Xu+Chen-+Boston+Public+Library

=**Boston Public Library**= No visitor to the Boston Public Library will be able to name all the details behind this historical building. To many people the library is a house of books, but book are not alone in the Boston Public Library (BPL). BPL is located in Copley square bounded by Dartmouth Street and Boylston Street. BPL was the first public library opened in the United States, and the first public library to allow people to borrow books and other materials to take home and use (BPL History and Description, bpl.org). When architect Charles Follen McKim finished the construction of the BPL’s McKim building, in 1895, BPL at the time was considered the “palace for people”. The McKim building was notable for its hidden niche, unobserved inscription, and wrought iron and stone at the exterior views. A series of mural painting in the second and third floor and a serenity study hall has captivated the minds of many people and provided a surprising and enthusiasm visit. Nevertheless, BPL has over six million books - one million which are rare – and manuscripts, a wealth of anti-slavery newspapers, and musical collection. The BPL also had a large collection of William Shakespeare’s first print edition playwrights, and original musical sheet from Mozart to Prokofiev’s (BPL History and Description, bpl.org). These rare collections are displayed on a rotating basis. All these features are part of BPL’s resources to the people. More Picture of BPL: