This century-old Italianate structure of bronze doors and grand marble staircases, Boston Public Library was the first free municipal library in the nation. The library's first building on Mason Street was a former schoolhouse, which opened in 1854. Having received an authorized decision, the library's then commissioners located a new building for the library on Boylston Street. Thus, the Copley Square location became home to the library in 1895. Expanding the Copley Square location in 1972, the Johnson building was constructed adjoining the McKim building. In this National Historic Landmark, you can find collections of maps and prints, rare books and manuscripts, and fine mural series. The Boston Public Library offers daily tours highlighting famed central library buildings and art works by some prolific artists from the bygone era.
President John F. Kennedy's memory is sacred in the minds of many Americans. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum, a glass pavilion designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei, is dedicated to his memory. Visitors are transported back to the darkest days of the Cold War. A short film recounts JFK's deeds in his own words while the authentic photos and exhibits evoke the brief period in White House history that nostalgic Americans refer to as "the days of Camelot".
Quite possibly the city's most exclusive library, you'll find one of the most valuable book collections in the world, in this architecturally stunning building. Established in 1907 by the Boston Anthology Society, this is one of the oldest libraries. Exhibitions, concerts, seminars are regularly organized at the Boston Athenaeum. Though it is open only to members, on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 3p reserved tours for non-members are available for part of the library. The collections located here gave rise to the Boston Museum of Fine Art.
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For those who love reading, this is a treasure trove indeed. Boasting of over 10,000 books, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and other related documents, this library caters to almost every literary taste. From science and health, to education and leisure, it's all here. Some rare historical collections are housed inside, and several research aids are available for those interested in pursuing their quests. The library is also host to some amazing photo exhibits in its Mapparium, the Hall of Ideas, the Monitor Gallery, and the Quest Gallery. A few feature films and some 19th-century artifacts are thrown in as well. Browse through and find yourself indulging in a literary adventure.
Established in 1990, Snell Library is a part of Northeastern University Libraries. The library maintains a collection of more than 980,000 items, including books, magazines, newspapers, journals, databases and research materials. It houses a range of multimedia products that includes CDs, DVDs, cassettes and videotapes. Its special collection includes archives, manuscripts and government documents. The library also offers material in Chinese, French, German, Greek and Italian. Snell Library organizes various events, including author lectures and reading activities. Additionally, it offers course reserves, reference assistance and online access to databases. The library also houses products and equipment for patrons with visual and hearing disabilities. Its facility includes a seminar room for lectures, presentations and special events. Located in Boston, Snell Library offers renewals, interlibrary loans and computer access to its members.
