Boston Public Library- Parker Hill Branch

For those who know the Boston Public Library system of libraries, this is a beautiful library overlooking the city of Boston. Located on Mission Hill in a beautiful stone building, The Parker Hill branch of the BPL has all the services of it's father library that is located in Copley Square. If you have a BPL library card, you are set to take books out of this Mission Hill branch, however, if you do not have a library card, it is FREE to get one, and you can go to any Boston Public Library! This is a great place to spend time on a cold winter afternoon! This building was designed in 1929 by famed architect Ralph Adams Cram. Cram appeared on the cover of Time Magazine in 1926 and was heralded as Boston's foremost architect. He left a significant impact on the area having designed many buildings and churches including All Saint's Church in Brookline, the Japanese Garden Court at the Museum of Fine Arts, the John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse, and the Second Unitarian Church in Boston. The outside of the building has the carved seal of Massachusetts on one side and the seal of the city of Boston on the other. Over the door is a carved seal of the Boston Public Library. Sunlight shines through the tiny window-panes on the heavy oak tables making the library a pleasant place to spend the afternoon. The Parker Hill Branch Library hosts the annual Mission Hill Artists Association Open House. This special exhibition is a showcase of works done by Mission Hill artists. There are many summer reading programs offered. In addition there are family storytimes, internet trainings, and concerts throughout the year. Special puppet theatre and storytelling presentations are offered for children. Cultural programs such as African fashion shows, and the demonstration of various African drums and instruments have been offered. Through the Massachusetts College of Art, the Branch has offered art programs during a six-week student internship program. The Parker Hill Branch collection holdings include an ESL collection, Spanish collection for both adults and children, large print, numerous fiction titles (particularly mystery/detective novels), SCI-FI/fantasy, romance, historical fiction, nonfiction holdings include popular reference, informational materials (e.g. self-help and "how to books"). Additionally offered are a large variety of paperbacks, magazines, books on tape, c.d.’s and videos.