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Whether they log in online or visit their local branch, more than 3,000 students benefit from the Boston Public Library’s summer reading programming each year.

Marisela Valero came to Boston from Venezuela in 2020. She quickly joined the Boston Public Library’s ESL Chorus and found that singing helped her feel connected to the city and to other English-language learners who love music and singing as much as she does.

Through the generosity of thousands of donors, the Boston Public Library Fund was proud to support the Library’s successful initiative to increase the number of library card holders. This past September, BPL staff created the Passport Program, a booklet outlining routes to walk, run, or bike between each of the BPL’s 26 locations.

When Christina Ingram became a young mother, she was forced to leave high school to care for her son. Despite many obstacles, Ingram was determined to earn her diploma — and when she stopped by the Boston Public Library (BPL), the opportunity finally came when she saw a flyer for Excel Adult High School.  

In  recent  years,  patron  demand  has  outpaced  the  Library’s  capacity  for  certain  critical  and  innovative services  and  resources.  To  meet  this  growing  need, forward-thinking  private  donors  have  funded  several new  staff  positions.

On April 24, the American Library Association (ALA) kicked off National Library Week with the release of its annual State of America’s Libraries Report, highlighting the challenges U.S. libraries face.