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World Language Learning: Reader Services

A guide to resources at the Boston Public Library and online that can help you learn another language.

BPL Branch Locations & Hours

The Boston Public Library has 25 neighborhood branches throughout the city. Visit our location map and hours & directions pages to find the location nearest you.

Reader Services at the Central Library

The BPL’s Reader Services Team are specially trained to engage readers about reading across genres and are knowledgeable about new books, trends in publishing, and helping readers find what they should read next. Librarians are available to assist patrons with searching the library’s print and online resources. For any items the library does not own, librarians can assist patrons with requesting material from other libraries.

Additional services provided by the Reader Services Department:

Reader Services librarians are available at New & Novel on the first floor of the Boylston Street Building at the Central Branch.

You can also contact the department by email at ask@bpl.org, or by mail at:

The Boston Public Library
Central Library at Copley Square
Reader Services Department
700 Boylston Street
Boston MA 02116

Reader Services at Branch Libraries

Each branch library offers readers servicesadvice on what to read next, popular titles/authors, research into particular authors, etc.for all genres of writing. Staff are available to assist patrons with searching the library’s print and electronic resources, and all other collections online and in our buildings. For any items the library does not own, librarians can assist patrons with requesting material from other libraries.

Ask at the Circulation Desk of any branch for the staff person able to answer your questions, or look for the Adult Reference desk.