Children's Library

The Children’s Library serves the children of Athenæum members from their earliest days through young adulthood. Located on the first floor of the building, the Children’s Library contains classic and contemporary literature and fills two adjoining spaces that are designed to appeal to novice and more sophisticated readers respectively. The Children’s Librarian creates age-appropriate suggested reading lists for children.

For younger readers, the Chris Library Preschool Room houses board books, picture books, and easy-reader classics and contemporary titles. It also features a listening center, an aquarium, and cozy places to read under the watchful gazes of the Children’s Library’s owl mascots. The C. A. Coolidge Young Readers Room has classics, works of non-fiction, and popular fiction. In addition to books, the Children’s Library offers magazines and audio books.

Each Autumn, children attending the My Athenæum Family Day event receive their own copy of the My Athenæum booklet, which contains stories, activities, games, and a special place for young readers to track their own reading, visits to the Library, and interests. Children who are unable to attend the event are encouraged to pick up the booklet when next they visit the Children’s Library.

To see to see Story Times and events on the calendar, please see the events listing.  Young Readers Group meetings are listed here.

The Children’s Library has a special email update list for members. Contact Marilyn Davidson in the Membership Office to be added to or removed from the Children’s email list: davidson@bostonathenaeum.org or 617-720-7629.

Boston Athenæum Children’s Library Holiday Gift Suggestions