South Boston’s Branch Library would be renamed for the neighborhood’s legendary politician, William M. Bulger, under a proposal by City Council President Bill Linehan.
“Bill Bulger’s advocacy and commitment to the Boston Public Library system is unquestionable,” Linehan said in a statement Tuesday. “His commitment to service, to the people of South Boston, Boston, and the Commonwealth are well documented and heralded.”
Bulger, 80, grew up in South Boston’s Old Harbor Village public housing development and served as president of the Massachusetts Senate from 1976 to 1996, and president of the University of Massachusetts system from 1996 to 2003. He spent 25 years as a Boston Public Library trustee and helped create the Boston Public Library Foundation.
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Linehan submitted the nomination to the Boston Public Facilities Commission, which is set to review the bid Aug. 6.
Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s spokeswoman said officials need to determine whether the building is owned by the city or by the library board of trustees, which has a policy against naming buildings after living people.
This is Linehan’s second attempt this week to pay tribute to a politician, after he and Councilor Stephen J. Murphy announced the creation of a commission to plan a monument recognizing former mayor Raymond L. Flynn.
Neither Linehan nor Bulger could be reached for comment.
Jeremy C. Fox can be reached at jeremy.fox@globe.com.