Boston Library Central Hours - McKim Building Copley Square
McKim Building, Copley Square
Access & Membership
(617) 536-5400
bpl.org
Hours & Schedule
Digital Resources
- Bates Hall Reading Room
- Historic Architecture
- Research Collections
- Free WiFi
About Boston Public Library Central Libraries
The Boston Public Library's Central Library in Copley Square is a National Historic Landmark and architectural masterpiece. The McKim Building, completed in 1895, features the magnificent Bates Hall reading room and extensive research collections, serving as the flagship of America's first large municipal library system.
Visitor Guide: Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library (BPL) was founded in 1848, making it the first large publicly supported free municipal library in the United States. The Central Library at Copley Square consists of two connected buildings: the McKim Building (1895), a National Historic Landmark, and the Johnson Building (1972). Together they house over 23 million items, including rare books, manuscripts, prints, and photographs.
Visitors do not need a library card to enter the building, browse collections, or use the reading rooms. The BPL offers free WiFi throughout both buildings, public computer access, and a variety of free programs. The Bates Hall reading room in the McKim Building is one of the most photographed library spaces in America, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling and rows of green reading lamps.
Getting a library card is free for all Massachusetts residents. Non-residents can obtain a card for reference use. The BPL's digital lending collection includes e-books, audiobooks, streaming movies, and access to genealogy databases like Ancestry.com.