One of the great things about living in the Northeast is being able to visit some fabulous city libraries.  Boston, New York, New Haven, Philadelphia…all locations of wonderfully historic libraries!   Today it seems appropriate to have a library related post during National Library Week!

Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library (BPL) has the added distinction as the first large free municipal library in the United States.  The present Central Library in Copley Square has been home to the library and has served as its headquarters since 1895, when Charles Follen McKim completed his “palace for the people.”

The champagne cocktails served in the Courtyard Tea Room are subtly infused with tea!

Though I have visited the BPL many times, until very recently, I had never attended an event held in the library.  This changed when some special friends invited me to attend a baby shower in the library’s Courtyard Tea Room!

I was so excited, not only to attend an event in the Tea Room, but also to spend time with friends as well.  A literary themed baby shower!  How cool!  My love for old books was set into overdrive!

I would need to wrap the gift I brought on theme, of course!  I also ordered a book in the shape of the baby’s initial to include with my gift. I love that all the invited shower guests were asked to bring the baby a book in place of a card!  (So hard to choose just one!)

Overlooking the beautiful Italianate Courtyard in the Boston Library’s historic McKim building, this stunning venue is the perfect location for a grand occasion!

The newly renovated Map Room adjoining the Tea Room is also a great spot to visit as well!  The Map Room serves wonderful tea infused cocktails with a literary theme like ‘tequila mockingbird’ and ‘catcher in the rye.’  Look at the stunning overhead view in the Map Room!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you are inspired to celebrate National Library Week in a special way!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie