It might not be the hippest place to visit in Boston. In fact, truth be told, it's kind of nerdy. But if you like books, polished wood, gourmet food and out-of-the-ordinary exhibits, you might want to head to the Boston Public Library. I've spent many hours perusing the library's volumes and sitting in its wood paneled reference room, working on my laptop. And when I get tired of reading, writing, and people watching, I go in search for a cup of coffee and a gourmet sandwich without leaving the library.
That's right; the Boston Public Library has a restaurant called Novel, which features a lunch buffet with gourmet salads, soups, and sandwiches, as well as an afternoon tea service. For lighter, quicker fare, I go to Sebastian's Map room Cafe, which has breakfast, lunch, and snack food. Both the restaurant and the cafe are on the first floor of the library's historic McKim building.
You didn't think you'd be going to a public library for gourmet food, did you? But that's the Boston Public Library for you. And if that's not enough, you can also find intriguing art and culture exhibits at the library. Whether you like American posters, Shakespeare's plays, pen-and-ink drawings, photographs, Native American history, or Catholicism, you're likely to find an exhibit or two at the library that interests you.
Out of all the things to do in Boston, I can't think of a better day than one spent at its delightful public library. But then, I always have been kind of a nerd.
by Vivian Wagner
LIBRARY FACTS
Address & Phone Number
700 Boylston St.
Boston MA 02116
(617) 536-5400
On the Web
www.bpl.org
Library Hours
Monday Thursday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Novel Hours
Monday through Friday, 11:30-4:30
Luncheon buffet, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Afternoon tea, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Sebastian's Map Room Cafe Hours
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
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