Boston Public Library - Roxbury Branch

The Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library, located at 149 Dudley Street in historic Nubian Square, is one of the largest branches in the BPL system. Originally called the Dudley Library, it opened in its current location in April 1978 and was designed by Kallmann and McKinnell Architects in the Brutalist style. The branch features a Spanish language collection, an extensive African American collection, and a Nutrition Lab that serves as the library’s hub for nutrition literacy.

The branch underwent a significant $17.2 million renovation, completed in 2020, led by the design firm Utile. This renovation aimed to transform the previously introverted and closed-off Brutalist structure into a more open, inviting space. Key design changes included replacing concrete and glass block walls with transparent windows, moving the entrance to Dudley Street for better visibility, and creating a welcoming plaza. The renovation also introduced modern amenities such as a technology teaching lab, a nutrition lab with a full kitchen, and expanded computer stations.