The Boston Public Library, located in the heart of Boston, is more than just a place to check out books – it holds a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1848. Initially housed in a former schoolhouse on Mason Street, the library quickly outgrew its space due to the influx of book inventory. The library has many firsts to its name, including being the first large, free municipal library in the United States, the first to lend books, have a branch library, and a children’s room.
The library is also built on a landfill in Back Bay, which was once a swamp used for milling operations before being filled in throughout the 19th century. The building itself is filled with lore, including John Singer Sargent’s incomplete mural cycle that took 29 years to execute, leading to a blank panel on display today. Additionally, access to the Special Collections Department does not require any credentials other than making an appointment to explore the extensive collection of Bostonian and American history.
The Elliott Room, located on the second floor, is named after John Elliott, the son-in-law of prominent Bostonian author and poet Julia Ward Howe. His wife, Maud, played a significant role in stewarding both her mother’s and husband’s legacies through gifts to the library. The next time you visit the Boston Public Library, take a moment to look around and discover the rich history and trivia that surrounds this iconic institution.
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Photo credit www.boston.com