Skip to Main Content

Boston Public Library logo

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Your Account

What is a reading room account?

Your reading room account (a software known as Aeon) is the electronic system you use to request an item for viewing or scanning in the Special Collections or Leventhal Map & Education Center reading room as well as track the history of requests you've received previously.

Why is this different from my BPL account?

Your Boston Public Library account is for circulating material, research materials through the Research Library, and online databases. Because of the extra security and care needed for materials in Special Collections and in the Leventhal Map & Education Center, we use a separate system to better track and serve our collections to our researchers.

Why do I need a username and password?

Your username and password allows us to give you secure access to information about your requests. We can also enable you to edit your personal information.

Your username is your email address. Your password also can be anything you like. We recommend that you follow good security practice and choose a password that is different from those you use to access other systems. However, no one but you will know your password, not even special collections staff. The password you set is stored encrypted.

This username and password is separate from your library number and PIN you use to access other BPL resources online.

What if I forget my password?

In the event that you forget your password, please use the “Forgot Password” link to reset your password. If you continue having difficulty, email rarebooks@bpl.libanswers.com for assistance.

Why do I have to change my account information and password?

To keep your account secure and to make sure your information is up to date, your reading room account will prompt you to review the researcher agreement and your personal information once a year. You will also be asked to change your password once a year. This will not change your PIN for your library card.

What Web browser should I use?

You need a Web browser that can handle forms, tables, and preferably cascading style sheets (CSS). We recommend the current versions of either Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.

Who do I contact if I have problems with or questions about my account?

Special Collections staff are happy to help. You can email us at rarebooks@bpl.libanswers.com or stop by the Special Collections department in the Central Branch of the Boston Public Library.

Why does my browser say that you're sending a cookie? What's in it?

The technology that we use sends a Session ID to be stored on your machine. You can refuse this cookie and still be able to use Aeon without any problems.