July 1, 2021 — Our locations are now open and the Printing To Go service has ended. Patrons are able to print documents in person at our locations that are not currently under construction.
BOSTON – August 3, 2020 – The Boston Public Library (BPL) announced today that it is extending the BPL To Go program to two additional library branches, completing the program expansion to include all branches not currently under construction. As of today, August 3, patrons will be able to pick up and return books, DVDs, and CDs at the Chinatown and Uphams Corner branches. The Central Library in Copley Square and these 19 branches are already running BPL To Go: Brighton, Charlestown, Codman Square, Connolly, East Boston, Egleston Square, Faneuil, Fields Corner, Grove Hall, Honan-Allston, Jamaica Plain, Lower Mills, Mattapan, North End, Parker Hill, South Boston, South End, West End, and West Roxbury. The branches that are closed for construction: Adams Street, Hyde Park, Roslindale, and Roxbury (formerly Dudley) will be evaluated for the program when construction is complete.
In addition, BPL has announced the expansion of Printing To Go, a free print-on-demand service to all open BPL branches. Patrons can upload documents they need printed by filling out a form at bpl.org/printing-to-go, select their location, and pick up their print jobs 72 hours later at the branches, or 24 hours later at the Central Library in Copley Square. The service is limited to 10 pages per patron per day, and a reservation is not needed to pick up printed materials. Documents will be printed in black and white, single-sided, on 8.5" x 11" paper, and should not include personal information, such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or other similar information. Print requests must comply with the Library’s Internet Use Procedures and Guidelines.
With BPL To Go, library card and e-card holders can “order” books, DVDs, and CDs by placing holds via: bpl.org; the new BPL To Go iPhone app; or phone at 617-536-5400. Patrons will be able to safely pick up their items — much like picking up takeout from a restaurant — and return items using designated bins. Returned items will be quarantined for 96 hours before being put back into circulation. All patrons will be required to wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing at all times.
Patrons will be notified when their items are ready for pickup, and items will remain on the holds shelf for 14 days from the date they are notified. If the hold pickup location is the Central Library, patrons may go to that location for pickup anytime during these hours: Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (except holidays). If the hold pickup location is a branch library, the notification will include a link for patrons to schedule a specific pickup time.
No other physical services at the libraries will be available, but all branches will continue to offer a wide range of digital events and online resources. Find out more about BPL To Go at bpl.org/takeout.
