Boston Public Library

About Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library is a public library system serving Boston, Massachusetts. Its central facility includes the historic McKim Building, a Beaux-Arts structure opened in 1895 and designed by architect Charles Follen McKim. The building occupies a prominent position in Copley Square in the Back Bay neighborhood. The library system holds significant collections and serves as both a working research institution and a destination for visitors interested in architecture, public art, and library history. The McKim Building is particularly noted for its interior courtyards, murals, and classical design elements that reflect nineteenth-century American civic architecture.

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What's inside

The McKim Building contains reading rooms, exhibition spaces, and significant interior architectural features. Visitors commonly note the Bates Hall reading room with its coffered ceiling and arched windows. The building also contains courtyard spaces with sculpture and fountain elements. Murals by John Singer Sargent and other artists appear in designated areas. The library maintains collections accessible to registered borrowers and researchers. Exhibition spaces present rotating displays of materials from special collections. The Johnson building, a modern addition, contains additional public service areas.

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How long to spend

Visitor duration varies considerably based on interest level and purpose. Casual visitors observing architectural features and public spaces typically spend between thirty minutes and ninety minutes. Those intending to use reading rooms, examine special collections, or attend scheduled events may spend several hours. Researchers with specific collection needs may spend full days. The building's size and the variety of spaces suggest that visitors should allocate sufficient time for security screening upon entry and for navigating between floors and wings. Self-guided observation of major interior spaces requires moderate walking.

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Season and crowds

Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; Friday–Saturday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM. Open daily with no regular weekly closure day. Remaining 2026 full-day closures: September 6–7, October 12, November 11 and 26, and December 25. Special hours are 9:00 AM–5:00 PM on November 25, December 24, and December 31. Individual departments, including Special Collections and the Leventhal Map & Education Center, keep different hours. Visitors should consult the official website at bpl. org for current opening times before planning a visit. Seasonal considerations for Boston generally include heavier tourism in summer months and around autumn foliage periods. The library's interior spaces offer climate-controlled environments regardless of external weather conditions.

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Tickets

Free and open to the public during library hours. Visitors may explore the Central Library independently; weekly guided tours require advance registration. The Boston Public Library operates as a public institution, and general access to public spaces and exhibitions has historically been without charge. Certain special events, programs, or exhibitions may involve ticketed access or registration requirements. Visitors should verify current policies through the official website. Donation opportunities may exist for those wishing to support library operations. Any fees for specific services such as reproductions, research assistance, or meeting room use would be established by library policy and should be confirmed directly with staff.

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Getting there

The address is 700 Boylston Street in Copley Square. Copley station on the Green Line and Back Bay station on the Orange Line and Commuter Rail are nearby. BPL also names bus routes 9, 10, 39, 55, 57, 501, 504, and 553. Bicycle racks are at Blagden and Dartmouth streets and along Exeter Street; a Bluebikes station is at Dartmouth and Boylston streets. The Boston Public Library in Copley Square is accessible via public transportation. The Copley station on the MBTA Green Line serves the immediate area. Multiple bus routes also operate nearby. The location in central Boston places it within walking distance of other Back Bay landmarks. Driving presents challenges typical of urban Boston, including limited street parking and commercial garage rates. Visitors using bicycles may find racks in the vicinity.

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What to watch out for

Both public entrances are accessible. The 700 Boylston Street entrance is at sidewalk level. The 230 Dartmouth Street entrance is reached step-free by ramps to the left of the eight entrance steps. All public floors and spaces are reachable by elevator and/or wheelchair lift. Accessible parking spaces are located in front of the Boylston Street entrance. Visitors should observe that this is an active library with patrons engaged in study and research. Quiet conduct is expected in reading rooms and stack areas. Photography policies vary by space and should be confirmed with staff; restrictions may apply to certain collections, artworks, or during exhibitions. Bag inspection or security screening may occur at entry. Some historic areas may present accessibility challenges due to building age and preservation requirements. Children must be supervised.

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Photography

Many historic libraries permit photography in designated public areas while restricting flash, tripods, or commercial equipment. Special collections, reading rooms with active researchers, and temporary exhibitions commonly have additional limitations. Visitors wishing to photograph specific architectural features, artworks, or materials should inquire at service desks. Commercial or promotional photography typically requires advance permission. Drone use would be prohibited. Visitors should respect the privacy and concentration of library patrons and comply promptly with staff instructions regarding any photography restrictions in effect.

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Where it is

• 30 min

  2 min walk

  Old South Church

  • Must see · Heritage site
  • Place of worship
• 1 hour

  3 min walk

  Copley Square

  • Must see
  • Nature site
• 30 min

  4 min walk

  Trinity Church

  • Must see · Heritage site
  • Place of worship

External links