a beautiful hand-made dark oak cabinet that blends
with the furniture and Flemish oak of the building. Individuals are permitted to peruse
through and research this collection.
RECURRING
PROGRAMMING OFFERED
The Children's Room of the Parker Hill Branch Library offers many
fun and exciting activities for children of all ages on a year-round
basis. For more information on special programs and events, please
contact the Children's Librarian.
Preschool Cinema, Tuesdays, 10:30
SPECIAL
PROGRAMMING OFFERED
There are many summer reading programs offered. In addition there are family
storytimes, internet trainings, and concerts throughout the year. Special puppet theatre
and storytelling presentations are offered for children. Cultural programs such as African
fashion shows, and the demonstration of various African drums and instruments have been
offered. Through the Massachusetts College of Art, the Branch has offered art programs
during a six-week student internship program.
ART SHOWS AND DISPLAYS
The Parker Hill Branch Library hosts the
annual Mission Hill Artists Association Open House. This special exhibition is a showcase
of works done by Mission Hill artists. Local artists are also encouraged to contact the
library in order to display their works and throughout the year, various exhibitions are
arranged. Community members and groups are also encouraged to display their special
talents at the library.
Drawings by 4th
Graders Art Show |
HISTORY
The Branch first opened in a rented space at 1518 Tremont Street in July 1907. It remained
in this location until May 1931 when Mayor James Michael Curley opened the new branch that
was designed in 1929 by famed architect Ralph Adams Cram. Cram
appeared on the cover of Time Magazine in 1926 and was heralded as
Boston's foremost architect. He left a significant impact on the
area having designed many buildings and churches including All Saint's
Church in Brookline, the Japanese Garden Court at the Museum of Fine
Arts, the John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse, and the Second
Unitarian Church in Boston. He also designed the St. Thomas Church in New York
City. Many have said that the Parker Hill branch has a church-like
feel to it - it is open and airy with many lovely details such as
plaster rosettes on the ceiling. The branch is noted for its unique local history
collection.
The outside of the building has the carved seal of Massachusetts on one side and the
seal of the city of Boston on the other. Over the door is a carved seal of the Boston
Public Library. Sunlight shines through the tiny window-panes on the heavy oak tables
making the library a pleasant place to spend the afternoon. In July 2001 artwork by Jessica Finch was installed above the
windows in the Children's Room.
Children's Room |
Circulation Desk |
Children's Storytelling Area |
Summer Reading Club Display |
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