Boston’s public library isn’t simply a
place to borrow books. It’s a historical landmark. Rich with the
city’s intellectual, educational and architectural past, it is
more than just a home to millions of books. The library is
imposing, its exterior a mix of granite blocks, copper cresting
and metal masts. The interior is just as overwhelming with lavish
marble and mosaics.
The Boston Public Library, or BPL, was
founded in 1848 as America’s first major free municipal library.
It offers a wide variety of special events and plays a major role
in the city’s future through constant community involvement.
Home to more than six million books, including 1.2 million rare
books and manuscripts, 17,000 magazines, and invaluable original
music scores, maps and artwork, the BPL has everything one might
seek. A large part of Copley Square, it is composed of two
interconnected structures.
The McKim Building is a monument in itself
and is currently used to store research materials. Reflecting the
classically-influenced style of American architecture in the
nineteenth century, the building is kept open to the public both
as a historical site and a functioning research library. Founded
during the time of the then-innovative concepts of public
education, it has a significant place in the educational history
of our nation.
The Johnson Building is home to the
circulating collection and branch headquarters. Born of the BPL’s
need to expand in the mid-1900s, its modern architecture differs
greatly from that of the original structure. While it is open and
spacious, it is somewhat drearier than the McKim Building. It
does, however, boast a seating capacity of 1,200 and open shelves
of over 700,000 volumes.
BPL volunteer guides host free, hour-long
historical and architectural tours, which also cover the works of
sculptors and painters featured there. The library also plays a
large part in the community by hosting nearly 4,000 free events
open to the general public each year. Among them are book readings
and signings, exhibits, films and workshops.
Note to visitors:
Don’t leave the library without going through the McKim
Building, and spending some time in Bates Hall, named after the
nineteenth century banker who donated the library’s first large
gift. Also be sure to check out the second floor, sanctuary-like
Abbey Room, home to deep-colored murals and dark oak wainscoting.
Keep in mind, because the BPL is a city library, you may find some
rooms occupied by students who will surely appreciate a quiet
atmosphere, and don’t be surprised to see lesser-fortunate
individuals taking shelter during cold weather. While the MBTA’s
green line stops practically at the BPL’s front door, several
area parking garages offer reduced weekend rates.
Hours:
General and Research Departments:
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.;
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Print, Rare Books/Manuscripts and Young
Adults Departments:
Limited hours; call for details.
Admission:
Free
MBTA Stop:
Copley
What's
New? 
