Welcome to the North End Branch Library, a place with rich history and strong
community engagement. The current building, designed by architects Carl Koch and
Associates, was dedicated on May 5, 1965. Its design is a blend of timeless aesthetics
and practical functionality.
The North End Branch Library was built with an investment of over $220,000 for
construction and an additional $40,000 for furnishings. Made from quality materials
such as brick, glass, ceramics, and Philippine mahogany, the 7,200 square feet building
reflects the Italian heritage of the neighborhood.
Located in the heart of the North End, the library showcases a balance of tradition and
innovation. It is a simple yet striking one-story, red brick building modeled after a Roman
villa with a courtyard in the center. The architects’ attention to detail has created a
welcoming environment that tries to capture the spirit of the neighborhood with its deep
Italian roots.
The library offers distinct features that make it special for visitors. The remarkable roof
is supported by nine interior columns adorned with unique, concrete hyperbolic
paraboloid shapes. Inside, you will find an inviting atrium – a courtyard that was
originally filled with lush plants and a peaceful pool – illuminated by high windows. The
exterior is broken up with touches of color in small, sculptural panels featuring glass
ceramics.
Art and Culture
Art has always been a part of the North End Branch Library. As you enter, you’ll see a
white marble bas relief with a bust of Dante Alighieri sculpted by Luciano Campise, an
artist known in Italy and Boston. This impressive piece was gifted to the Library by the
Boston Branch of the Dante Alighieri Society and unveiled on June 1, 1913. A bust of
Verdi, another of Campise’s work, is in the old Boston Opera House.
Further inside, you will find a 14’ long, glass-enclosed, scale model diorama of the
Palazzo Ducal Palace in Venice, created by Miss Henrietta Gardner Macy. Miss Louise
Stimson of Concord crafted the Venetian figures, recreating life from 16th century
Venice. This artwork was presented to the library in memory of Miss Macy by her close
friend, Miss Nina C. Mitchell.
There also is an impressive bust of King Humbert I, carved from Carrara marble by Luigi
Tassi. This bust, a gift to the city of Boston from King Humbert I in 1883, was originally in
the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and transferred to the North End Branch Library in 1903.
A Space for Everyone
The building was designed to be a space for everyone. The original design was very
similar to what is there today. Inside and to the left was a colorful Children’s Room with
inviting, white round tables and an informally furnished browsing area. The All Purpose
Room to the rear of the Children’s Room was designed to be suitable for various events,
from children’s story hours to film showings. Comfortable reading rooms for adults and
young adults were set up in a separate area.
Modern Design
Philippine mahogany shelves and well-designed furniture created an atmosphere of
sophistication and warmth. The upholstery and drapes in shades of vibrant blue, green,
purple, orange, red, and yellow added color to the modern, simple lines of the walnut,
white, and black furniture. Different reading areas were marked by carefully positioned
chairs and tables, encouraging comfort and exploration.
The North End Branch Library was designed to embrace modern comforts. Colorful
striped area rugs, known for their durability, enhanced the floors, and the reading rooms
were equipped with listening devices for an immersive experience. The building was
heated by gas, was completely air conditioned, and enjoyed softly diffused, indirect
fluorescent lighting.
A Historical Journey
The library’s story is intertwined with the evolution of the North End. In 1882, the North
End established a book delivery station at the Hancock School building on Parmenter
Street. The station relocated to a second-story room at 166 Hanover Street in 1890.
However, six years later it was closed down upon the inauguration of the West End
Branch Library. In 1899, the book delivery station found a new home at the North Bennet
Industrial School at 39 North Bennet Street. The first dedicated building for the North
End Branch Library was inaugurated on February 28, 1913, at 3A North Bennet Street,
which formerly was the Portuguese Church of St. John the Baptist.
Each step of its journey reflects community spirit and intellectual growth. More than a
building, the North End Branch Library signifies the influence of knowledge, culture, and
community.