Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates):
Mon through Weds: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thurs: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. - 2 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
BPL Uphams Corner Branch
500 Columbia Road
Dorchester,
MA
02125
United States
Key Partners:
Part of the Boston Public Library system. Click here to learn more about Dorchester's libraries!
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures:
Click here to register for a free library card online!
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. Upham's Corner: Thursday 4-6PM.
- Ongoing Programs
Wednesdays: 10:30am, Reading Readiness Dance Workshop: Erica Siegel will lead pre-reading children in a fun reading readiness program that incorporates dance, movement, and stories.
Thursdays: 5pm, Crafts with Mrs. C: Children aged 8-16 are invited to come make a craft to take home.
DISTINCTIVE ASPECTS OF THE COLLECTION
The Uphams Corner Branch has a collection which reflects the needs and interest of the surrounding community. In addition to a core group of popular fiction and representative nonfiction, there are materials in French, Portuguese and Spanish languages, well rounded African American authors and reference sections and a large DVD collection.
RECURRING PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Preschool, Reading Readiness and toddler programs are offered weekly. Teenagers are available four afternoons a week to help children with their homework through the HAP program.
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING OFFERED
The branch hosts monthly programs for adults and families alternating between informational and entertaining offerings. During the summer Uphams Corner participates in the Read Your Way to Fenway and Statewide Summer Reading programs.
HISTORY
In 1904 the Uphams Corner Branch Library moved from a temporary store-front location on Dudley Street to the two-year-old municipal building on Columbia Road. Upon entering the building, the adult room was on the left, a floor above the swimming pool, and the children's room used a common area on the right side of the hall. When the swimming pool developed leaks and fell into disuse for some time, the children's room took occupancy in this space. It maintained a separate entrance and circulation desk until the 1970s. After renovations to the building in 1989, only one entrance to the Library remained -- through the adult room. Many residents still recall the swimming pool and public showers of their childhood.
