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Boston Public Library
Library
Boston
"Stunning library and great place to study but wifi is slow"(10 Tips)
"McKim Building courtyard and Bates Hall"(7 Tips)
"The reading room upstairs is a must see."(6 Tips)
"architecture tours of the library"(5 Tips)
159 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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TingOctober 8, 2015Check the website for the daily tour timings on the Art and Architecture of this beautiful library. Well worth your time as the docent was excellent. If not, just go in anyway and enjoy the courtyard.
- The McKim Building courtyard and Bates Hall are two of my favorite spots in Boston. Beautiful, inspiring, and FREE. #gooduseoftaxdollars
Upvoted Feb 10 
Lizzie HatfieldMarch 22, 2016Very pretty inside with lots of marble. The newer central library at the back contesting children's and teen books is nice to sit and work in and is a lot quieter than the main reading room.- Highly-trafficked, but with ample study space in various formats. Bates Hall is the gorgeous reading room, but the older rooms also charm.
Fluying ✅October 30, 2017This marvelous public is adapted to 21 century. People come here to read and study. Don’t miss visiting the Abbey room and Bates Hall.
Cole KennedyJanuary 1, 2017Everyone raves about the McKim building, but don't forget to spread the love to the Johnson building, especially with the renovation by William Rawn. Great for all architecture buffs.
Stacy Bo BacyMarch 12, 2019Awesome library! Be sure to go to McKim second floor to see Bates Hall and the Abbey Room.
- TingJuly 30, 2015Don't miss a visit to this beautiful library with a lovely courtyard. So conducive to read! Tours available daily but timing differs. Best to check the website.
Ashly SanfordAugust 29, 2013Check out the old section of the library. The second floor has some beautiful rooms and if you can find it there are usually good art shows tucked away here and there.
Bader JrMay 21, 2017Large selection of books, and large comfortable spaces. Great for reading & studying.
HISTORYApril 23, 2010The library was founded in 1848 by an act of the Massachusetts legislature and first opened in 1854 in a former schoolhouse located on Mason Street. It moved here to its current building in 1895.- The reading room upstairs is a must see. It's also a good place to read and work. The lions on either side of the staircase are also impressive. Don't miss the courtyard either.
Ron JeramiahAugust 11, 2018Cool place to study with lots of space and great views. The stench coming out of the men’s bathroom is atrocious- Boston Public LibraryAugust 16, 2011Bates Hall is named for the Library’s first great benefactor - Joshua Bates (1788-1864). It is 218 long, 42 feet wide, and 50 feet high, to the crown of its barrel vaulted ceiling.
Credo ReferenceAugust 9, 2011Look at all the great art and architecture (like on BPL's Art and Architecture Tour), but also look for cool books! Favorite finds include Outwitting Bears, a guide on outwitting bears.
Desirée MacDonaldOctober 18, 2017Best public library ever? Make sure to head on over to the old building - it’s what libraries are all about.
NYC EcloguesSeptember 25, 2011An amazing location, in the heart of Boston that is incredibly free.Stroll down this marble infused building and enjoy the scent of aged pages. There is nothing like the feel of worn paper.
The exquisite original McKim, Mead and White building received a modernist, referential extension by Phillip Johnson, architect of the famed Glass House and chippendale Sony Center in NYC.
- Boston Public LibraryJuly 19, 2011There are now four self check-out stations in the library -- three at the Boylston Street entrance and one at the Dartmouth Street entrance. Use self check-out for everything except DVDs and videotape
laura horakJanuary 2, 2012free "Art and Architecture Tour" of the building Sundays at 2 p.m., Mondays at 2:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m.
The Next Great Generation (Boston)January 20, 2012If studying is your objective, grab a seat in the McKim Building and join the other students furiously typing papers on their laptops or reading woolly mammoth-sized test prep books. Read more
Rorriz_ DhawiMarch 27, 2017Best library especially kids section👼🏼. sometimes they have afternoon Tea with delicious scones☕️
American MensaMarch 12, 2014No, really. You’ll find loads more activities than you would ever expect. What might not surprise you is the price: it’s all free (one of the reasons public libraries rock). Read more
Scott KleinbergJune 25, 2017Incredibly gorgeous library. Wow! Take time to explore all of this place.
Christopher WJanuary 26, 2012The original side is absolutely breathe taking! Ceiling murals, huge lion statues, and life size statues of some of the most famous people in american history!
Shermans TravelAugust 9, 2012Offers a fascinating (and free) architecture and art tour of its historic 1895 McKim Building (Sun. at 2 p.m., Mon. at 2:30 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. at 6 p.m., and Fri.–Sat. at 11 a.m.). Read more- Boston Public LibraryJuly 22, 2011There are two places to eat inside the library -- try the Map Room Cafe for a quick bite or the Courtyard Restaurant for a lovely lunch or afternoon tea. Read more
DaryanaAugust 28, 2014Free wifi, nice fountain, a good place to relax after having a long working or walking day;)
If you visit on a weekend when most schools are having finals, dont expect to find a seat to study/read anywhere in the McKim building.
AliNovember 15, 2017Various seating areas. Numerous computers. Helpful staff. Their arts and philosophy sections are kinda underwhelming though.
ᴡᴡᴡ.Marcus.qhgw.ru FryerSeptember 27, 2014Nice place to sit and study. WiFi leaves a little to be desired. Get a library card to get on the Internet.
Take time and walk the halls of BPL. You'll observe the patrons sitting/reading/internetting inside the Bates Hall. Gander through the current exhibit in the lobby and enjoy the fine architecture.
Be sure to finish up your food and drink before you enter the library or make sure you make it obvious to the security guard you're headed for the Courtyard...serious people them folk are.
BoraFebruary 13, 2016Real historical library , just like museum . Even Though you don't like read you should see this place- aApril 29, 2016This place is beautiful, I love to go here to relax and read something from the library.
Frank ThompsonMarch 10, 2010Have coffee at the Map Room cafe and sit in the courtyard on one of these nice Spring days. You can even work there since they have pervasive wireless. Kinda like going to Florence, Italy. Read more
KaitlinJanuary 15, 2016I finally made it. This is THE library of all libraries, it seems. I'm jealous of you, Bostonians. I'd never leave.- Boston Public LibraryJuly 15, 2011Founded in 1848, by an act of the Great and General Court of Massachusetts, the Boston Public Library (BPL) was the first large free municipal library in the United States. Read more
- Boston Public LibraryAugust 11, 2011The BPL's Central Library in Copley Square is host to a Hubway station. You can borrow a book and a bike here in Copley Square.
- Boston Public LibraryFebruary 13, 2012Stop in and see the stunning Sargent Murals on the third floor of the McKim Building, the one that faces Dartmouth Street.
Elina VanneApril 1, 2013Perfect place to sit down indoors for free if you're a tourist who insists on walking everywhere!
Grab a seat anywhere and enjoy this oasis. Concerts during lunch hour on Fridays in the summer.
Jiahao ChenMay 27, 2011The third floor is the least visited but the most interesting. The rotating exhibits in the rare books collection are worth the visit.
Jake SmithMarch 28, 2013Check out one of the rotating exhibits, they're very interesting and change often.
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Explore the Boston Public Library. Learn about exhibitions, author talks, and other special programs. Reserve your books online; download eBooks, audiobooks, and music; and enjoy our stunning collection of images on Flickr. Free to all. And, while you are here, be sure to leave tips of your own.
Closed until 9:00 AM tomorrow (Show more)
- Mon
- 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Tue, Thu
- 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Wed
- 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Sun
- 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
(617) 536-5400
Features
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
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Places inside Boston Public Library
- 8.4
"If I lived in Boston, I might have to be dragged out of here on the regular. So wonderful to have such beauty accessible for free!"
Kaitlin - 7.3
"There's the garden restaurant.. Grab some food and sit in the atrium with a beautiful fountain.. Calm and beautiful place!!!"
Birdie Bln - 8.2
"Always a tremendous and wonderful experience here"
Anthony Souza
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- 9.3
"My most favorite place in Boston. Annual membership is a bit high. But their lending policies is VERY generous. The building itself is a marvel, and the staff are wonderful."
Ali - 6.0
"The mapparium is great for kids, this is a fav school trip destination"
PK Shiu - 7.3
"On June 7, 1971, the South End Branch of the Boston Public Library moved to a new building at its present location, which was on the site of the original Mercantile building."
Boston Public Library
Places people like to go after Boston Public Library
- 8.8
"There's a Farmer's market here every week during the summer. This is one of my favorite squares in Boston for the opportunity to sit and a beautiful green area, and watch the city happen around you."
Amanda Price - 9.6
"One of the best public garden I have seen and excellent location 🇺🇸"
Fahad H. - 8.2
"Excellent mall with nice stores and good food court."
Ovgu C. O.
Appears on 425 lists
Created by Student Activities BU
100 items • 282 followers
Created by The Next Great Generation (Boston)
76 items • 103 followers
Created by Jake Smith
30 items • 114 followers
