Mayor Menino on the closing of of the Orient Heights Library 

Week of April 12, 2010

Last week the Boston Public Library Trustees approved a proposed $38.9 million budget for the upcoming 2011 fiscal year. The plan keeps twenty-two branches of the Boston Public Library open with their current hours; closes four branch buildings including the Orient Heights Branch Library; and makes a new “lead” library for East Boston a priority for the city’s 2011 capital budget.

Over the past months I have received emails, phone calls, and in person visits extolling the value of the Orient Heights branch. I understand the depth of emotion that Bostonians of many generations have attached to that modest building on Barnes Avenue. I am sad to see any branch have to close. These closures should be seen as more about creating a better future than about preserving the past. I approve this budget because I believe the Trustees—through a rigorous and deliberate process—created a plan that would meet my goal of revitalizing our public library system and preparing it for transformation in the decades to come. East Boston will be a shining example of this transformation as it moves toward building a new, modern library.

Right now, we are spread too thin across the library system and there are buildings in need of revitalization. President Ryan’s plan puts us on a track to achieve a more robust library system with strong branches across our city.

For our Heights residents, we will strive to maintain existing services. Non-core library services such as senior gatherings; pre-school readings; and tutorials will be continued in nearby public buildings including the Orient Heights Community Center. We will also leverage our area public school and other city properties to relocate services.

Core library services will be integrated into the Meridian Street branch library. In consultation with Heights residents, we will undertake innovative approaches to bring BPL services directly to residents. For example, we can drop off collections on a regular basis for seniors and pick up their books so they do not have to travel to Meridian.

To ensure that Heights residents see continued services, we welcome interested residents to join a committee we are establishing that will work with the BPL and other City of Boston agencies to determine what the Heights needs. If you are interested in helping, please contact my East Boston Liaison Ernani DeAraujo at 617-635-3485.

For East Boston at large, the Meridian branch will have bolstered resources and we will take the next steps for creating a lead library. In July of 2009, residents, in consultation with the BPL, completed a feasibility study that was the first step of building a new library. We are in the process of locating a site for the library and then will proceed to design and ultimately construction. This new building will have more square footage than the existing (Meridian/Heights) buildings combined and will have dedicated spaces for seniors, youths, and adults.

The future of East Boston is bright. In this year alone the neighborhood has seen the beginning of a new multi-million dollar bridge on Chelsea Street; the start of a $4 million renovation of Central Square; and some finishing touches on the newest green space in the City, the Bremen Street park. Let us work together to capitalize on the opportunities before us.