Arts

These Were The Top 10 Books Checked Out at JP Libraries

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The Boston Public Library compiled their top 10 list of books checked out in 2021 throughout the entire BPL system, as well as individual branches. And one author dominated both Jamaica Plain branch libraries. Children's book author Mo Willems continues to dominate the JP branches. In 2019, Willems' books took all 10 spots on the children's book list. In 2021, Willems was in the overall top 10 lists, which included adult and children's books.

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Government

Matt O’Malley Energized About Next Opportunity, Reflects on City Council

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After 11 years, Boston City Council President Pro Tempore and District 6 City Councilor Matt O'Malley is moving on from City Hall and is very excited about what the future brings. O'Malley spoke to Jamaica Plain News about his proudest accomplishments, unsung constituent services, and what's next for him. This is an edited version of the conversation. https://twitter.com/MattOMalley/status/1463893405604401160
Q: Tell us about your new job and what does it entail? O'Malley: I was named the Chief Sustainability Officer of Vicinity.

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Arts

Celebrate New Public Art Piece at Jamaica Plain Library on Nov. 4

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A wythe is a continuous vertical section of masonry one unit in thickness, and a web is something formed by or as if by weaving or interweaving. Put those two together and you get Wythe & Web, the new public art installation at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library. Artist Matthew Hinçman started his work on the project January 2021, and the community is finally going to have the opportunity to celebrate it on Nov. 4 (4:30-6:30 pm) with the art on the front lawn of the library and Curtis Hall. The event will include music, poetry, and more.

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Arts

Banned Books Week at Jamaica Plain Branch Library

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In recognition of Banned Books Week, the Jamaica Plain Branch Library is featuring some commonly banned books, with a chance to win one of them.  

The theme this year is "Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us." The display is presented by the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, and will be up through Oct. 2.

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City Services

Boston Public Branch Libraries Reopening June 14

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The Boston Public Copley Library opens on June 1, and all branch libraries (not under construction) will be reopening on June 14. Beginning on June 1, patrons will be able to browse select books in the Copley Library building, and patrons will also be able to ask staff to pull books on demand. Patrons will be able to pick up holds, check out books and DVDs. Patrons will also be able to spend time in the courtyard, renew their library cards, use public computers, print, and make photocopies. Starting June 14 branch library visitors will be able to pick up holds, check out books, spend time browsing, use the library’s computers for limited time slots, print and make photocopies.

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Arts

Public Art Project ‘Wythe and Web’ Under Construction at JP Library

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If you've walked past the Jamaica Plain Branch Library recently you may have noticed construction for a new public art project. Part of the $10 million renovation of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library included funding for a public art project. Jamaica Plain resident Matthew Hincman's project Wythe and Web was selected. The foundational brickwork has been laid, and some of the blue glazed bricks have been added. Additional thin bricks will be installed in certain sections by a mosaicist, according to the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library newsletter.

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City Services

‘BPL to Go’ Launches at Jamaica Plain Branch Library

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The Jamaica Plain Branch Library is one of the five branch libraries that will participate in the initial BPL to Go program, which will allow people to pick up physical items such as books, DVDs, and CDs. BPL to Go launched at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library on June 22. "We are so glad to return this first in-person service to our patrons, to complement the online services we have rolled out since we closed in March," said David Leonard, BPL President.  "For several weeks, we have been planning how to safely return to in-person service; after evaluating recommendations from experts and learning from peer libraries across the country, we have a program that will allow us to place some of our collections back into circulation." The first five locations participating in the program re the Central Library in Copley Square, the Codman Square Branch, the East Boston Branch, the Jamaica Plain Branch, and the Mattapan Branch. BPL hopes the program will be expanded throughout the system in the coming weeks.

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Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library

Tropical Fiesta at the Library!

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Join the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library in shaking off the end-of-winter blues at our annual Tropical Fiesta! We will cast off Winter and welcome the coming of Spring with delicious food (Coco Verde Vegan) combined with some delicious live music (Jefferey Clayton from the Pan Neubean Steel Band).

Arts

Jamaica Plain Collage Artist Marnie Jain’s Exhibit Opens at JP Library March 6

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Jamaica Plain artist Marnie Jain's In Close Proximity art exhibit is opening at the JP Library on March 6. Jain is known for her delightful collage compositions featuring rabbits, frogs, birds, and snakes hidden among flowers and forest greenery, according to a press release. She uses bright colors to create playful, textured, and often enlightening works of art. In Close Proximity highlights insects, reptiles, and animals that live in Jamaica Plain, and she includes some imaginary creatures, too. “This show is a recognition that there is more to our environment and neighborhood than we visibly see, that the natural world is abundant with co-existing species, and that all of it holds beauty,” said Jain.

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Arts

New Library Photo Exhibition Highlights Jamaica Plain Neighborhoods

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Photos in the most recent art exhibit at the Jamaica Plain Branch Library may look familiar, as Robin Radin's "The Nearness of Us" features JP neighborhoods. JP resident Radin presents our neighborhood's parks, streets, train stations, and other public spaces while using stark black and white images. “My work examines the intricacies of human relations: a visual acknowledgement that we are both together as community and family, and alone, as individuals,” said Radin. In her exhibit, Radin observes the relationships of relatives, friends, partners, and their surrounding environment. She utilized quiet moments occurring within the more frenetic experience of city life.

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