Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library Central Branch is a great place to explore, study, learn, and relax. Aside from the BPL being a library, it is a hub of art, culture, and people in the heart of Boston. When you walk through the doors, you are immediately viewing an ornate staircase that looks as though it might belong in a castle or a mansion. Whether you’re at the Boston Public Library to study or look around, I think it’s worth it to go out of your way to visit.

When I visited the Boston Public Library most recently to study, I sat in the beautiful Bates Hall. Sitting in the hall to work was awesome, especially because I was surrounded by so many other people who were focused. The only downside to studying in Bates Hall is the tours that come by every few minutes. The tour groups were a little distracting, however, I kind of enjoyed eavesdropping on all the fun facts the guides would mention just outside the doors. I think I was in many tourist photos because I was near the entrance where the tourists entered from. Some people would take a selfie, but others would pretend to be sitting, working at one of the tables.

I’ve also been a tourist at the Boston Public Library. I did a tour where I learned about the art on the walls, architecture, and the founding of the library. I’ve always been one to enjoy these types of tours, but I especially liked how the Boston Public Library tours ask a lot of questions to the crowd. It was fun guessing the rationale behind design decisions and learning why major historical figures did what they did for the library.

I think this little adventure exemplified how important it is to explore just a tiny bit further from your “comfort geography.” I wouldn’t typically go into Boston just to study or to tour the library because I feel like I already “know” Boston. However, spending time at the Boston Public Library made me realize how refreshing it can be to try something new and spend time in a new space.