Books for Boston is a new initiative from the Boston Public Library to buy books from local, independent booksellers and deliver them to people in need.
When the Boston Public Library closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many patrons turned to the library’s wide breadth of digital resources. The library network continues to offer an ever-increasing selection of e-books and digital downloads, as well as other online services.
However, some BPL patrons aren’t able to access these online resources. Some of those with the greatest need for the library are without internet access or the electronic devices needed to access online services.
“Children and families who are homeless, the elderly living in isolation, and those sheltering from a violent family member would surely welcome the few moments of escape that a good book can provide as they cope with the increased anxiety this pandemic is creating,” the Boston Public Library said in a statement. “That is why the Boston Public Library is leading an initiative to safely deliver new children’s and adult books, curated and purchased by the Library, to a variety of non-profit organizations serving individuals in the City of Boston who are at especially high-risk during this pandemic.”
As an added benefit to the community, the BPL will be purchasing books for this program from local bookstores.
The program has already purchased 1,400 new books and delivered them to a number of locations, including: Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program in the South End; Pine Street Inn; St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Dorchester; the Kennedy Center, which provides services to children, families and elders in Charlestown; the Elizabeth Stone House, a domestic violence shelter in Roxbury and Standish Village Assisted Living in Dorchester; Black Seed Writer’s Group and Dorchester Family Engagement Network.
To support this program, please click here to donate.
