In 2011, the Boston Public Library (BPL) decided to close two branch libraries in East Boston—home to the nation's first municpally supported branch library, built in 1870—and open a new one midway between the two. Amy E. Ryan, BPL president, posed a challenge to Boston-based architecture firm William Rawn Associates (WRA). “We got together and talked about what kind of design we could come up with that really serves the expectations of a population that doesn't speak much English, doesn't have experience with a public library, and maybe is even suspicious of government institutions,” says Ryan. “Libraries have never been as essential as they are today, for filling the achievement gap, bridging the digital divide, teaching English, helping people finding careers, enjoying literature.”
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