Storefront library exposes gap
(Globe Editorial, Sept. 25, 2009)

This recent coverage is part of a long-standing discussion about how to bring library services to Chinatown.

The Storefront Library aims to demonstrate that there are ways—right now—that residents, property owners, cultural institutions, and the city can work together to explore that question, while activating a vacant commerical storefront. A spirit of cooperation and experimentation has been a hallmark of the project, and we’ve seen key contributions from property owners, the Boston Public Library, the City of Boston, and many others.

By adding the Storefront Library to the mix, Boston Street Lab hopes to generate new ideas about how to bring cultural and civic space to downtown Boston, whether in a vacant storefront, a permanent library branch, or other ways yet to be imagined.

Leslie Davol
Sam Davol
Boston Street Lab

Boston Street Lab is looking for nonprofit organizations and groups who provide educational and community programs consistent with a public library, such as ESL and computer classes, reading groups, screenings, talks, meetings, and events. The Chinatown Storefront Library will launch in Fall 2009 and will showcase some of Boston’s civic and cultural resources in a highly visible, street-level space. During the summer of 2009, some of the library’s program will be previewed at outdoor events in downtown Boston.

Contact Leslie Davol to explore a partnership with the Storefront Library. By putting your program or event on display, you can show support for the idea of a permanent library branch in the neighborhood and also draw attention to your organization’s work.