The renovation of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library is on schedule and is expected to reopen sometime is spring of 2017, according to Boston Public Library spokesperson Rosemary Lavery.
She said in an email that the new addition facing South Street is “taking form” and that that will create a “more visible main entry to the building with a community reading lounge and a new terrace along Sedgwick Street offering residents a place to read, mingle, and play games.”
“The renovations to the original building aim to provide a wider range of free programs and resources to the unique Jamaica Plain community, and will include new furniture and fixtures, technology, restrooms, community meeting spaces, and mechanical systems,” she said. “The design will also honor the historic nature of the building through reusing and refinishing some of the original furniture and book stacks. A refreshed collection responsive to community needs will fill the branch upon re-opening.”
She listed the following as features the renovated library building will have:
- – Provides a physical space that matches the role of the library as a community resource: a glass-enclosed reading room with views to the lawn and the historic building; an outdoor reading terrace under the eaves of the historic building; a multi-purpose room for community events; and a conference room for smaller meetings.
- – Improves technology to users throughout with a new Maker Space and 3D printer.
- – Provides accessibility to all areas of the library with new stairs and elevators.
- – Provides gallery space throughout the building for local artists.
- – Expands the children’s area and provides dedicated Tween and Teen areas.
- – Children’s room includes a custom-designed wallpaper incorporating characters from children’s books by local authors.
- – Design incorporates signage throughout the building highlighting interesting facts about Jamaica Plain collected by the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library.