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Boston Public Library CatalogBoston Public Library Catalog
(Part of MBLN) 
Note: JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to use the catalog.

 This catalog contains books, videos, cds, etc. that you can take home (over 2 million) and BPL research materials for in-building use only acquired by the library after 1974.
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Research Catalog of Books and Periodicals
These materials cannot be searched electronically.

 The research materials (pre-1974) cannot be searched electronically, but we will gladly assist you in locating these by contacting 617-859-2270 or electronically. For materials acquired after 1974 please use our Electronic CatalogElectronic Catalog.
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Other Resources:
New Movies, Music, and Games

Place a hold request for any of the hundreds of DVD movies or music CDs we have on order before they hit the library. Or, if you're a gamer, request one of the hottest titles for the most popular console platforms.

OverDrive Downloadable Media

Choose from hundreds of digital titles available in OverDrive eBook, Audio Book, OverDrive Music, and now, OverDrive Video formats! Download these titles directly to your PC.

Note: Additional software may be required to borrow OverDrive titles. Please see the OverDrive quick start guide for more information.
 

World Languages

The Boston Public Library maintains world language collections for the languages listed below. These languages were chosen based on circulation data, demographic information and anticipated future demand.

World language materials are ordered centrally by the Collection Development Department with input from librarians at Central and the branch depositories. Spanish and Chinese materials are chosen by selection teams.

World language collections are held at many branches, however, only the primary depositories for each language are listed below. All languages are collected by the Central Library.

The world language collections may include books, DVDs, CDs, magazines and newspapers for adults, children and teens.

Central Library

Arabic Italian
Chinese Japanese
French Korean
German Polish
Greek Portuguese
Haitian-Creole Russian
Hebrew Somali
Hindi Spanish
Irish-Gaelic Vietnamese

 

Neighborhood Branches

 
Chinese
French
Haitian-
Creole
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Vietnamese
Adams
Street
•
Brighton
•
Codman
•
Connolly
•
East
Boston
•
Egleston
Square
•
Fields
Corner
•
Honan-
Allston
•
•
•
•
Jamaica
Plain
•
Mattapan
•
•
North
End
•
Orient
Heights
•
South
End
•

 

Special Collections

The Library has holdings in monographs, serials, government documents, scores, microfilm, maps, manuscripts, photographs, prints, and sound recordings as well as other special collections. About this list 
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Newspapers currently received by the library

Guides to Finding and Using Materials and Catalogs:

About the catalog
About My Account
How to have material set aside for in-building use

     The Library also provides reference over the telephone 617-536-5400 and electronically.