Boston Public Library

10/12/2026

Above is a portrait of Hattie Tom of the Chiricahua Apache Nation, this was taken at the 1898 "Indian Congress" held in tandem with the Trans-Mississippi International Exposition.

Though developed and "managed" by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indigenous delegates carved out a degree of autonomy with over twenty nations represented.

📸: Hattie Tom, Apache, 1899
Rinehart, F. A. (Frank A.)
Arts Department, Boston Public Library

10/08/2026

Join us on Monday, October 19 for an Author Talk with Carlton Champian!

He will be discussing his book, Notes to My Father, a deeply personal exploration of fatherhood, abandonment, identity, and the journey of confronting what we inherit.

Learn more: https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6aaac1cc6074830038275609

What happens when a father’s absence becomes part of who you are? Join Boston-area author Carlton Champian for a reading and discussion of his book, Notes to My Father, a deeply personal exploration of fatherhood, abandonment, identity, and the journey of confronting what we inherit. Accessibility...

10/08/2026

Join us on Wednesday, October 14 for Finding Reliable Sources and Fighting Misinformation!

This in-person workshop will explore credible websites and resources where participants can learn about election news and ballot information.

Learn more about this event: https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6a5787cacca66c2f00a38934

This in-person workshop will explore credible websites and resources where participants can learn about election news and ballot information, as well as official government websites where they can check voter registration, learn about their polling place, and register to vote. The second half of the...

10/08/2026

The Boston Public Library is pleased to announce architecture firm KPMB as the 2026 recipient of the Druker Award Celebrating Design and Architecture!

✍🏼️ This year's milestone lecture takes place on Saturday, November 7 at the Central Library. It marks the 25th anniversary of the Druker Award and the 125th anniversary of The Druker Company, LTD.

🗣️ During the event, KPMB's' Marianne McKenna and Paulo Rocha will join BPL President David Leonard in conversation to explore how cities are continually reshaped, and the story behind Boston University's Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences.

Learn more at tinyurl.com/Druker2026.

10/07/2026

Join us on Saturday, October 10 for a Banned Books Read-In at the Central Library!

To demonstrate your support in the fight against book bans, join us as we read in silence.

📕 We'll have comfortable seating in the New & Novel area of the Central Library and a large selection of banned books for you to browse, read, and check out.

Learn more:

Freedom to read is a fundamental pillar to upholding democracy. This Banned Books Week, join the Boston Public Library for a silent read-in and demonstrate your support in the fight against book bans! We'll have comfortable seating in the New & Novel area of the Central Library and a large selection...

10/07/2026

10/06/2026

To honor National Hispanic Heritage Month, the BPL has released the Vida Latina Booklist!📚

This is a booklist of recently published titles focusing on the cultures, histories, experiences, and diversity of the Hispanic community. The 129 titles highlight selections for adults, teenagers, and children. Today we're sharing a few of our favorite picks for adults.

📕Devout by David Archuleta
📗Migrant Heart by Reyna Grande
📙A Little Piece of Cuba by Barbara Caver
📘Calladita No More by Hady Mendez

See the full booklist at tinyurl.com/VidaLatina2026.

10/05/2026

Join us for Shakespeare at the Boston Public Library on October 6, 8, 13 and 14!

The BPL and Commonwealth Shakespeare Company presents Shakespeare at the Library: Worlds of Imagination, a series of site-specific performances throughout the historic McKim building.

Performed “pop-up” style, the production unfolds across four iconic spaces within the library. The performance starts at the Dartmouth Street Entrance and continues to the Sargent Gallery, the Abbey Room, and the Courtyard.

Shakespeare at the Library is made possible through generous donors to the Boston Public Library Fund who are committed to elevating public programming in the historic McKim building.

Learn more at: https://www.bpl.org/news/shakespeare-at-the-library-comes-to-bpls-mckim-building-this-october/

10/05/2026

All BPL locations will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day.

10/05/2026

It's Banned Books Week! An annual event that celebrates the freedom to read, and brings awareness to the dangers of censorship.

Take a look at this that includes a few banned and challenged books: https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/2871905887/3121607257