Boston Public Library (BPL) welcomes you to the beautiful city of Boston! Whether you've relocated from abroad, moved to Massachusetts from another state, or transitioned within the state, we trust you will find value in the Library.
BPL comprises 26 locations including the Central Library situated in Copley Square and our beloved neighborhood branch libraries. We offer an array of free in-person and online learning opportunities, resources, and events.
The Library is a Department of the City of Boston. For more resources and information, we encourage you to explore the services provided by the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA). You can also subscribe to receive the City of Boston's newsletters to stay updated on community activities and developments.
If you have any questions, please email us at ask@bpl.org.
Getting Started
Your Library Card
Your library card is your passport to technology, literacy, fluency, community, and so much more.
Subscribe to BPL Newsletters
Keep up to date with the latest reading recommendations, events, and news from the Boston Public Library with our newsletters!
Community Learning Center
The Community Learning Center can help with citizenship, immigration, English classes, adult education, technology, job success, and more.
Citizenship & Immigration Guide
Find citizenship exam materials, legal services referrals and learn about upcoming information sessions.
Language Learning
Mango Languages
An interactive language-learning resource supporting dozens of languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Hindi, and Spanish.
Mango Reader
Mango Reader, a Google Chrome extension, allows you to get translations in real time on any website. It requires a Mango Languages account.
English Fluency
Take free English language classes, and join tutoring and conversation groups to help you practice English with your peers!
Transparent Language
Learn over 110 languages anytime, anywhere, using any Internet-connected device!
Boston Public Library's World Language Collections
The world language collections may include books, DVDs, CDs, magazines and newspapers for adults, children, and teens.
Researching Your House
Resources for researching questions such as how old your house is, who the architect was, how to find plans of your house, and more.
Research Guide to Boston's LGBTQ+ History
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with this guide to historical resources about the LGBTQ+ community collected at the BPL.
Boston Street and Place Names
This research guide provides an overview of resources useful in researching street and place names in Boston.
Boston's Annexed Towns and Some Neighborhood Resources
Boston is a city of neighborhoods, an amalgamation of towns that were annexed in the 19th and early 20th century.
It Happened in Boston: 11 Notable Local Interest Titles
For those who like to keep up with all things Hub related, here is a list of titles to select from for your reading list.
Trees and Forests of Boston and Environs
The books in this list explore the natural and human history of Boston's forested landscapes.
Boston History: 10 Classics About Our Great City
Boston is a city rich with history. Whether you're new to Boston or you've been here awhile, dive into one of these titles today!
Boston Memoirs: 18 Books Here in Beantown
From Boston politics to rock stars, chefs and doctors, these memoirs describe what it means to be a Bostonian. Check one out today!
Boston Globe (current edition)
Get up-to-the-moment access to Globe.com with no limit on the number of articles viewed.
Boston Herald (current edition)
Up-to-the-moment access to www.bostonherald.com with no limit on the number of articles viewed.
PressReader
Full-color reproductions of thousands of U.S. & international newspapers & magazines from the last three months available via web or app.
Newspapers at the Boston Public Library
This guide attempts to bring together in one spot links to and descriptions of the newspaper resources of the BPL and beyond.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the BPL
The Boston Public Library is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Visit our EDI webpage to learn more.
