Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library is a pioneer of public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. As a City of Boston historic cultural institution, Boston Public Library today features a central library and twenty-five neighborhood branches, serving nearly 4 million visitors per year and millions more online. Boston Public Library is a department of the City of Boston, under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu. The mission of the Library is focused on four core areas: reading and literacy, spaces and programs, reference and instruction, and special collections and cultural heritage. Our commitment to be ‘Free to All’ is carved into the façade of the Central Library in Copley Square, and we are proud to welcome everyone equally regardless of gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, faith, or economic status.

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Special Features

Children’s garden
Reading room with marble fireplace

History

The town of Hyde Park’s first library opened in the Cobb's block of Everett Square in 1873. In 1884, it moved to larger quarters in the Masonic Block at the corner of Harvard Avenue and River Street. The library opened in its current location in September 1899 and became a branch of the Boston Public Library when the town joined the City of Boston in 1912. It is the only branch to have begun service as a town library.
An addition doubling the size of the branch opened in January 2000, designed by Schwartz/Silver Architects.
In May of 2006, the Hyde Park Branch was awarded a 2006 Best Accessible Design Award from the Boston Society of Architects and the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board.

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