Boston’s book sanctuary 📚

How to visit the Boston Athenaeum in Boston, MA
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The library has more than half a million volumes. | Photo by the BOStoday team
Just steps away from the Massachusetts State House is an equally historic local landmark — though this one is more of a hidden gem.

The Boston Athenaeum at 10 1/2 Beacon St. is a five floor membership library open to the public for tours + day visits.

Quick history lesson:
The organization has been around since 1807, making it one of the oldest independent libraries in the country. It grew out of a group called the Anthology Society that aimed to add more culture to 19th century Boston.

What to see:
The George Washington Library is one of the Athenaeum’s main attractions, and for good reason. About 45% of the first president’s personal book collection is housed in a replica of his Mount Vernon book-press on the fourth floor.

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It’s typically pronounced “a-thuh-NEE-uhm.”

Photo by the BOStoday team


The fifth floor reading room is another can’t-miss destination. The library’s main reading room is silent, so keep it hush hush when you explore the rows and rows of books. Fun fact: the collection ranges from bestsellers and new releases to more obscure finds + rare books.

What else to know:
An ongoing renovation project (with a price tag of $17 million) is expanding the library to 14 Beacon St.

We can expect the updated space to be open by mid-November, complete with a spacious new lobby, a cafe for both members + visitors, and even more reading nooks.

For now, this means the first floor is closed to visitors as well as other spaces on a rotating basis.

How to visit without a membership:
If you do want to splurge on a yearly membership, you’re free to read in any of the library’s spaces and check out up to six books at a time. Talk about a book lovers dream.
Share this story with history + book lovers to let them know about this hidden gem.

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Today
  • Hike Boston | Mon., Sept. 19 | 10-11 a.m. | Sherrin Woods, Austin Street + Windham Road | Free | The first event in the weekday hiking series takes place in Mattapan. 👟
  • Startup Week | Mon., Sept. 19-Fri., Sept. 23 | 8 a.m.-7 p.m. | District Hall, 75 Northern Ave. | Free | Register to explore 80+ sessions and 250 speakers at the hybrid conference.
Tuesday
  • TINA - The Tina Turner Musical | Tues., Sept. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Citizens Bank Opera House | $108+ | Catch a show to celebrate the singer and enjoy the soundtrack of her greatest hits. 🎭
Wednesday
  • CX Fit: Vinyasa Express Yoga | Wed., Sept. 21 | 6-7 p.m. | The Common at CX, 320 Morgan Ave., Cambridge | Free | Bring a yoga mat, a bottle of water, and any props that will help you during your practice.
Thursday
  • Apples and Cheddar Tasting | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 7 p.m. | curds&co, 288 Washington St. | $65 | Celebrate the first night of fall in Brookline with this classic autumnal pairing. 🧀
Saturday
  • Jake Owen | Sat., Sept. 24 | 5-10 p.m. | Big Night Live, 110 Causeway St. | $100 | Support the Greg Hill Foundation while enjoying a show from one of country music’s best — Annie Brobst and Spencer Crandall will open.*
Monday
Plan Ahead
  • The Mars Volta | Sat., Oct. 1 | 8 p.m. | MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park*
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Too busy for your Gracenote pit stop? Try this.

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Super Coffee is available in three flavors: Cinnamon Roll, Caramel Waffle, and Blueberry Muffin. | Photo provided by Super Coffee
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Super Coffee uses all-natural ingredients, including:
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Weather
  • 66º | Rain | 70% chance of rain
Development
  • The Boston Planning & Development Agency approved five projects in Brighton + Mission Hill. Learn more about the new Roxbury Prep Charter School, a cannabis production facility, and three other projects with affordable housing here.
Coming Soon
  • Chef Barbara Lynch is opening a restaurant called The Rudder in Gloucester. Her first new restaurant in over a decade is expected to open this fall, and the menu will focus on seasonal dishes inspired by the marine landscape. (Boston Globe)
Civic
  • Mayor Wu announced the 2022-2023 SPARK Boston Council, a 40-member group working to connect young adults to city government leaders. Meet the council members + learn more about the program.
Watch
  • The Summer Shack in Harvard Square is hosting free outdoor movie nights throughout the fall. Visit Thursdays + Saturdays at 7 p.m. to see movies like “Hocus Pocus” and “The Incredibles.” (Boston Chefs)
Eat
  • The recently reopened Telegraph Hill Kitchen & Bar is debuting a new brunch menu starting this weekend, featuring housemade donuts + chicken and waffles. The Southie neighborhood joint is also introducing live music on Tuesday evenings, starting at 7 p.m.
Health
  • A Boston startup wants to help doctors detect ovarian cancer earlier. AOA Dx Inc. is developing a diagnostic blood test to help patients determine their risk levels for the cancer. The company closed a $7 millon seed round to bring its technology to the market. (BostInno)
Plan Ahead
  • Want to experience the Central Library after dark? You’ll have the chance during Night in the Stacks on Fri., Oct. 14. Tickets for the fundraiser are $125 and include cocktails, food, raffles, and music. Pro tip: the dress code is literary chic.
Feel Good
  • Beth Sobiloff and Marcia Rothwell, aka “Two Grannies on the Road,” are working to visit every town + city in the Bay State, from Plymouth to Hubbardston and beyond. Check out the interview with these local explorers. (WBUR)
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More to explore in Kendall Square

Broad Institute and MIT to open new museums
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The Broad Institute was founded in 2004 at MIT + Harvard. | Photo by Gretchen Ertl
Get ready to discover two new museums in Cambridge’s Kendall Square, right across the street from each other.

Broad Discovery Center, 415 Main St.
🗓️ Opening Mon., Oct. 31.

The biomedical and genomic institute’s new discovery center has been built into the lobby of its Main Street headquarters.

The Discovery Center will host four research-related galleries on infectious disease, cancer, psychiatry, and rare + common diseases.

Expect 16 digital experiences with interactive elements (think: informational touchscreens).

The best part? Admission will be free. Catch a preview of the center at the Cambridge Science Festival starting Mon., Oct. 3.

MIT Museum, 314 Main St.
🗓️ Opening Sun., Oct. 2

The museum’s new digs will be 56,000 sqft — a third larger than the previous Massachusetts Ave. location.

There will eight galleries to explore, introducing visitors to MIT and exploring the university’s broader role in research.

Adults will pay $18 to visit, and Cambridge resident members can go for free.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by City Editor Sara.

Editor’s pick: Speaking of books, Beacon Hill’s new four-story bookstore is expected to open later this month.

City Editor Jess and I can’t wait to check it out (and we’ll be sure to share all about it in a future newsletter).

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Get ready to attend The Big E in Springfield.
Read More
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Editorial: Jessica Burton, Sara Frazier, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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