Boston - Athenaeum

First opened in 1807, the Boston Athenaeum was one of the first private lending libraries in the country. The founders wanted "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." Some of its holdings were donated to the Museum of Fine Arts towards the end of the 19th century.

The comprehensive collection contains around 750,000 volumes and works of art. Some of the most notable pieces include numerous works on Boston history, New England State and local history, biography, English and American literature, and the fine and decorative arts. The Athenaeum has a well-established art gallery and it sponsors regular concerts, lectures and special events.