Wasn’t making much progress on personal projects today, so I called an audible and decided to visit a place I’d never seen–the Massachusetts State Library. This beautiful space is tucked away at the extreme back end of the State House, on the third floor. It’s not only an information resource for the state legislature (like a mini-Library of Congress), but also an archive of historic Massachusetts documents and materials. The large reading room is available to all visitors whenever the State House is open, and there are display cases situated throughout containing various interesting artifacts. During my visit, there was an original Audubon plate on view, and a reproduction of John Winthrop’s diary. Interesting stuff, and I suspect that I will be coming back to see future exhibits or attend a book talk.

A View of the Massachusetts State Library [More pictures](https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericmaki/albums/72177720310525522)

I’m old enough to remember a time (pre-9/11) when the State House had virtually no security, and one could stroll right in. Today, visitors must pass through a magnetometer and have their bags scanned, but the process is quick and the security guards friendly. Once you’re inside, there is a lot to see, and few areas that are roped off, unless the House or Senate are meeting in a closed session.