Boston Public Library Reviews

This is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, you simply must see it and explore.

A beautiful classic Bostonian structure! One of the must see attractions of Boston! Look for the Boston Marathon finish line on the north side of the library.

Great place to spend some time with a book or just do your work. It is huge, have 2 good cafes inside to give you a continuous dose of caffeine (if required). Great collection of books, i traversed through the history and religion section and was amazed.
Along with it there are some very nice paintings and murals.
If you want to take a stroll you can cover the place easily in less than an hour.

one of the best public libraries in the USA. there is a music library which i will teach myself more about music. the library was recently retrofitted to improve the services to the public. there is high speed wifi access here to the public. hours are 9-9 M-F. the library integrates old and new. check out the marble lobby stairs leading up to a private study room or the Dartmouth elevator in turn of the century brass. the music library you can study your favorite music including rock and teach yourself music here. you can get a temporary library card here, a boston issued public library card is good anywhere in massachusetts for checking out materials. i can't say enough about the boston library @ copley. there is also food service available. I think people can get married here at the public library. there is a courtyard fountain. there is interesting history about the boston public library

Visited Boston and their library is just stunning. Such a beautiful place to go and read, explore and the epic lion pillars they have are just a sight to behold!

This place is beautiful! I loved seeing every part of this library. It was an easy location to find and , their is so much to look at. Even if you don t care to see the building itself, the selection of books they have is huge. They have a small cafe inside as well.

For anyone who visits the wonderful city of Boston, I definitely recommend at least one visit to the Boston Public Library. The architecture and design inside the building is phenomenal and absolutely worth the trip.

The children's room is a great facility for stimulating kids in a number of ways. Perfect for colder weather it has the requisite supply of children's books but also computer access geared to their interests as well. We appreciated the stroller parking station as a place to dump our stroller and coats.

Their new cafe is perfect with lots of couches and yummy coffee. This library is huge, and you always see people studying here.

Hermosa, a place to enjoy books and activities, as well as art and sight

Beautiful spot to stop and relax. Ate dinner (we purchased elsewhere) in the courtyard. The artwork is wonderful and if I was a local I would come here all the time! The courtyard is a great way to be outside and enjoy the weather without hearing all the traffic. Lovely spot to frequent or visit. My husband and I took advantage of reading all the artwork descriptions.

Teddy Roosevelt said, "I am a part of everything that I have read." So of course when I found myself in Boston for a weekend getaway, I knew I had to step in the oldest public library in the States. Founded in 1848, it is the third largest public library in the U.S. with over 20 million items.

We walked through the historic McKim Building, which is the "face" of the Boston Public Library (BPL). The McKim Building contains the library's research collection including many rare books and manuscripts, even early editions of Shakespeare. It is known for the famous Bates Hall reading room, its courtyard, and its Renaissance Revival architectural features. The main staircase (with twin lions flanking each turn of the stairs) is gorgeous, with its triumphal arch, marble steps, and rich yellow wall coloring. There are lots of colorful mural paintings, lavish embellishments like monumental inscriptions, and sculptures.

Bates Hall is the epitome of a reading room. High arched and grilled windows, coffered ceilings that remind me of a basilica in Rome, and rows and rows of tables with green traditional incandescent banker's lamps. In its vastness and grandeur, you can't help but stop all conversation when you enter. The room evokes tranquility and a duty of silence.

Remember to visit the courtyard too. The open-air courtyard is based on the Palazzo della Cancelleria in Rome, designed in the style of a Renaissance cloister with an arcaded promenade. In the middle of the courtyard, there's a fountain with a bronze statue ("Dancing Bacchante and Infant Faun" by Frederick William Macmonnies). It is perfect for relaxing, reading, studying, and talking with friends. There's a restaurant that overlooks the courtyard called the Courtyard Restaurant, which offers an afternoon tea service. In the summer, the courtyard holds free concerts.

BPL offers free daily tours to the public by trained volunteer guides. These tours last about an hour and if you have less than 8 people in your party, you don't need a reservation. If you're in Boston, I highly recommend a visit to the BPL.

The Boston Municipal Library is centrally located in Copley Square between but not the city's sights and very close to the train station, the entrance is obviously free and is said to have a collection of 23 million objects, making it the largest municipal library of USA.

free outlet and resources at basement that if you are looking for some job , people there are open to ask for.With the lion sculpture outside as well as some of the historical people , this library has become a well known and trusty landmark in the city.

Established in 1848, 20 years before the Meiji Restoration. It will be the first library in the world that is open to the public. It s named Boston, but anyone in Massachusetts can use it. It is in front of Copley station, but it is near from Boston station.

Take the tour if you can. It's the only way you'll discover and appreciate all the beauty inside. There are so many rooms in this maze of a library that you'd otherwise be sure to miss one or two.

The Maps room is also very interesting. You can see old maps of Boston when it was just a sliver of it's current size.

Very beautiful inside. The newer part of the library is good for studying.

Excellent collections in all the books, videos and audios

Open for holds pick-up. You'll get your temperature taken before you're allowed to enter. Very quiet these days, and still wonderfully air-conditioned. Have your library card handy.

The library is amazing! The murals, ceilings and sculptures will make you go awe! The study rooms are so quiet. It s right next to Copley Square T & Opposite to Trinity Church. It is very accessible to food places too.

The largest city library in the United States, you also see the vertical version of Chinese books, suitable for all ages

The library has a magnificent structure and great halls.

Beautiful on the outside and even more beautiful on the inside. Admission is free and you can't miss the large reading room where you can breathe a truly surreal atmosphere.

"Free to all"; includes small boutique "News Feed" / WGBH radio, children's room, many historical books and documents, internet connectivity, as well as WiFi conference rooms, and available for might functions and daily host of local / community and global events.

The library is definitely worth a look for the frescoes and other works of art. They organize free guided tours.

Great library, it was our first national library on AD 1848, not in Philadelphia!!

Food and prices are awesome. Best value for money so far in Boston

Plenty of reading/studying space available. Beautiful library

New England's flagship public library. The new addition is 'cooler' than the Apple store, down the street.

One of my local friends drove his car and dropped us right in front of the public library. Without any expectation, we entered the gate and were deeply impressed. It would be my pleasure and honor having opportunity studying here. Glad to be a Boston citizen, but unfortunately, I am not. Recommend this place if you have time.

I tour this library every time I'm in Boston and it never gets old.

I spent a lot time here when I was in high school. I recently returned to visit after more than 25 years away. I never realized how amazing this library was.

It is one of the oldest public libraries in the country. This is actually two libraries: the old building which houses rare books collection, and the modern building which is state of the art, see pictures below.

It is a must see place if you are visiting Boston.

Huge library where you can find pretty much everything you are looking for!

This library is so big and it's so fascinatiing. Easy to get lost in here with how much there is.

From out of town on a rainy day. We really enjoyed going through there. Very pretty

From the best libraries I have been to, it has everything very complete.

Did not even go inside but can tell it's an awesome place to study and learn.

Very elegant space with cozy areas for reading and doing work in. Also has a cafe on the first floor that serves coffee and small pastries.

Beautiful library! Stunning architecture and art throughout.

One of the entrances is so epic, it's got ornate statues, quite breathtaking. Also, there are so many useful books around to read. Great place.

I come when they closed.. I will back another day soon..

We spent laborday shooting a movie at the library. The historical structure and architecture is so beautiful... I enjoyed the site and hope to use it again in the future!!!
Properties like this should be preserved & enjoyed by all future generations!!!

Beautiful old building with lots of history, and a massive selection of books.

Something for everyone here. Brough our kids to the children's library, they loved it. The courtyard is beautiful. Would love to spend more time here.

It's the best of both worlds- modern and classical seamlessly connected!

Stunning architecture, a must visit place in Boston

Freedom and beauty. This is the whole feeling. Just kidding. I still have something to say. More general. So why should I write a review about the Boston Public Library without living in Boston? It is beautiful. Visitors to Boston can and should include the main public library in the itinerary! It is free to visit, and you can play for 20 minutes or an hour and enjoy some truly beautiful architecture and art! Go!

Fantastic work space! I just wish the hours were longer. I d gladly pay more local taxes for that.

Beautiful and quite place to go in the middle of a busy city

Awesome library! Love the new additions. Get there early if you want a nice place to sit.

Meh. If you have been overseas and seen art in the Louvre or other areas of Europe this is really nothing. It is a cool place to come sit and read. A few of the 'galleries' were under construction when I went to visit. Maybe that is why it was not fascinating to me.

Brilliant public space for reading, working, or just enjoying the atmosphere.

Superb architecture of this important library. nice interior patio with a beautiful fountain. There is a showcase dedicated to Joan of Arc.

Love the BPL Access Center in the Tech room for being able to print Braille documents, use the JAWS-enabled computer for browsing, and the Kurtzweil machine for reading print books. The staff is great, especially Harris!

The free Art and Architecture your, runs about an hour, is a must. Beautiful building and very friendly staff. Has 2 places to buy food and enjoy. Map Room exhibit is so kid friendly it was hard to get the kids to leave.

Whether you are a local or a tourist this library is work a look. All should visit the old building overlooking the square and Trinity Church (and the reflection of said church in the reflection of the John Hancock building) They beautiful, well kept, and you can even (surprise as its a library) study in them.

I'm not as fond of the newer building but you can take a look and there is a lot more room to study. Then, of course, there are all the books. :-)

Absolutely stunning library with Greco-Roman architecture and vivid murals. This is a great place to come and read or study!

Huge building full of books and computers. I remember being taught how to use a library in middle school. Dewy decimal system. Now the computer saves a lot of time in the search process. The new section of the library is a lot more open than it use to be.

Kind hidden gem since not on top list on guidebooks.
Grand stairs after entrance, beautiful court yard, fine Abbey murral room, impressive grand reading room. (chairs for resting)

Great building and really nice from inside. So if you seek for a quiet place, historic space or just need a alternative program for a rainy day - invest some time and pay the public library a visit.

This is a beautiful building - free for all. I highly recommend taking a (free) tour.

Never thought I could be so impressed with a library. Worth the visit and if you re visiting Boston and want to get off your feet for awhile, find the puzzle room to spend some down time.

I don't know if I would ever study here just because there are so many tourists, but definitely worth checking out.

Spacious. Nice rooms and the children's library is kid friendly. They have different activities for kids.

One of the most beautiful landmarks in North America with astonishing architecture amazing painting.

Beautiful library! It looks so amazing from the outside and even magnificent on the inside. The library has a beautiful courtyard and lovely places to sit. The library is huge with a lot of reading rooms. There is also a separate reading section for teenagers and kids!

Breathtakingly gorgeous. Cafe has dynamite food and local coffee. WGBH broadcasts live right next to the cafe. The murals and courtyard are lovely. The best library ever!

Be sure to take the architectural tour to get the most out of this gorgeous building. Map room the best. Great exhibit of early maps from the settlement of Boston.

A work of grace and beauty, the BPL, this architectural gem is the perfect place to spend a few hours reading, studying, and researching. The very aura of the main reading room is conducive to elevated thoughts, deeper learning, and more civilized behavior. Thank the visionary and philanthropic forefathers (and mothers) of the once "Athens of Ametica"!

A beautiful space, both the new building and the old one. There are plenty of places to relax or study in the new part and so much history in the old one; I'd definering recommend joining one of the free walking tours of the McKim building.

Mandatory tour in Boston. Take a morning to enjoy this historic place that is the Boston Public Library. It has two parts, the oldest and the newest, both with their art. The open space for reading is very beautiful, look around and see the names of several philosophers written on the walls. There are books of all genres, which shows that the city is really concerned with the stories, the information for the population.

Great location for a library to be at and also very peaceful and plenty of outlets to plug your cell phone or lap top at.

The library is definitely one of my favorite places around Boston. You can find pretty much anything you're looking for. There are plenty of quiet rooms to go and read in. I recommend seeing the rare books room because that's one of my favorite rooms in the library, although there are many other rooms that are worth seeing as well. It's a great place to wander around and explore.

I grew up around the Smithsonian and Library of Congress and I think this place is still more beautiful. Gorgeous and peaceful and historic yet modern and adaptable. The best library I've ever been to! Just wish their hours were more accommodating.

Very elegant, spacious, and comfy environment for readers who would appreciate a quiet afternoon reading & thinking.

Well let's see security run around looking for people who fall asleep by mistake waking them up .they throw you out for sleeping .they harass people.like i was sitting looking at my phone security comes up sais can you turn that down.i said are you kidding the guy six chairs down was blairing his radio.plus there are sex affenders running around everywere the gaurds are loud walky talking blasting .then come over and tell you to be quite..not worth going there anymore.i was there today again and i was aggressively approached and my leg was slapped off bench i dont know what this world is comming to ..it saddens me im being attacked by security everytime im in there.

A gorgeous public library, the architecture is stunning and the place as a whole has such a lovely atmosphere. The courtyard is the things dreams are made of

There may not be a more beautiful building in Boston. You can enter for free and walk around pretty much the entire library. The courtyard is beautiful and a great place to just sit, relax, and people watch.

You could spend hours here. From the breathtaking, peaceful courtyard to the Reading Room and the thousands of books in the modern addition, this is one of my favorite places on Boston. Don't miss the cool exhibits on the first floor galleries and take advantage of the architectural tours if you get the chance to the old building is amazing.

My husband and I had our wedding in the Courtyard at BPL! We did the Picnic Package that was made available to couples who had to cancel their original wedding plans due to COVID. And I am so happy this happened!! We got the last time slot on our original day and were able to have our parents, photographer, and videographer attend. Alyssa at The Catered Affair was our contact at the beginning for logistics and food and was super helpful! We had the Mezze lunchboxes and it was delicious. Ken was our day-of contact and was so amazing!! He allowed us to come in a few minutes early to capture the lighting on the Grand Staircase. Without him, we wouldn t have captured such gorgeous pictures!! He was super responsive, sweet, and helpful. He was in charge of the music and his playlist was perfect. We re so happy with the staff, venue, and everything in between. Thank you for turning our last minute wedding into one we couldn t have ever dreamed of. Thank you!