Boston Public Library The Boston Public Library's mission is to preserve and provide access to the historical record of our society, and to serve the cultural, educational, and informational needs of the City and the Commonwealth.

Established in 1848, the BPL was the first publicly supported municipal library in America, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library and the first to have a dedicated children's room. Today, the BPL has 27 neighborhood branches, 34 million items in its collection, free Internet access, two unique restaurants, an award-winning website www.bpl.org and an on-line store featuring reproductions of the BPL's priceless photographs and artwork. Each year, the BPL hosts nearly 5,000 programs, answers more than one million reference questions and serves millions of people in its National Historic Landmark McKim Building in Copley Square. All of its programs and exhibits are free and open to the public. Visit us online or stop into your local branch today!