Boston Public Library Reviews

Beautiful architecture and tons to observe. It is definitely worth the visit even if you aren't a member or not there to rent!

Very very beautiful library. I recommend to take the free tour, so you can see all the floors and the history behind the library.

Great place with plenty of space, has a more historic and classic section and a much more modern side with computers and plenty of books and space. Another thing is the nice courtyard with a fountain. Also they have free WiFi.

This library is AMAZING. Perfect cross between historic and modern, the Copley branch of the Boston Public Library boasts a wide array of media (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.) with free WiFi and many public PCs. There is some beautiful architecture and artwork in the old building and a comfortable modern atmosphere in the new building. I recommend to anyone visiting Boston.

Believe me, here is the BEST library of the area. Big, beautiful, and spacious place with nice employees! I really love working over there. There's free wiFi, free restrooms, access to computers and you can even print or scan documents. If you need to be focused will working, just go over there.

A classically inspired structure that's been standing there since the middle of the 19th Century, BPL is so much more than a book repository. It's home to concerts, lectures, cafes, and handsome grand halls covered in remarkable murals (of which John Singer Sargent's work on creation is the the most striking.

One of the most beautiful libraries I have ever been in. The facilities are amazing, and the study rooms are spacious and well appointed. A great place for studying, or just walking through to enjoy the murals, paintings, and architecture. Definitely a must for every bibliophile.

A beautiful old building that is used by many different groups. They have put this landmark building to good use. Make sure to see the John Singer Sargent murals on the top floor.

Beautiful place to work, read, or just chill. I like the courtyard, where the fountain serves as pleasant white noise, and Bates hall, whose scholarly atmosphere causes people - even pic-snapping tourists - to observe a respectful silence. The newly renovated section is nice, too, but noisier.

This is a pretty swanky library. The new wing is especially so. It is relatively quiet in the new wing but Im sure you can find quieter areas deeper inside the library. The internet connection is pretty solid but dont expect to get blazing quick speeds.

On the bright side, the old architecture is beautiful, and the new additions are also beautiful (especially the new children's section). Unfortunately, everything else leaves a lot to be desired. The book selection is atrocious for a library of this size. Many books, particularly best-sellers (even fiction), cannot be checked out. The building layout is a maze, and I saw someone shooting up in the bathroom once. Finally, the security guards also yell at everyone to get out of the library 20 minutes before closing time. I wouldn't recommend going here unless you want to admire the architecture and interior design of the library.

Amazing place where you can find any kind of atmosphere you look for

Spent an hour reading and sipping coffee here and had the most relaxing time

The library is massive and a great places to read books or work. There are many empty tables and the ambient noise is minimal. Also look at the architecture during your visit.

This is a beautiful library. A must visit while in Boston!

If anything this is just a historical must-see place. It's awe inspiring and huge. The archives are some of the oldest, but they also have some newer technology with their computers and use of Kindle/Nook book borrowing. On top of that their employees seem well educated and nice.

Wifi is horrible. The Wifi sucks even when standing directly under a router. Non existent in a lot of locations. Reddit page took 5 minutes to download. Security staff a bunch of sullen ogres. Fantastic renovation except for the pathetic Wifi.

Probably the most beautiful library in the United States.

A beautiful, quiet library. If you're visiting Boston and looking for some down-time, the BPL is one of my top recommendations.

The Boston Public Library combines old and new architecture which makes for a really cool touring experience. Also, it serves as a beautiful place to study.

We just did a tour of the architecture and art in the library. It was very informative and the tour guide was very knowledgable. The tour covered every aspect of the original building, from art and frescoes, to the reading room and the statues around the library. The most impressive area as far as I was concerned was the courtyard. It was very nice.

One of the best library in the world and this is located in the heart of Boston city. This is an ancient place where you can see lots of historic arts and architectures here. Visiting here is totally free, and also you can read books from shelves

A beautiful price of architecture that everybody should visit if given the chance. Not only that but the actual library is one of the best i've ever seen.

Take the tour and enjoy!! Don't forget to sit on the courtyard. Marvelous place.

Beautiful Places. However, security does pick on you a for small things i brought in a closed cup of water and was told that I couldn't bring it inside. I was polite and walked outside to finish it. Once I returned inside, I saw many individuals with coffee cups, juices, DD drinks and etc. :(

Frankly I was speechless. Yes sir. Public, modern in its beautiful building. I felt that that was important for citizens.

I highly recommend the walking tour of the library. There is so much meaning in the architecture. Also the guide was informative and nice.

I really like it too I have the membership to get books and read them in my house

Great library with tons of books. Took a profile picture for a friend here once and it turned out great!

It knows how to combine art with knowledge, it is a sort of temple of knowledge. I appreciated the absolute freedom to move between the various rooms and the thousands of volumes they contain. I felt the desire to stop and read in the large reading room and I think this is the best value of a library: invite you to sit and open a book!

Wonderful library. Many places and space to study. It s a must visit just for the buildings architecture.

Fantastic. For young, old, and everyone in between.

The Boston Public Library is a breathtaking architectural representation of the mid 1800's. This is a public building that should be experienced by all those who visit the city.

Excellent library, but what is even better are the spaces available for events and the little cafes tucked in the building! Swing in for lunch sometime!

Beautiful the library! Spectacular murals ... a must see

This Library is EVERYTHING and it has EVERYTHING!!! Live music in the courtyard, a cafe, awesome architecture, awesome reading space, I LOVE IT!!! One of Boston best landmarks!

Cool place to visit even if it is your first time in boston

One of the most beautiful libraries I've ever met. It is worth visiting, walking with tranquility and admire its beauty.

I can spent hours with my grandkids every time we come here, this is their favorite library

A great place to find anything you want Especially in Rare Books.

Beautiful artwork. That alone was such an experience.

It is really cool to use this space to work/study. Staff is nice. The only inconvinient is that they put too strong/cold airconditioning.

This is my favorite library in Boston and possibly all of the US. It's also one of my favorite buildings in Boston. It's absolutely gorgeous inside with amazing architecture and elaborate art on the walls. It's free to go in and it's like a museum inside. If you're visiting Boston it's a wonderful attraction. If you live here you have to go here sometime and check it out. Incidentally there is a new building that was tacked on so make sure to walk through the older building. The new building is more useful for library things. The old building is a magical place.

Add this to your Freedom Trail adventure -- enter through the front doors and go up to the 2nd and 3rd floors. Beautiful granite pieces and artwork.

A first-rate library, and I like that security doesn't put up with any guff from the homeless losers who congregate there rather than actually getting jobs and be productive members of society. Thank you, security, you help keep this place sane!

FREE TO ALL
#Knowledge and Love#

Sooo many books! I love the new renovation. It's so beautiful! It seems much more complicated at first but their organization is actually really helpful. I would LOVE to live in this library. :)

Huge children's area. Lots of adult sitting areas with apparently electric plugs for charging phones and laptops as evidenced by the many cords.

Interesting piece of US history, the building itself is beautiful and the reading room looks like a set from a film. Would recommend a visit if you're in the area.

Lifelong Mass native and went to college in Boston. Finally found out about the FREE architectural & art tours offered daily at the Library by volunteers. Great insight and historical background on the building, and stories about the artists and architect. Highly recommend for tourists and locals alike. Our tour guide was just great! Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and interesting. 1 - 1.25 hour long tour and they request you wait to take pictures til after which was fine with us. Our tour today had about 20 people. Be sure to grab a coffee in the map room cafe before hand, this might just be my new favorite coffee shop in all of Boston.

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One od The most beautiful buildings in Boston. Great reason to celebrate as well!

Impressive building, the detail of its marble finishes the majestic frescoes. A must visit this bookstore and it is undoubtedly one of the most important old buildings in Boston.

I used to love to sit and read at this library. But as I have continued to go, I am more and more disappointed in the staff and how unclean it is. Dirty tables, disgusting bathrooms and the place smells dirty. I will continue to check out books, but not hang out there as much.

Just an amazing, beautiful library! It s gorgeous and really big! Be sure to visit the Bates room and the courtyard! There s also a cafe inside for some light bites!

Gorgeous reading room, architecture, details in the sculptures and definitely a must see and experience in Boston, especially if you're a bookworm! This is a stunning library!

The design of the entrance, and each room is really beautiful and elegant. So much to appreciate if you tour the library and definitely take time to sit and read. It's so quiet just as a library should be.

Parking can be tough.

This building was beautiful. We didn't really use it as a library, but rather walked around to see the art and the architecture and were not disappointed. Very quiet and peaceful inside the old section, and very modern in the newer section.

Absolutely beautiful blending of the old and new! I love spending time here. I'm delighted that homeless people find shelter, comfort, inspiration, culture and kindness here! Bravo BPL!

Beautiful architecture. We did a self guided tour with the information from the website. We loved it.

This is a marvelous institution. It's a great library, a great place to sit and use the wifi, and a gorgeous piece of architecture. They did a great job when they built this temple to learning.