Shaw-Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library

04/21/2026

Join us for History of Hip-Hop and Lyricism —a 60-minute interactive workshop exploring the culture, creativity, and power of one of the most influential art forms of our time.

Designed for students in grades 6–12, this experience dives into the origins, icons, and social impact of hip-hop—and invites participants to write and perform their own original lyrics.

Led by COOS Teaching Artist Red Shaydez ( ), this is a space to learn, create, and express.

📅 Saturday, May 2
⏰ 1:00–2:00 PM
📍 Shaw-Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library ( ) | 149 Dudley St, Roxbury, MA

🎟 Free + RSVP: https://givebutter.com/history-hip-hop

♿ Fully accessible venue with free parking + public WiFi

Come ready to listen, reflect, and step into your own creative voice.

04/21/2026

Today, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, The Shaw-Roxbury Branch has an expected delayed opening due to a facilities issue.
The expected delay is until 12:00 pm.

Sorry for any inconvenience. Please visit the Parker Hill Branch or any other nearby branch with a 10:00 am opening.

https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/locations?_gl=1*1q3s0gp*_ga*NTAyOTY0Nzc3LjE3NTc3MjE5MTU.*_ga_G99DMMNG39*czE3NzY3ODIwNDUkbzczJGcwJHQxNzc2NzgyMDU5JGo0NiRsMCRoMA..*_ga_MHZN5EZEPR*czE3NzY3ODIwNDUkbzczJGcwJHQxNzc2NzgyMDU5JGo0NiRsMCRoMA..

Hours and locations of Boston Public Library.

04/19/2026

The American City Coalition (TACC) Presents
The 4th Annual Greater Roxbury Book Fair
Saturday, May 16th from 9am - 5pm
Shaw-Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library
149 Dudley Street, Roxbury MA 02119

The Greater Roxbury Book Fair celebrates the transformative power of reading by promoting connection to local books and authors, championing literacy and entrepreneurship, and celebrating the many strengths of the Greater Roxbury community.

At this year’s book fair, you’ll find author talks, panels, workshops, storytimes, book signings, and an outdoor fair with local literary exhibitors, BIPOC artisan vendors, food, music, and most of all: fun! There’s something for every reader—from kids to adults, comics readers to poetry aficionados—at the Greater Roxbury Book Fair.

04/07/2026

Please join us at the Shaw-Roxbury Branch on May 23, 2026 from 3pm - 4:45pm for an Afternoon of Real Words: Live reading of raw, personal poems on love, heartbreak, and healing. Come experience the story behind the words. presented by Unapologetically Intentional.

RSVP: https://bit.ly/4bPr6VX

04/04/2026

The City of Boston is asking community residents to provide input for possible changes being made to Blue Hill Ave. This is a great opportunity to provide perspectives of those who drive, take the RIDE, or commute via MBTA.

Survey:

What is our Vision? What do we want and need on Blue Hill Ave? This survey is being conducted with residents in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan ; along the Blue Hill Ave Corridor to engage families on our vision for Blue Hill Ave. It is time to update the infrastructure of Blue Hill Ave but our commun...

04/04/2026

Join us on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
at the Shaw-Roxbury Branch Library for:
Black History…Began with a Love Story (with Author Irene Smalls

*Before slavery was a legalized institution in the United States, Black history in America began with love, family, and freedom.
Join Irene Smalls — historian, storyteller, and award-winning children’s author — for a powerful presentation uncovering the true story of Antony and Isabela and the birth of their son William Tucker, the first documented African American born free in 1624.

03/04/2026

Apply to be the Boston Public Library's next Chef-in-Residence based at the Shaw-Roxbury Branch! The application closes on March 27, 2026.

Click link below to apply:
https://www.bpl.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/02/CIR-application-june-2026-june-2027-share-1.pdf

02/23/2026

To keep patrons and staff safe during the upcoming storm, all BPL locations will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026.

02/20/2026

Please join us at the Shaw-Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library on March 14, 2026 from 3-5pm for or an depth discussion of "The Code Concept", authored by Neely Fuller, JR. - Understanding Racism to Produce Justice -
*Should Black People become codified?
*What immediate steps can Black People take to counter racism?
*What do Black People and the LGBTQ community have in common?
*For more information: Mark Jones Tel. 617-390-3641 - Email: [email protected]

02/18/2026

Please join us on Feb 21, 2026 from 2:30pm - 4:30pm for a video presentation featuring clips and highlights from the pilot phase of this evolving project, offering a glimpse into these lives and the
significant places across Roxbury that hold meaning for our past, present, and future.

Registration is FREE — Click below to register:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7cygzju/lp/75b31fa0-eba6-4673-a4c2-ffced1eb9b2d

02/06/2026

A Conversation with Ilyasah Shabazz (Daughter of Malcolm X, Professor & Author) Please join us at the Shaw-Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library on Monday, February 9, 2026
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, as we welcome Ilyasah Shabazz — professor, author, and daughter of Malcolm X — to speak about her works and the legacy of her father.

This conversation will be narrated by Dr. Noelle Trent, Historian and President and CEO of the Museum of African American History In Massachusetts. After the talk, there will be an author signing facilitated by Frugal Bookstore.