Boston: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.
