Boston Public Library Fund

10/16/2026

Do you have a story to tell? Join Linda Grosser, a storyteller who has been featured on The Moth, at the West Roxbury Branch for a four-part series to develop a compelling narrative arc and create a performance style that results in a story that listeners will enjoy and remember. You do not need to have a story in mind –– Linda will help you think of one!

Storytelling Four-Part Program
starts Thursday, October 22, 2026
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
West Roxbury Branch
https://na2.hubs.ly/H08rb5j0

This program is made possible by the Irene Haney Creative Enrichment Fund through the Boston Public Library Fund.

10/14/2026

🎉 We are delighted to announce that the Boston Public Library presented longtime Library champion Jeff Hawkins with The Joshua Bates Prize for the Advancement of Learning.

Jeff served as Chair of the Boston Public Library Fund’s Board of Directors from 2020 through 2026, while simultaneously serving on the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees. This unique perspective helped strengthen the partnership between the Library and the Fund, ensuring that philanthropy remained closely aligned with the Library’s strategic priorities and greatest needs.

Few people have witnessed — or helped shape — the evolution of philanthropy at the Boston Public Library as closely as Jeff. He has played an instrumental role in strengthening private support for the Library and building a philanthropic community committed to advancing the BPL’s priorities.

Even as he concludes his tenure as Board Chair, Jeff is always looking ahead. He will continue his involvement with the Fund as Board Emeritus and remains deeply engaged in the future of the Boston Public Library — including the once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the Central Library’s historic McKim building.

“Renovating McKim will transform how patrons experience the Central Library," Jeff said. "It has the opportunity to once again fully realize its role as one of the great civic spaces in America: a place where history, education, culture, and community come together in new ways.”

📷(l-r) Hannah Grove, Chair of the Board of Directors, Boston Public Library Fund; Marta Garcia, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Boston Public Library; Jeff Hawkins, Bates Medal Award Recipient; David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library.

10/09/2026

What’s on the third floor of the Boston Public Library's McKim Building? 👀

Nearly 50 guests got a rare glimpse during last week’s Library People webinar with Beth Prindle, the BPL’s Director of Research & Special Collections.

Beth shared photos from the unused third floor so guests could imagine how these extraordinary spaces might once again be brought to life and opened more fully to the public.

Missed the webinar? It was recorded and we encourage you to take a ½ hour and learn more about this once-in-a-generation opportunity!

Check out the webinar here:

The Central Library’s McKim Building is one of Boston’s most treasu...

10/08/2026

Today is World DAF Day, and every donor advised fund grant to the Boston Public Library Fund will go twice as far!

From now through December 31, grants of $500 or more are matched dollar for dollar, up to $80,000, thanks to BPLF supporters Pamela Newport, Leo Liu and Pendred Noyce, Lou Maiuri, and Hal Tepfer.

If you hold a DAF at Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, or a community foundation, recommending a grant takes a few minutes. Search for Boston Public Library Fund, EIN 04-3150560.

More details: https://na2.hubs.ly/H08g5YX0

10/07/2026

Award-winning author Ann Patchett had a powerful message for the audience at Saturday’s 2026 Maury A. Bromsen Lecture at the Boston Public Library.

“Support your library. Support your librarians. And you can do it in so many ways — by voting and by making donations,” Ann told the audience. “It’s not just about books. This is also where people come for story time. It’s where people come for ESL classes. It’s where people who don’t have computers come to search for jobs and get job training. It is our community center. It is our Red Cross station.”

And her call to action? “I am such a proponent of fighting for the things you love. If reading is important to you, do something in your community that will support reading. Together we will make a difference.”

Following the talk, Ann joined members of the Boston Public Library Fund’s Patrons of the Courtyard and 1848 Society for a private reception to thank them for their commitment to the BPL and to celebrate the impact of their collective support.

Thank you, Ann, (Parnassus Books) for creating such a memorable day here at the BPL! 📚❤️

10/06/2026

This Banned Books Week, we recognize the importance of protecting the freedom to read and ensuring access to books, stories, and ideas.

Since October 2023, with funding from the Boston Public Library Fund, the Boston Public Library has participated in the national Books Unbanned initiative, which provides young people across the country with free access to the BPL’s digital collection, including often-challenged and LGBTQ+ inclusive books.

Swipe to hear directly from Books Unbanned cardholders about why access matters to them.

10/02/2026

Leave it to the professionals (not BPLF staff)😉 to bring scenes from Shakespeare’s works to life throughout the McKim Building at the Central Library in Copley Square!
 
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Shakespeare Co, on October 6th, 8th, 13th, and 14th, immerse yourself in pop-up scenes staged in four of the Library’s historic spaces. Hour-long performances will begin at 3pm and 6pm each day. Stay for individual moments or follow the performers throughout the building for an immersive journey.
 
No tickets needed. Shakespeare at the Library: Worlds of Imagination is free to all—simply show up and enjoy the performance.

09/30/2026

We’re just a few short weeks away from Night in the Stacks! 🎪✨

As we prepare to welcome 1,000 guests to the historic McKim Building for an unforgettable Midnight Circus, we want to take a moment to thank the incredible sponsors helping bring this year’s event to life whose generous support makes Night in the Stacks possible.

We are so grateful to each of our sponsors for believing in the Library, supporting the Emerging Leaders, and helping us make our fifth annual Night in the Stacks our biggest yet.

09/25/2026

You don’t want to miss this! 📚✨

Join us Thursday, October 1 for our next Library People conversation exploring what’s next for the historic McKim Building.

Beth Prindle, BPL’s Director of Research & Special Collections, and Paula Sakey, Executive Director of the Boston Public Library Fund, will share more about the comprehensive planning underway to shape the future of McKim’s spaces, services, and collections.

Thursday, October 1
12:00–12:30 p.m.
Zoom Webinar

Register today and join the conversation! https://na2.hubs.ly/H07-bsX0

09/23/2026

September = Library Card Sign-Up Month! 📚✨
 
Consider this your sign to stop by your local BPL branch and get your very own library card. 💙
 
And while supplies last, you can choose from brand-new library card designs featuring artwork created by BPL patrons! 🎨