An Individual or Family membership makes a meaningful gift for students, lifelong learners, devoted book lovers, and families or grandparents who cherish curiosity, culture, and ideas.

Personalize your gift delivery

Choose how and when your gift is shared:

• Send instantly by email—we’ll notify your recipient of your gift with activation instructions
• Mail a beautifully designed Athenaeum card—we’ll mail a card within a week of purchase
• Keep it a surprise—receive the gift email yourself and share it when the moment feels right

When your recipient is ready, they’ll activate their membership and enjoy one full year of unlimited access to the Boston Athenaeum. Gift memberships must be activated within one year of purchase.

Individual Memberships

Perfect for readers, writers, thinkers, and dreamers.
Includes full membership benefits for one adult and two dependents (22 and younger):

• Full access to all five floors of reading rooms, collections, and quiet corners
• Borrow from over 500,000 books, including new releases and rare finds
• Digital library with thousands of ebooks and audiobooks
• Join vibrant members-only book discussions
• First access to author talks, lectures, and concerts (often free or discounted)
• Bring up to three guests to share the experience
• Get personalized research help from our expert librarians
• 15% discount at our gift shop and Folio, our on-site bistro
• Save on parking at the Boston Common Garage

Individual Membership $506/year

Young Individual Membership (40 & under) $338/year

Family Memberships

Share the wonder of discovery with your loved ones.
Enjoy everything from Individual Membership, plus:

• Two adults in the same household
• Children under 18 are welcome in our award-winning Children’s Library
• Family-friendly events and activities
  
• First access to children’s workshops and programming

Family Membership $590/year

Young Family Membership (40 & under) $410/year

Purchase your Gift Today

• Buy a gift membership online
• By phone: (617) 720-7604
• In person: 10½ Beacon Street, Boston

Experience before committing: Day memberships are available for $40 and can be purchased as a gift. If the recipient decides to join, the $40 day pass can be applied towards an annual membership when joining within one week of their visit.