Books

Item Description

Bid on a one-year Family Membership in Beacon Hill’s private library and cultural center, located a few steps from the State House. This membership gives full access to Boston’s oldest library and its offerings, including a delightful children’s library, a young readers’ group, children’s storytime three times per week, a building-wide wireless network, book borrowing, reference services, art exhibitions, topical discussion and book groups, and a scores of engaging lectures and events, including a series of elegant afternoon teas. The silent fifth-floor reading room is a quiet oasis for study and reflection in one of Boston’s most beautiful spaces.

“A venerable institution, the Athenæum is also hip, suffused with the knowledge that buildings are nothing without people and their stuff: their books and art; their history and research projects; their animated conversations.” – Boston Globe

To learn more, watch this brief but beautiful video by film students from Boston University's Center for Digital Imaging Arts. 

Special Instructions

The Library is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Members may visit the first-floor newspaper and magazine reading room from 8:30 a.m. on weekdays. The first-floor galleries host art installations, and the rest of the building offers twelve floors of books and reading space to enjoy.
A Family Membership offers full use of library services for two adults, and children living at the same address. Families may also request a complimentary personal childcare provider card.

Please note: Memberships are not transferable. A membership card can only be used by the person to whom it is issued and must be presented when entering the building and checking out books.