Scenes from the 2016 BPLF annual Gala
On June 10, the Boston Public Library Foundation (BPLF), a partner of the Boston Public Library that encourages philanthropy at all levels to help the library achieve its goals, held its annual Gala to preview the renovated Central Library in Copley Square, which will open to the public this summer. Jeff Hawkins, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at Bain Capital Credit and Chair of the BPLF Board of Directors, attended the celebration and spoke about the transformative renovations to a room of 240 guests.
Opening on July 9, the second phase of the renovation of the Central Library’s Johnson building will represent the cutting edge of library services. Totaling approximately 110,000 square feet, the renovation includes updates to the lower level, first floor, mezzanine, and the building exterior.
“This year’s gala was an exceptional experience, as it served as a celebration of the hard work that has been accomplished for the new Central Library, as well as a thank you to our generous donors,” said Jeff. “These funds that have been raised will transform our programs and provide unique and innovative services to kids and teens.”
Mayor Martin J. Walsh was in attendance to deliver remarks and express his support for the BPLF’s ongoing efforts. He was joined by Bob Gallery, Chair of the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees, David Leonard, Boston Public Library President, and Lisa Bevilaqua, Boston Public Library Executive Director. To date, the gala has raised more than $660,000 for the Boston Public Library, a significant contribution to the city-funded institution. All net proceeds from the Gala will support fiscal year 2017 programs and initiatives.
Bain Capital has supported the BPLF in a variety of ways since 2001, including contributions made annually through the Bain Capital Children's Charity. The BPLF supports a wide range of programs at the Central Library and each of the neighborhood branches, including educational programs for children and teens, special exhibitions that showcase the Boston Public Library’s distinctive special collection, and adult offerings that include concerts, lectures and pilot programs that will soon animate the new space. To learn more, visit www.bplf.com.
