Boston Public Library
Copley Square
Boston
(617) 536-5400
TTY (617) 266-9320

The Library's History
What to Do and See at the BPL
Tours and Special Events
Hours and Borrower Information
Research Facilities
Getting There

In the city of Boston, the downtown library isn’t simply a place to borrow books. It’s a historical landmark -- an institution rich with Boston’s intellectual, educational and architectural past. And through its millions of books, its wide variety of special events and its constant community involvement, the library continues to play a major role in the city's future as well.

The Library's History
The Boston Public Library (BPL) was founded in 1848 as America's first major free municipal library. Its current location in Copley Square is composed of two interconnected structures: the building designed by Charles Follen McKim and completed in 1895, and the Philip Johnson-designed building added in 1972. The original library building was on Boylston Street and is now home to the Colonial Theater.

The McKim Building, currently used to store BPL’s research materials, is one of Boston’s most talked-about monuments. It reflects the classically-influenced style of American architecture in the nineteenth century and is kept open to the public today both as a historical site and a functioning research library. The building also has significance in respect to the educational history of our nation, as it was founded on the then-innovative principles of public education. The exterior is a powerful mix of granite blocks, copper cresting and metal masts. The interior overwhelms the visitor with its lavish marble and mosaics; a feeling of reverence for the building’s beauty is almost unavoidable.

The circulating collection and branch headquarters can be found in the Johnson Building, which was born of the library’s need to expand in the mid-1900s. Its modern architecture differs greatly from that of the original structure. Although open and spacious, the geometric facade and dreary interior can’t be compared to the artistic value of McKim. The Johnson Building does serve its purpose well, however, and boasts a seating capacity of 1,200 and open shelves of over 700,000 volumes.

BPL as a whole houses over six million books, including 1.2 million rare books and manuscripts, 17 thousand magazines, and invaluable original music scores, maps and artwork.

What to Do and See at the BPL
First time visitors to the library will want to enter at the main doors of the Johnson Building and spend a few minutes perusing the literature available by the information desk. We recommend picking up the floor plan so that you can navigate through the library’s maze of rooms and corridors without stopping to ask for directions every five minutes. This map also is helpful when in search of rest rooms, telephones or copy machines.

We suggest that you spend the majority of your visit in the McKim Building after you’ve walked around the general library to get a feel for the 1972 addition. Walk over to the research library by way of the Interior Court, an open-air courtyard of marble columns surrounding a small reflecting pool. This also is a wonderful place to sit and read some of your newly-borrowed books on a pleasant day.

Once inside the McKim Building, spend some time in Bates Hall, named after the nineteenth century banker who donated the library’s first large gift. Also be sure not to miss the deep-colored murals and dark oak wainscoting of the sanctuary-like Abbey Room on the second floor. Some rooms in the building will be occupied by students appreciating the quiet atmosphere, while others are transformed into museums via BPL’s well-designed exhibits.

Keep in mind that this is a city library, and don’t be surprised to find lesser-fortunate individuals taking shelter among the tomes on a cold winter day.

Tours and Special Events
If you are interested in learning about the library’s history and architectural significance, consider planning your visit around one of the free hour-long tours. Run by volunteer guides, these tours also cover the works of sculptors and painters featured at the BPL.

The BPL plays a large part in the Boston community by hosting almost 4,000 free events open to the general public each year. Among these events are book readings and signings, exhibits, films and workshops. Past events have ranged from a reading by author Margaret Atwood from her novel, Alias Grace, to a free performance by the American Magic Lantern Theater.

Learn more about what is going on at the BPL at their web site.

Research Facilities
The BPL reference desk is well-known as a source of general information. Bostonians often telephone the reference desk for historical facts or trivia, no matter how obscure. Inquirers will find the librarians sometimes gruff but usually helpful. For in-person research, the circulating collection is generally self-serve, although the information desk personnel can point you in the right direction. The reference collection is staffed by reference experts to help you with your search.

If you are doing research from home, you can access the Metro Boston Library Catalog by modem using communications software with certain specifications. The dial-in number is (617) 859-7506; call the library directly for more information.

Getting There
The best way to get to the Boston Public Library is by subway. The Copley stop on the MBTA Green line is practically at the library’s front door on Boylston Street. The MBTA's web site provides information regarding connections, schedules and fare information. We recommend that you take the subway when visiting the downtown area in general; however, there are parking garages located throughout the city that offer reduced weekend rates.

Because BPL has such a great central location, an afternoon in the city’s Back Bay area is a perfect complement to a one-hour educational tour. Within a few steps is an array of shops at Copley Place and the Prudential Center, as well as the sophisticated elegance of Newbury Street. Back Bay is home to plenty of excellent dining choices; some of our favorites include Legal Seafoods at Copley and the Samuel Adams Brew House Restaurant at the Lenox Hotel on Boylston Street.

By Allyson Krieger

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