Eric Maki

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.

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.

As devoted blog readers will remember, I’m a big fan of libraries in general and my local one (the Boston Public Library) in particular. I recently discovered that the BPL offers access to the O’Reilly online library (which some may remember as Safari). It is a treasure trove of books and videos for learning just about any tech-related topic, including cybersecurity, which is coming in handy as I aim for the Security+ certification.

https://www.bpl.org/resource/oreilly/

Two small catches: You’ll need a BPL card to get access (but it’s very easy to get one, if you’re a Massachusetts resident). If you’re in another place, ask your own friendly local librarian if access might be available to you. Also, as a library user, your progress in a book or video won’t be saved between sessions, so you’ll have to keep track of your place. But that’s a small trade-off for access that would otherwise be $500 a year.

I visited the Boston Athenaeum yesterday to check out the newly-renovated spaces. They did a beautiful job—the lobby is bright and welcoming, the art refreshed and rearranged, and the new member spaces spacious and comfortable. I appreciate the attention to small details, like the way that the iconic red doors are preserved, but opened up with more glass to make the entrance more inviting. I’m proud to be a member of this evolving Boston institution and happy to give you a tour if you’re curious to see it!

See all of my photos

I love libraries. I got my first library card in 1974 at the tender age of 5 (thank you, Paul Pratt Memorial Library) and have been a frequent library patron ever since, wherever I've lived or traveled.

I also love urban hiking. There is no better way to spend a Saturday (or even a weekday) than to play the flâneur and take in the sites, sounds, and tastes of the city.

So when I learned of the Boston Public Library passport and the challenge to "Book it around Boston" by visiting all of the BPL's 26 locations, I knew that I had some roaming to do. It's hard to imagine an activity that so perfectly combines these two passions.

The idea is simple: visit any BPL branch to pick up a passport booklet (and get it stamped). Then get moving. There is swag to be earned after 5 branch visits (a water bottle) and 15 visits (a t-shirt) and a medal for visiting all 26. It took a bit of walking, T riding, and Blue Biking, but I finished my final branch today!

Some observations that I made along the way:

• The Central Library is one of my favorite places in Boston (and one of the most beautiful libraries anywhere), but the neighborhood branches bring services to every corner of the city. Touring them is a great way to see parts of the city that you don't often get to, or may never have visited.
• Librarians are unfailingly helpful, friendly, proud of their branches' unique features, and interested to hear about your passport journey.
• Libraries remain a crucial community resource. In my travels I saw people reading, studying, using the internet, job-hunting, learning English, and simply relaxing in one of the last true public spaces that remain to us, no purchase or membership required.

If this sounds interesting to you, there is still library swag to be earned (but only for the first 250 finishers), so get out there and get your passport!

Here's my [somewhat crazy branch selfie gallery](https://photos.app.goo.gl/dkQUas4tqy9dt5mJA):