I'm a retired k-8 school librarian, so of course I love visiting libraries when I travel. The Boston Public Library, on Copley Square in Back Bay, is worth the trip. The first U.S. library to have a dedicated children's library, I had to peruse that area, but the main draw is the historical end. Wonderful architecture, ample signage, and lovely photos/views. Don't miss Bate's Hall! Downstairs, there is a lovely courtyard and they have both afternoon tea and a full bar. Yes, a library with a bar! The afternoon tea looked lovely -- wish we would have known ahead of time so we could have stayed. I believe they take reservations. When finished, cross the street to see Trinity Church. Atlantic Seafood is within walking distance.

If you like libraries, you may like to visit here. But you need to know there are two libraires located here. One is the ultra-modern section with computer stations everywhere as well as the home of the children’s library. The other is next door. If inside the new library, follow the signs to the Courtyard. For those with the pocketbook and interest, the Courtyard is the home of the Tea Room. It is pricey, however, people who have done it enjoyed the finger sandwiches and tea. Further past the tearoom is some fantastic artwork as well as two marble lions. This is the McKim Lobby with the Grand staircase. There is beautiful artwork on the walls in the staircase area. Don’t miss at the top of the stairs going to Bates Hall. It has long desks and cool green glass reading lamps. It is an amazing reading room. Find the Abbey Room with the intricate wood walls and tapestry paintings around the top border. This section of the library should not be missed. It is worth spending a few hours looking through the older part of the library. Very classic.

I’m not one to normally visit libraries, but I had a few hours to spare before checking out of my hotel nearby. The Grand Staircase, Chavannes Gallery, and Bates Hall were highlights worth visiting especially since it’s free. I’m glad I visited.

The outside statues are a bit strange to me. The inside is amazing. This is a very large place. The main hall reminds me of Harry Potter. The history of this place is very interesting. I loved General Washington's painting in one of the rooms. It is definitely a place to visit.

Came on a whim because we had some time to kill and my kid had some homework to take care of. Beautiful old building, connected to the newer one. Kids section was great and he was able to do his work in there. Also got to read us some beginner books. I know it’s a vacation, but heck, it worked really well for us and it truly is a sight to be seen.

This is the most beautiful library I have ever seen. You will feel transported to Europe. We spent about an hour enjoying the architecture and visiting all the rooms. It was also a break from the chilly weather outside. Hard to believe that it is free!

I visited BPL to see the murals by John Singer Sargent, Edwin Austin Abbey, and Puvis de Chavannes. They are all overwhelming and on a scale that one would never see repeated in current times. Before corporate sponsorship there was the public good, and uplifting the mind and spirit is the essence of the BPL's mural cycles. Here, they continue to do so and have added more public spaces with contemporary necessities. Come for the great murals, and commend the city of Boston for its commitment to the public health and growth of the spirit.

Incredible library. Has an older and newer part. Both beautiful. If you live here, it's a great place to study and work. The old part has amazing art and architecture. I wish there was an audio guide or some presentation to the art. There is some but it varies on level of detail. It's free and a must see.

What a feast for the eyes! This Renaissance Beaux-Arts Classic was built in 1870 by Charles McKim. The Grand staircase is made of yellow Siena marble. One of the most striking features of the stairs is a pair of Louis Saint-Gaudens lions. Exquisite murals adorn the walls of the grand staircase and second floor gallery. Stairway murals represent the disciplines of poetry, philosophy, and science while the mural in the gallery depicts "The Muses of Inspiration Hail the Spirit of Light." Upstairs, murals titled the "Quest of the Holy Grail," by Edwin Austin Abbey, grace the walls the Abbey Room. The murals are composed of a series of panels featuring life-sized figures illustrating the Arthurian legend. On the third floor are spectacular murals painted by John Singer Sargent. The theme of this series is the development of world religions. These murals are fantastic! All of this wonderment for the grand total of zero dollars.

The daughter of our next-door neighbor now lives in the Boston area, and she told us you must visit the library. I have to say she was right. With the high ceilings and the impressive murals on the walls, along with the large lions on the main staircase, the building is really something to see. The courtyard between the old and new areas was also very attractive with its fountain and statue. The new area contains most of the books, and while attractive, its only worth visiting if you need to find a book.