Why the Library
People turn to libraries to fulfill their aspirations. They want to dive into history, find a better job, or learn more about a topic that intrigues them. No institution does as much as the Boston Public Library to make these kinds of opportunities available to every member of the public—and does so free of charge.
Why the Library
People turn to libraries to fulfill their aspirations. They want to dive into history, find a better job, or learn more about a topic that intrigues them. No institution does as much as the Boston Public Library to make these kinds of opportunities available to every member of the public—and does so free of charge.
A Place of Firsts
Built as a “Palace for the People” in 1848, the Boston Public Library is one of the world’s great libraries.
- First publicly funded library in the U.S.
- First public library to lend books
- First library with a dedicated children’s room
- First library system with branch locations
- First library to offer free wireless internet connection
All are Welcome
The BPL brings together people with all kinds of goals and ambitions, and helps them gain the knowledge and skills they need to create wide-ranging and beneficial social impact. No other civic or cultural organization has the power to demonstrably improve the lives of so many while remaining free to all.
- 6 million visitors to 27 locations each year
- 2nd largest public library in the U.S. with a circulation of 23 million items, after New York City
- 8 million items borrowed each year, including 1.8 million ebooks and audiobooks
- More than 100 databases and electronic resources
- More than 12,000 free programs each year
- Over 1,000 homeless individuals receive free guidance on housing, healthcare, and mental health services each year
- Hundreds of recent immigrants participate in ESL classes and conversation groups each year
- Over 1,000 adults participate in computer education classes each year
- Over 2,000 children participate in pre-school programs
- Over 200 weddings held each year in the McKim building
The BPL is home to:
- More than 100,000 original music scores, including Mozart’s Fugue for 3 Strings, ca. 1780
- 1 million handwritten manuscripts
- 5 million photos documenting Boston’s rich history
- 240,000 rare books, including Shakespeare’s First Folio from 1623 and the personal library of President John Adams
Why Give
While the city of Boston provides essential baseline funding for our operations and improvements to our facilities, generous contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations enable the library to pursue new avenues of innovation, so that we can respond to the dynamic needs of the communities we serve. Every gift ensures the Library can be exceptionally agile, relevant, and inventive, while remaining completely accessible and free of charge.
With your support, we will imagine and achieve an even better library—and a brighter future for Boston and beyond.
