Template:Library The Central Library is located in Copley Square and comprises two buildings. The McKim Building houses the non-circulating research and reference materials (also known as the "old" building), and the Johnson Building (known as the "new" building), houses the circulating collections. There are individual entrances, McKim on Dartmouth Street and Johnson on Boylston Street. Home to tens of thousands of books - all at the tip of your fingers (two forms of ID and a utility bill will get you a card). You can reserve books via website, and pick the books up when they become available. The best part about the library is the old part. It takes you back to a European vibe- and people are often found studying in the picture-worthy sitting room. The library was founded in 1852 as the first public library in the United States. A little know fact is a French ventriloquist named Alexandre Vattemare (aka Monsieur Alexandre) was one of the founding members of Public Library and donated books from Parisian libraries in order to persuade them to found a Boston library. To this day, it is the largest and busiest city library in the country. Don't dare keep your cell phone up or utter a decimeter over a whisper.... you'll be shunned for life. There is also a small cafe and a restaurant for food and beverage. The BPL is known for it's stunning murals painted by John Singer Sargent in the late 19th and early 20th Century. Free guided tours of the library are offered every day with the exception of Wed. A small and functional cafe (Sebastian's) and strangely empty Novel Restauraunt are in the McKim building. They are close proximity to a gem of hidden tranquility- the fountain and courtyard. The courtyard has chairs and tables, and benches. (you can stop to have a snack) even on a rainy day as the perimeter is covered. Along the other three walls rounds an arcaded promenade which is an almost exact facsimile of the arcade of the Cancelleria Palace in Rome. Frederick MacMonnies' "Bacchante and Infant Faun," is the bronze cast fountain statue. (viewing only) The Boston Public Library has assembled more than 3,500 e-books as well. The Boston Public Library system also offers FREE and "near FREE" passes to local museums. For a complete listing, click here. It is first come first serve,(but hardly anyone partakes) and you must get them for that same day. The Margaret and H.A. Rey Children's Room (named after the creators of Curious George and longtime BPL supporters) offers a great collection of kids' books and magazines, three On-line Public Access Catalogs, two Little Tikes computers for preschool children, and four Multimedia PCs, for ages 8 to 13, with Internet Access. A spacious room, the older children can enjoy their space amongst the littlest ones. Rich and constant programming includes concerts, storytime, crafts and weekly sing-alongs. There is a small (sadly shabby) play space, always crayons set out on the table, and there are (single) bathrooms which include diaper changing stations. In need of some upkeep, the space is still clean and stocked enough to make it a great "drop in" on a rainy day and even better for a planned event. Information on the events is not easy to eschew from the website, it is better to drop in and pick up the flyers. Summer is especially well programmed with events on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, (mornings and afternoons). Public Restroom: The restrooms and water fountains are in the basement near the elevators.

Automatic public toilets are the answer to the helpless cries of tourists wandering around with no place to use the restroom. The pay-by-use restrooms are handicap accessible and self cleaning, making them virtually maintenence and cost free for the city. A quarter gives you usage rights for 10 minutes, so make it snappy.

Their premium, hand-baked and boiled bagels are the only all hand-made bagels available in the market. Public restroom: On the second floor.

This charming turn-of-the-century hotel offers renovated rooms (last refurbished in 1998), all with marble bathrooms and free wireless internet, and many with fireplaces or great views of the Boston Marathon finish line. Guests can dine at in-house restaurant Azure, then kick back with a drink or two at either of the hotel's bars, City Bar and Solas Irish Pub. Reserve up to a year in advance for Commencement. Rooms start at $189; suites $695. Parking (valet or self-park) $36. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. One of the older hotels in Boston that has been well maintained and managed for years by the Saunders Group. Family owned and family friendly. Boston Marathon® Tip: Considering their finish-line proximity, rooms at the Lenox and Commonwealth hotels can offer some awesome race-day sights--but at a price: $300-$600 per night. Public restroom: Up the stairs next to the Sam Adams pub.

Connected to the upscale Copley mall via skybridge, The Westin puts you at the center of historic Boston's Back Bay and trendy Newbury Street; It boasts the largest guest rooms in Boston and spectacular views of Back Bay and Cambridge (especially from the rooms facing west). It is advisable to reserve rooms in advances (up to 1 months; 1 year for Commencement). Rooms are $249-499, depending on size and view. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Special room rates for the Boston Marathon® available through Marathon Tours and Travel. Public restroom: Go up the escalator, bear right at the Rolex display, take first left past the shoeshine guy.

Despite being owned by a vast department store conglomerate, Lord & Taylor has managed to maintain some of its gritty Old Bostonian character as the neighborhood goes ever more upscale. Fully stocked in attire and accessories for men and women, Lord and Taylor's prices are reasonable (especially when compared to its neighboring competitors, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue), and most of the clothes are made by quality American designers. A great option for formal dresses that will break hearts but not your bank account. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Public restroom available in the store.

The palatial Copley Plaza Hotel has been one of Boston's most prestigious landmarks since 1912. It offers the usual luxuries—a gym, bars, and restaurants and the notable Oak Room restaurant has won awards for the “Best Steaks in Boston.” Each room is furnished with “period antique reproductions,” private bars, and modern communications services. Rooms start at $300, but quickly rise to well over $450 for a double or a suite. Overnight parking $36. Make Commencement reservations at least 8 months in advance, although they will take reservations up to 2 years ahead. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. This is the location of the Press/Media area for the Boston Marathon. The media areas include the Oval Room, Venetian Room and Grand Ballroom in the Fairmont Copley Plaza. No blue jeans or sneakers allowed. The Marathon Awards Ceremony is from 5 - 6 pm in the Grand Ballroom. Special room rates for the Boston Marathon® available through Marathon Tours and Travel. Public restroom: down the stairs before the front desk and near the hair salon.

This multilevel Crate & Barrel is one of the largest in Boston for such a prestiges location. The store features quality kitchen ware, decorations/accents, and furniture. They often carry designer cook's baking mixes (think Paula Dean or Barefoot Contessa's Ina Garten). When you're not browsing for yourself, this makes a great gift for just about anyone (grandparents, parents, wedding gift cards, college send offs). Check the sales sections for some really fabulous deals on glasses and other items. The styles are normally simple and the quality is there. Public restroom: At the back of the second floor.

On cold winter days, this can be a great place to sit, read a book, and have some snacks. Sure, you can buy stuff too, but as a parent, the kids area and books are the main attraction for me.