Boston Public Library

While my Aunts were here, we visited the Boston Public Library. The Boston Public Library was the first public library opened in a major city in the year 1854. The first collection was housed in an old schoolhouse until the McKim building was built between 1888-1892. When built, the library was seen as a keystone in what would be a plan to bring cultural and scientific institutions into Boston. The McKim building evokes Italian Renaissance architecture and classical beauty.

"The historical importance of the Boston Public Library transcends its existence as the first public library in one of the largest American cities. The founders of the library had indeed to venture into untried paths of municipal administration - trails which would soon be beaten by the feet of many followers." - Jesse H. Shera in Foundations of the Public Library, 1965

There was a beautiful courtyard that Nicholas and I could have easily spent all our time in if we lived in Boston.