Chinese Progressive Association pushes for a Boston Chinatown library

07.10.06 - Posted by AsiansVote

Kudos to the activists and politicians fighting to reestablish a public library in Boston's Chinatown. From the Boston Globe:

Fifty years ago, Chinatown's branch of the Boston Public Library at 130 Tyler St. was demolished to make way for a Central Artery ramp. Now, as new developments swirl around the neighborhood, residents say a library is needed to keep Chinatown's character alive.

"This is not about new library, it's about a library being returned to us after it was taken away," said Lawrence Joe, with the Chinese Progressive Association and a leader of the Friends of a Chinatown Library group. "This is a culturally rich neighborhood that's also a residential neighborhood with unique linguistic needs. We see a library as a building block for the community, where people can send their children and the elderly can read the news in Chinese."

After more than 100 people attended a June 13 meeting chaired by City Councilmen Michael Ross, Michael Flaherty, and Sam Yoon, mayor Thomas Merino allocated $35,000 for a study on the feasibility of creating library in Boston's Chinatown. To get involved yourself, visit the Chinatown Library Campaign homepage -- the website has information about how to join the group and donate money.

For more information about the history of the campaign, download this pdf from Tufts University.

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07.10.06 | Community Services , Issues