The Boston Public Library is an institution. It is famous for being the first large, free…read moremunicipal 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.

This is an absolutely gorgeous library, the older section houses fantastic art and feels more like…read morea 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!

We've gone to so many incredible talks at the Athenaeum. In addition to it being a beautiful…read morelibrary, the author talks and events really make this place special. Most recently, we went to a talk on George Washington's private library collection.

I was in Boston for a conference this week, and it's always a shame to not do or see anything in…read morethe city where you've been for work. I knew I wouldn't have much free time and needed to get some work done between the end of the conference and leaving for the airport. When I discovered the Athenaeum, I thought - perfect! So what is the Boston Athenaeum? It's a "unique combination of library, museum, and cultural center in a magnificent landmark building . . . One of the country's oldest and most distinguished independent libraries..." It's a great place to work, study, and socialize. The first floor of the Athenaeum (where they have several galleries, including one for temporary exhibits) is open to the public. The rest of the floors are open to members only. Annual membership is currently $506/year or $338 for people 40 and under. However, they offer a day pass ($40), which is how I took advantage of the Athenaeum for a day. There are desks, chairs, patios, tables - tons of places to work and study and read. There are incredible views. The collection of art on the main level was worth seeing, and I also enjoyed their temporary exhibit: "Allan Rohan Crite: Griot of Boston." I wish they had provided a map, because - as a first time visitor - I got very confused by the floorplan. I couldn't find stairs so used the elevator, but one elevator only went to the second of five floors, so ... I wandered, found a place on the fourth floor to work from, and explored. It's really beautiful and it was a great place to get some work done while learning a little about Boston. $40 was a little steep, but it allowed me to get a little bit of a museum visit in while also allowing me the opportunity to work in a more beautiful place for a few hours. I'd happily check it out again. If I lived in Boston, I'd definitely consider becoming a member.

Super cute library- It's bright, has a lot of desks (!!!) also has a gorgeous reading room. Sort of…read moreclose to the Red Line.. I visited for the first time recently and I liked it!! :)

The Hive, audiobooks, DVDs/blue rays, and of course books, there's nothing this library does not…read morehave. Staff is always so kind and friendly too. Lots of fun events/classes to check out!

Love snell. Pretty much my second home throughout college. Simple enough:…read more 4th floor: absolutely no sound is allowed 3rd floor: you may talk a little 2nd: you may talk a little more 1st floor: you can scream if you like, but not recommended Make sure you check out your books before going through the metal detectors. It's really embarrassing if you forget.

My call has been answered! We are getting more bathrooms on the upper levels of Snell Library. The…read morebathroom gods are smiling upon the Huskies in Snell Library.

This library is great! Many resources like computers, dvds, cds, books, newspapers, magazines,…read moregames, and arts. You can deliver books from other libraries in their network to the library with lookup on their database. Nice staff! Recommended!

My 1.5 year old and I love this library! It has everything we need. In addition to a wide book…read moreselection, it has so many activities throughout the week that keep us occupied and stimulated. There is story time, block building, and music sessions. There are even more activities for older kids. The space is always clean. It is wheelchair (and stroller) accessible and a decent amount of parking next door.

I've driven past this library for decades but never went inside until the past few years. After my…read moresecond visit to,look around, I just had to get myself a library card here. Besides being an architecturally appealing building, I love the layout and offerings. I've found books, and other items that other libraries either don't have or are hard to get, being checked out frequently. I recently discovered their nice DVD section. I found all seasons of Get Smart and rented them all over a period of about 5-1/2 weeks. They have a decent selection of Blu-Ray discs as well. The first room on the left as you enter is where they keep newspapers and periodicals. It's also a wonderful spot to sit and read. There's a small but adequate metered parking lot behind the building , which is managed by the Town. There's on-street metered parking as well. Just a block or two away, you'll find free parking on the side streets. They also offer passes to museums and some other local attractions, although, in most cases, the discount is somewhat less than those available from the Boston Public Library. The advantage is this is both easier to get to and park at. They do also offer,some virtual passes that you can easily obtain online. It is near at least two MBTA bus routes (77, 87). The staff is very helpful and friendly. They are associated with several other libraries within their network as well.

Great library. Helpful staff. Lots of audiobooks and DVDs. And a comfy area to explore fiction…read more Love the big overstuffed chair there.

Great place to study and work on case studies. Harvard…read morestudent ID gets you in the doors with no questions or waits.

From the owner: The mission of the Harvard Law School Library is to support the research and curricular needs of…read moreits faculty and students by providing a superb collection of legal materials and by offering the highest possible level of service. To the extent consistent with its mission, the Library supports the research needs of the greater Harvard community as well as scholars from outside the Harvard community requiring access to its unique collections. Please see our website for current hours as they vary throughout the academic year.

Great study spot! This place is low key and doesn't get a lot of foot traffic like the other…read morelibraries. This place is super quiet too. Plenty of places for private studying. It was easy for me to find a spot of my own and can make the space as chaotic as I want it to be. Downside is that the gendered restrooms are located on different floors. I had to go upstairs for my gender-assigned restroom.

I think I've got a crush on you, Lamont. What a gorgeous name for a library. Say it with me…read more. Lamont. :) Oookay, perhaps, I'm starting to lose it. I've been writing way too many papers. ANYWAY, what's so great about Lamont? Well, currently during finals reading period, it's open for 24 hours.. plus, there's a cafe inside that serves food (your typical pre-made sandwiches, snacks) and drinks (coffee from Starbucks). And really, as a student that is all you need... quiet space open for 24 hours with food and drinks. Happy studying!

The JFK Presidential Library is one of the most impressive, inspiring museums I've visited. JFK led…read morean extraordinary life, and the library does a remarkable job showing why he remains such a compelling and influential figure. Walking through the exhibits, you really feel the weight of an era when the presidency carried a different kind of dignity and aspiration. The way Kennedy spoke, what he stood for, and the sense of public service he embodied stand in stark contrast to the tone of modern politics. Visiting the library made me appreciate that difference even more. Trump has made the United States a laughing stock. I wish we could just erase Trump from existence. The museum itself is beautifully designed, bright, and right on the water -- an amazing setting. The core exhibits are informative, moving, and very well curated. I especially loved the special exhibit on presidential pets, which added a fun and charming touch. Overall, the JFK Library is fascinating, inspiring, and absolutely worth the trip. Highly recommended.

Great museum both for its content and its architecture. I went after there was some reconstruction,…read moreso it was free entry, but it's definitely worth it to come for the entry fee. There is a fairly large parking lot, and it's right on the water which is scenic. It's a very thorough exhibit from a movie talking about JFK's early life, then the exhibits from his marriage, the election, life in the White House, the Cuban missile crisis, and then his unfortunate assassination and the aftermath. The information was well laid out and displayed, so it took a couple of hours to get through and leave in a pensive mood. Well, until I went to the Presidential Pets exhibit which lightened the mood. Well played! There are also a decent gift shop and a cafe on site. It was a great presentation and well worth visiting.

As someone who is not a student, I absolutely give this library 5 stars. My parents used to teach…read moreat Tufts, and all through high school I would cut class to come watch foreign films in the AV room, which I could access by leaving my keys at the desk since I had no form of ID whatsoever. I always came here rather than my school's crap library when I had a paper, and still sometimes go to read lit criticism. They have EVERYTHING!!! I have always loved libraries and this one is among the best. I love walking up that beautiful pastoral green hill and I love that they are open practically all night. I just wish I could check out materials.

It'll do. I know this is snobby, but my undergrad college had the 3rd-biggest university library…read morein the country...Tisch seems a little dinky in comparison. I mean, it's FINE, but nothing to write home about. BUT. The reference librarians here are awesome. Friendly, accommodating, and smart smart smart. Use them!