BOSTON, MA - October 24, 2024 – The Boston Public Library (BPL) today announced that the Fields Corner Branch will close temporarily beginning October 25, 2024, in preparation for the construction of a new building. The project budget is $30.9 million. The last day of in-person service will be on October 25, and the branch is expected to remain closed for approximately 18-24 months. The project is being led by the City of Boston’s Public Facilities Department (PFD), along with the Boston Public Library. The design firm for the project is Oudens Ello Architecture.
"Our libraries are cornerstones of learning, connection, and opportunity for all residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The new Fields Corner Branch building will transform it into a modern, inclusive space where people of all ages can come together to learn, grow, and thrive, enriching the Dorchester community.”
“This new Fields Corner Branch will enhance accessibility, expand community spaces, and prioritize sustainability, creating a modern and inclusive environment that serves Dorchester residents of all ages," said David Leonard, BPL President. “We are committed to serving the Fields Corner and broader Dorchester community during this construction; patrons who were using the Fields Corner Branch for services can stay connected through our other locations, including the nearby Adams Street, Codman Square, Upham’s Corner, Lower Mills and Grove Hall branches and through our wide array of online services and events.”
The $30.9 million project includes a 14,500-square-foot, two-story new library building. The new building will expand the branch’s circulating collection and include a 100-seat flexible community room, a 20-person classroom, and two study rooms. It will also feature a dedicated children’s story area, technology infrastructure for future flexibility, and robust new furnishings and signage to serve adults, teens, and children.
Sustainability is a key element of the project. The Fields Corner Branch will be the first library in the BPL system built to the City’s Fossil Fuel Free standard for municipal buildings. Targeting LEED Gold Certification, the all-electric building will operate without gas or other fossil fuels and will have infrastructure for future photovoltaic panel installation.
Universal access is central to the design, which includes ADA-compliant public restrooms, an elevator, and wheelchair-accessible furniture and technology stations throughout the space.
“The Public Facilities Department is proud to take part in the construction of this state-of-the-art library for the Fields Corner community,” said Carleton Jones, PFD Executive Director. “This accessible and sustainable facility reflects our commitment to creating modern spaces that support learning, creativity, and community engagement city-wide.”
Located at 1520 Dorchester Ave in Dorchester, the Fields Corner Branch opened in 1969 as the successor to the neighborhood’s old Dorchester Branch. The branch currently serves Dorchester residents, workers, students, and community organizations and is known for its excellent children’s programming and collections, as well as author talks, book discussions, musical performances, art exhibitions, and more.
Library patrons are asked to use the nearby Adams Street, Codman Square, Uphams Corner, Lower Mills, or Grove Hall branches, or one of the BPL’s other neighborhood locations during the closure. For more information on the Fields Corner Branch renovation project, visit: bpl.org/fields-corner-project.
The Mayor's FY25 capital plan includes more than $134 million for libraries. In addition to the Fields Corner Branch, the FY25 budget includes design for construction of new Chinatown, West End branches, Upham’s Corner, Egleston, and South End branches, and continued repair, renovation and master planning projects at the Central Library in Copley Square. More information on these additional projects can be found at apps.boston.gov/capital-projects/.
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ABOUT BOSTON'S PUBLIC FACILITIES DEPARTMENT
Part of the City of Boston's Operations Cabinet, the Public Facilities Department supports all City departments in their efforts to improve customer services to Boston's constituencies. The Public Facilities Department oversees all major construction projects at City-owned buildings and is responsible for managing the programming, planning, design and construction for new buildings and major renovations across all neighborhoods in Boston.
