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, including:
Library Privileges
- 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 to nonexistent 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
Online and Electronic Benefits
- Web access, anytime and anywhere, to LexisNexis (news and business), JSTOR, Project Muse, Art Full Text, and much more
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
And More...
- Reciprocal privileges, including free or discounted admission, at over 750 museums in North America;
- Reciprocal privileges with the New York Society Library. This includes use of their reading rooms, permission to browse the stacks, and the ability check out one book at a time;
- Offers from our partners (past offers include complimentary passes to Ellis Boston, the International Fine Arts Show, the Boston Print Fair, and more);
- Discounted parking at night and/or on the weekends at the Boston Common Garage;
- Copies of our monthly e-newsletter; seasonal events guide, and more;
- Eligibility to volunteer when opportunities become available
