Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library is a public library on Copley Square with two main buildings, the classical McKim building from 1895 and the modern Johnson building from the 20th century. A glass corridor connects both parts and opens onto an interior courtyard with fountains and seating areas.

The library opened its doors in 1854 as the first large free municipal library in the United States and moved into the current McKim building in 1895. The Johnson addition was built in 1972 as an expansion for modern media and collections.

The Bates Hall stretches over 67 meters long and forms the representative heart of the McKim building with its oak reading desks and tall arched windows. Visitors find a place of quiet here where students and readers work at long wooden tables and warm light falls through the windows.

The main entrance is on Dartmouth Street, while access to the courtyard is possible from Boylston Street. Wheelchair-accessible entrances are located on both sides of the building, and free guided tours start in the entrance hall of the McKim building.

On the third floor of the McKim building sits the Abbey Room with large-scale murals by Edwin Austin Abbey depicting medieval knights and legends of the Holy Grail. The small room is often overlooked, although the paintings represent over 15 years of work by the artist.

Location: Boston

Inception: March 18, 1848

Part of: Metro Boston Library Network

Address: Boylston Street

Opening Hours: Monday-Tuesday 10:00-18:00; Wednesday 10:00-20:00; Thursday 10:00-18:00; Friday-Saturday 09:00-17:00

Phone: +16175365400

Email: ask@bpl.org

Website: https://bpl.org

GPS coordinates: 42.36008,-71.05888

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:12