Boston Public Library, Codman Square Branch

Phone: 

(617) 436-8214

Email: 

jknight@bpl.org

Website: 

www.bpl.org/branches/codman.htm

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Mon & Thurs: 12pm-8pm, Tues & Weds: 10am-6pm, Fri & Sat: 9am-5pm

Location

BPL Codman Square Branch
690 Washington St
Dorchester, MA
United States
See map: Google Maps
Key Partners: 
  • Dorchester-Franklin Field Community Learning Initiative

    Partnership with Perkins Community Center, Joseph Lee Elementary, Lee Academy Pilot School, DotWell

  • LiveWire Learning Community

    New initiative between Dorchester-Franklin Field Community Learning Initiative and FableVision Learning. Read more about this exciting new project here.

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

To register for a library card online, click here!

Key Programs Offered: 
  • Homework Assistance Program

    Free one-on-one homework help for students in grades K-8 from high-achieving high school mentors. Available at every BPL branch Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5:30PM.

  • Boston Teachers' Union Tutors

    Tutoring for students in all grades from BPS teachers. Days and times vary by location. Codman: Monday and Thursday 4-6PM.

  • Ongoing programs

    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!

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Community Meeting Space Available: 

Yes

Created: 
05/21/2010

DISTINCTIVE ASPECTS OF THE COLLECTION
The branch holds a very good reference collection on African-American history. There is a large Children's section of biographies as well as an excellent collection of material in large print format. We have a large urban fiction collection. Local History collection is for in-library use and cannot be borrowed. Additional copies, if found elsewhere in the library, may be available for borrowing. Codman Square has medium sized collections of Spanish and French language materials.

RECURRING PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Preschool Story hours, Toddler Tales, Chess and Movies programs are offered weekly for children.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING OFFERED
Book readings by local authors and programs that respond to the community interests and hobbies. Summer reading programs are offered for children.

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.

HISTORY
Opened in 1905 the branch was named for John Codman a local preacher and patriot. Originally housed at 6 Norfolk Street, the branch moved to its present location in 1978. The building was designed by Eco-Texture, Inc.