Unique Experiences

Item Description

The Boston Athenæum is a membership library for use by its members, and also by scholars and researchers for short and long term projects. It is one of the oldest and largest membership libraries in the country. 

Predating all American public libraries, the Boston Athenæum was founded in 1807 by a group of gentlemen who wished to provide themselves with " a reading room, a library, a museum and a laboratory." Past members of the Athenæum include John Quincy Adams, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Amy Lowell, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Daniel Webster, and Lydia Maria Child.

As a member of the Boston Athenæum you enjoy full access to a wide range of benefits, including a delightful children's library, a young readers' group, children's storytime three times per week, borrowing privileges from the institution's circulating collection of nearly 500,000 volumes, reference services, art exhibitions, topical discussion and book groups, invitations and discounted ticketing to more than 100 events like lectures, book signings, musical events and children's programs each year and reciprocal privileges to more than 600 institutions throughout North America. The silent fifth-floor reading room is a quiet oasis for study and reflection in one of Boston's most beautiful spaces.

The Athenaeum is open seven days a week, including Monday thru Thursday from 8:30 - 8:00, Friday from 8:30 - 4:00, Saturday from 9:00 - 4:00 and Sunday 12 noon - 4:00. It is located 10 1/2 Beacon Street, Boston MA 02108.

Item Special Note

This auction item is for a one-year Family Membership which offers full use of library services for two adults and any dependents age 22 or younger at the same address. Families may also request a complimentary personal childcare provider card. All candidates for membership are required to complete the standard Membership Application.  Memberships are not transferable. A membership card may only be used by the person to whom it was issued; members must present their cards when entering the building and checking out books. 

An 5% fee, not to exceed $25 total, will be added to any winning bid to aid in covering auction costs and shipping fees for your items.