Boston Public Library Branches: All 25 Locations & Hours
The Boston Public Library (BPL) operates 25 neighborhood branches plus the magnificent Central Library in Copley Square, serving every corner of Boston. Founded in 1848 as the first large free municipal library in the United States, BPL continues to be a cornerstone of Boston community life. Each branch offers free Wi-Fi, public computers, children’s programs, and a welcoming space for reading and study. This guide provides a complete directory of every BPL location with addresses, hours, phone numbers, and services to help you find the branch closest to you.
Central Library at Copley Square
BPL Central Library
Address: 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 536-5400
Hours: Mon–Thu 9 AM–9 PM, Fri–Sat 9 AM–5 PM, Sun 1–5 PM (Oct–May)
Highlights: BPL’s flagship location occupying two connected buildings — the historic McKim Building (1895) and the modern Johnson Building (1972). Features include the breathtaking Bates Hall reading room, the Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center, Rare Books & Manuscripts Department, Children’s Library, teen space, community meeting rooms, and the serene courtyard. The Central Library houses over 8 million items and serves as a major research institution as well as a public library.
BPL by the Numbers
All 25 BPL Branch Locations
Here is the complete list of Boston Public Library neighborhood branches organized alphabetically:
| Branch | Neighborhood | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams Street | Dorchester | 690 Adams St. | (617) 436-6900 |
| Brighton | Brighton | 40 Academy Hill Rd. | (617) 782-6032 |
| Charlestown | Charlestown | 179 Main St. | (617) 242-1248 |
| Chinatown | Chinatown | 2 Boylston St. | (617) 536-5400 |
| Codman Square | Dorchester | 690 Washington St. | (617) 436-8214 |
| Connolly | South Boston | 433 Centre St. | (617) 268-0180 |
| East Boston | East Boston | 365 Bremen St. | (617) 569-0271 |
| Egleston Square | Roxbury | 2044 Columbus Ave. | (617) 445-4340 |
| Faneuil | Allston/Brighton | 419 Faneuil St. | (617) 782-6705 |
| Fields Corner | Dorchester | 1520 Dorchester Ave. | (617) 436-2155 |
| Grove Hall | Dorchester | 41 Geneva Ave. | (617) 427-3337 |
| Honan-Allston | Allston | 300 N. Harvard St. | (617) 787-6313 |
| Hyde Park | Hyde Park | 35 Harvard Ave. | (617) 361-2524 |
| Jamaica Plain | Jamaica Plain | 30 South St. | (617) 524-2053 |
| Lower Mills | Dorchester | 27 Richmond St. | (617) 298-7841 |
| Mattapan | Mattapan | 1350 Blue Hill Ave. | (617) 298-9218 |
| North End | North End | 25 Parmenter St. | (617) 227-8135 |
| Orient Heights | East Boston | 18 Barnes Ave. | (617) 567-2516 |
| Parker Hill | Mission Hill | 1497 Tremont St. | (617) 427-3820 |
| Roslindale | Roslindale | 4246 Washington St. | (617) 323-2343 |
| Roxbury | Dudley Square | 149 Dudley St. | (617) 442-6186 |
| South Boston | South Boston | 646 East Broadway | (617) 268-0180 |
| South End | South End | 685 Tremont St. | (617) 536-8241 |
| Uphams Corner | Dorchester | 500 Columbia Rd. | (617) 265-0139 |
| West End | West End | 151 Cambridge St. | (617) 523-3957 |
| West Roxbury | West Roxbury | 1961 Centre St. | (617) 325-3147 |
BPL Branch Hours Guide
BPL branches follow different hour schedules depending on their classification. Here are the typical schedules:
Central Library Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9 AM–9 PM
Friday–Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
Sunday: 1–5 PM (October through May)
Sunday: Closed (June through September)
Typical Branch Hours
Monday & Wednesday: 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday & Thursday: 12 PM–8 PM
Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–2 PM
Sunday: Closed
Holiday Closures
BPL closes on major holidays including New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Patriots’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Check bpl.org for the current holiday schedule.
Important: Individual branch hours may vary from the typical schedule due to staffing, renovations, or special circumstances. Always check bpl.org or call your branch before visiting, especially on weekends and around holidays.
Services at Every BPL Branch
Free Wi-Fi & Computers
Every branch offers free high-speed Wi-Fi (no card needed) and public computers with internet, Microsoft Office, and printing. Computer sessions run 60 minutes with extensions available.
Children’s Programs
Story times, homework help, summer reading programs, and STEAM activities at every branch. Dedicated children’s librarians to help young readers find great books.
No Late Fees
BPL eliminated all late fees in 2019. You will never be charged for returning items past the due date. Overdue items will eventually be billed as lost if not returned after an extended period, but fees are waived upon return.
Reference & Research Help
Librarians at every branch to help with research, reading recommendations, technology questions, and community resource referrals. Ask a Librarian service also available by phone and online chat.
Find Your Nearest BPL Branch
BPL Website. Visit bpl.org/locations and use the interactive map to find the closest branch by address or ZIP code.
Google Maps. Search “Boston Public Library near me” to see nearby branches with hours, directions, and ratings.
Call BPL. Dial (617) 536-5400 and ask for the branch nearest your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Boston Public Library branches are there?
BPL has 25 neighborhood branches plus the Central Library in Copley Square, totaling 26 locations across Boston.
What are Boston Public Library branch hours?
Central Library: Mon–Thu 9–9, Fri–Sat 9–5, Sun 1–5 (Oct–May). Branches typically: Mon/Wed 10–6, Tue/Thu 12–8, Fri 9–5, Sat 9–2. Hours vary; check bpl.org.
Can I return books to any BPL branch?
Yes. Return to any of the 26 BPL locations. Most have 24/7 outdoor book drops. BPL has no late fees.
Which BPL branch has the best facilities?
The Central Library is the flagship with the largest collection, Bates Hall reading room, Leventhal Map Center, and special collections. Among branches, recently renovated locations like Adams Street and Fields Corner feature modern designs.
Do all BPL branches have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. All 26 BPL locations offer free Wi-Fi and public computers. No library card needed for Wi-Fi.
Study & Reading Essentials
Enhance your library experience with these top-rated supplies:
Rechargeable LED clip light Reading Journal
Track books and notes Library Tote Bag
Canvas book carrier Noise-Canceling Earbuds
For focused study sessions
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