Library service in the West End was initiated in 1894 with the conversion of the Old West Church on the corner of Cambridge and Lynde Streets to library use. The West End Branch opened in February 1896. The West End Redevelopment Project necessitated closing the Branch in 1960. As part of the project a new building designed by Maginnis, Walsh and Kennedy opened in January 1968. Lecture programs are typically offered in the fall or spring focusing on topics of local interest including local history. The collection provides a wide diversity of reading material, including biography, history, travel books, finance, art, interior decoration, health, cooking, literature and advice for writers. There are also monthly blood pressure screenings offered by the City of Boston Commission on Affairs of the Elderly.

Beacon Hillers have no idea how they survived before the Whole Foods was put into Charles River Plaza. With the freshest (and most expensive) produce, seafood, and meats around, Whole Foods is the best go to for most of your shopping needs, organic or otherwise. This location in Beacon Hill also features free delivery within certain neighborhoods of Boston and validated parking (hard to come by) for up to an hour in the parking lot they share with the Mass General and CVS.

Public restroom: straight down the main corridor on the left, plainly marked.