Libraries in Boston

THE 10 BEST Boston Libraries

Libraries in Boston

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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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What travellers are saying

  • christopherbO9687MP
    Acton, MA748 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Boston Public Library's classic interior & architectural details are even more enjoyable with the free guided tour that the Library provides each Tuesday afternoon. We got a great overview of three floors of marble interior details, sculptures from famous 19th Century artists, and lots of murals decorating the walls of the circa 1895 McKim Building. Our tour guide had lots of amusing anecdotes about how this massive building came to be. Definitely something to see in downtown Boston, and the price is right.

    After your tour I'd also wander through the modern wing of the library next door. The modern architecture is an interesting contrast with the traditional interior next door.
    Written 11 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kurt S
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great experience and history. Inspirational in today’s environment. What a tremendous man in comparison to trump. He’s a joke.
    Written 2 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dustythoughts
    Manchester, CT2,251 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This library/museum is much more than what it seems from the street. It's a five-story library with a museum on the first floor (you can only access the top floors if you're a member or on a tour), and the whole place is redolent of dusty tomes and historical exhibits. There's a bass relief on the fourth floor that dates back to Herculaneum (which was buried by Vesuvius alongside Pompeii), and the library houses a third of George Washington's original library. There's a lovely children's reading room, a terrace, and plenty of reading rooms.
    Written 22 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Matt O
    Tring, UK257 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went to visit the Mapparium, which is truly incredible. A map of the world (as of 1935), rendered on the inside of a glass sphere that you stand inside. A truly one of a kind experience.
    Written 31 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lee L
    Valhalla, NY2,289 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited this small museum after going to the JFK Library which is across the street. A nice collection of exhibits telling about the founding of the Commonwealth, it's more geared towards a younger audience.

    The highlight of the museum is the room where they have the bronze plate that Paul Revere made of the Boston Massacre, Charter of Massachusetts, Charter of the Bay Colony, Copy of the Declaration of Independence made on the 50th anniversary, Bill of Rights and the Massachusetts Constitution.

    It is worth a visit if in the area, admission is free.
    Written 18 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NFca
    Carterville, IL266 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Recently visited here for the first time to research my ancestry. There is a large collection of resources available to view and copy. There is a charge to photocopy but no charge for copy to thumb drive. I found the manuscripts very interesting to view. You find the manuscript reference, then bring it to an attendant for retrieval. Very nice service and friendly staff. Large table areas to spread out your work. Membership or entrance fee is required.
    Written 4 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, CA19,114 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I spent many hours studying here. It was my refuge on hot summer days when I was at BU for the summer session. Air conditioning in here. It's modern, but complete and a real university library. Not a tourist attraction.
    Written 3 June 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RobBoston80
    Boston, MA1,210 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an amazing place. With spectacular views of Bremen Street Park, and amazing services await your visit.

    They offer free tickets to museums, the aquarium and other fun activities for free!.

    A wide assortment of books, dvds, and music. Friendly staff and a cool building.

    Conveniently located between to MBTA subway stations {Wood Island to the north, and Airport south. }

    I like to come here for their WIFI and the use of thier quite space to study.

    This library also offers a porch to sit outside and read while people watching in the park, or planes taking off at near by Logan International Airport.

    Architecture buffs should know that the EB BPL won the 4th Harleston Parker People’s Choice Award from the Boston Society of Architects.
    Written 29 May 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bill K
    Glastonbury, CT156 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Joined to have access to French language training but have gotten most of the value of membership from the events. This is an active Centre Culturel, that connects with the BSO and many other organizations to bring exciting cultural events to the Boston area. The building itself is elegant and comfortable, with a pleasant and reasonably stocked library. If you have any interest in France or French culture, this is a great stop.
    Written 20 March 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robert S
    Lawrence, KS2,649 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The JP library is a very nice space. I like the area in the front with the big windows and the new books. I try to stop by when I am passing. They also have good kids programs. We dropped off some book donations and they were very helpful.
    Written 24 September 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fred G
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    They are getting a book for be from inter library loan. Nice group of people work here. Patrons are those you find in a public library. It is going to be renovated soon and housing added.
    Written 15 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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