History of the Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library became the first large free municipal library in the United States when it opened its doors in 1854. The Boston library moved to its present Copley Square location in 1895 and has remained there since, though additional buildings have been added on.
Other People Are Reading
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Branches
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Not only was Boston's central library the nation's first of its kind, but Boston also opened the nation's first branch library in East Boston in 1870. There are currently more than two dozen neighborhood branches of the Boston Public Library.
Sargent murals
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Local painter John Singer Sargent composed a number of murals on world religion located on the third floor of the main building. Evocative of Italian frescoes, these murals are a must-see for art lovers.
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Addition
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In 1972, a large addition designed by architect Philip Johnson was built on the Boylston St. side of the library. Today this addition houses the Boston library's circulating collection, and offers events and readings on the lower level.
Features
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The inner courtyard of the library, pictured above, was part of the original McKim building. It features Italian-style architectural vaulting and a central fountain and offers a place for patrons to read and snack.
Collection
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Today, the Boston Public Library's collection is comprised of over 6 million items. Over 15 million items are in circulation throughout the BPL's branches.
No food in the library?
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Seeming to go against library tradition, in 2003 the Boston Public Library opened Sebastians Novel & Map Room Cafe, which serves snacks and high tea in an elegantly renovated room inside the library.
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References
- Photo Credit Boston Public Library's McKim Courtyard by .imelda
