Boston Public Library

BOSTON, MA — September 9, 2026 — The Boston Public Library (BPL) announced today that it will become the first public library system in the United States to participate in the Lang Lang International Music Foundation's (LLIMF) "Keys of Inspiration" (KOI) program, a music education initiative founded by internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang.

In October, the BPL will be partnering with Commonwealth Shakespeare, opens a new window to perform famous Shakespearean scenes across the Central Library. But Shakespeare at the BPL doesn't have to start—or stop—there. There are so many ways to interact with the Bard through the Boston Public Library! A First Quarto Printing of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The text of this edition was likely set from an original draft.

How much protein, opens a new window do I need to eat? What can I take for my high blood pressure, opens a new window? Do juice cleanses, opens a new window actually work? What even is ashwagandha, opens a new window? TV, social media, AI, and even our friends and families are bursting with wellness advice. But what really helps—and what doesn't—can be hard to figure out. Enter Examine+, opens a new window, a database that anyone with a Boston Public Library card, opens a new window can access.

Hello and welcome to the September edition of the Queer Lit Review! This month we have a Catholic teen sorting out her beliefs after catching feelings for her best friend, a "lazy bisexual stoner" solving the murder of his uncle, and an Autistic teen finding love at volleyball camp. These titles may be available in other formats or languages. Check our catalog for availability. Please note, we do not review books by author request.

Fannie Farmer around 1900 In my grandmother's home, my parents' kitchen, and my sister's bookshelf, you will find the same book: The Fannie Farmer Cookbook. While each book is a different edition and has a unique patina of stains, they are the most-used cookbook in each of these households. Before Martha Stewart and Ina Garten, there was Fannie Farmer. Her eponymous work has been part of New England cookery for 130 years (and counting).

The Massachusetts State Primary and Massachusetts State Election are quickly approaching. Below is a roundup of voting resources and Boston Public Library election-related programs. Be an informed and empowered voter this 2026 election season.

Welcome to the hazy days of summer with our August reviews! This month, we have a young person fighting monsters while figuring out who she is, a trans lesbian meeting her werewolf mate, and a young woman born into slavery on a starship. These books may be available in other formats or languages. Check our catalog for availability. We do not review books by author request.

The Revolutionary War began right here in Massachusetts in 1774. Although the British left the Bay State in 1775 and no further battles were fought here, residents of this great Commonwealth were still an important part of the fight for independence. Massachusetts contributed soldiers, supplies, and a few politicians to the effort. Let’s meet the nine signers of the Declaration of Independence that were fortunate to have been born here, presented in the order in which they signed.

by Farouqua Abuzeit, Youth Literature and Program Specialist Two fantastic nonfiction books for kids for our 250th anniversary as a nation: G. Neri’s My Bicentennial Summer is a memoir about the 7-week road trip Neri took with his family in the summer of 1976.

Hello and welcome to the July 2026 edition of the Queer Lit Review! This month we have two young women falling in love one summer in Paris, a 35-year-old unprepared to sub in for her sister on a hike for queer women, and a trans man on a minor league baseball team upset when his rival joins his team. These titles may be available in other formats or languages. Check our catalog for availability. Please note that we do not review books by author request.