Click here for an online application with membership categories and fee schedule.

Click here to renew your current membership.

The Boston Athenæum is a membership library for use by its members, and also by scholars and researchers for short and long term projects. It is one of the oldest and largest membership libraries in the country.

Predating all American public libraries, the Boston Athenæum was founded in 1807 by a group of gentlemen who wished to provide themselves with " a reading room, a library, a museum and a laboratory." Past members of the Athenæum include John Quincy Adams, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Amy Lowell, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Daniel Webster, and Lydia Maria Child.

The original structure of the Athenæum remains in the form of shares owned by Proprietors. Shares are limited in number to 1,049 by charter of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Proprietors may exercise voting privileges at the annual meeting. Information on the purchase of shares is available through the Director's Office.

Application for all other categories of membership should be made through the membership office. Apply on line or call the Membership Office at 617-227-0270 ext. 246 for information.

All members of the Boston Athenæum enjoy the privilege of borrowing books and the use of reference and book mailing services and have access to special collections. Members receive invitations to Athenæum events, which include lectures and book signings, art exhibitions, musical events, and children's programs; they also receive mailings of Athenæum Items, the Library newsletter, and discounts on many items in the bookstore.

Frequently Asked Questions Answered