Why Give?
Support the Fund
Philanthropic support is critical to promoting leadership and innovation, enabling the Library to test new ideas, leverage those ideas to scale, and respond to evolving community needs. While city funding provides the Boston Public Library with a strong base of support, gifts at all levels make innovation and expansion of new services and programs possible.
1848 Society
In 1848, the Massachusetts state legislature established the first free municipal library in the U.S.—right here in Boston. As early as 1852, a wealthy banker pledged $50,000, to fund the acquisition of new books.
A Lasting Legacy
While the City of Boston provides essential baseline funding for our operations and improvements to our facilities, generous contributions from individuals enable the Library to pursue new avenues of innovation, so that we can respond to the Dynamic needs of the communities we serve.
How Your Gift Helps
The Boston Public Library is preparing for what lies ahead — ensuring all of Boston’s citizens have the access and opportunity to thrive in a post-pandemic world.
Inspiring Stories
Boston Public Library Fund is grateful for the support provided by donors who have made planned gifts to our Institution. Through their generosity, these individuals have demonstrated their commitment to the future of Boston Public Library Fund through gifts that have created meaningful legacies. Here are some of their stories.
