Boston Public Library, Lower Mills Branch

Phone: 

(617) 298-7841

Website: 

http://www.bpl.org/branches/lower.htm

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Mon & Thurs: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Tues & Weds: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mission: 

The Boston Public Library's mission is to preserve and provide access to historical record of our society, and to serve the cultural, educational, and informational needs of the City and the Commonwealth.

Location

BPL Lower Mills Branch
27 Richmond Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
See map: Google Maps
Key Partners: 

Part of the Boston Public Library system. Click here to read more about Dorchester's libraries.

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

To register for a free library card online, click here!

Key Programs Offered: 
  • Homework Assistance Program

    Free one-on-one homework help for students in grades K-8 from high-achieving high school mentors. Available at every BPL branch Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5:30PM.

  • Boston Teachers' Union Tutors

    Tutoring for students in all grades from BPS teachers. Days and times vary by location. Lower Mills: Monday and Thursday 4-6PM.

  • Ongoing Programs

    • Tuesdays: 10:30am, Preschool Adventures with Ms. Maija: storytime and a fun activity.
    Wednesdays: 10:30am, Little Wigglers Storytime and Playgroup: Ms. Maija will read a story and then we'll have some fun with music, dancing, and playing with our friends.
    Fridays: 10:30am, Preschool Films: 3-10 minute short films for preschoolers.

Community Meeting Space Available: 

Yes

Also (or Previously) Known As...: 

library

Created: 
05/26/2010

DISTINCTIVE ASPECTS OF THE COLLECTION
The branch has a particularly strong mystery collection, and has been building its medical study and reference collection to support the schools and colleges in the neighborhood. The fiction collection continues to expand, providing various genres for diverse readers. Books and ephemera related to Dorchester, and particularly Lower Mills, history are well represented in the collection.

RECURRING PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Preschool story hours are offered twice weekly for children. Trivia night is held once a month for school-aged children. Pre-school films are also shown weekly. Students who attend the Pope John Paul II Academy, Lower Mills campus and The Charles Taylor Elementary School use the branch daily. Teachers also bring classes to check out material that may support their curriculum. For adults, the Book Discussion Group meets every third Thursday of the month. Beginners Internet instruction is available by appointment.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Lecture programs are typically offered in the fall or spring focusing on a variety of topics including local history. In June, an Outdoor Music Concert is held. Summer reading programs are offered for children and additional events are scheduled during these months.

HISTORY
Library service in Lower Mills was first offered through a branch delivery post in 1875; it was open three hours each day to take requests for books and to deliver books requested from the Central Library and the Dorchester Branch Library. Full branch services began in 1876 with a dedicated collection and expanded hours. In 1883, branch service was moved into the vacated Blue Hills Bank building. In 1931, space owned by the American Legion was purchased and in 1936 a small addition was completed. Eventually the collection outgrew that building and the present Lower Mills Branch Library building was opened in 1981.

In 2005, the branch was renovated, a new façade was designed, and the heating and cooling systems were up-dated. The building in general got a “face lift” and is bright and airy.