Happy National Library Week! To support our local libraries, I’m raising funds to support the Boston Public Library (BPL), its 25 neighborhood branches, and the programs and resources that make it such an essential part of our community.

Did you know that anyone in MA can get a BPL library card? Or through the Books Unbanned initiative, any youth across the country can get a virtual BPL card to access resources that may be banned in their hometowns? Or that around 4 million people from around the world visit the BPL every year? No matter where you live, the BPL is for you and I encourage you to support us!

The BPL is more than a lender of books; BPL provides amazing cultural programming, ESOL classes, nutrition literacy and cooking courses, reentry support for formerly incarcerated folks, resources for 1,500+ unhoused people annually, and so much more, for FREE. We often take our libraries for granted, but these free, public spaces are under attack and we need to show our support!

Every dollar raised makes a huge difference. Last year, your donations delivered a record-breaking $100,000+ which funded dozens of new and innovative programs. This includes the groundbreaking Nutrition Lab and Chef In Residency at the Roxbury Branch which is increasing nutrition literacy and providing free healthy cooking classes.

To keep knowledge accessible, third spaces alive, and spread joy, please join me in donating to the BPL for National Library Week to celebrate the invaluable role libraries play in our communities.