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August 18, 2005: Boston Athenaeum in the News
"But the historic library's collections make the Boston Athenaeum a rare treat for history, art and literature lovers.
Athenaeums were precursors to today's public libraries. Established as private literary societies in the 18th century, people paid a membership fee for access to their books and papers.
Founded in 1807, the Boston athenaeum houses its impressive collection of books, paintings and sculpture in a five-story building that contains quiet reading rooms, a book conservation laboratory, a children's library and an art gallery."
