The Boston Public Library is amazing! It’s the second largest public library in the US (second to the library of congress) and the building itself is jaw dropping. Whenever friends or family come out to visit me this is one attraction I always make sure is on our list of things to see.
It starts with a gorgeous building complete with Gothic looking metal work on the outside, then you walk through the doors and are greeted by a wrapping marble staircase, giant lions, a courtyard view and breath taking floor to ceiling paintings. This library feels more like a museum (at least the front half) than a modern day library. I love walking through it and seeing the art works and exhibits, and when it’s all said and done I usually end up checking out a book or two.
Things to Note:
1) Price
Free. It’s a public library, but it feels like you’re getting to walk through an amazing museum for free.
2) Stroller Friendliness
You can certainly bring a stroller here and there are elevators to help you get around, but if you can stand to leave it behind I would suggest it since the elevators are out of the way and not super easy to get to.
3) Child Friendliness
This place is child friendly. You can walk around, enjoy the courtyards, pick up some books, see the art and the things that shouldn’t be touched are generally safely tucked away behind glass cases.
4) Check out Books
You have to be a resident of the Boston area to be able to check out books. We live in Cambridge and I have a Cambridge library card, but I needed to get another greater city of Boston type card before I could check out books here.
5) Getting There
This is right off the Green Line, Copley “T” stop, seriously. You walk out of the “T” station and you are on the library steps, however if you’re planning on driving you’ll be right in the middle of the city and parking can be both expensive and hard to find. I would highly suggest getting here via public transportation.
Summary & Rating ★★★★★
Five Stars. I’m a sucker for books in the first place, which makes me a sucker for libraries, but this is one of the most amazing libraries I have ever set foot in. It huge, elegant and historic, it’s free and it has tons of material to check out. It makes a great outing on cold days and if you bring children and they end up getting bored of the museum like aspects you can always retreat to the children’s book area.
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St.
Boston MA 02116
Phone: 617-536-5400
Website: http://www.bpl.org/
Hours:
Monday–Thursday
9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday
9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday
1 p.m.–5 p.m.