"Heroes walk amongst us…The center of our world for my children's younger years (a solid decade!) was the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library and the center of the library for us was Children's Librarian, Barbara Rhodes" – Valerie Grabiel

Barbara Rhodes was a beloved Children's Librarian for the Boston Public Library for over 40 years, including 30 years at the Jamaica Plain branch. We are deeply saddened that she left us in May of 2024, but her spirit lives on.

We are now embarking on an exciting initiative, in concert with the Boston Public Library Fund, to create the Barbara Rhodes Children’s Endowment Fund! Barbara made the library an educational destination for thousands of children over the years. This fund is inspired by her dedication to children and families, her love of books, and her playful and innovative spirit.

Barbara created a children’s component for nearly every library event, bringing a broad selection of speakers, storytellers, artists, and performers to the library. She expanded the Library’s programming to better engage with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth, and created special programming for her weekly Preschool Storytimes, Kids Club and the JP homeschooling community. During COVID closures, Barbara put together “crafts-to-go” kits and individualized book packs for neighborhood children so they could have books to read and activities to do at home when they couldn’t come to the library in person.

With an ambitious goal of $50,000, the Barbara Rhodes Children’s Endowment will fund children’s programming at the JP Branch in perpetuity, helping to shape future generations to develop a love of reading and become caring members of our city. Continuing in the tradition of Barbara’s work, this programming will continue to build community and promote literacy with themes of empowerment, social justice, creativity and joy.

"Barbara’s love and care have created a generation of readers who will carry that love forward into the future." – Marilyn Morrissey

In October of 2023, Barbara was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the City of Boston, receiving the Shattuck Public Service Award for her four decades of service dedicating her time, talents and wisdom to improving the lives of children throughout the city.

Please help us carry on Barbara’s legacy by funding the continuation and expansion of robust programming for children and families at the Jamaica Plain Library!