SPECIAL CONNECTIONS
Igniting Curiosity and Inspiring Change
Bringing our spaces and collections to Life
From the books and papers of poets and presidents to the iconic spaces of the Central Library’s McKim Building — the Boston Public Library’s collections provide a wondrous chronicle of our collective history and identity.
Now, the Boston Public Library Fund has launched Special Connections, a groundbreaking initiative that will use the power of private philanthropy to bring our spaces and collections to life as never before.
connecting our past, present, and future
Special Connections is a two-year, $5 million fundraising effort to greatly expand the BPL’s capacity to develop a breadth of dynamic and innovative programs that connect our past, present, and future through endowed and current-use funding:
- Endow the Chief of Creative Engagement position, an entrepreneurial leader to create new opportunities
- Endow Catalyst Fellowships to produce vibrant programs
- Fund pilot programs to launch community-centered activities
- Support new partners and collaborations with schools, theaters, historical societies, and artists
impact everywhere
Support for Special Connections has already made the following new programming possible:
Facilitated Discussions for Revolution! Exhibition
In partnership with Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), the Library pioletted a series of facilitated discussions designed to help visitors look more closely at the themes and artworks featured in the new Revolution! 250 Years of Art + Activism in Boston exhibition.
Shakespeare at the Library: October 2026
This performance series, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, will bring scenes from Shakespeare’s works to life. Staged in spaces such as the Abbey Room and Sargent Gallery, these “pop-up” performances will highlight the beauty of the architecture while celebrating Shakespeare’s timeless words.
Memory Lab: September 2026 – February 2027
The Memory Lab, run by the BPL’s Community History Department, will provide the public an onsite, do-it-yourself space to transfer their family documents to digital file formats. The Lab will be located in the southern alcove of the iconic Bates Hall creating a meaningful connection between the city’s past and the living histories of today.
Inspire a deeper CONNECTION
Your support for Special Connections will inspire an even deeper connection between the BPL and patrons hungry for new growth and learning opportunities.
Donors will be honored with a permanent recognition plaque in the iconic McKim Building. This distinguished acknowledgment will celebrate your vital contribution as a champion of cultural enrichment and community empowerment at the Boston Public Library.
Donors interested in contributing $10,000 or greater are cordially invited to learn more and join us in this exciting effort as we work to activate the treasures in our collection, animate the spaces we steward, and serve the people of Boston and the Commonwealth.
For more information, contact Paula Sakey, at psakey@bplfund.org or 617.859.2029.