History and Architecture of the Boston Public Library’s Central Library
When:
Thursday, Sep 09, 2021 2:00p -
3:00p
Thursday, Sep 09, 2021 2:00p -
3:00p
Where:
Boston Public Library: Rabb Lecture Hall
700 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02116
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Art, History, Lectures & Conferences
Event website:
https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/events/611408c9fef4bf3e00e104cc
Join the Boston Public Library for this program, which is part of their Never Too Late Group, one of the country’s oldest, continuously running groups for older adults. For over 60 years, it has provided a setting for older adults to gather together and enjoy with their friends a wide variety of unique programs that are entertaining and culturally enriching.
“The Boston Public Library has twice in its history moved into fine new buildings that did not work; it does not propose to do so a third time.”
Walter Muir Whitehill included that statement in his Centennial History of the Boston Public Library, which was published in 1956 when the BPL was beginning to plan its expansion in Copley Square. What was he talking about?
Come to this presentation for the answer! Presenter Dennis McCarthy, a Boston docent, will tell the history of the Central Library buildings of the Boston Public Library, from 1854 when the Library opened with the McKim Building through the 2016 renovation of the Johnson Building. He will cover the architecture, the architects, and the fascinating stories of some of the key players in the Library’s history.
Since retiring, Dennis McCarthy has kept busy as a volunteer in public history. He gives walking tours and the architecture cruise for Boston By Foot. He is a tour guide for the Art and Architecture Tour at the Boston Public Library. He also leads the “Boston By Map” workshop for the Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library.
This program will take place in the Rabb Lecture Hall in the Lower Level of the Johnson Building of the Central Library in Copley Square. Registration is not required, but seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and in accordance with current health and safety protocols around the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
