Parent Institution
Site Type
Supervisor Name(s)
Eve Neiger
Crystal Rodgers
Supervisor Title(s)
Lead Archivist
Archivist
Supervisor Email(s)
Department Address
700 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Boston, MA 02116
ADA Compliant
Yes
Parking
No
Transportation
MBTA Green line Copley, MBTA Orange Line Back Bay, MBTA Commuter Rail Back Bay, MBTA bus lines (various)
Site Description
About the BPL: Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library is a pioneer of public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. As a City of Boston historic cultural institution, Boston Public Library today features a central library and twenty-five neighborhood branches, serving nearly 4 million visitors per year and millions more online. Boston Public Library is a department of the City of Boston, under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu. The mission of the Library is focused on four core areas: reading and literacy, spaces and programs, reference and instruction, and special collections and cultural heritage. Our commitment to be ‘Free to All’ is carved into the façade of the Central Library in Copley Square, and we are proud to welcome everyone equally regardless of gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, faith, or economic status.
Boston Public Library is committed to racial equity and to becoming an anti-racist organization and formed an action plan in 2020 in response to systemic racism, inequity, and injustice prevalent in our society. You can read more about the action plan and the steps BPL is taking to address diversity, equity, and inclusion here.
About the BPL Archives Department and BPL Special Collections: The Boston Public Library Archives Department facilitates open and equitable public access to archival collections held by the library. In partnership with Special Collections department staff, the department arranges, describes, and preserves our archival holdings using iterative and sustainable practices. Through reference support, user-centered discovery, and adherence to national standards for archival description, the department works to meet the needs of BPL users and adapt as research practices change over time. The Archives Department aims to describe BPL’s archival collections in ways that are inclusive and respectful to those who create and use them and the people and communities these collections represent.
Situated in the BPL’s Central Library in Copley Square, the Special Collections Department facilitates discovery and supports public engagement with rare, distinctive, and culturally significant materials held by Boston Public Library.
Boston Public Library is committed to racial equity and to becoming an anti-racist organization and formed an action plan in 2020 in response to systemic racism, inequity, and injustice prevalent in our society. You can read more about the action plan and the steps BPL is taking to address diversity, equity, and inclusion here.
About the BPL Archives Department and BPL Special Collections: The Boston Public Library Archives Department facilitates open and equitable public access to archival collections held by the library. In partnership with Special Collections department staff, the department arranges, describes, and preserves our archival holdings using iterative and sustainable practices. Through reference support, user-centered discovery, and adherence to national standards for archival description, the department works to meet the needs of BPL users and adapt as research practices change over time. The Archives Department aims to describe BPL’s archival collections in ways that are inclusive and respectful to those who create and use them and the people and communities these collections represent.
Situated in the BPL’s Central Library in Copley Square, the Special Collections Department facilitates discovery and supports public engagement with rare, distinctive, and culturally significant materials held by Boston Public Library.
Website URL
https://www.bpl.org/special-collections/