How to Visit the Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library is a gem in the heart of Boston. Located at 700 Boylston Street, the Boston Public Library houses an impressive collection of books, rare art works and a serene retreat from the bustle of Copley and Boylston. In a fairly expensive city, the Boston Public Library offers a great deal for the price of admission, which is completely free to everyone.

Instructions

1. Check out the Boston Public Library's website. They keep a list of the current and upcoming exhibits, which are also free to visitors. On the website, you can also read about the library's history, apply for a library e-card if you're a Massachusetts resident and enjoy some of the site's special features for teens and kids.

2. Visit the library during hours of operation if you choose to wander through it without a guide. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The library begins Sunday hours in October.

3. Take a tour of the BPL. Tours emphasize the architecture of the library, created by Charles F. McKim and Philip Johnson. Tours are available on Sundays from October through May at 2 p.m. All year long, tours run on Mondays at 2:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. There are no tours on Wednesdays. You can call [phone] ext. 2216 to schedule a tour by special appointment or volunteer.

4. During your visit, be sure you enjoy some of the highlights the library has to offer. The Puvis de Chavannes gallery has beautiful murals, the Abbey Room houses Edwin Austin Abbey's mural "The Quest and Achievement of The Holy Grail," while the Elliot Room highlights "Triumph of Time" by John Elliot. Another important spot in the library is the beloved Sargent gallery, home to John Singer Sargent's "Triumph of Religion." After taking all that in, spend some time in peaceful reflection in the Boston Public Library's courtyard. The courtyard is a favorite room of many Bostonians.

5. Enjoy a special lunch at Novel and Sebastian's Cafe, housed in the library. Call ahead for reservations at [phone]. If these are a bit too swanky for your budget, don't fret. Boston has plenty of places to catch a cheap bite to eat outside of the library.

6. Request a library card if you live in Massachusetts. You need to bring with you a photo ID and proof of residency, such as a lease or mail addressed to you. A Boston Public Library card links you to several libraries around the state. It's a useful resource for students of any age.

Resources

• The official website of the Boston Public Library.