Reviews of Boston Public Library (Library)

Max Pollak

There may not be a more beautiful building in Boston. You can enter for free and walk around pretty much the entire library. The courtyard is beautiful and a great place to just sit, relax, and people watch.

Raul García

It is a fascinating building; many different paintings on the walls, the stairs with the two lions look kind of similar to the New York public library which reminds you of the movie, The day after tomorrow, open spaces with gardens, second floor to read and study quietly, lots of people visit the library, entrance is free and if you want there is a box to put donations. Recommended.

Rick Morelli

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.

Chia-Hui Ho

free outlet and resources at basement that if you are looking for some job , people there are open to ask for.With the lion sculpture outside as well as some of the historical people , this library has become a well known and trusty landmark in the city.

cann pare

The most beautiful library! Amazing atmosphere peaceful studying place.

Danielle Hernandez

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.

Praveen Yenduri

We went for the 2 PM tour on Sunday. The tour guide Tom was amazing and the hour went by just like that. We learned a lot about the library and understood the art and architecture better. He even took us outdoors and showed corner stone etc. I highly recommend taking a tour here to better appreciate the library. The library itself is massive. The old part of the building is more like an art museum than a library. Amazing murals and paintings. I loved the staircase area with its golden color marble and golden sunlight filtering through the glass windows. Looked heavenly. The courtyard is a good peaceful oasis from the busy city outside. We also wanted to get a library card but there was no one at the services desk. We waited half an hour and eventually left. Well, next time.

Eva Raimundez Kuhlmann

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

Andreas Knoor

This is a beautiful building - free for all. I highly recommend taking a (free) tour.

Jackson Seng

Love the interior design and feel good to be in it.

Mao Nuon

I spent a lot time here when I was in high school. I recently returned to visit after more than 25 years away. I never realized how amazing this library was. It is one of the oldest public libraries in the country. This is actually two libraries: the old building which houses rare books collection, and the modern building which is state of the art, see pictures below. It is a must see place if you are visiting Boston.

Mehmet

one of the best libraries i ve been too

Tony Reynolds

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

bacmaj

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.

Mahdi B

Don’t get fooled by how it looks from the outside. For the inside is what surprises you the most! Take a left turn once you go in and your suddenly in a secluded garden listening to fountain water. Great place to chill, read, do work or have tea. The afternoon tea at the Map Room cafe is just wonderful

Oleg Osypchuk

Nice library that with great architectural styles. Excellent place for reading, snapping a few cool pictures, a place for clearing your mind and just a nice spot to walk through if you are in the area. Be sure to see the main reading hall. It always looks great

D. Eris

I'm sure most of the previous reviews have covered everything important there is to say about the BPL, but if you happen to come across my review, let me give you a brief summary of what/why I love this building: - Grand staircase (there's a story behind those lion sculptures) - Interior design of the Bates Hall in the first floor - Murals in the Abbey Room, which is adjacent to the Bates Hall - Murals by John Singer Sargent in the second floor (there's a story behind a few of those panels or the lack thereof) - The courtyard and the bronze sculpture in the center of it (again, there's an interesting story behind that replica sculpture) Definitely worth a visit and if you're lucky your visit may coincide with a public event in the courtyard. Check out the Norman B. Leventhal Map and Education Center if you're into maps.

Troy Ferrell

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

Nemesis C

Visited Boston and their library is just stunning. Such a beautiful place to go and read, explore and the epic lion pillars they have are just a sight to behold!

Dallas Nielsen

From out of town on a rainy day. We really enjoyed going through there. Very pretty

David Heaney

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.

Uday K

The library is amazing! The murals, ceilings and sculptures will make you go awe! The study rooms are so quiet. It’s right next to Copley Square T & Opposite to Trinity Church. It is very accessible to food places too.

Drew Looyenga

One of Americas best libraries. There's a reason it's so well known. Amazing architecture and iconic study areas.

Wendy Huang

It has really changed since my high school days and I like it. The amenities are nice, although it does make finding books more difficult. But it is a nicer place to hang out and do homework. There are a few homeless people fighting. But the architecture is also amazing.

Rohit Malik

Boston Public Library is a architectural wonder that must be seen in person when visiting Boston. Located in the heart of the city near Copley Square and the Copley T station getting is easy. The original structure is breath taking and you will be left in amazement at the grand entrance and beautiful details on the wall and the ceiling. Once in the main part of the library the common study area is truly magnificent and the ceiling detail is one of a kind. As you continue through a modern addition has been added on which blends beautifully blends old and new together.

Paul Castleberry

Probably the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen. It’s like a museum with all the statues and art work. This was one of our favorite stops of the whole entire trip!

Asia Koter

Beautiful library, clearly inspired by Bibliotheque Ste Genevieve of Paris, France. It also has a contemporary extension at the back, which houses many collections, reading rooms, and a radio recording station (!) that can be viewed by visitors. When I visited in August 2019, the Library had on an amazing temporary exhibition about mapping America, with a collection of maps dating back to the early modern times. I also attended the Art & Architecture tour which highlighted the history of the most significant rooms in the Library. Personally I am not a fan of Italian Revival, but the tour was still quite interesting. I loved how welcoming the atmosphere in the library is, and the easy access to all of its resources, even though I was a visitor from Europe.

Juniper Grace

Probably one of the most impressive libraries I have visited! From the beautiful statues at the entrance, light fixtures that look like they came from Narnia, incredible murals painted on the walls and ceilings, to an absolutely fascinating children’s library, this place should not be missed! We spent a few hours here and could have spent all day!

Joe Rhinelander

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.

Kristine Marketti

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

Patricia Lasater

My favorite library in the area.

Calvin Do

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

Gaganpreet Uppal

Amazing heritage library , was nice to see that US has protected public libraries in the current digital world

Travis Bouchard

Great library to look around.

Felicia Smith

Absolutely breathtaking. I loved walking the grounds and looking at the exhibits.

Handong Sun

free to all. a nice place for reading

Boon Chuan

It's hard to believe that a humble looking library building from outside but have a spectacular architecture inside. This place was not in my place to visit initially. But from exterior of this library seems fascinating. From the old books, to the courtyard and beauty of every room, it's worth your time to visit. The Reading Room upstairs is a lovely place to sit and read among many people. The reading room is like hogwarts as in Harry Potter movie. Amazingly Boston public library is the second largest library in United States. The library also full of history and unique architecture as it was more than 100 years old and established since 1852.

Donovan Hudson

There is never a day that I come here and not have wifi issues. The wifi here is very slow compared to other public libraries in and around the city. Sometimes it's like watching paint dry just trying to access emails. Geesh!!! My hotspot is ofyrn times faster. Great location great space to do work but lousy wifi/speed.

David Liu

This is the first public library in the USA. And it’s the most architecturally impressive American public library that I have been to. Definitely worth a visit. Walking inside the building and into the courtyard reminds me of visiting a museum in Europe.

Beverly S

Nice place to visit on a rainy day.

B Saini

Beautiful library. Walk inside and just take a stroll.

Bob Geller

Best free knowledge resource in Boston! Most staff are exceptionally helpful AND competent. Tech Central staff are incredibly patient, tolerant, and knowledgeable - truly a great team! And the WGBH News Cafe staff, led by Karen, are wonderful, engaging, polite, and helpful. This facility is a model of what contemporary libraries could be.

Kaki Stofff

Employees are very magnificence and mastery their work with their distinctive guidance ... The place is very magnificence; combines the middle era in history with our current age of speed ...

Hồng Đào Lê Thị

I’m falling head over heels with this place

S Moore

The old history of the Boston Library is one not to be missed visiting Boston! You've probably seen it in numerous movies. Not only are there books, but amazing craftmanship, and art. Take the time to walk around and examine all this library has to offer!

Mitchell Sponitz

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.

Kristy Robinson

absolute gorgeous library that is worth stepping into. there's no admission but you are restricted to certain areas.

Kat Moraga

Best place to go on a cold day or rainy day !! They say....” The library is the temple of learning, and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history”.... Take the time to see this library it's been around since 1895... Sadly one day it might not carry books anymore but hard drives or ”clouds” as we call it now... Appreciate not only how far we have gotten but how we got here.

Chase

Take a step into a movie of an old word library with gorgeous art, vast selections of new and old books, and gorgeous architecture.

Megan Damiani

Beautiful library and one of my parts about visiting Boston. However, with all the history associated with the library, it would have been nice to get some information on the paintings and murals. We walked around and just had to guess at what the history was behind the art. At this point, it's practically a museum with its beauty and art--should supplement the tourism with helpful, historic information throughout library.

Georgie Keable

Beautiful & peaceful. Great place to visit.

hawra alnabi

I’m a bookworm and I visit every big library on my trips. When visiting Boston I had to stop at this library. It has two sides; the older side and the newer side. I absolutely love the older side with its old architecture and beautiful wall art. The court yard is so beautiful. I personally would not be able to do much studying there with all the visitors; but if you’re like me and love books you must visit this place.

Divideby4 Tarnation

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.

Michael Tritthart

Amazing architecture. Such a great place.

Josh Meagher

This place is part library and part museum. Highly recommend if you like libraries.

Erin Leal

Very beautiful inside. The newer part of the library is good for studying.

Debisree Ray

I am not a member of this library, but I visited when I was in Boston and was awestruck by the grandeur. Please stop by, if you are in Boston. This is one of the oldest libraries in United States, and the architecture is marvellous. The reading rooms, cafe, everything’s is grand and nice.

Ron Lee

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

Patrina Huff

Lovely space. Near several transit lines and public spaces. Can walk to a number of areas from here.

Seth Howell

Absolutely stunning library with Greco-Roman architecture and vivid murals. This is a great place to come and read or study!

Andrew Cameron

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.

Tiffany Le

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!

Maryam Nassiri

Verydissapointed that it was closed on the labor weekend and we didn't get to go inside :(

ali reza zamani

One of the most beautiful landmarks in North America with astonishing architecture amazing painting.

Victoria B.

I grew up around the Smithsonian and Library of Congress and I think this place is still more beautiful. Gorgeous and peaceful and historic yet modern and adaptable. The best library I've ever been to! Just wish their hours were more accommodating.

Darren Pennington

Go see the Lions, inside and out, marvel at the art work, and ask why 90 percent of US Libraries are hideous.

Austin Graff

The Boston Public Library may be the most stunning library in the USA. It opened in 1895 in downtown Boston a few blocks from the famous Boston Common. The outside is stunning, but wait until you go inside. You'll feel like you're in the Vatican in Rome rather than in Boston. There's much to explore once inside. Take time to climb the stairs and read about its history. If you need a place to read or work, go to the Bates Hall. It's stunning and has dozens of long wooden tables with outlets and free wifi. On the bottom floor are restrooms and a restaurant. The outside courtyard is where many hang out at. There's a fountain in the center and tables along the side. Again, it transports you straight to Europe.

Jim Blinn

The children's room is a great facility for stimulating kids in a number of ways. Perfect for colder weather it has the requisite supply of children's books but also computer access geared to their interests as well. We appreciated the stroller parking station as a place to dump our stroller and coats.

Taylor Bennett

I was in Boston for a college conference and took a trip to the library. The environment has a modern feel and a traditional feel! I got my hands on some books that gave me a break from reading off a screen.

TJ T

Not just a public library, if you happen to be in Boston, this place is worth a visit. Daily guided tours on Art & Architectural insights will provide you with a very interesting perspective of this place. Free to wander within the compounds of this Library, it also offers a peaceful & serene respite from the busy streets outside.

Joshua Tso

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).

Sebastian Soto Lora

Beautiful artwork. That alone was such an experience.

Cosmos C. Yeh

This library is an amazing public place to visit.

Lala Chen

Pretty place to study.

Jerry Kaufman

Stunning building with fantastic study/work space on the second floor. It’s so quiet in there that I almost blew my eyeball out it’s socket trying to hold in a sneeze in an effort to not be THAT GUY disrupting studious folks by echoing sneezes around the cavernous room. There’s a nice little cafe -called Map Room Cafe - on the second floor with coffee, tea, pastries, and a handful of sandwiches. Whether you’re looking for a place to work or just looking for a cool place to visit, stop on by.

Alysa Nguyen

The Boston Public Library is amazing! The Bates Room on the second floor is something straight out of a movie. There is a courtyard outside for you to relax and enjoy the architecture, and the breeze blowing by. There are also several art pieces spread around the library. The inside is pristine and well maintained. Before you enter the library, there is a security checkpoint. They also have high tea in one of the rooms, we didn’t participate because we went with our little one. We also took her to the second building where they have a huge children section for her to explore and for us to rest.

Adriano Mondini

An excellent place to visit if you are a tourist or a student!!! Quiet and interactive environments and art works carved all over its walls and ceilings!!!

John RF

Something for everyone here. Brough our kids to the children's library, they loved it. The courtyard is beautiful. Would love to spend more time here.

Pat McAlister

So peaceful and the murals are magnificent ... I especially enjoyed the laminated guides with detailed information so one can understand what you are viewing!

E. B. Snodgrass

The free Art and Architecture your, runs about an hour, is a must. Beautiful building and very friendly staff. Has 2 places to buy food and enjoy. Map Room exhibit is so kid friendly it was hard to get the kids to leave.

thesweetlove112

Really cool library it seamlessly connects old with new. One half is classic old library style while the other half is new and eccletic with its own little wine and beer serving cafe. Very clean except some areas just reek of sewer. Very beautiful inside and in the fountain area. Bates hall is a great place to study.

Koralalage Don Aminda Chathuranga Udugama

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

Brady Hurd

Gorgeous. So beautiful. The building is amazing. The history was astounding. The art was breathtaking. Go on the tour. Just go. You should go. Listen and soak up history.

Shanice H

I thoroughly enjoy my visit to the Boston Public Library. I had the opportunity to join the free public tour (details on the library's website). Judy, our very sophic, informative and passionate tour guide shared insightful information on almost everything about, and in the library including the many pieces of art, murals, books, architecture and origin/history of the building. At the Newsfeed Cafe, the library's in-house eatery, I had the avocado toast and lavender lemonade, yum! As expected the staff was pleasant and sociable. Unfortunately the doors to the many balconies of the library were closed, not sure if that is always the case or if it was due to the fourth of July crowd. Overall, my first visit to the Boston Public Library was great, and certainly will not be my last.

Vasil Nestorov

Reading is one of my favourite things to do and this library is one of the best places to go. It’s amazing, the architecture inside and outside it’s just wonderful!!

Kelsey Zamoyski

Absolutely beautiful! Must see if you love architecture.

allegra amos

I absolutely lived this library. When you walk in, there is this modern looking library with tons of technology and a radio station and a very very tasty cafe

Jake Leslie

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.

Claire Lemiski

Perfect place to explore when it's chilly outside. The Boston Public Library expertly combines beauty with functionality. Honestly, just being there makes you want to read more! There is something for every age and interest. Not just books either - cafes and exhibits too. Guided tours are available just about every day.

Marie Gail Stratford

What an amazing library! The new wing has amazing technology center and plenty of places to study or socialize. The original portion of the building houses art galleries, archives, and more.

Natasha Puspa Kartika

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

Ketki Modi

The library has a magnificent structure and great halls.

Katherine Strohlein

Beautiful space.

Pat Ling

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

Vikram Seshadri

Huge library with a great collection of books and movies.

Alexis Smith

Meh. If you have been overseas and seen art in the Louvre or other areas of Europe this is really nothing. It is a cool place to come sit and read. A few of the 'galleries' were under construction when I went to visit. Maybe that is why it was not fascinating to me.

Dakota

Very nice library. Very large with multiple floors and a ton of books. Free to get into with an optional donation box. Architecture is amazing and a peaceful place to get away from the busy streets. They plenty of beautiful murals on the walls. Definitely a must see if you are in Boston.

Sally Walker

A gorgeous public library, the architecture is stunning and the place as a whole has such a lovely atmosphere. The courtyard is the things dreams are made of