Trustees Of The Public Library Of The City Of Boston

The Boston Public Library (BPL) is an extraordinary institution that has served the citizens of Boston since 1848. Founded as the first municipal library and the first public library to lend books, the Boston Public Library is dedicated to the advancement of learning and is "Free to All," as is carved in the facade of the historic McKim building in Copley Square. The BPL encompasses a Central Library, twenty-five vibrant neighborhood libraries, a robust website, and classes and programs for all ages. The Library's collection of more than 23 million items includes circulating books, eBooks, DVDs, and music, as well as research and special collections that encompass rare manuscripts, prints, photographs, drawings, maps, posters, and more. The Boston Public Library's Kirstein Business Library and Innovation Center, Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, and Collections of Distinction such as the personal library of John Adams, the Anti-Slavery collection, the Thomas Pennant Barton Collection of Shakespeare, and the Boston Pictorial Archive attract researchers and scholars from across the city and around the world. In fiscal year 2023, Boston Public Library hosted 16,397 public programs reaching 217,445 people and loaned 6.9 million items. Of those 6.9 million lends, more than 4.8 million were digital downloads of e-books and audiobooks. In the same fiscal year, the Boston Public Library helped 487,977 Massachusetts residents - adults, children, and teens - sign up for new library cards, hosted 231,483 free computer sessions and enabled 617,005 free wireless internet sessions. Engaging the Public Through Programming + Active Spaces: The Library offers a variety of programs for all children, teens and adults including: Future Readers Club, Homework Assistance, Local & Family History, Writing programs, Theatre Productions, The Lowell Lecture Series, Copley Concerts, Never Too Late Programs, Children's Music and Storytelling. Serving the Public with Improving technology: BPL is a national leader in library service technology. The Library has been improving the Library's IT and business systems, increasing access to knowledge through the provision and creation of digital content, and closing the digital divide by providing the public improved access to the kinds of cutting edge technology that ensure equity. Restoring and Preserving our History: At an estimated one million manuscripts, holdings are particularly strong in medieval and early Renaissance manuscripts, colonial Boston and New England, and the American anti-slavery movement. The library is also home to hundreds of archival collections with strengths in local business, political, cultural, and social history. Caring for the Public's Special Collections: The Library maintains and cares for of one the world's most important public collections of art, rare books, maps and other special objects and make these precious objects, owned by the public, accessible to patrons today and far into future generations. Statewide Collection Development & Access: This program provides residents of the Commonwealth access to print, electronic, and downloadable collections not available in their individual libraries. Anyone who lives, works, goes to school, or owns property in Massachusetts can have a Boston Public Library card.