Boston Public Library Reviews

A very nice blend of old and new, this library is very cool to explore and look at. Great for raising your intelligence stat.

Boston Public Library Founded in 1848, the Boston Public Library is the first public library in the United States and the first library to offer a library service. This was a very innovative service at the time. In addition, the local Chinese also Mr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the early years, is said to have read the book here, but it should be just a legend that cannot be tested!

A beautiful place to walk around and admire the architecture and history that flows from within. This library is two part, as there is a more historical side similar to a museum and then it connects over to a more modern functional library with regular library amenities such as free computer usage and book borrowing

I visited the BPL last year and it is amazing what they have done to the place. The front area is much more spacious and welcoming, there is a sunlit cafe area with floor to ceiling windows, and WGBH has a studio that faces the street. The environment is so much more friendly and open now. Go visit! There's also a gorgeous 3rd floor Singer Sargent gallery, also worth seeing. And it's free. :)

A must visit the place!! If you don't have enough time, here is the place you don't want to miss!!!!

BEAUTIFUL SPACE. I come here all of the time to study and read. There are numerous different areas to work in depending on what noise level/vibe you like. One of the most gorgeous public libraries I have been to. Highly recommend as a study spot or just to walk through if you are visiting town.

Beautiful historic structure married with a modern world class library. The character of the old reading room makes it one of the best places to read or study in the city. They also do weddings and private events beautifully. Thrilling to see that Boston invests and reinvests in its civic structures and organizations.

What a beautiful library that I stumbled upon on the way to the T. The history within is amazing as well

A beautiful library spanning a city block. One side is historical and the other side is modern. They also have a wonderful courtyard in the middle that is great for reading or relaxing.

Came here to do research and found just what I was looking for. Very helpful and friendly staff, and the building itself is beautiful. Definitely planning on a return visit soon.

Free books lending from the beginning to the residents of City of Boston.

I love this library.

Split into two sides, the McKim and Johnson buildings, you get the best of both of both worlds.

Starting with the research library (McKim), this building is gorgeous. Large windows, ornate details; this place could be the sister library to the New York Public Library in terms of similar designs. However, the BPL is the oldest public library in the country so it scores a few extra cool points in my book. Those famous pictures of the tables with green lights are taken on the second floor of the McKim building, for those who are curious to know.

The public library side is sadly not as beautiful. Currently under renovations, this place has seen some better days. Although the circulating collection they have is large, the shelves, carpets, and tables are all in need of an update. Aesthetics aside, having a library card for the BPL (or the other libraries that are part of the BPL system) is a must in my opinion, especially if you fancy yourself a true Bostonian.

Plenty to see here for tourists and a favorite haunt for residents. Apart from its obvious library offerings and the lovely courtyard, this is a great wintertime public place to sit for awhile out of the cold, get some work done, check your More

What a gift this library is!

Modern meets traditional in this blend of quiet study area to entrepreneurial business busy-fest. The main entrance along Copley Square into the older section of the Library is chock full of history and meaning in every corner, every little edge. Even the stairs carry meaning in them, as you feel the indent of the marble steps meant to aid in your footsteps up and down them. The reference section is a long row of tables with old-school lamps along with a delicate sense of silence aiding study. (Be mindful of your personal belongings here because there are some "tourists" who can easily walk away with them.)

The more modern area has an internet cafe with Boston Public Radio done live on certain days, making the media you see and hear almost have a social component. Really cool to see people speaking on the radio about the local issues impacting the city and the state. In that more modern renovated version of the library is a business center in the basement, perfect for resources for college-seeking people and entrepreneurs. The librarians at the business center there are extremely knowledgeable and provide information seeking resources as public service and public resource.

I will say, again, that when you speak to the librarian at the business center, and do so with respect, you will begin to understand just how amazing people can be, and how we can work together to share knowledge for the common good!

This library is a must on every Boston sight seeing tour! Great architecture, very inspiring.

Really enjoyed the free arts & architecture tour with Elizabeth! Only an hour long, but definitely covers all the highlights of the BPL and got plenty of fun facts I otherwise never would have thought to look up. Check the website to see times, since they're different each day.

This Library is one of the best libraries Ive visited. Theres a wonderfull courtyard that trasfers you into the moder part of it. The space is colorfull, Vibrant and spacious. It is so well done and comfortable in terms of circulation, seating area and design.

Rich in history, architecture and murals. Lovely peaceful courtyard with fountain.

I'm an AVID reader (74 so far in 2013 and more than a month to go!) so I frequent the library quite a bit. I come for lunch and to hear some of the outdoor concerts in the summer, I request books, I browse, I volunteer, I sit outside at the fountain and read. And I can't speak highly enough of this amazing landmark. It houses books, transports them, keeps current on technology, and is a living, breathing thing. It's always bustling with exhibits, talks, weddings, tourists, and readers. It's efficient and changes to accommodate the changing needs of our community. I recommend the BPL highly!

The most best quite and clean place to read and be......

Amazing building, lots of books, comfortable space for kids, teens, and others.

I highly recommend the free "Arts and Architecture" tour, which is about one hour long and is offered at different times every day. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and the information definitely gave us a better appreciation of the wealth of treasures within this "Palace of the People."

We took the FREE art & architecture tour. VERY informative! The building is gorgeous, and many people have their wedding here. Also, FREE WIFI and outlets to charge your phones!

A library to be proud of. Clean, big and open spaces, and strong high speed Wi-Fi.

If you want to get stuff done in a great environment, grab a seat on the mezzanine level in the Johnson building, facing out to the main entrance/newsfeed cafe (wifi, outlets, comfortable chairs and a nice view). Best work environment ever (if you don't mind some background stimulation).

You will find every books here. Good decoration and staffs are very helpful.

The earliest and largest urban public library in the U.S.

The most beautiful library! Amazing atmosphere peaceful studying place.

Great place to be for all ages, but I especially enjoy their children's library in the new wing, which offers a spacious area for younger kids. In most mornings you will find an army of strollers parked in the center of the library and many children happily exploring the space, toys, books or eating a snack. Thanks Boston Public Library for making it so kid-friendly and making books so accessible to children and their families.

One of the most beautiful libraries in the country. check out the main reading room and the courtyard. Absolutely stunning!

This place is a work of art. Even if you re just passing by it s worth it to stop by for a few minutes. Even people that aren t fan of architecture will appreciate all the details and beauty this place exhibits. Just be considerate of those that are there that are actually researching or studying at Bates Hall.

Studying is not possible, but it has some marble murals that are worth visiting, for this reason (it is full of tourists), it is impossible to stretch in that place

If you never been here, you should definitely come once/

Amazing and inspiring place to study. Very convenient, well organized and looking modern.

They offer a lot more than just books. Author talks, the Map Room Cafe, the courtyard and the architecture just to name a few. This is a world class library that is a treasure in Boston. I love it. Hanging out in their beautiful courtyard on a sunny day soothes the soul. Check out their book sale that happens once or twice a year. You'll get some great deals!

The Boston Public Library, located in the BACKBAY area, is accessible by metro and bus. You will be impressed by its architecture and majestic building. The main lounge as well as other lounges are open so that every visitor can use the seats and read, there is also wifi and power so it is possible to get your computer there. Many of the elements are from ancient Greek history, such as the paintings on the walls of the central entrance.

One of the most beautiful libraries with stunning architecture and grand rooms. It was lovely to just walk around and take it all in.

One of my favorite buildings in the city. Everyone should visit and see it!

Place a book request and with the time period have find it or search to see of they have and it's there.

Great selection, (obviously), and a delightful cafe area. Courtyard is beautiful, with a glorious statue. Just marvelous.

The architecture is absolutely stunning! I went with a friend and he had to comment on the lion statues! I do have one small complaint and that's the amount of Super Mutants. If you ever stop by Daisy's Discounts bring this place up, I assure you it'll make a great conversation starter!

Small library, computer access, a bit noisey, limited hrs. + Comfortable chairs, video library beautiful building. Free Wi-Fi.

Huge, gorgeous library with a stunning collection of books and places to read.

Stunningly gorgeous library. Lots of amazing architecture here. My whole family enjoyed just wandering around. And it s free, who doesn t love that?

Great for everyone.
BPL is an old-fashioned architectural building with large laterite rocks. But inside is very modern and scientific layout. The reading and research area is great. Free wifi
You can become a scholar just by doing your own research here

Beautiful bookstore! The exterior is amazing, and has a new and old part. And rooms for all ages. Highly recommended to visit it.

Historic and very beautiful. Go there to see why it s always swarming with tourists

A great place to read and relax. They have easily accessible and up-to-date copies of the New York Times and other national newspapers. The building is very beautiful and inspiring.

Beautiful place to study, this library has old and new interiors thus you can choose where you want to sit and read/study. The only negative here is that it attracts lots of tourist and thus always crowded and busy.

Beautiful historic building, an imposing construction in the front of the square and a great combination of modern architecture with the back of it!

A stunning historic structure married with a modern and impressive internal environment. It has a cozy little garden in the middle, but the highlight is the reading room, which seems to be one of the best places to read or study in the city. No doubt any voracious reader wants to stay there forever with a book in one hand and a warm cup of coffee in the other!

i truly love this library. i feel like it's just so welcoming. it's clean. and the environment is amazing for just sitting and reading a great book. also great for just looking around.

The library is second only to the Library of Congress and the second largest public library in the United States.
The library style is quite retro and it is called a photo resort. In fact, it was built at the end of the 19th century, and designer Charles Follen McKim recreates the Italian Renaissance style at the end of the 13th century.

Amazing and beautiful! They had so many different sections and rooms for whatever a person may need. Very spacious, a lot of different books and people you can find in here. Would definitely come here to study or spend a day reading a book!

Beautiful building, with a large and beautiful reading room

This architecture of this building is beautifully preserved. The courtyard with the fountain was my favorite area. There are a few cafes inside and plenty of places to sit an enjoy the view. When you first walk in there is perfect lighting coming through the windows at the top of the stairs between the lion statues.

Very beautiful library with free wifi and where you can plug your laptop or charge your phone

The Johnson Building is a nice part of the library after the renovation, but it attracts a lot of people who use the building as more of a shelter than a place to learn/study/work/read. The library has made some attempts to maintain a family friendly atmosphere, but it is unfortunately not at all uncommon to see some patrons getting into loud personal arguments, trading pills and money, sleeping, spreading out their personal belongings across multiple chairs, and other such activities which make the library less welcoming to other patrons. That said, the Newsfeed Cafe and the radio studio in the Johnson Building are interesting amenities which add livliness and interest to the building.

The environment is very good and free. Very learning feeling.

Awesome architecture and art work enhance the library experience. Public tours with docent each evening at 6:00pm weekdays.

One of the best Libraries in the world, ideal for a break in the walks through the city, go to the bathroom and recharge the bottle of water. It also has free wifi.

Cool architecture, really nice courtyard, excellent map room, nice food.

Lovely library which looks more like a museum. Splendid artwork and paintings. The free library tour is definitely worth to visit. You will hear and see a lots of noteworthy details.

No coffee allowed besides 1st floor and basement. In new building

Phenomenal phenomenal public library. This place is ridiculous and extremely inspiring. It was weird seeing so many people lining up for the doors right before they opened

Great architecture, great atmosphere, great books. This old library still functions very much like a traditional public library with the added benefits of a magnificent courtyard and great rooms for studying.