Historic Library Tour

Join us for a public tour of the Central Library in Copley Square. This guided tour is a one-hour introduction to the history of the Boston Public Library—the first large free municipal library of the United States—and the art and architecture of its historic Central Library.

Tours are limited to fifteen people per session. Registration is required; to reserve a spot on the tour, please register at the link in the upper right corner of this page. To ensure that tours remain accessible to the general public, organized groups and individual parties larger than five people are not permitted on public tours and should contact [email protected] for more information about group visits.

Public tours are one of many ways to experience the historic art and architecture of the Central Library. Please visit our website for more information about self-guided individual and group visits. If you are visiting with a large group, contact [email protected] to learn more about our group visit options and register your visit with the Visitor Experience Office.

Accessibility Notice: We strive to make our events accessible. To request a disability accommodation and/or language services, contact the department listed in the "Contact Info" pane on the right. Please allow at least two weeks to arrange accommodation.