Members can join any available Discussion Group by logging into the Member Portal. If a group is full, a waitlist option will be provided.

The drum consists of 10 floors of book storage and is open for browsing and borrowing. The drum was an innovative storage solution that allowed the Athenaeum to expand and protect its collection.

You can reserve books and some periodicals through our online catalog. When looking at a record for a book, select “Pick up at Circulation” from the list to the right where you will also see the options to print, email, etc.

Every morning our librarians pull requests bright and early to keep your reading list moving. If you’re placing a hold later in the day and hoping to grab your book the same day, just give Circulation a call at (617) 227-0270 x301 or Reference at (617) 227-0270 x302. We’ll do everything we can to get it ready in time.

Members may check out up to 20 books at a time. Most books are available for 60 days, while new books can be borrowed for 14 or 28 days, depending on their length.

If there’s no waitlist, members are welcome to renew

• Via our online catalog
• by email at circulation@bostonathenaeum.org
• by calling (617) 227-0270 x301
• In person at the circulation desk

Can’t find what you’re looking for in our online catalog or on CloudLibrary? Let our librarians know by submitting a book request.

If a book is overdue more than 30 days, the system will automatically mark the book “lost” and the member will be assessed a current value replacement fee, which will be removed as soon as the book is returned. If the book is lost, we ask for a current value replacement fee.

Members may access the online catalog on computers located on second through fourth floors, the basement, and sub-basement.

We do mail books! Book requests are placed with Circulation or Reference by phone, by email, or the “Pick up at Circulation” option in the catalog.

• Oversized, fragile, or interlibrary loan books cannot be mailed.
• Outbound charges for mailing books are not being assessed at this time.
• The borrower is responsible for postage and packaging of returned books.
• Replacement costs for books lost en route will be assumed by the Athenaeum.
• Replacement costs for books damaged while in the hands of the borrower or lost en route back to us will be charged to the borrower.

Computers are available on the second and fourth floors. Anything saved to these computers is erased each day. Printouts (black and white only) cost 20 cents per page and can be picked up at the front desk. See a reference librarian on the second floor for help.

To print, you use one of the computers on the second or fourth floors. Printouts cost 20 cents per page and can be picked up at the front desk.

Microfilm can be read using the microfilm reader that saves to a USB drive or can print to a printer. Ask a reference librarian for help.

Our rare books and items are available for anyone, member or visitor, to view for free. Special Collections viewings require an appointment made at least one full business day in advance. Appointments are available Tuesdays 1 – 7 pm and Wednesday through Friday 10 am – 4 pm.