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 aroundsince 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.*
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
Super Coffee is available in three flavors: Cinnamon Roll, Caramel Waffle, and Blueberry Muffin. | Photo provided by Super Coffee
Real talk, Boston: A lot of us are go, go, go all of the time. If you’ve ever wished you could get your protein smoothie + caffeine fix at the same time, then Super Coffee might be exactly what you need.
Super Coffee uses all-natural ingredients, including:
Monk fruit (sweetens without processed sugar)
10 grams of protein (powers your day)
MCT oil (supports brain function)
It’s a real “two birds, one stone” kind of thing. ☕ *
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 housinghere.
Coming Soon
Chef Barbara Lynchis 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 hostingfree 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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