Mattapan Branch
🏢 Boston Public Library · Boston, Massachusetts
Mattapan Branch
Opened on February 28, 2009, the Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library is a LEED-certified civic anchor for one of Boston's most culturally rich neighborhoods — holding collections in French, Haitian-Creole and Spanish, a courtyard gathering space, and a local history collection that reflects Mattapan's deep roots as a majority Black community.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 12pm–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 1350 Blue Hill Avenue, Boston, MA 02126
Phone: (617) 298-9218
Website: bpl.org
Plus Code: 87JC7WG4+WQ (Boston, MA)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Mattapan Branch
Library service in Mattapan began modestly as a reading room attached to a book delivery station in the Oakland Hall building. The space was elevated to branch status in 1923 and moved to 10 Hazelton Street on June 22, 1931. The current 20,665-square-foot building at 1350 Blue Hill Avenue, designed by William Rawn Associates Architects, opened on February 28, 2009, as part of Mayor Menino's initiative to bring landmark civic buildings to Boston's more diverse neighborhoods. The building was designed to LEED standards, incorporating daylighting strategies, water conservation, a cool roof, an on-site stormwater infiltration system, bike storage and parking for alternative fuel vehicles. Collections in French, Haitian-Creole and Spanish serve Mattapan's large Haitian American, Cape Verdean and Latino communities. The branch maintains a local history collection and hosts community programming — from children's storytimes to gardening clubs, senior sewing circles and Puzzles & Jazz events — that makes it a genuine neighborhood gathering place.
⭐ What makes this library special
- LEED-certified building opened February 28, 2009 — designed by William Rawn Associates as part of Boston's initiative to bring landmark civic architecture to diverse neighborhoods
- Collections in French, Haitian-Creole and Spanish serving Mattapan's large Haitian American and Latino communities
- Courtyard space for community gathering and outdoor programs
- Branch history dating to 1923 — began as a reading room and book delivery station in Oakland Hall before achieving full branch status
- Local history collection supporting community research and neighborhood memory
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Mattapan BPL cardholders can access free digital resources through Boston Public Library and Massachusetts statewide platforms:
📚 Services
- French, Haitian-Creole and Spanish language collections
- Homework help for grades K–8
- Literacy collection for developing readers
- Public computers, laptops, printing, scanning & free Wi-Fi
- Quiet study rooms and reservable community space
- Courtyard for outdoor gathering and programs
- Bike rack, parking lot and accessible entrance
- After-hours book return
- Lucky Day collection — popular new items with no holds
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and early literacy programs
- Youth gardening club
- Senior sewing circle
- Puzzles & Jazz cultural events
- Homework help sessions for K–8 students
- English language learner programs
📍 Nearby BPL Branches in Boston
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Boston · Browse all Massachusetts libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Mattapan Branch open at its current location and who designed it?
The current building at 1350 Blue Hill Avenue opened on February 28, 2009. It was designed by William Rawn Associates Architects to LEED environmental standards and was part of Mayor Thomas Menino's initiative to bring important civic architecture to Boston's more diverse neighborhoods. The 20,665-square-foot building features daylighting, water conservation systems, a cool roof and a stormwater infiltration system.
What languages does the Mattapan Branch collection include?
Beyond English, the branch holds materials in French, Haitian-Creole and Spanish — reflecting Mattapan's large Haitian American, Cape Verdean and Latino communities. The branch also offers English language learner programs to support new arrivals.
How long has there been a library in Mattapan?
Library service in Mattapan dates to at least the early twentieth century, when a reading room was attached to a book delivery station at Oakland Hall. The space was upgraded to full branch status in 1923, then relocated to 10 Hazelton Street in June 1931 before moving to the current Blue Hill Avenue building in 2009 — over a century of continuous community library service.
Is Mattapan Branch open on evenings or weekends?
Yes. Tuesday evenings until 8 p.m. are the late night; Monday, Wednesday and Thursday run 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday and Saturday are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The branch is closed on Sunday.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
✎ Notice something out of date? Suggest a correction and we’ll verify and update it.