The ultimate guide to Boston's public libraries (2024)

Neighborhoods

Find out what your local library has to offer you.

By Zipporah Osei, Annie Jonas, Kristina DaPonte, and Alex Svenson

February 6, 2024

Boston is lucky to be home to the first — and one of the best — public library systems in the nation. Whether you’re looking for your next great read or want to expand your mind with workshops, lectures, and discussion groups, your local library has something to offer you.

When we asked readers what they love about their local library, they praised their library’s events calendar, book collections, and librarians.

“A library is one of the wonders of the world. If used more often, the library makes the world a better place … This is even before the benefits of the added knowledge and education gained,” said Todd H. from Brookline. “Long live the library!”

Readers in and outside of Boston shared how the city’s branches have given them a place for learning and refuge, when needed.

“When I was homeless for nearly three years, the main branch at BPL was a place of refuge. I could research jobs, housing, and free activities; I could just hunker down and read, charge my cell phone, and use email to keep in touch with people. Being homeless was humiliating and the access to all that intellectual content was reassuring to me that I was not going to become useless and disappear,” M.B. from Brighton shared.

Just in time for National Library Lovers Month, we’ve put together a guide to Boston Public Library’s 25 open branches. Find the branch nearest to you using our map and read on for each location’s special features, including a nutrition lab in Roxbury, a maker space for local entrepreneurs in Back Bay, outdoor learning landscapes, and more.

Adams Street (690 Adams St.)

Nestled along one of Dorchester’s many bustling main streets is the Adams Street branch of the Boston Public Library. In addition to carrying plenty of books, the library also offers residents a wide variety of events to choose from, including adult book discussion groups, children’s story times, knitting circles, free immigration legal clinics, and more.

Features: The library recently received extensive renovations to make the space accessible for all and offers residents world language book collections in Spanish and Vietnamese, as well as a reading garden which serves as an outdoor reading area during the spring, summer, and fall months.

Readers say: “Haven’t been to any events yet but love the selection of genres and authors. And the staff are super friendly. I would love to work with BPL!” saidKasey O. from Dorchester.

Brighton (40 Academy Hill Rd.)

Located directly across the street from Brighton Common, the Brighton branch of the Boston Public Library is a place for residents of all ages to gather. Ranging from story times with children’s librarian Ms. Allie to a crafts circle for adults (affectionately called “crafternoons”), this library has engaging events for all.

Features: The library offers a dedicated space for teens, a serenity garden, and has Chinese and Russian language book collections. Plus, the building itself is certified eco-friendly by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Readers say: “Our family adores the Brighton Library for its fantastic year-round kids’ programming, ranging from bike-riding lessons and phonics club to llama petting. Our absolute favorite is the Tuesday Lego Club, and Ms. Allie, the children’s librarian, is truly amazing.” Danielle W. from Brighton said.

Central Library in Copley Square (700 Boylston St.)

The Boston Public Library’s Central branch in Back Bay’s Copley Square is a historic focal point of the city. The McKim Building, which opened in 1895, is described as a “palace for the people” and is beloved by residents and tourists alike for its stunning architecture. It holds the library’s research collection, exhibition rooms, a children’s room (the first in the nation), and a Renaissance-style courtyard. It features historical artwork by Daniel Chester French, John Singer Sargent, and more, as well as the iconic Bates Hall reading room. The McKim building is considered one of the finest examples of 19th century architecture in America. The adjoining Boylston Street Building opened in 1972 and offers 21st century library services, as well as a cafe and a radio broadcast studio featuring live editions of Boston Public Radio.

Features: The Central branch offers its patrons author talks, exhibitions, a summer courtyard concert series, as well as several affinity groups. Highlights of the library include Teen Central, which has an extensive zine collection and the Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center, a makerspace for local entrepreneurs.

Readers say: “I love all of Boston’s public libraries but the Central Library in Copley Square is my favorite. It’s spacious, historic, located in the heart of the city, has beautiful art and architecture, has caring knowledgeable staff, and contains so many free books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, etc. BPL rules!” James from Dorchester said.

Charlestown (179 Main St.)

Located just down the street from the Bunker Hill Memorial, the Charlestown branch of the Boston Public Library offers patrons a wide range of books, as well as a collection on the history of Charlestown and Boston. In addition to serving as a community gathering place, the library is also home to a collection of historically significant artwork by Henry Sargent and Samuel F. B. Morse, the inventor of the telegraph.

Features: The Charlestown branch offers world language collections in Chinese and Spanish as well as a local history collection. Come by the library for therapy dog visits, yoga, music, and visual arts programs.

Readers say: “I love the librarians and the general mood,” a reader said. “Libraries are such warm places!”

Chinatown (2 Boylston St.)

The Chinatown branch of the Boston Public Library has a storied past. In 1896, a reading room was opened by BPL on Tyler Street in between the South End and Chinatown. Since then, the library has disappeared and reappeared in various forms in Chinatown for different reasons, but has always been championed by the local community. Today, the branch serves its community with a full circulation and programming like Makerspace Mondays, tech workshops, Cantonese conversation groups, and more.

Features: The Chinatown branch is equipped with bilingual staff and offers some special programs in Mandarin and Cantonese. You’ll also find books, DVDs, newspapers, and periodicals in both English and Chinese.

Codman Square (690 Washington St.)

The Codman Square branch of the Boston Public Library offers Dorchester residents a wide selection of books and programming for all age groups, ranging from a senior quilting group to teen yoga to preschool story time. The Codman Square Branch opened in 1905 and was named for local preacher John Codman.

Features: The Codman Square branch is one of many BPL branches offering zines in its book collection. The library also offers world language collections in French, Haitian-Creole, Portuguese, Spanish and Vietnamese. Visit the branch for one-on-one technology help, entrepreneurship workshops, or a local writing group.

Connolly (433 Centre St.)

Located in the heart of Jamaica Plain on Centre St., the Connolly branch of the Boston Public Library dates back to 1932. The branch is known for its Jacobean-style limestone architecture and was partially inspired by the Rufford Abbey Library in England.

Features: The branch features a Spanish language collection and hosts several bilingual storytimes and Spanish language conversation groups for Spanish-speaking patrons. Also on its calendar are gentle yoga classes and tech support workshops.

East Boston (365 Bremen St.)

The East Boston branch is a relatively new branch of the Boston Public Library, designed by William Rawn Associates Architects and opened in 2013. The space is equipped with space for teens, an early literacy nook, community room, and a dedicated reading room.

Features: The branch has impressive Spanish and Arabic language collections, a bilingual nature program for children, and a homework assistance program for local high school students. Another highlight is its playwright book club, which not only reads but acts out plays.

Egleston Square (2044 Columbus Ave.)

The Egleston Square branch of the Boston Public Library, located in its namesake square, serves both Roxbury and Jamaica Plain communities. You’ll want to visit this branch in person for its outdoor “learning landscape” with a children’s garden and permaculture landscaping.

Features: The branch is the only one in the BPL system with a seed library focused on native and local plants. The branch also houses a Spanish-language collection and Lucky Day collection, where visitors get easy access to highly sought new releases.

Faneuil (419 Faneuil St.)

This branch, located in Brighton’s Oak Square, is known for its art deco style and cozy feel. The library reopened in late January after a three-year closure but kept programming going thanks to the Friends of the Faneuil Library. The new space includes a children’s room and a newly designed community room that will host events and be available for public meetings.

Features: In addition to its physical improvements, the library has also upgraded its technology offerings, now with more than a dozen youth laptops and new adult computers. Programming includes a bilingual sing-along for kids, English language conversation group, and author talks

Readers say: “The Faneuil Branch of the BPL has that welcoming atmosphere we love in all good libraries. You know you are entering a space dedicated to learning and exploring. What a gift, no matter what your age, to be able to browse freely through shelves of books created by other humans, sharing their intelligence, creativity and perceptions of the world. The staff is always welcoming and eager to help you get the most out of the library system. Anyone who enters Faneuil feels they belong,” said Shelley B. from Oak Square.

Fields Corner (1520 Dorchester Ave.)

One of several library branches in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, the Fields Corner branch differentiates itself by serving the large Vietnamese community in its surrounding neighborhood. The branch has a Vietnamese language collection in its circulation and often hosts Asian cultural and historical events.

Features: The branch also offers an English language learning program, tech support for senior citizens, and free sessions of Hatha yoga. If you care about the community and want to get more involved, join the monthly Friends of the Fields Corner Library meetings which are held at the branch.

Readers say: “I am a senior citizen. I enjoy the craft events that some of the libraries have. I also like cooking activities … I love being able to visit during the day and just browse,” said Rose M. from Dorchester.

Grove Hall (41 Geneva Ave.)

This Dorchester branch is built for the community. It has dedicated spaces for children, teens, and adults, private study rooms, and is decorated with works from local artists. And when the weather’s warm, get some work done in or outside of the building thanks to its extended outdoor WiFi.

Features: Highlights include a local history collection and a jazz lounge where the library holds all kinds of live performances. On the calendar are storytimes and Lego sessions from children, one-on-one career counseling and an open art lab for teens, and history talks and book groups for adults, and much more.

Honan-Allston (300 North Harvard St.)

The Boston Public library’s Allston branch dates back to 1889, when horse-drawn carriages would deliver books to its original location at Frank Howe’s drugstore on Franklin Street. Today, you’ll find it in Lower Allston with large public spaces, a gallery of artwork from local artists, and a community room with a baby grand piano.

Features: The branch has one of the most diverse book collections of any Boston library, featuring Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish language collections. Visit the branch for a full calendar of programming, including crafting nights, early literacy, and a book club café, where bookworms meet to talk about their favorite reads.

Readers say: “The Honan-Allston library has been my sanctuary since moving here. It’s calming presence seeps into you as soon as you enter the doors, like entering a private world where you can lose yourself in whatever book you choose. The parts I enjoy the most are the ethereal atrium that sits in the middle of the building, and the effervescent Raymond V. Mellone Park that is neatly tucked away behind the building. These are perhaps my two favorite places to read in all of Boston. It’s quiet, just you and the sounds of birds chirping, and there is nothing like having a pocket of nature to escape into and feel at peace. I couldn’t recommend going to the Honan-Allston branch to relax and enjoy the pleasures of reading more,” said Luke U. from Allston.

Hyde Park (35 Harvard Ave.)

The BPL’s Hyde Park Branch has been in its current location for over 120 years and started off as a town library before the neighborhood joined the City of Boston. It’s a great space for families and has been awarded for the accessibility of its design. Some unique areas of the library include a children’s garden and a reading room with a marble fireplace.

Features: The library regularly features art by local artists. Currently on display is an exhibit featuring 13 Hyde Park residents of color. Their calendar is also full of events for those interested in gardening, beekeeping, composting, and all things outdoors.

Readers say: “I love to read and get books and go to events at [Hyde Park],” said Eileen B. from Dorchester.

Jamaica Plain (30 South St.)

After undergoing a $10 million renovation in 2017, BPL’s Jamaica Plain Branch saw a 20% increase in their library space, perfect for perusing their vast collection of books and exploring the library’s frequent programs, which include musical performances and art exhibitions.

Features: Join the social justice book discussion group or come for technology classes at branch’s makerspace, which has special software and a 3D printer for your use. Within the children’s offerings is “Picture Peace,” a collection that features books about “peace, respect, and creative conflict resolution.”

Lower Mills (27 Richmond St.)

This was one of four branches that were set close in 2010, but is still in operation today thanks to a show of support from local library lovers. Today, the library has a wide range of programming for families, adults, and teens in Dorchester.

Features: This branch holds world language collections in French, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. One of their most popular events is music hour, where families sing, dance, and play with librarians. Children who play their own instruments are encouraged to bring them along and join the band.

Mattapan (1350 Blue Hill Ave.)

Before being granted branch status 100 years ago, library service in Mattapan came in the form of a reading room attached to the old Oakland Hall Building. Today, the library houses a courtyard for peaceful reading in nice weather and ample indoor space for community events.

Features: World language collections featured in this branch include Spanish, French, and Haitian-Creole. It also houses a local history research collection. On Mondays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., senior citizens are welcome to attend the senior sewing meetings and share their projects with others.

North End (25 Parmenter St.)

It’s fitting that the BPL building located in Boston’s North End has architecture inspired by a traditional Roman villa. There’s also a scale model of Venice’s Palazzo Ducale and a bas-relief statue of the Italian poet Dante. At the branch, you’ll find books and events for all ages.

Features: The North End Branch has world language collections in both Italian and Spanish. Every Monday and Tuesday through February, the future readers club hosts a story time at 10:30 a.m. for both kids and caregivers — school-age children under 5 on Mondays and babies and toddlers on Tuesdays.

Parker Hill (1497 Tremont St.)

Opened in 1931, the Parker Hill branch in Roxbury is a Gothic-style building designed by famed architect Ralph Adams Cram. This library is home to the Streetfeet Archives, a collection that documents the Streetfeet Women, a “culturally diverse troupe of writers and performers” founded over 40 years ago.

Features: There are many programs for older adults at this branch, such as free “Bingocize” classes and mindful movement yoga classes every Saturday morning for adults 55 and older. These events are aimed to promote physically and mentally healthy activities in older citizens.

Roslindale (4246 Washington St.)

Located just steps away from Adams Park, the Roslindale library is humming with activity from residents of all ages. At this branch, you’ll find a long list of children’s programming and informative career and financial success workshops for adults. The library was renovated in 2021 to improve the programming, design, and construction of the branch.

Features: Join one the library’s more unique groups like the Scrabble Club, yarn and needlework drop-in circle, and a 1950s film appreciation series. Librarians also offer one-on-one tech support by appointment.

Readers say: “I appreciate the recent renovations at the Roslindale branch. It’s a warm, welcoming space and the book stock has improved. I love being able to walk to a branch library and value its presence in our community,” said Michelle from Roslindale.

Roxbury (149 Dudley St.)

One of three branches in the Roxbury neighborhood, this location is situated in the heart of Nubian Square. When it first opened in 1978, it replaced the privately endowed Fellowes Athenaeum, which still sponsors programs at the library. In 2021, it reopened after closing for renovation to much excitement from the community.

Features: It’s the only branch in the system with a chef-in-residence and a nutrition lab featuring programming around culinary and nutrition literacy. The library also has an extensive African American research collection, an English language learners conversation group, and an afternoon movie series.

South Boston (646 East Broadway)

One of the highlights of the South Boston branch is its walled courtyard garden space, where neighbors are encouraged to meet, read, or catch a moment of peace. The library makes for a great shared meeting place for books, knitting, and more.

Features: Among their circulation are many world language books, including a collection of books in Irish. The branch also has a set of historical Boston maps on display, and monthly book sales hosted by the Friends of the South Boston Branch Library.

Readers say: “The South Boston public library has a fantastic program for children every day! Weekly classic movies are on show with a theme every month.The book club has great books to read with a very lively discussion every month. Our library has a very kind, helpful, and knowledgeable staff. The library has something for everyone!” Joseph K. from South Boston shared.

Uphams Corner (500 Columbia Rd.)

Big changes are coming to the Uphams Corner branch, which serves the Dorchester community. Planning is ongoing for the Uphams Corner Branch Project, which will relocate and revitalize the branch. Until then, the library remains open for residents to borrow books, attend special events, and learn something new.

Features: Reflecting the diversity of the community it serves, the library is home to world language collections in French, Portuguese, and Spanish. It also has a dedicated youth room where they host storytimes and a Lego builders club. Adults will love their fiber arts workshops, where you can learn the basics of machine sewing.

West End (151 Cambridge St.)

As one of the oldest branches in the BPL system, the West End branch has served many generations of Bostonians. You’ll find it steps away from the Museum of African American History and the State House. Similarly to several other branches, the city is currently planning to renovate the space and is keeping residents involved every step of the way. The branch could even be upgraded with affordable housing in coming years.

Features: Come to the library for Sun-style tai chi classes, an active Mahjong club, and a weekly English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) conversation group.

Readers say: “I have been going to the West End for over 43 years. There have been kids programs, movies, lectures, all good for some. Most importantly, it’s a community where I meet folks, can browse for new reads, and just hang out. We will miss this crucial resource when it closes for the build,” said Annlinnea T. from Beacon Hill

West Roxbury (1961 Centre St.)

This branch is complete with community rooms, a gallery, and a reading garden in addition to its main building. The Friends of the West Roxbury Branch Library are actively involved in its programming, organizing regular used book sales, poetry, and art contests.

Features: This library has world language collections in Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish and a reading garden where you can enjoy them. It’s also home to the West Roxbury Historical Society and holds programming like knitting groups and book discussions.

Readers say: This branch is a good place to visit if you prefer a library with more space for adults. “The kids are tucked away so the adults can learn and read in peace,” said Kate from West Roxbury.