History :
Allston's library service began in 1889 in a delivery station in Frank Howe's drugstore at 26 Franklin Street. Horse-drawn carriages delivered books from other branch libraries to local businesses that displayed the books for their customers. The demand for books increased as the delivery station grew, and volunteers organized expanded library services. In 1905, the Allston Reading Room at 354 Cambridge Street replaced the 16 year-old delivery station. A BPL librarian staffed the reading room. It became a full-service branch of the Boston Public Library in 1924.
The branch moved to rented space at 161 Harvard Avenue in 1929, and in 1979 celebrated its 90th anniversary of service to the residents of Allston. In 1981, amid statewide budget cuts, the Allston branch was closed. Neighborhood groups lobbied for a reinstatement of library service. In 1993 Mayor Thomas M. Menino promised a new branch for Allston. On January 19, 2000 ground was broken for the Allston Branch Library. Designed by Machado & Silvetti Associates, Inc., an international architectural firm, the branch officially opened for business on Saturday, June 16, 2001. On March 13, 2003 the branch was renamed the Honan-Allston branch in honor of the late City Councilor Brian Honan.
In 2006, tree guards and bicycle racks designed by sculptor Rich Duca were added to the property, adding beauty and utility to the site.
