Boston Public Library Fund

This Pride Month, we’re reflecting on the impact of unrestricted access to books.

Through Books Unbanned, teens and young adults ages 13–26 nationwide can access the Boston Public Library’s eBook and audiobook collection for free, regardless of where they live.

The Boston Public Library Fund is proud to support this program, helping ensure that young people can read widely, discover freely, and access books without censorship.

Add this to your summer bucket list: live music in the stunning McKim Building Courtyard at the Boston Public Library. Join us for our Concerts in the Courtyard series, where music and community come together in one of Boston’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.

☀️ June concerts take place on Fridays from 12:30–1:30 PM on June 5, 12, and 26.

🌿 In July and August, enjoy music on Wednesday evenings from 6–7 PM and Friday afternoons from 12:30–1:30 PM (except July 3).

Bring a friend, take a lunch break, or spend a summer evening surrounded by inspiring performances in the heart of the library.

Concerts in the Courtyard is sponsored by Bank of America through the Boston Public Library Fund.

https://na2.hubs.ly/H05MrMc0

Ready to unearth your story? 🦖📚

Join the 2026 Summer Readathon and help support summer reading at the Boston Public Library! From June 22–August 22, 2026, readers of all ages can set a reading goal, create a fundraising page, and invite friends and family to sponsor their summer reading.

Every page turned helps fuel discovery, literacy, and learning for Boston’s young readers — all summer long and beyond.

Learn more at https://na2.hubs.ly/H05yrQV0

✨ History comes alive on the streets of Beacon Hill. Join educator and Darby Vassall descendant Denise Washington and educator Joel Mackall for an inspiring walking tour exploring the life and legacy of Darby Vassall (1769–1861) — a community activist who endured slavery and fought for freedom alongside his family.

Beginning at the Old State House, the tour includes stops at King’s Chapel and the African Meeting House while uncovering powerful stories of resistance, resilience, and Revolutionary Ideas that shaped Boston history.

Saturday, May 30, 2026
1:00–2:30 PM
Registration Required
https://na2.hubs.ly/H05Myt30

Participants should expect to walk approximately two miles over sidewalks and cobblestone streets. Comfortable walking shoes encouraged!

The Boston Public Library Fund is proud to support this Community History program!

Last summer, thanks to our supporters, the Boston Public Library was buzzing with readers, programs, and discovery. 🦖📚

Now, we’re ready to unearth new stories — and your support will make every page count.

Your gift today will strengthen Summer Reading programs and give kids, teens, and families free opportunities to read, explore, and dig into their next favorite story all summer long.

Help fuel the adventure at https://na2.hubs.ly/H05vRMQ0

Music is filling the Boston Public Library (BPL) in a whole new way this year. With support through the Boston Public Library Fund (BPLF), the Library has launched its first-ever Children’s Musician-in-Residence program — bringing live, interactive music directly to children across the city to create opportunities for playful learning, creativity, and community connection.

Leading the program is Phoebe Neilsen, a music educator and preschool music specialist from Brighton. Designed as a one-year residency, the program supports an early-career musician while offering programming across all 25 branches and the Central Library. The residency is made possible by the LEGO Group, through a two-year, $1 Million partnership that increases access to creative play.