Boston Athenæum members provide nearly one-fifth of the institution's annual operating funds with their annual dues. In return, members enjoy a wide range of benefits.
The following list reflects benefits when COVID-19 state and city restrictions are not in effect; any temporary limitations due to the pandemic are noted:
Library Privileges
- Easily accessible newspapers including the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, New York Times, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal , and the Sunday Washington Post in the Gordon Newspaper Reading Room;
- Ability to check out books from the library's continuously expanding circulating and reference collection of more than 480,000 volumes, many not available in public libraries;
- Personalized reference and reader services assistance;
- Access to an extensive collection of nearly 500 periodicals, including newspapers, magazines, and journals;
- Quick and friendly assistance with ILL (Interlibrary Loan) Requests;
- Book mailing service;
- Generous lending times and short waiting periods for popular books.
Building and Events Access
- Access to twelve levels of beautiful space for reading, reflection, and open-stack browsing, including the iconic, silent fifth floor reading room;
- Invitations and discounted ticketing to book talks, lectures, gallery openings, and other events;
- Ability to join 16 different members-only book discussion groups;
- Members-only tours and curator-led orientations;
- Free and unlimited access to exhibitions;
- Privilege of inviting guests to join you for Athenæum events or a private tour of the building
(December 2020: the library is temporarily closed to members under pandemic restrictions. All events and tours are virtual for now. Please email or call us with questions.)
Online and Electronic Benefits
- Web access, anytime and anywhere, to
- LexisNexis (news and business)
- JSTOR
- Project Muse
- Art Full Text
- and much more; browse our offerings.
Children's Library Benefits
- Access to the Chris Library Preschool Room and C.A. Coolidge Young Reader's Room;
- Ability to check out books from the Children’s Library’s circulating collection;
- Access to a wide range of recurring free events for ages 0-18, including programs for babies, story times (three each week), Spanish Story Time, LEGO® Club, and teen writing and DIY workshops;
- Ability to join any of 3 book discussion groups serving ages 6-18 and Comics Club;
- Free or reduced admission to monthly family events, including author/illustrator talks, art workshops, and performances;
- Participation in annual Summer Reading program;
- Personalized recommendations and curated book lists;
- Weekly updates about children’s programs via e-newsletter;
- Option to add a caregiver/nanny to your Family membership account in order to accompany children to the Children's Library.
(December 2020: activities for children are suspended for now, except for free and publicly-accessible Facebook Live Story Times three mornings per week.)
And More...
- Reciprocal privileges, including free or discounted admission, at over 1,000 museums in North America;
- Discounted parking at night and/or on the weekends at the Boston Common Garage;
- Reciprocal privileges with the New York Society Library. This includes use of their reading rooms for five visits per year, permission to browse the stacks, and the ability check out one book at a time (please check their website for any additional restrictions related to the pandemic);
- Offers from our partners (past offers include complimentary passes to Ellis Boston, the International Fine Arts Show, the Boston Print Fair, and more);
- Copies of our weekly e-newsletter; print newsletter and events guide, and more;
- Eligibility to volunteer when opportunities become available.
