The first large, free municipal library in the country, the Boston Public Library was established in 1848 and has been in its current location since 1895. It remains a vital resource center for Bostonians as well as a popular tourist destination. Designed by Charles Follen McKim, the library is one example of the architectural marvels the city has to offer and, with its impressive collection of murals and sculptures, a hidden gem for art lovers.
Parking and public transportation at the Boston Public Library
Though there is parking behind the Westin Copley Place (kitty-corner from the library) and just two blocks east at Boylston and Berkeley, the BPL is most easily accessible by MBTA, as it sits right on top of Copley Station on the green line.
Best and worst time to go to the Boston Public Library
The library is open seven days a week. There is no truly bad time to go, though exploring the library's endless architectural, artistic, and (of course) literary gems does make for a fun indoor activity on a winter day.
Admission to the Boston Public Library
Admission is completely free! But note that the Map Room Café is just inside the library's center courtyard, should you find yourself hungry or thirsty on your visit.
Must see/do at the Boston Public Library
The McKim building, facing Copley Square, is full of historical wonders. Be sure to visit the John Singer Sargent Gallery on the 3rd floor. The Johnson building, facing Boylston, houses circulating materials and provides cozy reading spots. Don't miss the newly renovated teen room on the 2nd floor, but be aware: don't linger if you're over 18 or they'll kick you out.
Other places to visit near the Boston Public Library
Just across Copley Square is another architectural and historical landmark: Trinity Church, founded in 1773. If you're looking to spend an afternoon shopping, walk one block north to Newbury Street or a few blocks west to the Prudential Mall and Copley Place. If the weather is nice, head three blocks east and spend the afternoon in the Boston Public Garden.
Insider tip for visitors to Boston Public Library
The library offers free, hour-long tours once a day, and provides handbooks for self-guided tours at other times. These are a great way to get acquainted with the building's illustrious history. Check the BPL website for schedules.
Author's Bio: Sarah Weber is a 20-something publishing professional and freelance writer in the Boston area. In her spare time she plays tourist in her own city and blogs about books at sarahmweber715.wordpress.com.
The Congregational Library is much more than just a library -- it's a museum dedicated to the religious history of Massachusetts. The Congregational Library was founded in the nineteenth century to collect the writings and information of the pilgrims and puritans.
Among the Library's vast collection are thousands of historical church records, sermons, pictures and Bibles, a seventeenth-century desk used by the pilgrims in England and a piece of the original Plymouth Rock.
Many visitors come to the library to search the huge collection of church-record obituaries in hopes of uncovering some information about their early American ancestors.
Visitors are welcome to conduct their research and peruse materials in the elegant and stately reading room. While visitors do not have access to the three cavernous floors of stacks, librarians on staff will happily retrieve any requested materials for them.
The Library has free WiFi and one computer terminal for searching the database as well as a traditional card catalog.
The Library is located on the second floor of the Congregational Library Building at 14 Beacon Street.
Kirstein Business Library is a branch of the Boston Public Library, offering a range of resources and directories to job hunters and business owners in the Boston area. In addition to the access to industry databases and journals, it provides a variety of educational programs ranging from business film screenings to resume writing and helpful tips on how to get started in business. Many of the resources and databases offered are available online through the Boston Public Library website, and can be accessed with a valid library card account.
The Boston University School of Theology Library is on BU's Charles River Campus. Borrowing privileges are granted to BU students, faculty and employees. Please use the doors closest to the elevators in order to enter the library.
The Boston University Michael D. Papagiannis Astronomy Library is located on BU's Charles River Campus on the 6th floor of the College of Arts & Sciences Building. Borrowing privileges are granted to BU students, faculty and employees.
The Boston University Pappas Law Library is located in the School of Law building at 765 Commonwealth Avenue on the Charles River Campus. It also has a second location, the Law Library Annex, which is located in the basement of Mugar Memorial Library at 771 Commonwealth Avenue. Along with other BU libraries, it contains some of the 2.2 million books and resources on campus. Borrowing privileges are granted to BU students, faculty and employees.
Massachusetts State House is located in the heart of Boston. It houses the General Court and the offices of the Governor of the state. Massachusetts State House has been serving the community for over 234 years. Please call for more information on it's services.
A hidden gem in the middle of Copley Square, the library was established in the mid-1800s. It now has 25 branches throughout Boston. It offers books, DVDs, CDs, newspapers, downloadable eBooks and audiobooks. It has a copy, print and fax room. It offers a Wi-Fi hot spot, classes and special events for the whole family. The website offers additional information, such as how to get a library card, online collections and job listings.
