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Visit Burns Library

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Planning a Visit

Planning a Visit to Burns Library

Directions and Parking

Burns Library Ford Tower

When using GPS directions, please input "John J. Burns Library" as your destination. If you will be parking on campus, search for Commonwealth Avenue Garage, located at 40 St. Thomas More Rd, Boston, MA 02135, as your destination. See campus visitor parking for details and rates; Boston College does not validate parking.

To reach Burns Library from the parking garage, take the elevator to the 7th floor of the garage and follow the road to the right to reach Linden Lane. Burns Library is directly across Linden Lane. Please see the map below for details.

Disability parking spaces are available on the far side of our building. Turn down Linden Lane and speak to the parking attendant for directions. To use our accessible entrance, press the buzzer or call (617) 552-8848.

If using the T, the nearest stop is Boston College on the B branch of the Green Line. Cross Commonwealth Avenue and turn right. Follow Commonwealth Avenue up the hill until you reach Linden Lane.

For visitors coming from out of town, Boston College Admissions maintains a list of local hotels and directions from the airport.

Map to Burns Library

What To Bring

When visiting Burns Library, you are welcome to bring your cell phone, camera, and laptop. We ask that all other items- including food, drinks, coats, and bags- are left in our coat room at the entrance of the library. See the security guard for a complimentary locker key, or if you have questions about what you can bring into the library.

Researching at Burns Library

For those who plan to conduct research using Burns Library's collections, we invite you to create a Burns Library Account to request material before arrival. Please see Finding Burns Materials and our Reading Room Policies for more details. Contact our reference staff if you have questions.

 

Food & Amenities

In Building

Burns (and Bapst, the far side of the building) has spaces to take a break and eat a snack. Let the reading room staff know if you need assistance locating anything.

  • Restrooms: Gender neutral restrooms can be found outside the elevator lobbies on Levels 2, 3, and 4. Gendered restrooms can be found on Level 1, at the bottom of the stairs of the Ford Tower Lobby.
  • Break Area: Complimentary filtered water, tea, and coffee can be found on Level 2, down one flight of stairs from the Ford Tower lobby. If you have food, you are welcome to sit and eat here as well.
  • Vending Machines: A snack vending machine can be found on teh far side of the building, accessible through Ford Tower and across Kresege Hall. For soft drink and coffee vending, follow signs to the first floor of Bapst (through the front doors on the far side of the building).
  • Public Workspace: The Bapst side of the building, accessible through Ford Tower, is a public space with seating and electrical outlets throughout the building. Feel free to use this space to eat or work.

On Campus

Dining locations on campus vary depending on the academic calendar. For a full listing, including hours and menus, visit bc.edu/dining.

Off Campus

Several food options are available near the Boston College T stop, a 5-7 minute walk down Commonwealth Avenue.

  • Richdale Food Shops: convenience store with Subway sandwiches
  • El Pelon Taqueria: tacos, burritos, and other Mexican fare
  • Crazy Dough's Pizza: pizza and more, including gluten-free crust options.
  • Flat Breads Cafe: wraps and sandwiches
  • Dunkin Donuts: coffee, donuts, breakfast sandwiches

Building Photography Policy

For those who wish to request use of our building for professional photo or video shoots, please see our building photography policy for more information.