With Mission Hill sizable student and millennial population, new Parker Hill Branch librarian Katrina Morse wants to lure them in with new programming, such as food classes and music.
“I want to explore ways to reach out to them,” said Morse, who started last month at the 1497 Tremont St. library. “I want to think about what the students need. They already have campus libraries.”
She said she wants to implement new programs for them, such as music—the library has a piano—and one that revolves around food. Morse also talked about BPL’s mobile bicycle program, where a bike is loaded with books in an attached trailer. The program had its pilot run last summer, and Morse floated the idea of taking it to area college campuses.
She said she wants to reach out to the senior population through offering technology and health classes. Morse said she has been talking with the Mission Hill Health Movement about the possibility of bringing tai chi or yoga to the library.
Morse said she looks forward to getting to know the community and local organizations, such as Sociedad Latina and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt).
“It’s a great branch. It’s a great community. I’m really happy to be here,” she said.
MassArt has a rotating art exhibition at the library. Students recently installed art pieces Morse described as modernism inspired by African art. She said having the art program is a “terrific opportunity,” as the students gain the experience of hanging artwork while the library is able to have a display.
Morse, who graduated from the local Simmons College with a master in librarian science, was previously in charge of adult services at the Grove Hall Branch. Now a Jamaica Plain resident, she also spent eight years working for the Seattle Public Library.
[This article has been updated.]
Katrina Morse, the new librarian at Parker Hill Branch Library. (Courtesy Photo)