Newspapers

The Boston Public Library provides access to current titles from across the United States and around the world. BPL also provides access to historic newspapers online and on microtext through the Research Services Department.

• Check the Newspaper Research Guide for more ​information on our microfilm holdings of Massachusetts and select major domestic and international newspapers, Massachusetts newspapers that have been digitized, and more.
• Browse the newspaper databases to find articles online and to search historic newspaper collections
• Search the online catalog for specific titles.
• Contact the Research Services Department for assistance with reference and research questions.

Newspapers at the Central Library

Current physical copies of newspapers are held in the following locations at the Central Library in Copley Square, are first come, first served:

• Delivery Desk (2nd floor, McKim Building) — Newspaper issues from the past year of the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, New York Times. Recent months of World Journal (Chinese), and other current local weekly newspapers.
• Kirstein Business Library and Innovation Center (Lower Level, Boylston Street Building) — Current month plus previous month of the following publications:
  • Wall Street Journal
  • Financial Times
  • Investor's Business Daily
  • Barron's (current month plus previous 6 months)

Please note: Lottery information can be found online at http://www.lottery.com. Lottery numbers may not be checked by staff or quoted over the telephone.

Newspapers at the Branches

Most branches hold current issues of the Boston Globe, Boston Herald and the New York Times. Please contact your local branch for more information.

Newspaper Backfiles

The Boston Public Library holds one of the major newspaper collections in the country and served as the center for the Massachusetts Newspaper Program.  The Library provides very limited access to original newspaper files which are mainly stored offsite in our Archival Center. Use may also be restricted if the condition of the files is such that use would  damage the preservation copy.  Scans can be requested through consultation with the Research Services Department if no other format is available. Except in rare cases, users needing to browse the newspaper will be required to use digital or microfilm copies of the files, whenever possible.

Pre-1820 newspapers have been transferred to the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department.