Kirstein Business Branch
In 2009, I wrote about how the Kirstein Business Branch was closing and being relocated to the main library.
After a few year of being in limbo, the Kirstein Business branch is in its new permanent home the basement of the Boston Public Library. The library had a grand reopening on July 9, 2016.
Old Kirstein Kirstein Business Branch at 20 City Hall Ave, Boston MA
Remembering the Past
The old library felt like your in a 19th Century reading room. The floors would creak as you walk around the library. The rooms were dark. There wasn't color, white walls with a dark frame.
The library was on multiple floors, so you would have to change seats if you were looking for something on a different floor. It also made it challenging to find someone to help you.
Despite its old look and feel it was nice because it was separated from the regular library. You knew everyone else that was there was business oriented.
Focus on the Future
This week, I decided to check out the Kirstein Business section at the main library.
The area in the basement looks very nice and modern compared to the old branch. You don't feel that your in a basement of an old building.
The whole place is bright, despite having no outside windows. You certainly get a nice warm feeling as you walk around the area.
There are plenty of tables to sit down and read all sorts of books and magazines. Each table has a plug and USB stations so you can charge up your laptop or any electronic device while your doing research.
Why Visit the Kirstein Business Library?
If you have any dream of starting a business, this is the place to go to jump start your vision.
The new location has meeting rooms which the old location lacked. As I recall, when there were meetings they held them on one of the floors.
There are plenty of books separated into eight sections. There are books for Careers, Business Management, legal and so much more.
Opposite of the book shelves is numerous trade magazines and journals. You can read the current issue or lift the shelf cover and pick out an old one.
Great Place to Research Your Business Idea
When you come in, walk over to the information desk and they will help you get started.
Did you know- KBLIC has 8 workstations with the Adobe Creative Cloud
- We can help you research funding sources for your nonprofit
- KBLIS has resources to find old stock prices
- You can reserve 1 hour blocks on the Bloomberg Workstation
In the Innovation Center
The Macintosh machines in the Innovation Center has much popular application. You are free to use the computers in a two-hour session per day. The following software applications are available on each machine:
- Adobe Creative Suite 6 Master
- Blender: An open source 3D creation suite
- Comic Life 3: Turns your images into a comic
- Balsamiq: Used to easily create interfaces, websites, software and mobile apps using wireframing
- Final Cut Pro: Professional Video editing software
- Office for Mac
- XMind: The Most Popular Mind Mapping Tool on the Planet
3D Printing is Available
The Kirstein Business Center has a 3D Printer for public use! To use it, submit designs in STL format to get printed.
Checkout the website for more information.
Stop by and Say Hello
The next time your in Copley Square stop by the Boston Public Library and check out the Kirstein Business Center.
To access the KBC, enter through the main doors on Boylston Street. Walk straight in and where you see a staircase, go down.