{"id":5254,"date":"2025-04-10T15:03:28","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T19:03:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/?p=5254"},"modified":"2025-04-15T01:06:45","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T05:06:45","slug":"an-emersonians-local-guide-to-the-best-libraries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/2025\/04\/10\/an-emersonians-local-guide-to-the-best-libraries\/","title":{"rendered":"An Emersonian\u2019s Local Guide to the Best Libraries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In honor of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ala.org\/conferencesevents\/celebrationweeks\/natlibraryweek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>National Library Week<\/strong><\/a>\u2014celebrated this year from April 6th to 12th\u2014we\u2019re highlighting five of Greater Boston\u2019s best libraries for Emersonians to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>National Library Week, an annual event sponsored by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ala.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>American Library Association<\/strong><\/a> (ALA) since 1958, honors the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. This year\u2019s theme, \u201c<em>Drawn to the Library!<\/em>\u201d aims to bring even more people through the library doors to take advantage of the wide range of resources they offer, emphasizing how libraries \u201cconnect people, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning\u201d (ALA). Read along to see which library you should visit next!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Iwasaki Library (Emerson College)<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/iwasaki-library-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"In-between the stacks of books at the Iwasaki Library.\" class=\"wp-image-5256\" style=\"width:449px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/iwasaki-library-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/iwasaki-library-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/iwasaki-library-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/iwasaki-library-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/iwasaki-library-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Who needs to leave Emerson\u2019s campus when we have one of the best libraries Boston has to offer right on Boylston street? Found on the third floor of the Walker Building, the<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/emerson.edu\/departments\/iwasaki-library-and-learning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iwasaki Library<\/a><\/strong> is so much more than just a place to print your fifteen page short story before workshop. It\u2019s a \u201cfacilitator, partner, and catalyst for research, learning, and creation on campus.\u201d You can collaborate one-on-one with expert librarians for help with everything from research papers to pedagogy philosophies, reserve a study room for group projects or Zoom meetings, and even pick up free donated magazines and books (perfect for a scrapbook project!).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need a book that isn\u2019t on the shelves? The Iwasaki Library is great with the interlibrary loan system. Life hack: request your textbooks through the library\u2019s interlibrary loan system to save a few dollars <em>and<\/em> support the library\u2019s services.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, the Iwasaki Library is open later than most public library locations\u2014until 11pm on weeknights\u2014which is a game changer for grad students who work best at night. Not to mention, the Iwasaki Library is quite active on social media; be sure to check out their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/emersoncollegelibrary\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Instagram<\/strong><\/a> for valuable events, resource updates, and their take on funny viral trends. Bonus: grab one of their limited edition bookmarks at the start of each month!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Boston Public Library &#8211; Central Library (Copley Square)<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/BPL-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Bates Hall, showcasing the arched ceilings, wooden desks, and green lamps.\" class=\"wp-image-5258\" style=\"width:490px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/BPL-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/BPL-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/BPL-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/BPL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/BPL-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>A quick fifteen-minute walk from Emerson\u2019s campus, the Central Library houses the Boston Public Library\u2019s largest circulating collection and is one of the most iconic study spots in Boston. Tourists come far and wide to catch a glimpse of the renowned Bates Hall, complete with arched ceilings and emerald green lamps. Because the Central Library offers free computer use, a teen space, and lots of study nooks, it can often attract a crowd. But don\u2019t falter\u2014reading a book outside in the picturesque McKim Courtyard is worth it! The library also houses the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecateredaffair.com\/newsfeed-cafe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Newsfeed Cafe<\/strong><\/a> for a quick coffee or sandwich and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecateredaffair.com\/courtyard-tea-room\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Courtyard Tea Room<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another benefit of this library\u2019s size is access to a myriad of DVDs and CDs, in addition to nearly any book you can dream of. This location is also often where many BPL events are held, including live radio shows, computer classes, book clubs, poem readings, and more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JzW1qnbQ3Oc&amp;t=139s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>this<\/strong><\/a> video to see aerial footage of all the beautiful architecture the Central Library in Copley Square has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cambridge Public Library (Cambridge)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Calling all natural light lovers! The<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridgema.gov\/Departments\/cambridgepubliclibrary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cambridge Public Library<\/a><\/strong>, with its wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, is the perfect place to study in the sunlight. Located just five minutes off the Red Line\u2019s Harvard Square stop, this library is a great chance to explore spaces a bit further outside of Boston\u2019s main downtown area. It offers a more relaxed and academic atmosphere, great for long writing sessions or just a change of scenery.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"598\" src=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/The-Cambridge-Public-Librarys-double-skin-facade-has-horizontal-louvers-and.jpg\" alt=\"Shows the natural light coming through the windows of the Cambridge Public Library on a sunny afternoon.\" class=\"wp-image-5259\" style=\"width:706px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/The-Cambridge-Public-Librarys-double-skin-facade-has-horizontal-louvers-and.jpg 850w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/The-Cambridge-Public-Librarys-double-skin-facade-has-horizontal-louvers-and-300x211.jpg 300w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/The-Cambridge-Public-Librarys-double-skin-facade-has-horizontal-louvers-and-768x540.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Kifah-Alhazzaa-2?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6Il9kaXJlY3QiLCJwYWdlIjoiX2RpcmVjdCJ9fQ\">Kifah Alhazzaa<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Beyond its comfy study spaces, the Cambridge Public Library offers a multitude of free resources and workshops to help you become the best version of yourself. There, you can attend workshops that focus on everything from 3D printing to studio recording and even Tai Chi.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need to host a club meeting or a small event? Another perk that this library offers: <em>anyone <\/em>can reserve a meeting room, conference space, or event venue through their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridgema.gov\/Departments\/cambridgepubliclibrary\/iwantto\/bookaroomatalibrary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>website<\/strong><\/a>. This facet can come in handy for larger Emerson club events or focus groups. And of course, don\u2019t miss their impressive selection of curated nonfiction and fiction books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Boston Athenaeum (Beacon Hill)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/bostonathenaeum.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Boston Athenaeum<\/strong><\/a>, a quick jaunt from the northern side of Boston Commons, is a member-supported library, museum, and cultural center. This athenaeum\u2014another word for library\u2014overlooks the Granary Burying Ground, a nod to the library\u2019s history and valuable role in the heart of Boston.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/boston-athenaeum-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Shows Greek statue surrounded by two floors of bookshelves.\" class=\"wp-image-5260\" style=\"width:506px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/boston-athenaeum-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/boston-athenaeum-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/boston-athenaeum-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/boston-athenaeum-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/boston-athenaeum-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>With renovations and expansions as recent as 2022, the Boston Athenaeum remains one of the country\u2019s oldest and most distinguished independent libraries, boasting a circulation of over 500,000 books, some of which were published in the nineteenth century. Here, you can flip through a curated collection of rare books, maps, manuscripts, and photographs. The athenaeum is also home to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecateredaffair.com\/folio\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Folio<\/strong><\/a>, an indulgent restaurant surrounded by books with surprisingly affordable dishes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, for a graduate student, membership prices for unlimited visits tend to be on the more expensive side. But if you want to live out your academic main character moment (which we always suggest you do), consider purchasing a <a href=\"https:\/\/bostonathenaeum.org\/visit\/day-passes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>day pass<\/strong><\/a> to soak in all the history and charm this library has to offer. Pro tip: your <a href=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/2024\/10\/22\/student-discount-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Emerson ID<\/strong><\/a> grants you access to everything on the first floor for only $8!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Boston Public Library &#8211; Parker Hill Branch (Mission Hill)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>More into the dark academia aesthetic? Look no further than the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bpl.org\/locations\/parker-hill\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Parker Hill Branch of the Boston Public Library<\/strong><\/a>. A hidden gem found a short distance from the Roxbury Crossing Orange Line stop, this library boasts a more low-key vibe paired with beautiful Gothic architecture. The building\u2019s stone exterior against the vibrant autumn leaves or white snowfall is one of the best views in Boston.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"546\" src=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/ParkerHillBranch-1024x546.png\" alt=\"Stone exterior of the Parker Hill Library.\" class=\"wp-image-5261\" style=\"width:524px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/ParkerHillBranch-1024x546.png 1024w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/ParkerHillBranch-300x160.png 300w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/ParkerHillBranch-768x410.png 768w, https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/04\/ParkerHillBranch.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Though smaller than some of the other libraries on this list, Parker Hill\u2019s peaceful reading rooms are great for heavy workload weeks or just browsing\u2014especially if you\u2019re into mystery books, which this branch specializes in. It\u2019s also home to the Streetfeet Archives, a powerful collection highlighting the Streetfeet Women, a culturally diverse group of writers and performers founded in 1982.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another special touch: frequent visitors love reading in the front yard of Dolly\u2019s Garden, a tribute to the branch\u2019s children\u2019s libraries for over twenty years. And when you need some extra fuel, the surrounding neighborhood is full of quaint coffee shops and local restaurants\u2014ideal for a post-library pick-me-up.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>With funding cuts to libraries across the country, these vital community spaces need our support more than ever. As book bans and censorship efforts continue to increase, National Library Week reminds us to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers, from Emerson\u2019s campus and beyond. So keep showing up for your local library: encourage friends and family to get a library card and keep browsing the shelves for your next favorite read!&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In honor of National Library Week\u2014celebrated this year from April 6th to 12th\u2014we\u2019re highlighting five of Greater Boston\u2019s best libraries for Emersonians to explore. National Library Week, an annual event sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) since 1958, honors &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/2025\/04\/10\/an-emersonians-local-guide-to-the-best-libraries\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3410,"featured_media":5259,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"kt_blocks_editor_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[204],"tags":[44,676,68,668,672,673,674,675],"class_list":["post-5254","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-boston","tag-boston","tag-boston-public-library","tag-emerson-college","tag-emersonian","tag-libraries","tag-library","tag-national-library-week","tag-reading"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>An Emersonian\u2019s Local Guide to the Best Libraries - The Emerson Grad Life Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In honor of National Library Week, we\u2019re highlighting five of Greater Boston\u2019s best libraries to explore this year.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/grad-life\/2025\/04\/10\/an-emersonians-local-guide-to-the-best-libraries\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"An Emersonian\u2019s Local Guide to the Best Libraries - 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