South End Branch Library

DISTINCTIVE ASPECTS OF THE COLLECTION
The South End Branch has a diverse collection of popular and scholarly materials for children and adults. For adults, there is a collection of local history documents and books, urban fiction, popular newspapers and magazines, DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks. For children, parents, and teachers, we have a fine collection of picture books and fiction and information books.

RECURRING PROGRAMMING OFFERED
For children there are Toddler and Preschool Story Hour and Children’s Film programs weekly. The Homework Assistance Program tutors work with the children after school. Space is available for drop-in play groups. For adults there is a monthly book discussion group and a weekly English conversation class.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Seasonal craft, music, and literary programs and the Summer Reading Club are available for children. There is a monthly TeenTween Night and a Lego Club. There are regularly scheduled art shows in the gallery space. Every winter volunteers from AARP prepare income taxes for area residents.

There are public computers, printers, and public access terminals available for adults and children.

There is a room available for public meetings. Please contact the branch for information.

The Friends of the South End Library have funded programs, purchased tree pits, and beautified the adjacent Library Park. They sponsor Easter and Halloween programs in the park and conduct an annual book sale.

HISTORY
Library service was established in the South End in 1877. The Branch was located in the Mercantile Library Association until 1879 when it was moved to the English High School. In 1904 the Branch relocated to 397 Shawmut Avenue and then again in 1923 to the John J. Williams Municipal Building at Shawmut Avenue and West Brookline Street. On June 7, 1971 the South End Branch Library moved to a new building at its present location, which was on the site of the original Mercantile building.

In the late 1990s The South End Branch library completed a major capital improvement project. An elevator was installed to make the second floor community room accessible to all. The threadbare carpet was completely replaced, the roof leaks fixed, new bathrooms and closet areas were created, and the whole library received a fresh coat of paint in an exciting palette.

The Friends of the South End Branch Library have worked tirelessly in their fundraising campaign to pay for additional beautification not included in the renovation project and not covered by other city or state funding. Thanks to their efforts, the Branch has been able to reupholster most of its public seating, the circulation desk,  a beautiful banquette reading area located near the library entrance,and have installed new draperies on the second floor lecture hall.