TAKE YOUR SEAT

inside the Boston Public Library's Rabb Hall

CREATE A LASTING LEGACY FOR YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONE

When you name a seat—or multiple seats—in Rabb Hall in honor or in memory of a loved one, you are creating a powerful legacy that places your honoree’s name in the company of influential voices and icons, who come to the Boston Public Library knowing that is a world renowned symbol of the free sharing of ideas, information, and treasures. Choose two or more seats together to create a symbolic legacy for a couple or family.

The 306-seat lecture space, located inside the Boylston Building of the Boston Public Library, was named for benefactor Sidney R. Rabb (1900-1985), a local philanthropist and former chairman of Stop & Shop Supermarket company, and his wife Esther. It has been host to profound conversations, vibrant performances, and celebrity visits from the likes of activist Angela Davis; bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand; conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Benjamin Zander; fashion designer Joseph Abboud; and Bernice King, lawyer, minister, and youngest child of Martin Luther King Jr. The programs and speakers that grace Rabb Hall are cross-cultural and inter-generational, aimed at encouraging discourse and an appreciation of arts, culture, and activism.

Make your gift of $1,000 or more, per seat, to reserve yours today, and contact Lisa Kernan at lkernan@bplfund.org or 617-859-2031 to arrange for a visit to make your seat selection. Dedicated seats will be adorned with an inscribed silver plaque on the top of the seat-back. With only 306 seats available, this is a limited-time offer so don’t wait! Seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @bplfund

With one week remaining before March comes to a close, now is the time to become the newest member of Patrons of the Courtyard! Make your gift of $2,500 or more today and you’ll enjoy two private events this spring: a tour of the Sargent Gallery and an opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at the Map Center.

This is your chance to join a distinguished group of donors committed to furthering the BPL’s exceptional collections, programs, and services. Use the link in our bio to join today.

Mar 24

With one week remaining before March comes to a close, now is the time to become the newest member of Patrons of the Courtyard! Make your gift of $2,500 or more today and you’ll enjoy two private events this spring: a tour of the Sargent Gallery and an opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at the Map Center.

This is your chance to join a distinguished group of donors committed to furthering the BPL’s exceptional collections, programs, and services. Use the link in our bio to join today.

Name: Quincy Kayton
Hometown: Charlestown

“This will be my first marathon! I`m a member of the Boston Public Library Fund’s Emerging Leaders, so fundraising for Team BPL was a natural choice. But beyond that, I`ve spent my life studying, volunteering, and borrowing from libraries and am thrilled at the opportunity to help support the BPL`s mission and the communities it serves.

My husband Kelvin has been my biggest supporter! He and our dog Lola follow me on long runs with water, goo, and cheers and will also follow me on bike for late night runs. It makes the longer runs feel like a family affair!”

** With 5 weeks to go before the Boston Marathon, we are profiling members of Team BPL and are excited to share their passion for reading and running with you! They need your support to cross the finish line on their fundraising – please consider making a gift on Quincy`s page today! Go to givengain.com/cc/teambpl2023 **

Mar 20

Name: Quincy Kayton
Hometown: Charlestown

“This will be my first marathon! I'm a member of the Boston Public Library Fund’s Emerging Leaders, so fundraising for Team BPL was a natural choice. But beyond that, I've spent my life studying, volunteering, and borrowing from libraries and am thrilled at the opportunity to help support the BPL's mission and the communities it serves.

My husband Kelvin has been my biggest supporter! He and our dog Lola follow me on long runs with water, goo, and cheers and will also follow me on bike for late night runs. It makes the longer runs feel like a family affair!”

** With 5 weeks to go before the Boston Marathon, we are profiling members of Team BPL and are excited to share their passion for reading and running with you! They need your support to cross the finish line on their fundraising – please consider making a gift on Quincy's page today! Go to givengain.com/cc/teambpl2023 **

Thank you to the @lowellinstitute for funding the Lowell Lecture Series. We kicked off the series tonight with environmental thought-leader Gina McCarthy and @bplboston President @daithil3000!

Mar 16

Thank you to the @lowellinstitute for funding the Lowell Lecture Series. We kicked off the series tonight with environmental thought-leader Gina McCarthy and @bplboston President @daithil3000!

Thank you, Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten, for dedicating a seat in the Central Library’s Rabb Hall! Dr. Wooten is President of @simmonsuniversity as well as a Trustee of @bplboston. We’re grateful for your support and advocacy, Dr. Wooten! To learn more about dedicating a seat in Rabb Hall and the impact your gift can make on the Library, visit bplfund.org/rabb.

Mar 16

Thank you, Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten, for dedicating a seat in the Central Library’s Rabb Hall! Dr. Wooten is President of @simmonsuniversity as well as a Trustee of @bplboston. We’re grateful for your support and advocacy, Dr. Wooten! To learn more about dedicating a seat in Rabb Hall and the impact your gift can make on the Library, visit bplfund.org/rabb.

Did you know the Boston Public Library Fund recognizes annual leadership donors through the Patrons of the Courtyard society? The society draws its name from the Central Library’s most iconic space and members enjoy access to a range of exclusive experiences and events including our signature Celebration in the Courtyard, private tours, and opportunities to go behind-the-scenes.

During the month of March, you can become the newest member of Patrons of the Courtyard by making a gift of $2,500 or more. This is your chance to join a distinguished group of donors who are committed to furthering the BPL’s exceptional collections, programs, and services.

Join today at: bplfund.org/patrons

Mar 15

Did you know the Boston Public Library Fund recognizes annual leadership donors through the Patrons of the Courtyard society? The society draws its name from the Central Library’s most iconic space and members enjoy access to a range of exclusive experiences and events including our signature Celebration in the Courtyard, private tours, and opportunities to go behind-the-scenes.

During the month of March, you can become the newest member of Patrons of the Courtyard by making a gift of $2,500 or more. This is your chance to join a distinguished group of donors who are committed to furthering the BPL’s exceptional collections, programs, and services.

Join today at: bplfund.org/patrons

Name: Hailey Swett 🙋‍♀️
Hometown: Medford (I’m a Tufts student!) 📚

"The Boston Public Library is one of my favorite places in the city. As a college student, I spend countless hours studying there. It is a place that makes me feel safe, protected, and at peace. Additionally, I believe that the BPL does essential work for the community, and I want to give back. Lastly, it is my goal to become a librarian, so running for Team BPL seems only fitting!

My dad and I signed up for the 2020 Boston Marathon but we ended up running it virtually in Vermont and New Hampshire on a course we designed. My dad and I are running together again in April, and I can’t wait to be on the real course!"

** With six weeks to go before the Boston Marathon, we are profiling members of Team BPL and are excited to share their passion for reading and running with you! They need your support to cross the finish line on their fundraising – please consider making a gift on Hailey`s page today! Go to givengain.com/cc/teambpl2023 **

Mar 13

Name: Hailey Swett 🙋‍♀️
Hometown: Medford (I’m a Tufts student!) 📚

"The Boston Public Library is one of my favorite places in the city. As a college student, I spend countless hours studying there. It is a place that makes me feel safe, protected, and at peace. Additionally, I believe that the BPL does essential work for the community, and I want to give back. Lastly, it is my goal to become a librarian, so running for Team BPL seems only fitting!

My dad and I signed up for the 2020 Boston Marathon but we ended up running it virtually in Vermont and New Hampshire on a course we designed. My dad and I are running together again in April, and I can’t wait to be on the real course!"

** With six weeks to go before the Boston Marathon, we are profiling members of Team BPL and are excited to share their passion for reading and running with you! They need your support to cross the finish line on their fundraising – please consider making a gift on Hailey's page today! Go to givengain.com/cc/teambpl2023 **

Happy Saturday from the Central Library! If you received our Spring newsletter, Free to All, we hope you`ll take a moment to flip through this weekend! Or read online at bplfund.org!

Mar 11

Happy Saturday from the Central Library! If you received our Spring newsletter, Free to All, we hope you'll take a moment to flip through this weekend! Or read online at bplfund.org!

Thank you, Ben Harris and Danielle Chow, for dedicating a seat in the Central Library’s Rabb Hall! Ben and Danielle find themselves at the @bplboston Central Library weekly, whether they come to borrow books, grab a coffee at the Newsfeed Café, enjoy the Courtyard, or attend an event. They decided to dedicate a seat in memory of the Harris family dog, Henry, pictured here. We think this is such a sweet way to pay tribute to a beloved member of the family.

To learn more about dedicating a seat in Rabb Hall and the impact your gift can make on the Library, visit bplfund.org/rabb.

Mar 9

Thank you, Ben Harris and Danielle Chow, for dedicating a seat in the Central Library’s Rabb Hall! Ben and Danielle find themselves at the @bplboston Central Library weekly, whether they come to borrow books, grab a coffee at the Newsfeed Café, enjoy the Courtyard, or attend an event. They decided to dedicate a seat in memory of the Harris family dog, Henry, pictured here. We think this is such a sweet way to pay tribute to a beloved member of the family.

To learn more about dedicating a seat in Rabb Hall and the impact your gift can make on the Library, visit bplfund.org/rabb.

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Site Development + Design: Bonnie Katz Design
Site Concept Designer: Adam & Co

© 2023 Boston Public Library Fund

Site Development + Design: Bonnie Katz Design
Site Concept Designer: Adam & Co