WGBH to open studio in Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library has approved a WGBH proposal for a new satellite news bureau and studio inside its central library.

The library picked the proposal over two other ideas after a request for proposals for retail space earlier this year as part of their central library’s renovation. WGBH’s 800-square-foot studio will include an anchor desk to be used for TV and radio broadcasts. The station is also partnering with catering service The Catered Affair to manage a cafe space, The Newsfeed Café. The cafe will be available for catered events and other public functions.

The satellite studio will give WGBH staff “a reporting space with direct access to the public and visitors in the city,” said station spokesperson Jeanne Hopkins. “It is also a space that gives visibility to our work, which is another way to help audiences understand and engage with public media.”

WGBH has worked with the library before on educational outreach and children’s programming, Hopkins said. The new project will give WGBH new ways to provide learning resources, she said.

Boston Public Library, WGBH and The Catered Affair are negotiating a finalized contract, and the space may open next summer.

“We are honored to have this opportunity to extend our educational efforts into the heart of the city through the Boston Public Library,” said Ben Godley WGBH c.o.o., in a press release. “We share a mission of public service, and we look forward to providing greater access to our quality programming, a direct connection with our trusted news reporting, and deeper audience engagement through this partnership.”

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