They say never judge a book by its cover so how do I judge the Boston Library? What a stunning place to study, to learn, or to just spend a few hours perusing the books. As a library, like with a book, until you get stuck into it, only then you find out how good it is. I did not have the chance to do any research in the library itself, so for now, the British Library is the best I have found. But what a surprise and stunning glory this library in Boston is. When I stepped inside the doors I couldn’t believe my eyes.
A stunning display of marble and light greets the library user.
The library with its murals, marble, stunning statues, and glorious lighting is a treat beyond treats. It was established 1848 and was the first library in the States to open to the public and allow people to borrow books and take them home. The building I was in was the McKim building which opened in 1895 and was proclaimed a palace for the people. What a palace indeed! It was the first to have a children’s room, and displays rare works. I did spend some time checking out the old maps of Boston and was awed by the detailed penmanship in the pen and ink drawing of Old Boston. What skill!
An Old Map shot through the glass.
I have to say I spent a few hours just taking in the stone work, and the magnificent stairs. I secretly longed to be sitting down at the long tables hard at work doing some research. How I would have loved that!
Somewhere is my chair and lamp…
There where quite a few places off-limits to me, but I did wander about without too much trouble. I so would have loved to have these stairs in my home.
Sadly these stairs where clearly marked staff only and in case I wasn’t able to comprehend that warning, a chain was securely fastened. ( I know, I tested it.) But by now, I had spent far too much time indoors, and desperately needed a cup of tea. In search of that emergency cup of tea I stumbled out into this courtyard.
I found a chair to sit on and that cup of tea was erased from my mind. An apple in my pocket was my companion as I sat and lost an hour, watching the sun play with shadows, and with the sound of water from the fountain washing away any sense of time or urgency.
Hours spent with sound and light
It was only when a large cloud passed overhead blocking out the sun that I stirred and headed back out from a world within worlds to say goodbye to a small universe of books.
Boston’s Library Lights
As I departed the Boston Library, I couldn’t help but think what a place to read, take a midday work break, or just step away from the noise of the city. Truly a palace for the people.
A camera travels 
Reblogged this on The Boston Harbor Picayune and commented:
My first experience in the Boston Library, as a book lover, was almost a spiritual experience.
Thanks for the reblog! This was amazing for me also!
I always think of how great it would be to spend the night in a place like that when everyone else was gone. Then I would have used those stairs for sure!
Carrie, don’t tempt me! I so would have done the same thing! 🙂
Now that is an impressive library, Susan.
I tend to have an ‘urge’ to get out of libraries, for some illogical reason, but I think I could spend quite a few comfortable hours there!
Hi Tom, some library’s I don’t even consider proper libraries as they are so censored, it isn’t funny. This one, I would love to go back and do some research work in! It just had an amazing aura about it.
Most of my time there has been spent in the Margaret and H.A. Rey children’s library with the kiddos. Sometimes, I forget about all the wonderful places in the rest of the library.
Hi Cameron, It’s an amazing place! How lucky you get a chance to use it!
Often libraries are remarked as a place of words and boring literature- but in truth its an adventure waiting to be opened, a voices of many kind waiting to be heard in a way. 🙂
Thanks Chris, lovely comment!
This library looks pretty haunted. I would like to take the time to visit sometime soon.
Hi Posky! It does look like a ghost could wander about! Don’t think I’d like to meet it though!
Not all ghosts are bad. Most are just like people, trying to make their way from one place to another while snagging a hug here and there.
Posky I just love that definition of Ghosts!
What a wonderful place, Susan. Very steampunk 😀 I love the print of Boston from above.
Hi Kate! I wonder how that print was done..I imagine there must have been a hill nearby to capture that image with pencil, then back to the studio with ink! Lovely!