City Council supports naming community room after long-time South End resident

With Marleen’s leadership, FOSEL established a variety of popular programs in the South End Library, such as the popular author series "The South End Writes", Easter egg hunts for the community, jazz and blues summer concerts, and much more.



Marleen and FOSEL worked hard to strengthen ties between the community and the South End Library and Library Park, transforming the Park into a community green space with a central plaza with seating, new perennial plantings, a butterfly garden, and an automated irrigation system.



She was also instrumental in working with the City and the Boston Public Library in planning the refresh and full renovation of the South End Library, making the space into a comfortable and inviting place for the community.



Additionally, Marleen has been engaging new board members for FOSEL to further strengthen the organization, expanding the board from seven to fourteen volunteer directors. Marleen has also been critical in the establishment of large advisory board group who volunteer for specific FOSEL events and projects.



Marleen recently retired from her position at FOSEL. Her tremendous contributions to not only the South End Library but also to the community at large deserve recognition. This week, the Council passed a resolution supporting the naming of the community room at the South End Library “The Marleen Nienhuis Community Room” in honor of her work on the South End Library and Library Park.