In the second half of the 19th century, the Library developed and expanded its branch library system. The first Branch Library in the United States was opened in East Boston in 1870. Between 1872 and 1900, twenty-one more Branches began serving communities throughout Boston's neighborhoods. In 1972 the Library expanded its Copley Square location with the opening of an addition designed by Philip Johnson. Today, the McKim building houses the BPL's vast research collection and the Johnson building holds the circulating collection of the general library and serves as headquarters for the Boston Public Library's 26 branch libraries.

In addition to its 6.1 million books, the library has a collection of over 1.2 million rare books and manuscripts, a wealth of maps, musical scores and prints. Among its large collections, the BPL holds several first edition folios by William Shakespeare, original music scores from Mozart to Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf;" and, in its rare book collection, the personal library of John Adams. Due to the extent of the collections, many items are displayed on a rotating basis. These unique Special Exhibits are shown in the Research Library and offer the public an opportunity to view books and documents which are usually available only to research scholars.

Some of the better known treasures of the Boston Public Library are:

 

Bates Hall, considered by some to be one of the most architecturally important rooms in the world. Bates Hall features a majestic barrel-arched ceiling enclosed by half domes on each end, English oak bookcases, busts of eminent authors and Bostonians, and a richly carved limestone balcony. The hall is named in honor of Joshua Bates, a London merchant banker born in Weymouth, MA. In 1852 he gave $50,000 to the Library for the purchase of books.

 

The Chavannes Gallery contiains eight stairway murals representing the main disciplines of poetry, philosophy, and science complete this allegorical cycle painted by renowned French artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes.

 

The Abbey Room contains murals by American artist Edwin Austin Abbey. The murals are titled the "Quest of the Holy Grail,"  and are composed of a series of 15 panels featuring 150 life-sized figures illustrating the Arthurian legend. The room also features a fireplace of French rouge antique marble, and a ceiling modeled after one in the library of the Doge's Palace in Venice.

 

The Sargent Gallery on the 3rd floor contains murals painted by John Singer Sargent. The theme of this unusual series is the development of world religions. Sargent considered this effort to be his most important work.

 

Library Tours highlight the architecture of Charles Follen McKim and Philip Johnson, as well as the many works of famed sculptors and painters. The tours last about an hour and are given by volunteer guides. For tours by special appointment, or for information on becoming a volunteer tour guide, please call Joan Eldredge in the Volunteer Office at (617) 536-5400 ext. 2216.