Originally located in an old schoolhouse along Mason Street when it was established in 1848, Boston Public Library having about 16,000 books outgrew its location as soon as doors opened in 1854. The current Copley Square site designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark was planned in 1855, designed in Renaissance Beaux-Arts style by architect Charles McKim to be a "palace for the people" and opened in 1895. The Boston Public Library system today has 23 million items including rare publications, prints and maps, 24 branches, a map center and a business library. Be sure to see the Central Library's Bates Hall, The Abbey Room, The Chavannes Gallery and The Sargent Gallery.
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