THE BOSTON ATHENÆUM, one of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries in the United States, was founded in 1807 by members of the Anthology Society, a group of fourteen Boston gentlemen we had joined together in 1805 to edit The Monthly Anthology and Boston Review. Their purpose was to form an establishment similar to that of the Athenæum and Lyceum of Liverpool in Great Britain; combining the advantages of a public library [and] containing the great works of learning and science in all languages. The library and Art Gallery established in 1827 were soon flourishing, and grew rapidly, both by purchase of books and art and by frequent gifts. For nearly half a century the Athenæum was the unchallenged center of intellectual life in Boston, and by 1851 had become one of the five largest libraries in the United States.

Address: 10 1/2 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108
Telephone: 617.227.0270
Website: http://www.bostonathenaeum.org/