Read up on Massachusetts' amazing history inside the Boston Public Library, the oldest library in the United States. Recognized as one of the top library and research facilities in the county, the Boston Public Library features more than 15 million book volumes, including magazines, newspapers and mixed media archives. There's no better place for Boston rent a car travelers to brush up on their American history, but don't take Verc's word for it. Head over to the main branch of the Boston Public library and learn something new today.

Who knew a library could be this cool

The Boston Public library is the third largest library in the United States, behind the Library of Congress and the Harvard Library system. It is home to more than 7.5 million books, as well as rare paintings, prints and tapestries. Boston rent a car travelers can often see these priceless items on display throughout the library. Several galleries are located on the third floor of the McKim Building specifically for the display of exhibits and artifacts. Boston rent a car travelers will also find restored murals within the 110 year old McKim library building, including paintings by Jon Singer Sargent, Edwin Austin Abbey and Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. More than 1.7 million rare book manuscripts are stored at the library, including first editions folios by William Shakespeare, and more the 3,800 volume personal library of John Adams.

Finding answers to all of life's tough questions

The Boston Public Library is one of the most important libraries in the nation, not to mention one of the most popular. According to the American Library Association, the circulation at the Boston Public Library is over 15 million. The Boston Public Library is also a member of the Association of Research Libraries, one of only two public libraries to earn such honor (The New York Public Library is the other). From high school history papers to doctoral papers, you're sure to find suitable sources inside this temple of literature and learning.

Behold the Bates Hall

If you visit the Boston Public Library on your upcoming Boston rent a car vacation, be sure to stop by Bates Hall first. This feat of architectural genius has made the Boston Public Library famous. Named for the library's greatest benefactor, Joshua Bates, Bates Hall has been called "sacred" by some and amazing by many. Designed almost like a Roman basilica, the Hall features a rectangular form, terminated by a semi-circular apse on each end. Look up and you'll see robust double coffers in the ceiling, creating a sculptural canopy. But nothing is more iconic in this room then the profusion of green lampshades. Located over each of the reading desks, these lamps were once described by Boston Globe writer Sam Allis as "fireflies".

Branches and location

Boston rent a car travelers are never far from a branch of the Boston Public Library. That's because there are 27 locations in the city, in neighbourhoods like Hyde Park, South Boston, West Roxbury and Mattapan. The central library location (which is home to Bates Hall and the Research Library) is located at 700 Boylston Street, Copley Square, Boston. General hours are Monday through Thursday from 9am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. Boston rent a car travelers should contact the library directly for further information at 617-536-5400. Boston rent a car travelers can also checkout the library online at www.bpl.org. And don't forget - the Boston Public Library offers free one-hours tours of the McKim Building at the central library location. For more information please call 617-536-5400 ext 2216.