14 Reasons to Love the Boston Public Library
BPL Photo via Shutterstock
The Boston Public Library was dealt a great injustice recently, as some idiot decided to vandalize its Copley Square facade.
Though that shameful paint job was quickly removed, the thought of it still makes the blood boil. And so, to counteract that abhorrent cultural attack, here are 14 reasons to love and appreciate the Boston Public Library, in no particular order.
1.
The Books, Duh
And manuscripts, photographs, prints, and other items…all 23 million of them.
Photo by Meredith Foley
2.
The Perks of Having a Library Card
Free museum passes, anyone?
BPL Arches Photo via Shutterstock
3.
The Architecture
Swoon.
Photo by Olga Khvan
4.
The Instagram-worthy McKim Courtyard
Pro tip: In the summer, the BPL hosts free “Concerts in the Courtyard” every Wednesday night and Friday at lunchtime.
5.
The “Hoopla”
E-books were just the start. In 2014, the BPL began a partnership with Hoopla—it’s like Netflix, but for libraries.
Photo by Olga Khvan
6.
The Children’s Library
Part one of the Johnson Building renovation was unveiled last year, including the children’s library, which boasts a StoryScape area, sensory learning wall, kid-friendly interactive technology, a tween area, and three lion cub statues.
Photo by Olga Khvan
7.
Teen Central
The BPL also unveiled a super-chic urban-inspired space for teenagers last year, decked out with hanging bicycles, diner-esque booths, a digital lab, and a video game lounge.
Photo by Olga Khvan
8.
Coming Soon: A New Cafe!
Photo by Kristen Teig for ‘Fully Booked’
9.
The Existing Courtyard Restaurant
A full-service, lunch-and-tea-only eatery situated behind a sandwich counter inside the vaunted building.
10.
The 10,000 Public Programs Hosted in 2014
And the 3.7 million visitors.
The Abbey Room Photo Provided
11.
Free Yoga Classes
Every Tuesday in the Abbey Room. Namaste.
Photo via @BPLBoston on Twitter
12.
The Archives
It wasn’t until last year when a couple works went missing, attracted national intrigue, ruined a few reputations, and were then found 80 feet from where they should’ve been, that the public was reminded of the treasure trove that is the BPL’s collections.
Photo by Yiqing Shao
13.
The Exhibits
Rembrandts aside, the BPL also hosts a number of open exhibits each year, including a moving Boston Marathon tribute in 2014. And if you didn’t see the 3-D light display over the holidays, boy did you miss out.
Photo via BPL.org
14.
Two Dozen Branches
In addition to the Central Library location, the BPL has 24 neighborhood branches throughout Boston, including the stunning LEED Gold-certified East Boston Branch that opened in 2013.
What do you love about the BPL? Let us know in the comments.
