The first large, free municipal library in the country, the Boston Public Library was established in 1848 and has been in its current location since 1895. It remains a vital resource center for Bostonians as well as a popular tourist destination. Designed by Charles Follen McKim, the library is one example of the architectural marvels the city has to offer and, with its impressive collection of murals and sculptures, a hidden gem for art lovers.
Parking and public transportation at the Boston Public Library
Though there is parking behind the Westin Copley Place (kitty-corner from the library) and just two blocks east at Boylston and Berkeley, the BPL is most easily accessible by MBTA, as it sits right on top of Copley Station on the green line.
Best and worst time to go to the Boston Public Library
The library is open seven days a week. There is no truly bad time to go, though exploring the library's endless architectural, artistic, and (of course) literary gems does make for a fun indoor activity on a winter day.
Admission to the Boston Public Library
Admission is completely free! But note that the Map Room Café is just inside the library's center courtyard, should you find yourself hungry or thirsty on your visit.
Must see/do at the Boston Public Library
The McKim building, facing Copley Square, is full of historical wonders. Be sure to visit the John Singer Sargent Gallery on the 3rd floor. The Johnson building, facing Boylston, houses circulating materials and provides cozy reading spots. Don't miss the newly renovated teen room on the 2nd floor, but be aware: don't linger if you're over 18 or they'll kick you out.
Other places to visit near the Boston Public Library
Just across Copley Square is another architectural and historical landmark: Trinity Church, founded in 1773. If you're looking to spend an afternoon shopping, walk one block north to Newbury Street or a few blocks west to the Prudential Mall and Copley Place. If the weather is nice, head three blocks east and spend the afternoon in the Boston Public Garden.
Insider tip for visitors to Boston Public Library
The library offers free, hour-long tours once a day, and provides handbooks for self-guided tours at other times. These are a great way to get acquainted with the building's illustrious history. Check the BPL website for schedules.
Author's Bio: Sarah Weber is a 20-something publishing professional and freelance writer in the Boston area. In her spare time she plays tourist in her own city and blogs about books at sarahmweber715.wordpress.com.
The Vilna Shul synagogue was built by Lithuanian immigrants in 1919. The building now houses a museum focusing on Jewish culture in Boston. No longer an operational synagogue, the Vilna Shul still holds prayer services one Friday each month and during holidays. The Vilna Shul is supported by private donations and is managed by a team of volunteers and two employees.
The Cooper Community Center offers a pre-school, after-school program and a social club for seniors from its location near the South End/Roxbury border. The preschool serves children ages two years, nine months (2.9) to six years (6), and emphasizes literacy development. The after-school program provides children ages 5 - 12 with a safe and structured learning environment that features tutoring and mentoring with Northeastern Students and MIT graduate students. The Cooper Community Center also offers the "Forget-Me-Not" Club for local seniors. Members meet for lunch every Tuesday from September to June to discuss topics that enrich their physical and mental health.
The Salvation Army South End Corps is the neighborhood's largest Salvation Army location, offering an after-school program, worship services and educational and recreational programs for youths and adults. The Washington Street building also houses the Family Services Bureau, which coordinates emergency assistance for individuals and families in need. A computer center and a gymnasium are onsite as well.
Blackstone Community Center offers a wide range of programs for youth, children, teens and families. It offers fitness programs, sports activities, summer programs, swimming, performing arts as well as adult education. It also offers after-school programs. Check the main website for a full schedule or for details on getting involved.
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The Eritrean Community Center of Greater Boston works to promote social and cultural interactions among Eritrean-Americans and the local residents, and strives to foster mutual understanding and respect. The center provides a forum for Eritreans to come together and form solutions to challenges faced in the U.S. and in their native country. Members have access to a library, computers, training programs and social events.
Back Bay Events Center is a venue located on Berkley Street in Boston. The venue is home to John Hancock Hall and Dorothy Quincy Suite and is a great space to hold all types of events, including meetings, performances, conferences, special events and trade shows. The location has a large 1,100-seat ballroom and offers a wide range of services through partnerships, including audio and visual work, Wi-Fi, catering work as well as staging work and floral rentals among other services. Check the website for a schedule of events and rental information.