WOW, WOW, WOW !!! Grandaughter wanted to visit and glad she did. We rode train in from Brookline to avoid parking (stop right at library). We entered right at opening, and the initial gasp of enjoyment my Granddaughter let out was worth the visit. We explored for hours, enjoyed lunch in the café (attached) and reasonable priced. Just a very very beautiful spot to lose yourself for a few hours. So many photo opportunities. read more

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To think we almost left Boston without stopping into the library. It would have been our loss. This library was so impressive. We entered the new section by the cafe. The staff were very friendly and helpful. There were people at almost every table on three different floors. The children's section was very cute. The library appeared to have an extensive collection for both adults and children. We walked into the older section of the library and we were amazed. It was definitely more like a museum. The murals on the wall and ceiling were stunning. The outside fountain area was beautiful. There were people taking photos for special events and many people like us just in awe of our surroundings. What a great find! read more

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The Library has improved over the years. I had to revisit the Library once more and I do enjoy it. It's a nice place to study. The staff is wonderful and helpful; I enjoyed watching the live talk show at the Newsfeed Cafe. Overall, I'm impressed! I recommend it to anyone who wants to study, sign up for free events, get resources that can help them, or read books to enjoy their time. read more

The Boston Public Library is an institution. It is famous for being the first large, free municipal library in the United States, established in 1848. Known as a "palace for the people," it is renowned for its stunning Renaissance Revival architecture, the iconic Bates Hall reading room, and an extensive collection of over 23 million items. My niece loved taking pictures of the outside building as well as the inside areas near the fountain. On certain days and times, you can watch live broadcasts from GBH inside the cafe. read more

Boston Public Library - Reading area for kids inside the BPL. - Libraries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is an absolutely gorgeous library, the older section houses fantastic art and feels more like a museum than a library. It also has the Courtyard Tea Room (reservations available on Open Table) for traditional afternoon tea on the main level. I was able to peek inside but it was being prepared for a private event. Adjacent to the tea room is the Map Room Lounge for small bites and cocktails. Very cool. Bates Hall was amazing to walk into, but it was full of people studying, so I limited my visit to one end of the hall. In between the older part and the newer part of the library (where most of the books are, and a coffee shop/gift shop as well) is the Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center. They currently have a super interesting display called "Declarations: Printing a New Nation" with original copies of the Declaration of Independence in various formats. It was also really interesting to see the display of the maps of Boston over time and how the city changed. A must see if you are in Boston! read more

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Basically the love child of a historic library and a palatial museum This stunner is a beautiful way to spend some time, study, or work. From the courtyard puppet shows on Saturdays, to the majestic lions on the grand staircase, and gallery nooks and alcoves, I couldn't believe this place was free! Well done, Boston! read more

Boston Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The Boston Public Library holds more than 23 million items, estimated to be among the three largest collections in the country, including books, maps, manuscripts, letters, drawings, and other original works dating back as early as the 10th century. Notable items include first edition folios by William Shakespeare, original music scores from Mozart to Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf;" and the personal library of President John Adams. The Library continues to make its impressive special collections accessible to the public through a robust digitization program, all available online at Digital Commonwealth. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning! The outdoor garden area , private tea room restaurant and even a study hall ! Another check off my bucket list for sure ,a dream wedding venue too ( just saying ) read more

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Stayed nearby and decided to go explore! This review is not on any of the actually library services but on the architecture and overall general visit. I've seen so many on socials talk about the great hall...but legitimately I was roaming around for a good hour exploring both the old and new building. So many gorgeous architectural details that stopped me in my steps. The new building is also very open and spacious. There appears to be a lot of amenities for library patrons including a vast tech center, cafe, seating. Need to return back to explore the courtyard and the tea rooms! I also saw they offer free tours! Love this free activity! Highly recommend visiting! read more

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Wow! What a stunningly beautiful library. Didn't expect it to be this big. There are two sections, the old and the new. The new section is a normal library, there were several floors. I can't remember, but it was at least 3 stories. There is even a library just for teens and another library for young children inside the Boston Public Library. On the first floor, there is a cafe with drinks and snacks to purchase. And the old section is more like a museum. The architecture is stunning and beautiful! It's like walking back in time to the victorian days. There is a beautiful courtyard to enjoy the view and relax. If you are visiting Boston, this is a must visit! Highly recommend. Don't miss a chance to visit this wonderful library. You will not regret. We had a great time here. read more

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I love libraries and read about Boston Public Library before my visit, so I decided to put it on my itinerary. It is located in Copley Square and free to visit! The building is beautiful and well maintained. But it's not where the library was always located at. It was the first free public in the country. Boston has many firsts in terms of education and supporting free schooling for everyone. It's an example that we need to keep following and not dissolve the Education Dept. But I digress, because I think education is the key to a better world and we don't see to get that! This building opened in 1895. McKim Building Lobby is elegant and majestic. The Puvis de Chavannes Gallery is adorned with beautiful murals, the creation of French painter Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. The Bates Hall reminded me of the scene with Morgan Freeman in "Seven", has the green lamps and the elegant setting of a study hall I would love to spend serious time inside. Edwin Austin Abbey painted a beautiful room that was named after him, very elegant. The highlight was Bates Hall where you can admire John Singer Sargent's murals, on big scale (my photos don't do them justice). Boston Public Library is one of the prettiest I have ever visited. I am glad I added to my own walking tour. I do hope you will visit it also when in town. Can spend as much or little as you need. No one rushed us out of there. You do your own tour. It is an amazing place for bookworms, a palace of literature that's still standing that hosts beauty, art and education! read more

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What a special time. Food was beautiful, even if a few pieces didn't taste perfect. The lobster sammie was great, I found the cake sammie a bit gummy. Tea was perfect though. They make you feel so special. That is the reason to come here. This is not a weekly trip. This is a celebration. So special. The scone was ok, others just loved it. I did love the homemade jam for it OMG so good. We sat at a long table (11 of us) and it was a bit spread out and hard to talk with anyone not next to or across from you. Just fyi. Only get 90 minutes and they manage you politely to this which was a nice touch. Wait staff is perfect. read more

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Boston Public Library is a grand, large, and beautiful library! One could spend an entire day exploring this library in Copley Square. I walked through multiple floors, explored different rooms, and found the famous Grand Staircase, aka the McKim building's main staircase, guarded by a pair of lions by sculptor Louis Saint-Gaudens. This is such a gorgeous place to take photos. A literary sanctuary, and one of the most beautiful libraries in the US! read more

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This is a must-see building in downtown Boston for visitors to the area. Completed in 1895, this National Historic Landmark is a fine example of Renaissance Beaux-Arts Classicism. I stopped here for a quick visit during a conference in mid-November 2025. With free admission, you can visit the Bates Room - a gorgeous reading room with a spacious interior and green banker's lamps. But it's very important to keep quiet so you do not disturb people working. Also, you'll find a Roman courtyard in addition to the historical markers to honor the Massachusetts infantry which served during the Civil War. Please note that it can get crowded with tourists in the afternoons. Outside the main entrance, take a look at the two statues which represent the sciences (on the left) and the humanities (on the right). Also, you can capture a full panorama view of the library from across the street (toward Trinity Church). read more

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Tourist standpoint: Add this library to your itinerary. It's free to enter and it's honestly a work of art. There are plenty of places to sit if you need a rest from your other activities, but obviously be considerate of the folks in there who are reading/studying. It is a very popular attraction so be prepared for it to be crowded. This will be a quick stop to take photos, admire architecture, and catch a breath so you wont have to allot much time for this stop. read more

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Beautiful historic building. Nice area to walk around and see all the nooks and cranny in the building. read more

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Came to visit on my walk to Fenway and based on my rekindled love of books, I wanted to see what a big city public library would have to offer. A couple weeks earlier I had seen a video on Instagram showing a Boston library that was insanely beautiful inside and hoped this would be it. However when we first entered off what we figured was the main entrance by the Boston Marathon Finish Line, we didn't initially see anything that matched the video. It was very nice and spacious (3 stories) split into different sections with plenty of signage to different areas, but it was too modern to be what I saw in the video. We considered just leaving but thankfully I opted to ask one of the librarians about where I could find the library in the video. It was a part of this same library, just in a different section through a separate hallway. Definitely worth a visit. This whole other part of the library is very beautiful and if I lived nearby, I'd definitely be coming here to read. They also have a bar/cafe area inside this area where you can enjoy a bevy and book. Outside gardens were filled with people reading and working. The huge inside reading rooms were completely filled, it was almost surreal to see that many people just sitting quietly working/reading. The inside art and architecture was also quiet a sight that gave it's own ambiance. There were so many different areas, nooks and crannies, to get lost in a good book. Definitely worth a visit and just make sure to find the non modern portion, just make sure to ask or use one of the other entrances to the library. read more

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What a beautiful library! There is the older, historic side with artwork to enjoy and architecture to peruse. The other side is the modern library with plenty of seating and free WiFi for studying, lounging, and reading books. If I was closer, I would definitely be by more often! read more

Breathtaking. A must visit if you are in the area. Gorgeous courtyard, murals and rich history. read more

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Such an amazing historical public library. We enjoyed every moment here. The library is fully functioning still and have a lot of historical elements that you can view. Architecture of the library is so great to look at. Highly recommended! read more

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Part museum, part, historical landmark, part library, hundred percent worth visiting when you're in Boston. When could easily spend hours here. There's so much history and architecture and beauty and knowledge here. and it's all free. read more

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I wish I'd done more research before going because I'd had this historic image of the library, but we entered through the modern side that looked like a regular library so I was a bit disappointed as I'd heard it's beautiful. But thennnnn as we walked more of the library, we came up on the historic part and then I knew okay this is what everyone is talking about. I forget the name but the quiet reading library portion w/the green lights was so cool and just like the movies. It was a quiet space and most people respected it. There's also a QR code you can scan that give you a briefing on all the galleries in the library so I sat in the quiet space w/the green lights and read up on the other galleries, then walked through them and was so much more meaningful to learn about the architecture and paintings. There's also a bar inside the library, we didn't check it out, I believe it's called the Map Room Lounge or something. Definitely add this library to your stop while in Boston. read more

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Gorgeous library, but keep in mind that there is a new part and the old part. It might be confusing but the help desk was so nice read more

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Beautiful library! Wow! Feels like a museum. Lovely exhibits and amazing art. They have a pretty courtyard, a quiet and fabulous study room, a tea shop/restaurant, gift shops, and so much more. Such an impressive building! read more

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Stunning! Very cool architecture, the actual library looks like out of a Harry Potter movie while other sections like the ceilings look like you are in an Italian church. Free to enter. Photography allowed as long as you don't use flash, shutter noise and do not disturb others. read more

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Pleasant surprise. Major Harry Potter vibes! Best thing is that it's free. Recommend when in town. read more

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The Boston public library looks and feels like a museum. The exterior architecture is magnificent and inside there is the renowned, Renaissance-style central courtyard in Copley Square. It is designed like an Italian cloister and is such a peaceful place to grab a book to read, catch some fresh air, or work from your laptop. Every first Saturday of even-numbered months (i.e. February, April, June, etc.) the have a big book sale that includes used books, textbooks, CDs, DVDs, and more. It gets really packed so I'd recommend getting there early. The BPL is world-class and it's worth checking out whether you're a reader or not. read more

Such a beautiful old public library. Free to enter, and walk around silently. No food or drinks allowed, but overall so pretty to witness while walking by! Highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area! read more

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I really think that this is a must visit for anyone that is visiting Boston. The art and architecture of this place is absolutely beautiful. The study room (I forgot the exact name of it) is stunning. It feels like a scene from Harry Potter or something. But be mindful if you come to this library. Although a lot of tourists come here, it is still an active library where people study and learn. Best of all, it's free to visit! read more

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Wonderful library in the heart of Boston, on the east side of Copley Square and with easy access to the MBTA Green line. If you're looking for a quiet area or to enjoy the historic areas of the li raft, enter on Dartmouth Street. If you're looking for the more modern area where you can take out books, enter on Boylston Street. My only hesitation with the library is that there are a fair amount of homeless and people in general throughout the library. And I don't mean that it was just crowded, but rather there are tables for anyone to use throughout so it felt like there wasn't any space truly dedicated for the children's library. We had no issues with anyone, but it was a little different from our own small-town suburbia library and I kept an eye on my kids. Perhaps if we went more frequently I'd feel better letting them roam on their own a bit. read more

This place is absolutely beautiful, but it's also super busy. We decided to check it out on a Thursday afternoon and it definitely was constantly full of people. Unfortunately, we only got into one room outside of the main entrance area before a fire alarm started going off and the entire building had to be evacuated.We would have loved to been able to explore a little bit more and check out other areas. read more

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What a beautiful building inside and out between the art and the building itself. There is actually a bar inside. If you are walking around Copley or Newbury street it's a great place to stop read more

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Still one of my favorite places to visit in Boston! The architecture is truly beautiful and I love being able to study in their main hall. I also appreciate the modern portion of the library that holds several computers, a cafe and tables to read and chat. 10/10 would recommend to anyone to visit once. read more

Boston Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The Boston Public Library is gorgeous and worth the trip to Boston alone. The grand marble halls, beautiful murals, and that massive Bates Hall reading room will take your breath away. It's like walking through a palace, not a library. The atmosphere is peaceful and inspiring, with people quietly studying throughout these beautiful spaces. The place is huge - you could spend hours exploring. If you're visiting Boston, this is a must-see. Trust me, you'll be amazed. read more

This library is GORGEOUS and an architectural wonder that draws you in like a strong magnet. Even if you are not looking to check out books, this library has so much to offer! From the beautiful architecture of marble, grand staircases, chandeliers, artwork decorated rooms, a breathtaking courtyard, statues, and of course books and study areas, to a full-on Courtyard Tea Room, it's definitely worth the visit! It was interesting seeing all the tourists coming through (myself included) taking photos and gawking. I can imagine that it's a common site for the people who are there studying and most likely a slight nuisance or distraction. But my gosh is this library is a sight to behold and respectfully admire! Do not miss out on a visit here if you're in the area. read more

Boston Public Library - Beautiful marble architecture. - Libraries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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So much to see at the public library. They even have a copy of the US Constitution that you can request to see. We went on Monday and so many rooms are closed. Avoid Mondays! Definitely will have to go back and experience lunch when they have it. read more

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An amazing library for its architecture and gallery spaces. It is enormous as it takes up just about a city block. A neo-classical building with two wings. The Dartmouth entrance has the traditional features are intact with illustrious murals. One chronicles the journey of one of King Arthur's men. I feel like I've seen the cavernous study hall in a movie. It also has a bar, cafe, and central garden. Wish I had this access in my student days. The opposite wing serves as a traditional library. read more

Likely one of the best libraries in the world! Founded in 1848. It is a pillar of Boston and American Educational History Institutes. I am in love. Massive online resources like Wall Street Journal access for free, Boston Global Access for free, Value Line Subscription for Free, Headspace Subscription for Free. Massive Book database. Beautiful artwork and architecture. Courtyard is magnificent with fountain! You should visit if you are traveling to Boston!!! If you are a resident of Boston you should use their vast resources. read more

Boston Public Library - Hogwarts room! - Libraries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

One of the prettiest and largest libraries I've been to! It's the third largest library in the US. The entrance was so grand and the library is historic (founded in 1848). I was visiting Boston and had this on my list to stop by. I was enthralled by the architecture; it looks more like an art museum than a library. We stopped by the children's library first. I was surprised it was on the smaller side compared to the smaller libraries I've been to; there were plenty of toys to keep my infant and toddler entertained. They had an area for the crawlers; there were reading nooks, board books, and sensory boards on the side of the walls. There was a stage area with a large throne and some seats; a small section with computers were available for use. We walked around the library after and noticed a ton of enthralled tourists also. I noticed many people using the library and studying; I am not sure how they can because there were so many people walking around and talking. We walked by a bar that looked like a speakeasy; I'd have to say, never seen a bar in a library! It's called the Map Room Tea Lounge which serves craft cocktails and small bites. Definitely looks pretty cool. There is the Courtyard Tea room that serves afternoon high tea when you book in advance; a coffee shop called Newsfeed Cafe, which has sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and tea. We walked by the famous Bates Hall and it was super packed with studiers. The hall was massive and beautiful. There's a courtyard with a water fountain that reminded me of a fancy private school they depict on television. Overall, if you're a fan of history, architecture, art, and books, I highly recommend checking this place out. read more

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Boston public library in Copley Square is an incredibly amazing visit especially the historical part of the library is most beautiful in display, highly recommend free entry with no charge or required ID, went in June of 2024 read more

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This really an architectural masterpiece with an impressive and beautiful dome. The Boston Public Library's central branch and its neighbor Copley Square ought to be a priority stops on any trip to Boston. The McKim building, with its Renaissance facade, took many years to build, and the results continue to impress visitors. Recent renovations modernized the back of the library, facing Boylston street, making it a dynamic hub for public radio and an asset to Bostonians who want a modern experience. With job-seeking resources, computer access, and classes. You cannot eat food inside the library. read more

Boston Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts