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Tour of Boston Public Library
Destinations , North America , Travel (general) , United States / July 22, 2019 by thetriptakesus / 2 Comments
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Art and Architecture at the “Palace for the People”:
Majestically perched on the south end of Copley Square, across from (but careful not to overshadow) historic Trinity Church, sits the Boston Public Library. This Back Bay institution is of national significance for its history, art, and architecture. Join me on a tour of the highlights at this National Historic Landmark.
Trivia question: What is the one library in the United States that is larger than Boston Public Library?
As a child growing up in New Hampshire, we frequently visited Boston. I have many memories of being in Copley Square and looking up at the imposing Boston Public Library building. In all those years, despite having a professor father and librarian mother, I somehow never set foot inside. On a recent trip to Boston, volunteer guide Dana Bos showed me what I had been missing.
Join me for a virtual tour of Boston Public Library:
The Boston Public Library (BPL), founded in 1848, first opened its doors in 1854 as the first free public library in the United States. (While Boston’s Athenaeum is older, it charged a fee, thus excluding a vast swath of the city’s population.)
As you may remember from your history lessons, in the early 1850s Boston saw a massive influx of immigrants, particularly as a result of the Irish famine. The founders’ decision to allow everyone free entry to the library was very progressive for their day, and the city’s working class and new immigrant population benefitted from access to information not given anywhere else in the country at that time.
Over the second half of the 1800s the library quickly outgrew its initial two rooms in a former schoolhouse. A new building was needed. Conveniently, at that time the tidal marshes in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood were being filled in to create new land. A plot there, on Copley Square, was granted to the library in 1880.
McKim Building
Charles F. McKim was appointed as the lead architect for the new building. Already a prominent figure, McKim was looking to build his legacy by designing a grand public institution. And that is exactly what he did, erecting an Italian Renaissance Revival style construction that affectionately became known as a “Palace for the People.” It was carefully designed so as not to conflict with the other buildings already on Copley Square (Trinity Church and Old South Church).
The front facade shows the perfect symmetry characteristic of his chosen style. Note the 13 arched windows that illuminate the reading room inside (more on why those are particularly important later).
Stepping through one of the three arched doorways into the vestibule, we were greeted by an interior set of six bronze doors, each weighing 1,500 pounds and representing a different academic discipline. The doors were designed by Daniel Chester French, best known as the designer of the statue of Abraham Lincoln found in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The Lions
Moving into the lobby, I enjoyed some great people-watching. I stood and watched as guest after guest walked through the doors and were immediately stopped in their tracks by the grandeur of Louis Saint-Gaudens’ seated lions.
Before heading up the stairs towards the sculptures, Dana pointed out the arched mosaic ceiling with a veritable Boston scroll of honor (with names including Longfellow, Franklin, Bulfinch, and Emerson). Inlaid on the floor beneath us were the zodiac symbols, together with the names of the library’s founders, including Joshua Bates, a major donor for whom the majestic second floor reading room is named.
Proceeding up the grand staircase, we approached the iconic yellow marble lions commemorating two volunteer infantry units in the Civil War. They are made of the same marble seen on the pillars and walls around them, but stand out for their vastly different appearance: their stone in unpolished (except for the tails). As we proceeded up the stairs, Dana pointed out the polished tips of their tails and, following the custom, I rubbed one for good luck (this did not however prevent my flight from being canceled the following day).
On the second floor landing, we found more arches—a feature used to help the building bear the heavy loads of books it was designed to house. The impressive gallery around us was painted by famed muralist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. Each panel depicted a separate discipline (although which ones was not always clear). Dana assured me, however, they included philosophy, history, poetry, and science.
Bates Hall
Just off the second-floor gallery we found Bates Hall, the library’s main reading room. The iconic room, with its soaring barrel-vaulted ceiling, green lampshades, and dark wooden bookcases, made me feel as if I had stepped right into a scene from Dead Poet’s Society. The hall is named for Joshua Bates, a wealthy banker in England, who was the main donor of both funds and books. His donations came with a few unusual conditions however. He stipulated that the library must:
1. Stay free to all forever;
2. Be warm in the winter;
3. Be well lit (remember those 13 arched windows I mentioned earlier?); and
4. Feel uplifting.
Why this odd set of conditions? They were likely born of his past. Bates had grown up poor in Weymouth, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. He no doubt remembered the hardships of his early life and the long, cold, dark New England winters and wanted a place of respite for his fellow citizens.
After walking the length of Bates Hall we turned into the Abbey Room. The contrast to the adjoining space was stark. The dimly lit, dark-wood-paneled room was lined with early Renaissance murals painted by Edwin Austin Abbey. This was Abbey’s first-ever commission–a major break for him (he shared a studio with the much more experienced John Singer Sargent, who coached him throughout the project). This set of murals depicts King Arthur and the Quest for the Holy Grail.
The Abbey Room was originally used as a receiving room and housed the card catalog (the library did not have any open stacks.) Patrons would hand a card from the catalog to the librarian, who would then fetch the corresponding tome. ( Did anyone just ask themselves “What’s a card catalog?” )
Sargent Gallery
No tour of Boston Public Library would be complete without a strop at the final (and most famous) mural sequence, created by John Singer Sargent. It is tucked away up on the third floor, so many visitors unknowingly miss this highlight. Sargent was best known for his portraits, but he saw the library project as an opportunity to branch out from his typical style and create a masterwork. He spent 28 years (interspersed with other work) painting the murals depicting world religions, and he considered them his life’s work. Sadly, Sargent died at age 55 before completing his final panel.
The last stop on our tour was the interior courtyard–a quiet, beautiful respite in the heart of the city. Its arcaded gallery is reminiscent of Rome’s sixteenth-century Palazzo della Cancelleria. The statue that stands in its center, Dancing Bacchante and Infant Faun , was a gift from McKim. Boston was notoriously Puritanical, and some residents protested the statue, thinking that the depiction of the Goddess of Wine glorified debauchery ( Goddess of Wine, best job title ever! ). Vexed by the rejection of his gift, McKim took back the statue and donated it to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art . Nearly a century later, the Met allowed the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston to make an exact replica, which stands at the center of the courtyard today.
I timed a separate visit to the library to coincide with an installment of the popular Concerts in the Courtyard series. That day Philly-based Haitian singer Talie was entertaining the crowds with her dulcet tones, including this rendition of Jacques Brel’s “Ne Me Quitte Pas.”
Where are the books?
Throughout the tour of Boston Public Library, Dana pointed out amazing art and architecture. But there seemed to be one glaring omission: books! This library had none. The library’s collection is no longer housed in the historic McKim building. Instead the Johnson Building, a modernist addition, was added in 1972. It is there that you will find the functional portions of the library today.
How I would love to be a student in Boston and spend my afternoons studying in Bates Hall or reading in the courtyard. Have you ever taken a tour of Boston Public Library? Do you have a favorite library? Which one? Please share your favorite in the comments!
Answer to the trivia question: The U.S. Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. is the largest library in the country.
For your tour of Boston Public Library: BPL offers a free Art and Architecture Tour , where you can see these highlights and learn more.
Historic New England: A Tour of the Region’s Top 100 National Landmarks , by Patricia Harris and David Lyon
For more posts on destinations in North America, click here .
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July 23, 2019 at 10:25 am
Such a beautiful place and detailed description. I felt like I was there! Thanks!
July 23, 2019 at 10:27 am
Thanks, Paty! Have you had the opportunity to visit the Library of Congress here in DC? It too is a treasure!
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The Library will be closed on Monday, March 25, 2024, in observance of César Chávez Day
Docent Tours of Central Library
Visit Los Angeles Public Library's historic Central Library. Enjoy the art and architecture of the 1926 Bertram Goodhue Building with its distinctive sphinxes and rooftop pyramid. Wander through the 1993 Tom Bradley Wing, designed by architect Norman Pfeiffer, and gaze at the 8-story atrium with its whimsical chandeliers. Learn about the library's comprehensive collections. All tours are free.
In-person Docent-led Art and Architecture Tours of the historic Central Library and the McGuire Garden Tours of Central Library have resumed on a limited schedule. Please see the Upcoming Tours section below for the dates and times of all tours. Meet your docent in the Main Lobby in front of the Library Store. Tours are one hour in length.
Group and Book Club Tours
Schedule a group tour for your group of 8 or more. To schedule a tour or for more information, email your requested dates to [email protected] or call 213-228-7168 for in-person tours or [email protected] for virtual tours via Zoom. A group tour requires at least four weeks’ advance notice.
To book a class visit for students in preschool through Grade 5, please call 213-228-7250 or email [email protected] . Visit Group Visits for more information.
Ofrecemos visitas guiadas a la Biblioteca Central en español para grupos de 8 personas o más. Escríbenos a [email protected] o llama al teléfono 213-228-7168 para más información.
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Walk-in tours.
Daily walk-in tours of the Central Library last approximately one hour. No reservations are necessary for groups of six or less. The tours leave from the front of the Library Store in the main lobby.
Art & Architecture Tours
Monday through Friday · 12:30 p.m. Saturday · 11:00 a.m. & 2 p.m. Sunday · 2 p.m.
Garden Tour
Saturday · 12:30 p.m.
If these times are not convenient, please print this Self-Guided Tour (PDF) to make your visit to the Central Library more enjoyable, or schedule an arranged tour at your convenience, during library hours, by calling 213-228-7168.
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Los Angeles in Maps
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Architecture Transformed: New Life for Old Buildings
Bunker Hill in the Rearview Mirror: The Rise, Fall and Rise Again of an Urban Neighborhood
Feels Like Home: Reflections on Central Library
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L.A. Landmarks: Lost and Almost Lost
Los Angeles Central Library: A History of Its Art and Architecture
Shades of L.A.: Pictures from Ethnic Family Albums
Songs in the Key of Los Angeles: Sheet Music from the Collection of the Los Angeles Public Library
Spine: An Account of the Jud Fine Art Plan at the Maguire Gardens, Central Library, Los Angeles
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The Los Angeles Central Library: Building an Architectural Icon, 1872-1933
To Live and Dine in L.A.: Menus and the Making of the Modern City
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Boston Public Library Tours | Visitor's Information
The Boston Public Library is a gem of architectural design in Boston and the best way to visit it is with one of their Free Art and Architecture Tours.
Getting to the Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library Tours
- What To Do Nearby
- Free Tours by Foot Boston
Be sure to look into other Things To Do in Boston while you're visiting! Our post has kid and budget friendly suggestions, as well as the top things attractions and Boston must-sees.
The BPL is located at 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116.
The closest T (subway) station is Back Back, from where it's only a 3 minute walk.
For general visits or just to take a peek inside, the Boston Public Library is open:
Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm
Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 11am-5pm
Boston Public Library (BPL) offers free Art and Architecture Tours , which are designed to highlight the beautiful library and surrounding area, as well as the important artwork in and around the library.
This is a great way to get to know one of Boston’s most famous buildings, and it’s free!
When the BPL was first opened it was touted as a "Palace for the People" with lavish decorations and lots of public art, including a mural by John Singer Sargent.
The BPL has the country's first children's room, and has a central courtyard that resembles a Renaissance cloister. It is truly one of Boston most spectacular and generally unappreciated public buildings!
Guests can expect to see the architecture of its famed Central Library buildings by Charles Follen McKim and Philip Johnson as well as the art treasures within, including works by Daniel Chester French and John Singer Sargent.
Details : The Art and Architecture tours are offered every day at different times:
- Mondays at 2:00 p.m.
- Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m.
- Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
- Fridays at 11:00 a.m.
- Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.
Please see the library's scheduled holiday observances : tours will not occur on these dates.
The number for general tours inquiries is 617-859-2216. There are no reservations required for their free public tours, but individual parties of 8 or more people are asked to book a separate private tour with at least four weeks’ notice.
Tours begin in the McKim Vestibule off the Dartmouth Street entrance.
What to Do Near the Boston Public Library
There is so much to do in the Back Bay area of the city that it’s a great excuse to spend the day there, explore the shopping and dining on Newbury Street; check out the Prudential and John Hancock Buildings, Boston’s 2 tallest buildings; stroll down residential Marlborough Street and head to the Boston Common.
With Beacon Hill and the Boston Common on one end and the Symphony Hall (which also offers free tours), Northeastern University and the Museum of Fine Arts on the other end, the Back Bay is one of Boston’s most active and exciting areas.
In fact, why not make a day of it and take our Back Bay Tour for an in-depth look at the whole area. Our tour is offered every Tuesday at 10am, and lasts an hour and a half.
It begins on the steps of the library and concludes at the Common, leaving you plenty of time to explore, eat and sightsee before heading back to the library for their Art and Architecture tour at 6pm.
Here are a couple of food ideas in the area - The BPL has its own Courtyard Restaurant, there is a SweetGreen across the street which offers yummy design-your-own salads, if you're looking for pizza, head to Scoozi on Newbury, or head into the Prudential Building (the Pru, to the locals) and check out their assortment of restaurants and their food court.
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Tour Cleveland Public Library
I like the fact that, as a tour guide, I can share my enthusiasm for what this institution is all about. The accumulated knowledge of thousands of men and women—their thoughts, ideas, dreams, and passions—can be found here in the Library. With a free library card, you have the opportunity to access that knowledge. You’re studying with the masters here. This is your library—make use of it. Joseph Parnell, Retired Library Assistant and 44-year veteran of Cleveland Public Library
Discover all that Cleveland Public Library has to offer by taking a free tour of the downtown Main Library campus. Learn about the Library’s history, art, and architecture; tour our cutting-edge TechCentral department ; explore our chess sets and miniature books in Special Collections ; take in breathtaking city views on the tenth floor of the Louis Stokes Wing; tour our Photograph and Maps collections; and much more.
Tours are limited to groups of 5-15 guests (18 years and older). Smaller groups may tour the Library on their own with the help of our Self-Guided Tour pamphlet , and larger groups may contact the Library for more information. If you would like to arrange a tour for children under 18, or if you’re scheduling a tour on behalf of a school or youth organization, please visit our Schedule a Visit to Youth Services page.
Most tours last between 90 minutes and two hours and are led by trained, knowledgeable employees. The downtown Main Library campus encompasses two large buildings: the Louis Stokes Wing (525 Superior Avenue) and the historic Main Library (325 Superior Avenue). These buildings are connected via an underground passage. Please allow approximately two hours if you hope to tour both buildings of our downtown campus. Shorter tours are available, but such tours will focus on a limited number of departments. All guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and expect a fair amount of walking. Cleveland Public Library is ADA-accessible; please make a note on your reservation request if any members of your party have mobility issues and/or require assistance.
Tour reservations should be made at least one month in advance. The downtown Main Library campus is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Please note that tours are based on staff availability.
If you have additional questions, please call The Main Library Office at (216) 623-3420 or email [email protected].
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Activity: North Beach Walking Tour
Join us for a 1.5-hour walking tour of the North Beach neighborhood. Learn about the food, culture and history of San Francisco’s Little Italy, where early immigrants in the 1910s established the authentic Italian character that remains its defining quality. Discover famous landmarks, buildings and spectacular views of downtown and the unique charm of this vibrant neighborhood.
Reservation is required. Click here to reserve your spot. Space is limited to 25 people. No last minute walk-ups .
Online reservations will start on 2 weeks before the tour date until it is full. Meet at the North Beach Branch Library. The tour will start at 10:30 a.m. sharp and end at noon.
Community & Neighborhood
Build connections with others in our local programs.
Learn more about local history.
This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.
Attending Programs
For questions about the program or help registering, contact [email protected] . All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL or language interpretation), call (415) 557-4557 or contact [email protected] . Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.
Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.
Public Notice and Disclaimer
This program uses a third-party website link. By clicking on the third-party website link, you will leave SFPL's website and enter a website not operated by SFPL. This service may collect personally identifying information about you, such as name, username, email address, and password. This service will treat the information it collects about you pursuant to its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each third-party website or service that you visit or use, including those third parties with whom you interact through our Library services. For more information about these third-party links, please see the section of SFPL’s Privacy Policy describing Links to Other Sites .
The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.
All library locations are closed Sunday, March 31 in observance of the Easter holiday.
Bellevue branch update: Curbside service is available Mon–Sat through March 30. The branch fully reopens April 1.
Tours and School Visits
The Main Library offers guided tours, educational experiences, and self-guided tours. Tours should be scheduled at least 1 week in advance. Educational experiences should be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance. We encourage you to reserve early because group visits are very popular. A Library staff member will contact you to confirm the date and time for your visit.
Library Visits to Schools and Community Groups
Community outreach visits.
Would you like a Nashville Public Library staff member to visit your school library, classroom, or community group? Children's Services, Teen Services, Special Collections, Studio NPL, and Bringing Books to Life can bring programs to your group.
Please describe your group's needs and we can discuss whether an outreach visit is a good fit.
Main Library Building Tour (All ages)
See the architectural elements of the Main Library’s neoclassical design. Learn about our permanent artwork and current art gallery exhibits. Your tour guide will describe the services offered in each area of the Main Library. At the tour group’s request, we can emphasize particular service areas. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour.
Civil Rights Room Tour (All ages)
Explore Nashville's role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s with a discussion about the Civil Rights Room, historical photographs, and timelines. This tour lasts approximately 1 hour. We can adjust the duration of tours upon request.
Votes for Women Room Tour (All Ages)
Explore Nashville's role in the Votes for Women Movement and Tennessee's role in passing the 19th Amendment. This tour lasts approximately 1 hour. We can adjust the duration of tours upon request.
Branch Library Tours (All ages)
If you would like a tour of a branch library, please contact the branch location directly.
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Educational Experiences
Children’s services (grades prek–5).
Library tours of the Children’s department are available on Thursday mornings or any other day in the afternoon. Please use the request link below to make a reservation. Or you can call the Children’s Desk at (615) 862-5785 . If you wish to see a puppet show, please see the details and separate request form below.
Wishing Chair Puppet Shows (All Ages)
Wishing Chair provides special performances for groups of 10 or more on Thursdays at the Main Library during the run of the show. If you have a school group, senior center, assisted living facility, or other organization that would like to see a puppet show at the Main Library, fill out our group puppet show request form and we'll be in touch. Performances should be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance.
Teen Services (Grades 6–12)
Explore the Teen Space and Studio NPL. Teens can play games, hang out, study, or participate in after-school activities offered every week. Studio NPL offers special programming led by local mentors from various industries and disciplines. These class or group visits can be customized to include a building tour, a teen area and Studio tour, a 3D printing demo or other hands-on activity, or research/class assignment help. Maximum group size is 40. The maximum time for Library staff-led activities is 2 hours.
Civil Rights Room (All ages)
Explore Nashville's pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s with a discussion about the Civil Rights Room, historical photographs, and timelines. We welcome groups of all ages, from elementary school children through university students and graduate-level researchers. Your visit can include a full building tour, a tour of the Civil Rights Room, a group activity, an explanation of primary sources, and instruction or research assistance.
Votes for Women Room Tour (All ages)
Explore ideas about democracy, political movements, and women’s role in society with a tour of the Votes for Women Room. Tours are created to examine the role of women in movements and use the American Woman Suffrage Movement as a primer for more contemporary topics and historical relevance. This tour lasts approximately 1 hour. We can adjust the duration of tours upon request and custom build a tour based on your interests.
Equal Access and Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (All ages)
Learn about our equipment, software, books, DVDs, and program accommodations for the deaf and hard of hearing. Maximum group size is 10 for in-depth resource sessions.
Library 101 presented by the Adult Literacy Program (All ages)
For adult education students and their families. Discover free resources for adults, families, children, and teens available with your Nashville Public Library card. This tour can be tailored for speakers from non-English backgrounds.
Metro Archives (Age 12+)
The Metropolitan Archives is the official repository of Nashville and Davidson County government documents. This unique collection contains rare documents dating back to the founding of the city through its incorporation as one of the first combined city/county governments in 1962. Visitors will learn about conservation techniques, see examples of Archives' holdings, and walk through the closed stacks. Maximum group size is 20 people.
Wilson Collection Tour (Age 12+)
The Wilson Limited Editions Collection contains 800+ rare and unusual books dating from 1929, donated to Nashville Public Library by local author and book collector Dr. Sadye Tune Wilson. The collection also features fine art portfolios containing illustrations from these beautifully bound books. Photography is welcome. Maximum group size is 20 people.
Self-Guided Tours
Main library self-guided tour.
The self-guided tour brochure offers an overview of the services and collections at the Main Library.
Main Library Self-Guided Tour (PDF)
The Story of Nashville Self-Guided Tour
The Story of Nashville is a set of copper repoussé panels located in the Main Library's Grand Reading Room. The Story of Nashville brochure gives an explanation of each panel.
Brief Guide to A Story of Nashville (pdf) Detailed Guide to A Story of Nashville (pdf)
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Take Virtual Tours of These Spectacular Libraries
I don’t go in and out quickly, either. I’ll often linger, perhaps read or get some work done, look through interesting magazines, pick up a movie, that sort of thing.
As much as I travel, I visit libraries everywhere and can likely tell you about the libraries in destinations I frequent. I enjoy architecture in general and find library design and architecture fascinating. Does a space seem welcoming and inviting? Is the library design historical or ultra modern, perhaps?
I’m not a fan of all libraries I’ve been in. Some strike me as cold and unwelcoming with too few places to sit. Some can be functional with no personality. I’d go, but wouldn’t stay. Not a place I’d want to get lost in the stacks, as a librarian might say.
If you haven’t yet been in person to these libraries, visit them virtually and see if they are impressive enough and worthy of a visit next time you’re in their home city.
Impressive Libraries Virtual Tours
The New York Public Library, New York, New York
No doubt when in New York City you’ll have a long lists of places to visit. And that’s if you can drag yourself away from the pizza and lobster rolls. Do make sure, though, to add visiting the New York Public Library’s Main Branch on your must-see list. Its location in midtown Manhattan means no matter what’s on your sites to see agenda, you’ll be nearby.
New York Library research room
Image: Wikipedia
The library is in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at 42nd Street. At some point either in person or perhaps in a film you’ve seen the entrance. You’re greeted by Patience and Fortitude, two marble lion statues.
Is this lion Patience or Fortitude?
Image: Flickr
The Rose Reading Room underwent an extensive renovation in 2016. The Rose Room, including the ceiling frescoes, was fully restored.
VIRTUAL TOUR
The Library at Clarence House, London, England
Much like New York City, one visits London with a long list of historical places to enjoy. Not to mention taking in some theater, a trip to Marks & Spencer Foodhall or my personal favorite, visiting 165 Eaton Place. For library enthusiasts though, Clarence House is worth a visit. It has a long history of royal residents. Nowadays, Prince Charles and Camila live there. Prior to that, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, called Clarence House home for nearly 50 years, from 1953 to 2002.
The Austrian National Library, Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a city of such impressive architecture, you don’t know where to look next. The opera house, amazing. Going inside the church to hear the Vienna Boys Choir, wow. The Austrian National Library is like being in both a library and museum, a doubly special experience. The Austrian National Library is the largest Baroque library in Europe. It is also the biggest library in all of Austria. The library houses over 12,000,000 items in its collections. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the architecture alone would make it worth the visit.
Clementinum Library, Prague, Czech Republic
In centuries past, Baroque architecture was the style for so many European city buildings. This library, as with the one in Vienna, is another example of Baroque. In 1722, the Clementinum (or Klementinum, as it is known in Czech) Library opened to the public. Nothing about the interior has changed! The library was originally part of a Jesuit university. This explains why when you visit you’ll notice that much of its collection is theological books. And don’t forget to look up during your visit. The ceilings in this library are stunning.
The Stone Library at the Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, Massachusetts
Historical themed libraries and presidential libraries are nothing new. Built in 1870, the Stone Library is thought to be the first ever presidential library. It houses 14,000 books in a total of 12 different languages. Given its name you won’t be surprised to learn it is the home of the books and papers of John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Charles Francis Adams, and Henry and Brooks Adams.
Casa Guillermo Tovar de Teresa Library, Mexico City, Mexico
I had plans to be in Mexico City which got canceled due to the pandemic, so this is one library I’ve yet to visit. Not all libraries are huge in size or collections. Libraries that specialize their collections or are housed in houses or smaller buildings are worth a visit, too. The former home of Mexican art collector and historian Guillermo Tovar de Teresa has been transformed into a historic house museum. The library has a marble fireplace that’s adorned with a gold French clock. I love the floor and the relative simplicity of the library that overlooks the garden.
The Library at the Mafra National Palace, Mafra, Portugal
Mafra is a municipality near Sintra in the region of Lisbon. It is mostly known for the Mafra National Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most libraries are not houses in palaces. Most libraries do not house 36,000 books that are from 200 to 700 years old. But that’s exactly what you’ll find at the library at the Mafra National Palace. It’s both a beautiful and impressive library.
Five Other Impressive Libraries
Unfortunately, I don’t have libraries virtual tours to point you to for these choices. They are however, to me, well worth visiting when you’re in their home cities.
Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library is one of my favorite urban libraries in the states. I’ve lived in Boston, so maybe that’s why it’s so special to me. It’s one of the most frequented libraries in the world. It opened in 1895. It was the first municipal library in the United States. This was the first library to loan books and other material to the public. Those are two pretty important claims to fame. According to a general survey, this library has a collection of 6.1 million books.
Folger Shakespeare Library
Folger Shakespeare Library opened in 1932 in Washington DC. The library is known for having the largest collection of the printed works of Shakespeare. This library offers advanced programs, Shakespeare education, poems, plays and lectures.
National Szechenyi Library
If you haven’t been to Budapest, you’re missing a wonderfully historic destination. My favorite place to explore is the Szabo Marzipan Museum. And just a short distance away when you’ve had your fill of marzipan is the National Szechenyi Library. The Hungarian aristocrat Count Ferenc Széchényi established the library in 1802. Széchényi traveled the world buying Hungarian books. He assembled and donated them to the nation. They opened the public library in Pest the following year.
In 1808, the Hungarian National Assembly created the Hungarian National Museum. The museum collected the historical, archaeological and natural relics of Hungary. The Museum merged with the Library. For the last 200 years it has existed as a national depository for written, printed and objective relics of the Hungarian past.
In 1846, the Hungarian National Museum moved into its new building. It was not until 1949 that the Library became a separate entity with its current name. In 1985, the library moved to its new home at the Buda Castle Palace.
Royal Danish Library, Copenhagen, Denmark
The Royal Danish Library gets 1.4 million visitors a year. If you like libraries with fantastic modern architecture, this is your place. In January of 2017, Denmark’s State and University Library and the Royal Library merged into the Royal Danish Library. As an aside, I also liked the neighborhood libraries in Copenhagen. Any city that has kept its neighborhood libraries open is a winner in my book! I found Copenhagen’s libraries well-designed and relaxing spaces. Some of the libraries even had good caffeinated vibes.
Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland
Image:Wikipedia
No matter where you stay while in Dublin , Trinity College is nearby. It’s a gorgeous, impressive library. The Trinity College Library is the largest library in Ireland. Over a million people a year visit the library. Why? Many visitors come to see the Book of Kells: a gorgeous 9th century illuminated manuscript. It is among Ireland’s greatest treasures. There’s also the famous Long Room, which you just have to experience for yourself.
Final Thoughts
When you think about it, the idea of a library is unique. Libraries virtual tours are even more unique. Public libraries operate on trust. Members of the community borrow books for free. They can even keep them for long periods of time. They offer many other perks, too. Even when libraries are not open for sharing with the public, as in the case of some of the libraries I’ve mentioned, they still are amazing places of art, history, architecture, and culture.
Which libraries have impressed you the most, and why? Know of libraries virtual tours to add to the collection?
The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Shelli Stein
Shelli Stein is a travel writer, personal development coach , and story teller. She has come to realize writing as a way of sharing travel experiences brings her a lot of pleasure! Her areas of expertise are: all things Southwest Airlines , hotel reviews , and what to do, see, and eat in destinations around the world. She sees travel as an adventure, trying to somehow get inside and experience a different way of life, a different cultural heritage. Maybe she can show you something you’ve never seen. Inspire you with new ideas for your next vacation. Attempt to put a smile on your face . Help you learn from her mistakes . Or challenge your assumptions about the world . She lives life with humor, gratitude, and humility and always sees the coffee cup as half full!
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Plan Your Visit to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Make the most of your visit to the Library’s flagship Fifth Avenue location! Explore our landmark building, including its historic architecture, the world-renowned collections preserved here, and the services we provide for all visitors from New York and beyond.
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The New York Public Library welcomes you to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building . This library has symbolized the democratic ideal of free and open access to knowledge since it opened to the public in 1911. Today, the building welcomes millions of visitors a year from across the world who find inspiration in its majestic public spaces, unparalleled research collections, and vibrant programs and exhibitions. Learn more about the building and its history.
Start Your Journey at the Library’s Visitor Center
Discover the Library’s legacy and collections through interactive exhibits and more in this new public space.
Free Audio Tour & Digital Guide
Take a self-guided tour on your mobile device to explore the history, architecture, and services offered at our Fifth Avenue locations—as well as what makes the Library a beacon of knowledge for all. Discover the full tour—available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and with verbal descriptions—on Bloomberg Connects , the free arts and culture app, or online.
- Download the Bloomberg Connects App
- Experience the Audio Tour Online
Getting Started with Research?
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is one of the New York Public Library’s leading research centers, along with the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, the Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, and the Thomas Yoseloff Business Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) . The Schwarzman Building provides access to world-renowned collections in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts for use in person or online. Learn all about how to conduct research at the Library:
- Get Started with Research at NYPL
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Any questions? Contact us !
Behind the Scenes: Milstein Research Stacks
If you stop by Bryant Park, located directly behind the Schwarzman Building, take a moment to imagine a massive treasure trove hidden directly underground—millions of items from the Library’s extensive collections! Click through to learn all about the Milstein Research Stacks, a two-level, subterranean, state-of-the-art preservation environment that allows the Library to hold more than 4 million books and archival materials on site at the Schwarzman Building.
What to See & Do at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
From world-renowned collections to a wide array of programs, exhibitions, and more, we welcome you to explore all that the Library has to offer.
Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures
Discover some of the most extraordinary items from the Library’s world-renowned collections, representing stories of people, places, and moments that span 4,000 years—from the emergence of the written word through to the present day.
Treasures Audio Guide
Dive deeper into exhibition highlights with the free Treasures Audio Guide, hosted in English by actress, playwright, and Library Lion Anna Deavere Smith; in Spanish by novelist, journalist, and radio producer Daniel Alarcón; and in Mandarin by filmmaker Chloé Zhao. The guide is also available in English with verbal descriptions of each object.
LIVE from NYPL
The New York Public Library’s premier cultural series brings together distinguished writers, artists, and scholars for conversations and performances.
Library Shop & Café
Find eclectic items for bibliophiles and literature lovers of all ages, and enjoy coffee and bites from Amy’s Bread at the Library Shop & Café.
More Programs & Events
Join us at the Schwarzman Building for a wide array of artist talks, readings, lectures, and more.
Docent-Led Building Tours
The Library’s docent-led tours are an excellent way to see highlights of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, and the only way to get group access to many of the building's must-see spaces.
Looking to Borrow Books? Visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)
Just across the street, you’ll find our largest lending library, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), where you can get a library card, browse books to borrow and take home, visit our dedicated centers for kids and teens, and more.
- Get a Library Card
Prepare for Your Visit
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Address 476 Fifth Avenue (at 42nd Street), New York, NY 10018
- Enter the building via the main entrance on Fifth Avenue, or the accessible entrances at 40th Street and 42nd Street.
See Building Hours | Download a Map By Subway
- B/D/F/M/7 train to 42 Street–Bryant Park/Fifth Avenue
- 1/2/3/N/Q/R/W train to Times Square–42 Street
- 4/5/6 train to Grand Central–42 Street
By Bus M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, M42, and M55 buses all stop outside or near the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
Building Accessibility The New York Public Library strives to ensure that everyone has access to the full range of information, services, and programs that are offered at the Library. Learn more.
All public service units of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building are wheelchair accessible. A ramp entrance to the building is located at 42nd Street, and a street-level accessible entrance is available at 40th Street. All levels of the building are accessible by an elevator at the north end of the building.
If you require an additional accommodation on site, please speak to a staff member. For more information or for an accommodation, please email [email protected]. To learn more about the accessibility of NYPL websites and mobile applications, see our Web & Mobile Accessibility Policy .
- Head to the Visitor Center , where you can check your belongings and learn more about the Library.
- Please note that any large bags, luggage, and other oversized items must be checked. See note regarding size restrictions below in “What Not to Bring.”
- Umbrellas must be checked or placed inside your bag or in the protective plastic bags provided by the Library.
- We encourage visitors to check their coats and other outerwear.
- You are welcome to photograph the historic interiors of this historic Beaux-Arts building, but we ask that you remember that it is a working research library and that you refrain from using a flash and taking photos of researchers.
- Upon exiting the building, all Library visitors must submit all books, bags, briefcases, and other containers for inspection, including those that were checked during your visit.
What to Bring With You
- Mask for your safety—masks are strongly recommended during your visit.
- Headphones to enjoy the building audio tour and Treasures Exhibition audio guide.
What Not to Bring
- Visitors are not permitted to bring any beverages, liquids, water bottles, or food into the Library.
- Carts, large bags, bags on wheels, backpacks, or collections of bags that are larger than 24” x 16” x 10” are not permitted to enter the Library and will not be admitted to the bag check.
Read our general building regulations in full.
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Request a Tour or Field Trip at HWLC
Tours and field trips at Harold Washington Library Center serve all interests. Tours generally last 30 to 120 minutes and are customized to meet each group's needs.
Questions? Check the Tours and Field Trips FAQs or call (312) 747-4300.
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Field Trips for Children 13 and Under
All field trips for ages 13 and under will take place in the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library on the 2nd floor of Harold Washington Library Center.
Please Note: Currently we can only accommodate field trips on Mondays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
A lunchroom is not available for field trips. If your group plans to bring snacks or lunches, please let us know in the additional information field below and we will prepare a space in THCL for your group to eat after your scheduled visit.
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Field trips are for teens in grades 9-12 or up to age 19 if homeschooled or enrolled in a high school equivalency program.
Field trips explore the various resources and programs that are available at CPL locations around the city.
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Tours are for adult librarians, researchers, and educators who would like to learn more about Chicago Public Library.
Tours are for groups of five to 20.
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Please request tours at least two weeks in advance.
Field trips and tours are offered between 10:00 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tours are not available on Fridays or weekends.
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April showers bring May flowers and fresh marketing kits in the OverDrive Resource Center!
April is almost here and our Resource Center is blooming with free marketing kits and social media graphics to help you promote your digital library. Here in Cleveland we are preparing for the upcoming solar eclipse , but that is just one of many events happening in April that you can promote to your users.
April Social Media Must Haves
In addition to showers, April brings us National Library Week ! We have a graphic available on the Resource Center that you can post across your social media channels encouraging your users to celebrate their love for digital reading during National Library Week.
April is also National Poetry Month. First celebrated in 1996, National Poetry Month is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the impact poetry and poets have on our culture and our society. Use the graphic below to promote the importance of reading poetry. Looking for poetry programming ideas? Check out this post !
Recommended Lists for National Poetry Month:
- New and Notable Poetry
- Poetry is Meant to Be Spoken
No Passport required! World Literary Tour Must Haves
Be sure to also check out the Resource Center to find the accompanying marketing kit to promote your Arabic language content to your community. On the Resource Center you can also shop previous World Literary Tour stops including China, Germany, India and more.
Check back next month as we make our way to Seoul, South Korea!
Lights! Camera! Kanopy Marketing Must Haves
This April, Kanopy is also celebrating the rich and diverse cultural tapestry woven by the Arab American community, offering a cinematic journey that explores their history, traditions and contemporary experiences. These films not only showcase the unique stories of Arab American individuals and communities, but also serve as a powerful medium for fostering understanding, dismantling stereotypes and generating dialogue. Check out the marketing kit available on the Resource Center and view the Arab American Heritage Month collection here .
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From its founding in 1925 during the Harlem Renaissance, the Center has amassed vast collections of over 10 million items. READ MORE ›. Building and exhibition tours for the public are offered at specific library locations: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Tours With nearly 53 million items, the New York Public Library, known as the Stephen A.
NYPL's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is the "people's palace," created for everyone to access and explore.. Visitors come here to find a quiet place to read, do research, learn from our renowned collections, look into their family history, tour exhibitions, attend public events, enjoy the building's art and architecture—and much more.
The Boston Public Library (BPL), founded in 1848, first opened its doors in 1854 as the first free public library in the United States. (While Boston's Athenaeum is older, it charged a fee, thus excluding a vast swath of the city's population.) As you may remember from your history lessons, in the early 1850s Boston saw a massive influx of ...
Visit Los Angeles Public Library's historic Central Library. Enjoy the art and architecture of the 1926 Bertram Goodhue Building with its distinctive sphinxes and rooftop pyramid. Wander through the 1993 Tom Bradley Wing, designed by architect Norman Pfeiffer, and gaze at the 8-story atrium with its whimsical chandeliers. Learn about the library's comprehensive collections. All tours are free ...
If you are a teacher or professor planning to bring your students for a self-guided Art & Architecture tour of the Central Library, please contact the Tours office at [email protected] or 617.859.2216 to register your group (please allow a minimum of 3 weeks before your planned tour). Any student on a self-guided visit must provide one adult chaperone per 10 students.
1. NYC: Sightseeing Night Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide. Experience a completely new perspective of "The City That Never Sleeps" as the sun sets over the beautiful skyline of New York City. This 2-hour panoramic night tour takes you past Times Square's famous lights before heading downtown to view the illuminated Empire State Building ...
Start your journey at the Library's Visitor Center. Discover everything our new Visitor Center has to offer, including digital and tactile displays featuring interactive exhibits about the Library's legacy, collection items, maps, and more. Plus: find a coat check and join in-person tours at the Visitor Center.
The number for general tours inquiries is 617-859-2216. There are no reservations required for their free public tours, but individual parties of 8 or more people are asked to book a separate private tour with at least four weeks' notice. Tours begin in the McKim Vestibule off the Dartmouth Street entrance.
Bodleian Library (University of Oxford) Take a 360° tour of the Bodleian, Hogwarts' library in the Harry Potter films. Watch on. You may recognize the 400-year-old Bodleian Library from the Harry Potter movie series; take a closer look with this 360° video from The Telegraph.
Audio Guides. Delve into the storied history and world-renowned collections of The New York Public Library with our series of audio guides, available to listen to for free on any digital device. Follow a guided tour through one of our iconic locations, get exclusive insights into exhibitions of our collections from NYPL curators and experts in ...
You are listening to the Brooklyn Public Library audio tour of the Central Library. I am Norman Erickson and I have been a librarian here at the Central Building for over 30 years. I have led tours of the buildings for patrons and staff for many, many years. Now we are bringing you a bit of that tour in a self-guided audio format. This part of the tour includes the Art & Music division, the ...
1. NYC: Guided Bus and Walking Tour with Staten Island Ferry. See the best of New York City on sightseeing tours by bus and boat. Enjoy guided walks through Midtown Manhattan, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, 9/11 Memorial, and the Financial District.
You are listening to the Brooklyn Public Library audio tour of the Central Library. I am Norman Erickson and I have been a librarian here at the Central building for over 30 years. I have led tours of the buildings for patrons and staff for many, many years. Now we are bringing you a bit of that tour in a self-guided audio format. This section of the tour will include the area outside the ...
Live Reference Chat. Mon-Sat. 10am-6pm. Discover all that Cleveland Public Library has to offer by taking a free tour of the downtown Main Library campus. Learn about the Library's history, art, and architecture; tour our cutting-edge TechCentral department; explore our chess sets and miniature books in Special Collections; take in breath.
Now, we are bringing you a bit of that tour in a self-guided audio format. This section of the tour includes the Lobby of the Central Library. Feel free to walk around as you listen. Nikole Hannah-Jones speaks to a crowd in Central Library's lobby during BPL's 2019 event called 'Til Victory is Won.
North Beach. 850 Columbus Avenue. San Francisco, CA 94133. 415-355-5626. [email protected]. Join us for a 1.5-hour walking tour of the North Beach neighborhood. Learn about the food, culture and history of San Francisco's Little Italy, where early immigrants in the 1910s established the authentic Italian character that remains its defining quality.
These Boston Public Library Tours are taking additional COVID-19 precautions: Boston: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour; From NYC: Boston City and Harvard Guided Day Trip; Boston: 2.5-Hour City View Bike Tour; Boston: Single Ride Pass for Sightseeing Bus; Boston: Hop-on Hop-off Bus and Freedom Trail Walking Tour
Library tours of the Children's department are available on Thursday mornings or any other day in the afternoon. Please use the request link below to make a reservation. Or you can call the Children's Desk at (615) 862-5785. If you wish to see a puppet show, please see the details and separate request form below. REQUEST.
FAQ Category about Tours and Class Visits. Skip to main navigation Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to search Skip to content. Hours & Location Help Help, opens a new window. ... Boston Public Library. 700 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02116. 617.536.5400 [email protected] . Contact Us , opens a new window ...
VIRTUAL TOUR. Clementinum Library, Prague, Czech Republic. In centuries past, Baroque architecture was the style for so many European city buildings. This library, as with the one in Vienna, is another example of Baroque. In 1722, the Clementinum (or Klementinum, as it is known in Czech) Library opened to the public.
The New York Public Library welcomes you to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. This library has symbolized the democratic ideal of free and open access to knowledge since it opened to the public in 1911. ... Take a self-guided tour on your mobile device to explore the history, architecture, and services offered at our Fifth Avenue locations ...
The SELCO (Southeast Libraries Cooperating) Minnesota Author tour brings three amazing authors to Winona - Jess Lourey and Sarah Stonich on Monday, April 15 th at 5:30PM in the Winona Public Library's Central Exchange Room, and Kao Kalia Yang on Tuesday, May 7 th at 5PM in the Minnesota Marine Art Museum's Across a Wide Ocean Gallery.
Please request tours at least two weeks in advance. Field trips and tours are offered between 10:00 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tours are not available on Fridays or weekends. This information will be submitted via email. Learn More . Tours and field trips at Harold Washington Library Center serve all interests.
Jess Lourey & Sarah Stonich. The Winona Public Library will host authors Jess Lourey and Sarah Stonich on Monday, April 15 th at 5:30 PM in the Library's Central Exchange Room as part of SELCO (Southeastern Libraries Cooperating) Minnesota Author Tour. This event is free and open to the public. Jess Lourey is an award-winning author of an ...
UVA Library Public Events - Upcoming Events. Category: Shannon Library Grand Opening . iCal Time Zone: Eastern Time - US & Canada ... and services of this newly renovated library. Tours begin in Memorial Hall. Date: Thursday, April 4, 2024 Time: 12:00pm - 5:30pm Location: Shannon Library Categories: Shannon Library Grand Opening
History. It was known as Zatishye (Зати́шье) until 1928. [citation needed] In 1938, it was granted town status.[citation needed]Administrative and municipal status. Within the framework of administrative divisions, it is incorporated as Elektrostal City Under Oblast Jurisdiction—an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts.
A one-hour guided tour of the latest exhibition in the Milberg Gallery in Firestone Library at Princeton University. Tours meet in the lobby of Firestone Library. Co-founders of Calipso Press Camilo Otero and Eva Parra will draw upon their experience as publishers, artists, and curators to contextualize Ulises Carrión's life, work, and impact on the field of artists' books.
World Literary Tour Must Haves ... About the author: Jill Grunenwald is a Marketing & Communications Specialist on the North America Public Library Marketing Team. A former librarian, she joined OverDrive in 2015. Outside of the office she can be found writing, hanging out with her cats, collecting more Tarot decks than she has room for, and ...