Boston Public Library Fund

In May, teens at the Connolly Branch met local young adult author and educator Elizabeth Santiago for a special conversation inspired by The Moonlit Vine / Claro de luna. Together, they explored family stories, identity, history, and Latinidad through thoughtful discussion and Q&A. ✨

Participants also received personalized, signed copies of the book—creating a lasting connection to literature and storytelling.

We're proud to support this Creative Catalyst Mini-Grant program thanks to the generosity of Boston Public Library Fund donors. 💙

Photo by: Jess Garcia, Hyde Square Task Force

The Boston Public Library Fund is excited to welcome two Summer Interns — Anna Wong and Dana Blatte — to the team!📣
 
Anna will serve as the Advancement Services Intern, where she will support donor relations and database management. She is currently a Forest Foundation Fellow and a student at Connecticut College, majoring in English and minoring in Educational Studies. Before joining the Fund, Anna worked closely with the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and the Somerville Housing Authority. “I’m passionate about supporting public service, nonprofit, and community-oriented missions and am looking forward to being part of the library community this summer.”  
 
As the Communications Intern, Dana will create social media content, showcase community programming supported by the Fund, and convey the stories of Library staff, patrons, and donors. She is a recent graduate of Hamilton College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology and creative writing, and will start her master’s degree in Engaged and Public Humanities at Georgetown University in the fall. “I’m excited to learn more about the work of the library and the people who bring its mission — free to all — to life.”

Last week, 30+ Emerging Leaders gathered at Night Shift on the Esplanade for their annual Book Swap Summer Kickoff! It was a perfect night to connect, catch up, and celebrate the start of summer. ☀️📚

Together, they raised more than $800 to support Boston Public Library's Summer Reading programs, helping readers of all ages stay engaged and inspired.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to swap stories and make a difference. 💙

Join us in celebrating Juneteenth with a variety of programs happening across the BPL! From history and culture to music, art, and community conversations, there's something for everyone.

Summer Reading momentum is already building! 📚🦖

Thanks to generous early donors, we’ve already raised $10,000 toward our $25,000 match — helping fuel more books, programs, and discovery for young readers across Boston.

We’re also thrilled to welcome Garelick Farms as a new Summer Reading sponsor! Their partnership is helping make this summer of reading, learning, and exploration even brighter.

Thank you to everyone for helping us start strong. We’re just getting started! 🌿

Support Summer Reading at https://na2.hubs.ly/H05M4g90

Pride is more than a month at the Boston Public Library—it's a year-round commitment to inclusion, belonging, learning, and community.🏳️‍🌈

We're especially grateful for the extraordinary bequest from Howard Cooper, whose generosity established lasting support for LGBTQ+ collections, resources, and programming at the Library.

Explore pride programming at BPL locations, including Drag Queen Story Times, film screenings, bingo nights, arts & crafts, book discussions, and more. Don't forget to check out BPL's annual Pride booklist and discover stories that celebrate the richness and diversity of LGBTQ+ experiences.

This Pride Month, we’re reflecting on the impact of unrestricted access to books.

Through Books Unbanned, teens and young adults ages 13–26 nationwide can access the Boston Public Library’s eBook and audiobook collection for free, regardless of where they live.

The Boston Public Library Fund is proud to support this program, helping ensure that young people can read widely, discover freely, and access books without censorship.

Add this to your summer bucket list: live music in the stunning McKim Building Courtyard at the Boston Public Library. Join us for our Concerts in the Courtyard series, where music and community come together in one of Boston’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.

☀️ June concerts take place on Fridays from 12:30–1:30 PM on June 5, 12, and 26.

🌿 In July and August, enjoy music on Wednesday evenings from 6–7 PM and Friday afternoons from 12:30–1:30 PM (except July 3).

Bring a friend, take a lunch break, or spend a summer evening surrounded by inspiring performances in the heart of the library.

Concerts in the Courtyard is sponsored by Bank of America through the Boston Public Library Fund.

https://na2.hubs.ly/H05MrMc0