Central Library: Children's Library
Boylston Street Building, Second Floor
617.536.5400, ask@bpl.org
The Children’s Library at the Central Library in Copley Square is a vibrant space for our young visitors and their caregivers, featuring whimsical, colorful designs that evoke the City of Boston.
The Children’s Library is for children in grades eight and under in the company of a parent, teacher, or adult caregiver. Everyone is welcome to browse the collection or look for a book, but seating in the Children’s Library is limited to children and their accompanying adults only. For more information, please see our Safe Child policy.
Programs
The Children’s Library hosts a wide variety of programs for children and their caregivers. Check our calendar for upcoming events for children at the Central Library.
Upcoming Events
Collections
The children’s room has a large & diverse collection, including:
- Books, including fiction, nonfiction and graphic novels
- Audiobooks
- Music CDs
- DVDs
Technology
The Children’s Library features public computers for use with a child’s Boston Public Library card. Four AWE Early Literacy Stations, featuring games and activities for young children, are available for half hour sessions with no library card required.
For general information on public computer use and printing at the Boston Public Library, please visit Computers and Technology.
Related FAQs
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If you are hoping to visit one of our branches please contact the specific branch directly.
The Central Library offers a variety of services for classes and group visits; please use the following contact information:
- For grades K-6, please contact the Children's Library.
- For grades 6-12, please contact Teen Central.
- For college or adult groups, please contact ask@bpl.org to schedule a research visit or tours@bpl.org for all other visits, including Art & Architecture tours.
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All groups are asked to register in advance. Groups larger than 30 people who visit without registering may be asked to leave. Groups smaller than 30 who visit without registering may be asked to split up and library staff will not be able to provide additional support or special services.
Due to space constraints, groups who want to visit the Central Children's Library or Teen Central must register their visits in advance.
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To schedule a class visit with the Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center, see the Education page of their website and contact them directly.
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Contacting the children’s librarian at the location you’re visiting is the best way to ensure your class will receive the materials they need on the day of your visit. Getting in touch ahead of time allows children’s librarians to request books from other library branches if needed, especially if your class is studying a seasonal or topical subject. Three weeks’ notice will improve the chances of the material arriving in time.
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Members of your group who are residents of Massachusetts can get a BPL library card during your visit, provided that completed application forms are provided to the library at least one week before your visit. If you bring applications on the day of the visit, we can’t guarantee that staff will be available to provide cards.
Library card application forms can be found below:
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See our Central Library Tours page for more information.