Researching at the Library FAQs

  • General Questions

    The Boston Public Library offers many excellent alternatives for research, language learning, workforce development, and more. Whether you're a student, educator, job seeker, or lifelong learner, there are still plenty of valuable resources available to you.

    Explore some of our top recommendations:

    You can read the current edition of the Boston Globe for free with your BPL library card through the following platforms:

    • PressReader – Access a full digital replica of the daily paper.
    • Boston Globe Online (current edition) – Read articles from the current Boston Globe in a searchable, text-friendly format.

    As of July 1, 2025, many statewide research databases are no longer available due to a major reduction in federal funding. This change stems from Executive Order 14238, signed on March 14, 2025, which eliminates the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) — the primary federal funder of library services nationwide.

    To learn more about the impact of this executive order, visit: libraries.state.ma.us/federal-funding-at-risk

    Looking for alternatives?

    The Boston Public Library continues to offer a wide range of databases that cover many of the same subjects. Explore Additional Research Resources in this blog post.

    In-Library Use Only Materials
    You can access materials found via the online catalog marked In-Library Use Only by coming to the Delivery Desk at the Central Library in Copley Square at least thirty minutes before closing. Some materials are stored offsite and may take up to ten days to process and deliver. You can always call the Delivery Desk beforehand to make sure your item will be available when you arrive.


    Other Materials
    Much of our research collections, particularly those older than 1974, are not represented in our online catalog. Please consult our special collections index to find contact information for requesting access to individual collections, or get in touch with our Research Services librarians via ask@bpl.org for help or to have materials pulled for you in advance of your visit.

    Online
    Fill out our contact form or email us at ask@bpl.org. Our librarians will be in touch over email within twenty-four hours. Depending on your needs, we might recommend a phone call or visit when we get back to you. If your research need is complex, please indicate in the form that you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your research needs.

    Phone
    We have librarians on-call to help you with research and reference from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. You can reach us at 617.536.5400.

    In-Person
    There is a librarian on duty at all BPL locations who can help you with research. More intensive research help is available at the Central Library in Copley Square in Bates Hall.

    Book a Librarian
    You can also book a 30 minute appointment with a research librarian. After you request an appointment, the Library will get back to you within 2 business days letting you know if your appointment was approved; information about joining the meeting will be sent in a separate email. Appointments must be requested at least 5 days in advance. 

    You can get a research card at the Central Library in Copley Square at either the Borrower Services Desk (Level One of the Boylston Street building) or the Delivery Desk (Level Two of the McKim building). This card is free and allows use of materials inside the library. To get this card, you need a photo ID and a document that states your current address. A driver's license or state ID should fulfill both requirements.

    If you are coming to the BPL from far away for extensive research, we encourage you to reach out to our Research Services librarians ahead of your visit to ensure the most efficient use of your time here. You can email our Research Services librarians at ask@bpl.org.

    Generally speaking we do not make copies for patrons but we do offer photocopiers for your use. If you have trouble using one of our copiers let us know at the nearest service desk.

    Please note: some of our materials can’t be photocopied for preservation reasons. In many such cases digital photography would be allowed but please consult with a research librarian before photographing any research materials.

    The Boston Public Library has millions of books. Some you can take home, and some you can’t. The books you can’t take home are intended to be permanent copies and are marked “In-Library Use Only” in the catalog.

    You can request that an In-Library Use Only book serviced through the Delivery Desk be considered for loan outside the building by placing a request for it on ILLiad. If the request is approved, we will place the item on hold for you.

    Special Collections materials are described in a variety of databases depending on format, including the online catalog, archives.bpl.org, and card catalogs. For assistance getting started searching, email specialcollections@bpl.org and staff will be happy to help you identify what you'd like to see.

    If you find an item in the online catalog that is listed as "available by request," you can access the item in our Special Collections Reading Room by appointment. To make an appointment, click the "Request an item" button, find the specific volume you'd like to request, and choose "request this item," You'll be brought to readingroom.bpl.org, where you can create an account and choose the specific day and time you'd like to come in to see the item.

    Anything listed as being held in "Arts" or "Special Collections" is available in our Special Collections Reading Room. You'll need to make an appointment at least two days in advance to access these items. See the Special Collections page for instructions on making an appointment.

    If you are unable to finish your reading before the library closes for the day, let us know. We are happy to extend your time. We will keep your book on our holds shelf for up to 2 weeks, with further extension available on request.

    If you have enabled “Single-Click Holds,” you will need to disable this option under your account settings (in “Account Preferences”) and select “BPL - Central Delivery Desk” as your pickup point to ensure your hold enters the system properly.

    To find the yearbooks go to: https://archive.org, opens a new window, and search for your school. If they’ve digitized your yearbook, it’ll be there. Please remember, only Massachusetts schools' yearbooks have been digitized.

    Some books marked "in-library use only" can be taken home after staff review. To have an item reviewed, place a request for it on ILLiad. We will put it on hold for you if we can lend it. This applies to Delivery Desk items only. Patrons cannot follow this procedure for in-library use only books in other departments.

    If your item is marked as "in-library use only" by the Delivery Desk or another department, the item you are requesting may not leave the building and must be returned to the Delivery Desk by closing time. You are free to take the book to any location within the McKim and/or Boylston Street Buildings in the Central Library.