A Jamaica Plain-centered Facebook group has organized a walk around Jamaica Pond to fund raise for the Jamaica Plain and Connolly branches of the Boston Public Library (BPL).
The “I Grew Up in Jamaica Plain” Facebook group will be walking around Jamaica Pond on June 2 to “bring people into JP, into the local businesses,” and reminisce about old times, organizer Bill Murray, formerly of Bynner Street, told the Gazette.
“I grew up in JP with a passion for libraries,” Murray, now a Walpole resident, said. “If I could afford to move back there, I would.”
Murray said he expects over 100 walkers, each making a $5 contribution, to take a lap around the pond. The proceeds will be split evenly between the two library branches’ Friends groups.
“I want to step back [and let them decide]. They know more what they need,” Murray said.
Both Friends groups have been involved in the planning on the fundraiser, Murray said.
“They’ve been instrumental,” Murray said. The Friends groups are supplying equipment and have publicized the fund-raiser to their respective memberships, he said.
Jamaica Plain Branch Library co-chair Gretchen Grozier said that the money would likely to used in acquiring museum passes, which the library loans out.
The JP Branch is the oldest branch building in the BPL system and remains largely unchanged from its original state. A comprehensive expansion study was completed and a $8.5 million renovation plan was proposed in 2006. The branch is waiting the city to allocate the funds to begin work.
BPL trustees voted in March to only request $125,000 for “improvements” to the branch.
“Any money received from the walk won’t be for renovation,” Friends of the Grozier said. “The dent in [the proposed $8.5 million renovation plan] would not be big.”
For more information, see on.fb.me/JPwalk.