About Dorchester's Libraries

Ongoing programming information is listed below each library's description.
Refer to our calendar for more programming and special events.
Click the name of the library for contact information and branch hours.
All libraries provide homework help through the HAP program Monday - Thursday, 3:30pm - 5:30pm.
Click here to learn more.
All libraries also provide computers for public use and FREE wireless access.
To register for a library card online, click here!

Adams Street Library
690 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA 02122, 617-436-6900
The branch holds a very good collection of books pertaining to World War II and the Civil War, as well as an excellent collection of material in large print format. The Adams Street Branch supports the broad interests of a passionate reading neighborhood with outstanding mystery, history and summer reading collections. The branch has been complemented on its eclectic and varied audio-visual collection and extensive list of films. This means they have a wide selection of CDs to borrow! Click for more info.

Tuesdays: 10:30am, Reading Readiness for Preschoolers: Stories songs and activities designed to reinforce the building blocks of                     reading. Includes performances by children's performers.

Codman Square Library
690 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA 02124, 617-436-8214
The Codman Square branch houses an impressive collection of research materials on African-American history in addition to its excellent adult large-print, adult and children's biography sections. The branch offers high interest books at adult, teen and children’s reading levels. The Codman Square Branch is teamed with the Joseph Lee Elementary School and the Lee Academy Pilot School and the Perkins Community Center as part of Mayor Menino’s Community Learning Initiative, a multi-department collaboration aimed at helping Boston’s youth reach their full potential by coordinating learning and recreation throughout the day. Click for more info.

Tuesdays: 11am, Preschool Storytime: stories and activities
Thursdays: 4pm, Chess Time: Every Thursday at 4 we will get out the library's new chess boards for kids to play chess with.
Fridays: 10:30am, Preschool Storytime: Daycares and camps are welcome to an hour of stories & preschool-appropriate movies and TV                 shows from the library's collection.
                3pm, Game Day: Ask at the desk for the board games - there will be a variety of board games for you to choose from. All are                   welcome!

Fields Corner Library
1520 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02122, 617-436-2155
This branch has a strong emphasis on Vietnamese materials –including books, DVDs, CDs, and magazines. There is also a strong children's fiction collection, with a wide variety of summer reading list titles, along with a growing collection of popular DVDs. The Fields Corner Branch hosts a free art enrichment program for children every summer, in collaboration with DotArt. Drop-in science and craft programs are offered several times during the year, along with school vacation programming and vibrant summer reading programs. Local teens from the Homework Assistance Program (HAP) are available five afternoons a week to help younger students with homework. A Boston Teachers’ Union teacher also provides homework help on Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. Click for more info.

Wednesdays: 10:30am, Preschool Films & Fun: Films you (mostly) can't find on television, stories, songs, and play.
Fridays: 10am, Tots Storytime: Stories for children ages 3 to 5.

Grove Hall Library
41 Geneva Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02121, 617-427-3337
A strong emphasis on African-American literature along with annual live jazz performances are the hallmarks of this branch. Located in the newly-renovated Jeremiah E. Burke High School, the new library was designed by Schwartz/Silver Architects. It features a designated young adult room and young adult librarian, in keeping with its unique configuration, adjacent to the high school. Click here for more info.

Tuesdays: 10:30am, Preschool Storytime: Stories and songs followed by movies.
Wednesdays: 10:30am, Computer Troubleshooting: If you need assistance with submitting a resume, establishing an email account, or                            applying for a job online, this program is for you.
                           10:30am, Japanimation: Do you love Anime and Manga? Then join us every Wednesday for Anime screenings and lively                            discussion. For teens ages 13-18.
Thursdays: 12:30pm, Library Basics: Learn how to use the library and find the information that you need. Library Basics will keep you up to                        date on the latest BPL programs and services.
Fridays: 10:30am, Job Seekers Roundtable: Offers people who are seeking employment an opportunity to share experiences, strategies,                  and ideas with other job seekers. Library staff will explore and share job leads and schedule guest speakers.

Lower Mills Library
27 Richmond Street, Dorchester, MA 02124, 617-298-7841
The branch has a particularly strong mystery collection, and has been building its medical study and reference collection to support the schools and colleges in the neighborhood. The fiction collection continues to expand, providing various genres for diverse readers. Books and ephemera related to Dorchester, and particularly Lower Mills, history are well represented in the collection. Students who attend the Pope John Paul II Academy, Lower Mills campus and The Charles Taylor Elementary School use the branch daily. Teachers also bring classes to check out material that may support their curriculum. For adults, the Book Discussion Group meets every third Thursday of the month. Beginners' Internet instruction is available by appointment. Click here for more info.

Tuesdays: 10:30am, Preschool Adventures with Ms. Maija: storytime and a fun activity.
Wednesdays: 10:30am, Little Wigglers Storytime and Playgroup: Ms. Maija will read a story and then we'll have some fun with music,                            dancing, and playing with our friends.
Fridays: 10:30am, Preschool Films: 3-10 minute short films for preschoolers.

Mattapan Library
1350 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA, 02126, 617-298-9218
The new Mattapan Branch located at 1350 Blue Hill Avenue opened on Saturday, February 28, 2009. Come visit our 21st century branch. Multicultural materials and a small Spanish and French language collection can be found in this branch along with its regular adult, young adult, and children's collections.

Wednesdays 10:30am, Fun with Books: For young children ages 1-3 led by Kate and Aimee
Fridays 11:00am, Preschool Films: Short, fun films for young children
                4:00pm Teen Game Time: Board games for teens. Please call in advance to verify that this event has not been rescheduled.

Uphams Corner Library
500 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA 02125, 617-265-0139
The Uphams Corner Branch has a collection which reflects the needs and interest of the surrounding community. In addition to a core group of popular fiction and representative nonfiction, there are materials in French, Portuguese and Spanish languages, well rounded African American authors and reference sections and a large DVD collection. Teenagers are available four afternoons a week to help children with their homework through the HAP program. Click here for more info.

Wednesdays: 10:30am, Reading Readiness Dance Workshop: Erica Siegel will lead pre-reading children in a fun reading readiness                            program that incorporates dance, movement, and stories.
Thursdays: 5pm, Crafts with Mrs. C: Children aged 8-16 are invited to come make a craft to take home.