To support the boston public library (bpl) in the catologing, repair, restoration, digitization, and exhibition of the bpl's special collections of rare books, manuscripts, prints and drawings, musical scores, works of art, and items of historic, literary, and cultural importance. In addition, the organization sponsors the associates of the boston public library writer-in-residence program, and holds literary and curatorial programs designed to draw attention to the library and its recources; and funds other activities which in the opinion of the board of directors support the needs of the bpl.

Arts & Culture , Arts Services , Education , Fund Raising & Fund Distribution , Libraries

The associates of the boston public is dedicated to conserving the boston public library's special collections of rare books, manuscripts, prints and drawings, musical scores, works of art, and items of historic, literary, and cultural importance. The organization is committed to ensuring continued public access to these irreplaceable treasures by underwriting their cataloging, repair, restoration, digitization, and exhibition. the organization sponsors the associates of the boston public library writer-in-residence program to provide emerging authors with the financial support and office space needed to complete one literary work for children or young adults. This program draws attention to the importance of writers and writing in our culture, as well as the many educational oportunities offered by the boston public library. the organization hosts literary and curatorial programming designed to heighten awareness of the boston public library and its special collections. During fiscal year 2017 this programing included the hundred year retroactive book award, which weighed the enduring literary merits of bestsellers published a hundred years ago, and "a cry against the players: pilgrims, puritans, and shakespeare's wicked stage" timed to coincide with the bpl's shakespeare unauthorized exhibition.