Chinatown public library could return on permanent basis

There are tentative plans to open a permanent Boston Public Library branch in Chinatown. The last one was bulldozed in 1956 to make way for the Central Artery.

Officials have not finalized anything yet, but two particular signs of a permanent presence have emerged in recent months.

Mayor Marty Walsh said in his State of the City address in January that “we're finally bringing library services back to the Chinatown neighborhood.” And basement space in the city-owned China Trade Center at 2 Boylston Street is due to host a temporary library before the end of the year, though that could change.

For now, the neighborhood of approximately 12,000 awaits an amenity other Boston areas might take for granted—and watches as neighborhoods such as East Boston and Jamaica Plain get new or majorly renovated libraries themselves.

Stay tuned.

• After 60 Years, Chinatown May Finally Get Its Neighborhood Library Back [WBUR]