Looks like our South Boston Branch of the public library will be named after former MA State Senate President and President of UMass Boston Bill Bulger. We’ll second that! The following is a press release from Bill Linehan:
City Council President and South Boston District City Councilor Bill Linehan submitted written nomination to the Boston Public Facilities Commission for the naming of the South Boston Branch Public Library after William M. Bulger.
“Mr. President” as Bill Bulger is fondly referred to by neighbors, friends and colleagues contributed immensely to his community of South Boston and the Boston Public Library system. He served both as the President of the Massachusetts Senate and The University of Massachusetts in his illustrious career.
Senate President Bulger was a trustee of the Library for 25 years, from 1983 until 2008. He also co-founded the Boston Public Library Foundation in 1992, a non-profit dedicated to raising money for the library. The Foundation first helped to restore the McKim building in Copley Square and now helps fund virtually all library programs. President Bulger was able to convince philanthropists to support the Boston Public Library. He was also able to use his influence as Senate President to ensure libraries across the Commonwealth receive state aid.
President Bulger also recognized that since the Boston Public Library system is used by people from all over the state and the world, it is entitled to additional state support. In 1972 President Bulger helped the Boston Public Library system become the official Library of Last Recourse for the Commonwealth, entitling it to additional state funding. In 1990 President Bulger allocated $7.1 million to restore artwork in the McKim building. President Bulger recognized all aspects of the library are important to its mission, enabling it to become the multi-faceted institution it is today.
Bill Bulger has articulated the importance of reading, a formal education and analytical thought throughout his career. He is an intellectual in the purest sense, pursuing knowledge for its own sake and sharing its importance with others. Mayor Kevin White cited Bulger’s love of learning, knowledge of Latin and Greek, and use of the Boston Public Library as reasons for naming Bulger a trustee.
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love the idea.dont know anybody more dedicated to reading andlearning than bill bulger. lets do it !!!