Capital Grant approved!

On November 1, 2017, the City Council authorized the Boston Public Library to accept and expend a capital grant of $5,597,374 from the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP), for the renovation of the Dudley Branch Library.

The Dudley Branch Library first opened its doors in 1978. Councilor Jackson said, “I think it is critical to note this building was an old little city hall. There is no elevator in this library. In fact to get to the second floor, you have to leave the building and go around back to get to the second floor.”

Renovations to the Dudley Branch Library will include: reorienting the front door to face a newly constructed plaza, making Wi-Fi and laptops available, and adding new transparent windows, an elevator in order to make the two story building accessible to everyone, a kitchen, a learning lab, audio-visual throughout, a new roof, updated HVAC equipment, and an overall open concept. Many of the updated installations will limit the energy consumption of the building.

The Dudley Branch Library is scheduled to close November 17, 2017 for renovations and is expected to reopen after construction in the spring of 2020. During construction, patrons can use the Egelston Branch, the Connolly Branch, and the South End Branch, which are all within 2 miles of the Dudley Branch. The Parker Hill Branch will also be available for use after July 2018.