I don’t often make it to Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood since I work in Boston’s Financial District and live in Charlestown; but when I do, I always have to stop at the Boston Public Library.
For my next (not so) hidden gem, there’s nothing more deserving than this beautiful piece of architecture. Located in Copley Square, the Boston Public Library opened in 1896 and proclaimed as “a palace for the people.” This was the first free municipal library in the United States and the first library to lend out books.
When you first walk into the library, you’ll notice the lavish main staircase. My favorite part? The twin ivory lions that adorn pedestals while you climb the stairs to the second floor.
As you continue to explore, you’ll come across the most photographed area: the Bates Hall. You’ll recognize the room by the coffered ceiling, English oak bookcases, and the signature green lamps. Surprisingly, the tables are all filled with students quietly studying and actually using the space for educational purposes (not just for pretty photos 🙂 ).
Just recently, I also learned something very cool about the Boston Public Library (BPL). If you have a library card, the BPL website offers dozens of free online courses pertaining to graphic design, personal development, website building, creative writing, grant writing, starting a business, accounting fundamentals, grammar refreshers, photography, and many more.
Interested in viewing them all? You can browse all of the courses by clicking here.
And if you’re visiting Boston, make sure to add the Boston Public Library to your to-do list, located at 700 Boylston Street.