4.5Boston Public Library(4.069 reviews) - Gorgeous building Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Libraries
The main branch of the Boston Public Library opened in 1852 as the first free, publicly-funded municipal library in America. The library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses over 20 million items. Enjoy a free tour of the building to learn about its history and marvel at the treasured artworks and architecture that spans three centuries. After that, sit back for a cup of tea in one the library’s tea lounges. When you're done, go shopping or check out the restaurants in Back Bay, the busy district where the library is located. – TripadvisorSee more..
Relive the Kennedy era in this dynamic combination museum and library, where your visit starts with a short film and then leaves you on your own to explore a series of fascinating exhibits, including the Kennedy-Nixon debate, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space program, 1960s campaign paraphernalia and displays about Jacqueline and other Kennedy family members. The striking, I.M. Pei-designed building overlooks the water and the Boston skyline.See more..
4.5Provincetown Library(489 reviews) - A Nod to the Past Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Libraries
True no one goes to the traditional library anymore but this one is a reminder of the past when such things existed. This library is in a historic building and surprisingly has a boat inside one of the upper floors. Rumor has it there are books too.See more..
The Nantucket Atheneum is the public library for Nantucket, Massachusetts. The institution was formed in 1834 as a private, membership organization and became a public library in 1900. The Nantucket Atheneum offers free access to millions of books, films and music as well as over 1,000 programs for all ages year round. Our iconic building, built in 1846, is located in the heart of downtown and features art and artifacts important to the island's maritime history as the center of whaling. The library also provides a free wifi signal, computer access on the second floor and a beautiful, inviting garden.See more..
A tribute to Henry Huttleston Rogers' daughter.See more..
4.5Thomas Crane Public Library(43 reviews) - Get your zen on! Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Libraries
This is a beautiful old building and you can almost feel the history. The library by itself is good with a great selection and helpful staff & they host a lot of musical performances. I personally love the architecture in the Richardson Reading Room w/the floor to ceiling wood and stained glass. I love to have down time and I pull a pack of periodicals and read to my hearts content. They have a book buying room around to one side of the building and there's thousands of books to purchase and it's for a good cause. Todays parents raising children are missing out if they don't take advantage of this free hidden gem. Let your kids-if old enough- hang in the kids area doing activities, using the computer or reading and you have your quiet time reading periodicals. My kids always loved libraries and the independence it allowed as they became older. They would have to check in w/me periodically & I'd get that quiet time that all parents strive for if only for half an hour. We need libraries and they're sometimes a missed opportunity.See more..
The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum was established in 1920, when Massachusetts Governor and Vice-President Elect Calvin Coolidge began giving documents and memorabilia to Forbes Library, the public library for the city of Northampton, Massachusetts. During his Presidency and upon leaving the White House, additional materials were added including the Howard Chandler Christy portraits of Calvin Coolidge and his wife, Grace, and the infamous electric exercise horse. In 1956, acting upon the request of Grace Coolidge and Trustees of Forbes Library, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts granted funds to establish a “Calvin Coolidge Memorial Room” as a separate entity within the Forbes Library. Today, the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum at Forbes Library is the largest existing source of primary material on Calvin Coolidge and the only public library in the United States to hold a presidential collection.See more..
I spent a few days perusing their collection of Alcott holdings. The general part of the library is very quaint and the perfect place to rest and read.See more..
4.5Woburn Public Library(36 reviews) - Woburn Public Library Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Libraries
This is an absolute beautiful library. It has been recently renovated and the way the old library was incorporated into the new library is simply stunning. It is a wonderful place to relax. The children's room is great. They have lots of activities going on for children. Their story time is a lot of fun for toddlers. I love thsis lSee more..
The U.S.'s first public library was certainly built to stand the test of time. In case of a zombie apocalypse, this unbelievably sturdy structure will be where I plan to make my last stand! Great selection of books too. Some of Ben Franklins original collection as well.See more..
5.0Hingham Public Library(30 reviews) - A Town Treasure Spent 1-2 hours Libraries I spend a lot of time here. I love to see how many people, of all ages, use our library. It is clean and bright. And the library professionals are always knowledgeable and courteous. Books, movies, music, museum passes, and programming are ll to be found here!See more..
There is just something special about walking into a library. Taunton Public Library is not new but it offers a sense of history. Welcoming staff and user friendly resources. It houses stacks upon stacks of books and if they don't have it, they can check within the Sails system and get it for you. Technology options are vast from free wifi to ebook borrowing. It also houses a quaint children's room with monthly activities for children of various ages. TPL offers a monthly book sale that provides a great variety of book and media options for those looking to score a good deal. Thanks to the Friends of the TPL, patron's are able to reserve passes to local museums and attractions. Our family uses this option frequently.See more..
Beautiful library! Helpful, friendly staff. Extensive reading choices. there is an entire second floor, meeting rooms people can reserve and use, activities for kids, they have late hours til 8pm a few night too.See more..
5.0Chelmsford Public Library(19 reviews) - A really great community asset Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Libraries
friendly knowledgeable staff lots of activities for both adults and children great museum free passes great used book salesSee more..
5.0Mattapoisett Library(19 reviews) - Best children's section I've ever seen anywhere Spent More than 3 hours Libraries
This past summer I brought my 5 yea old grandson here at least once a week....I frequently had trouble getting him to leave...he loves this library......they have so much to offer children of all ages. Upstairs the library for adults is equally excellent..beautiful rooms, quiet places to read...and frequent events from authors to poets readings. I love this library.See more..
4.5Pollard Memorial Library(18 reviews) - Great Meeting Place Sunday: Points of Interest & Landmarks • Libraries This library has history and great architecture, so even it you are not there for reading or research, you'll enjoy the visit.See more..
This public library boasts the first children's library in it's own building built in 1950. The adult library is a great example of mid-century modernism. Both designed by Koch. Lots of local history and information.See more..
4.5Mansfield Public Library(12 reviews) - Great small library with dedicated staff Spent < 1 hour Libraries It's a relatively small library with a big selection. You'll be surprised at what you can find here. And if it's not available here, you can always find it using the Sails library system and they will send the item to your local library. I love the book club idea where they help set you up with several copies of one book. Everyone that works here is very helpful. We need libraries. They fulfill an important purpose. It's not just for books anymore. You can get movies, CDs, audio books and much more.See more..
Since its opening in 1912, the Central Library, a “center of intellectual life,” has given entrance to the State Street corridor. Solidly built of white Vermont marble with immense rooms and corridors, this library has a history of serving working people, at one time open 365 days per year! More than a collection of books and materials, it is an impressive yet inviting community-gathering space. TSee more..
5.0Gale Public Library(8 reviews) - My weekly visit to the Gale Library nets me a half-dozen books every time. Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Libraries
I pass the library on my way home each night and on Thursdays I stop in to browse the used book cellar. I write books, read books, collect books, and the Gale Library has become one of the great sources for me. I also visit on Saturday morning, as the used book store is also open then too. The books are $2 for hard cover and frequently less for special occasions. I find lots of children's books for the grand kids, which I let them play with when they visit and take home with them when they go. The Gale is an historic building in town and a real gem. It's full service as a local library should be and I'm happy it's only steps from home.See more..
5.0Carnegie Public Library(6 reviews) - Borrow on a monthly basis Spent More than 3 hours Libraries They are a member of CWMars so i can get any book i want. Same wide selection as Amazon or B&N but free!See more..
5.0National Archives at Boston(6 reviews) - Worth visiting Libraries The National Archives at Boston is located just outside downtown Boston, in Waltham. This facility is among New England's renowned learning centers for local, regional and national historical research, serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.See more..
5.0James Library & Center for the Arts(5 reviews) - Gem of the South Shore Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Architectural Buildings • Libraries
I attended the Boston Cello Quartet (four cellists from the Boston Symphony Orchestra) concert at the James in October of 2015. What an amazing afternoon! The talent that this small arts nonprofit gets is incredible. Their concert hall has amazing acoustics and the audience (no more than 80 or 90 people) is very close to the musicians, making for an intimate, exciting concert. After the concert, the musicians did a signing and joined the audience in the art gallery for a reception. It was a great event. Well worth the $25 ticket price. I will certainly be going back to the James in the future!See more..
Can't beat the public library for free entertainment. Very helpful staff and welcoming place . Selection is exceptional See more..
4.0Berkley Public Library(3 reviews) - Berkley Public Library Spent 1-2 hours Libraries The Berkley Public Library is small and old, however the staff is great! So glad I have this library in my town!See more..
Located in Abington, MA, the Dyer Memorial Library is a resource for local history and genealogy.See more..
4.5Nevins Memorial Library(3 reviews) - Wonderful Community Venue Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Libraries This library is a great addition to services offered by the City of Methuen. Staff are very friendly and helpful. They advertise a monthly calendar of events on their webpage. It’s a good resource for adult activities. I have also brought my grandchildren to borrow books and enjoy story hours and crafts.See more..
5.0Arms Library(3 reviews) - Unique building designed to be a library more than 100 years ago. Libraries
This is an beautiful building and worth a visit. Library is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. It is also open other times for special events. See more..
4.0Bridgewater Public Library(2 reviews) - One of the best libraries ... Libraries Because of my access to the Bridgewater State University Library and Inter-Library Loan, I don't go very often to the B'water Public Library, but the special program for "Seniors" that is being offered through BSU is being held at the BPL, so I am back "home." Being back has stirred up wonderful memories of Mary Moore Jarvis who inspired all of the importance of having an excellent user-friendly public library! We are indeed fortunate to have access to a library that has served not only Bridgewater residents, but many from neighboring comunities. See more..
3.5East Longmeadow Public Library(2 reviews) - My Favorite Place in Town Spent 1-2 hours Libraries The East Longmeadow Public Library is a beautiful and welcoming facility. As a two resident since 1989, I was pleased with the "old" library and even more pleased with the new. The staff is always courteous and helpful. I'm particularly happy with the way staff help folks with tech questions. It makes it much easier for us to use the library online system. The programs are high quality, always well described. Some are geared to certain ages and interests and others are suitable for a wide audience. When I attended a program on butterflies this summer, there were children and a whole range of ages including elders. All seemed equally fascinated. My favorite place in town, even counting marvelous The Apple Place.See more..
4.5J. V. Fletcher Library(2 reviews) - Cozy + community events Sunday: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Libraries This library has no overdue fines!!! It's collection size is a liitle small, though. They have free books, plus book sales. They have ukelele strum-alongs, plus summer reading activities for all ages. The building is small, so the books crowd around you making it cozy. There is a cool Hogwarts photo setting thing downstairs and a seed library. The seed library lets you borrow seeds for a garden, then return them next year once you grow them.See more..
5.0John J. Burns Library(2 reviews) - For the Bibliophile Sunday: Libraries This Boston College library houses the University's rare books, special collections and archives.See more..
5.0Milton Public Library(1 review) - Excellent Events (Oh Yeah, there's a lot of books too) Libraries
First of all, a note: the image shown for the Milton Public Library is incorrect. I'm writing this in quarantine and can't get a good picture, but the image shown is a private residence. That aside, the library is amazing for more than just books. They host events for all ages, from babies to seniors.See more..
On vacation in Massachusetts for a week, one day my friend stayed home for a delivery while I spent the day at South Shore Plaza. Heading back to the house late in the afternoon, I stopped at the Adams Shore Branch of the Thomas Crane Library. The building’s modern architecture had long fascinated me. It’s a large circular shape with walls of glass. Inside, I learned that it was built from 1969 to 1970 and was dedicated in April of 1970. The round shape and wooden beams in the celling/roof form a ship’s wheel. A nautical theme is very appropriate as the library is just a few blocks from Quincy Bay to the north and Town River Bay to the south. This library serves the Adams Shore, Houghs Neck, Germantown, and Merrymount sections of Quincy. Although relatively small compared to the library’s main branch downtown, the Adams Shore Branch has plenty of books, public computers, printing and copying services, free Wi-Fi, and access to online resources, such as hoopla. During my visit, I browsed the History and Finance sections of Non-Fiction. Both had good selections. The Fiction section was well-stocked. Several books by English writer Kate Atkinson caught my eye there. The Children’s section a wide variety of books. The librarians on duty were friendly and helpful. I rate the Adams Shore Branch at 4.25. For those interested in architecture, I highly recommend a visit. If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.See more..
