Streetscape Curator

Have you been to the Uphams Corner Library? There is something strange about the expanded Children’s section.

The building housing the library is a Municipal Building built for the people of Dorchester in 1902. It was the first of its kind in Boston and a proud moment for the residents of Uphams Corner. It was designed by William Besarick, a Dorchester architect, and included meeting rooms, a gym, the public library AND a public indoor pool.

The library has occupied this space since 1904. It was a one-stop-spot suppling residents with community amenities. Over time the downstairs pools started to leak, but this became an opportunity for the library to expand! They moved the children’s section INTO the pool. It adds a little bit of whimsy to your library visit. The old changing benches, stairs, pool drains, tiles, and life saving rings are all preserved.

The building has been a stalwart in the community. Future plans invest in a new library down the street topped with affordable housing, meaning something new might come to this 124 year old building.