The most famous Boston library is of course the Copley Square BPL. The Boston Public Library is the second-largest library in America and includes nearly 24 million media items. However, there are dozens of other underrated Boston libraries from the JFK Library to university libraries across the city, check out some of the best Boston libraries below:
1. Boston Public Library📚
A Boston landmark, the main Boston Public Library rests in Copley Square, but you can visit one of its 25 branches across the city.
2. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum 📚
Overlooking the waterfront and with stunning architecture, the JFK Library in Southie is one of the city’s most underrated gems.
3. Mugar Memorial Library 📚
Boston University’s library on Commonwealth Avenue offers dozens of cozy nooks as well as historic archives of alum such as Martin Luther King.
4. Widener Library 📚
Harvard’s libraries all offer stunning architecture inside and out. You’ll require an ID to gain access to the Widener Library or visit during one of its open dates.
5. Cambridge Public Library 📚
Head across the river to enjoy the vast lawn of this library in addition to a gorgeous hand-painted mural!
6. Somerville Public Library 📚
The oldest public library in Somerville, this space offers a blast into the past with architecture over 100 years old!
7. Jamaica Plain Branch of Boston Public Library 📚
This gorgeous floor-to-ceiling glass windowed library has stunning natural light, perfect for reading!
8. North End Branch of Boston Public Library📚
This stunning library in Boston’s Italian quarters has architecture inspired by a Roman villa!
9. Parker Hill Branch of Boston Public Library📚
Roxbury’s Parker Hill library offers Gothic accents for an unusual style in the city!
10. South Boston Branch of Boston Public Library📚
Similar to the Central Boston Public Library, the South Boston branch has a courtyard that’s lovely for the warmer months!