Kitchens closets and…read morelibraries The first library in West Falmouth started back in the 1870s when a group of young ladies got together to discuss books, literary and music stuff and slowly started donating their own private collections. Bu the end of the decade the group had over 50 books that they stuck into a kitchen closet. Finally people realized that a kitchen closet would never do as a library, so some creative volunteers built a small "real" library. The collection of books and materials kept growing and it became obvious that the poor little building was about to burst . So a new an larger library was planned, funded and constructed The new library was opened in 1896 and still serves as the town library. The library is mostly privately funded and receives only a small amount of money from the town. Of course changes and additions were incorporated over the years and now the library is a truly lovely place. Lots of fantastic woodwork, great pictures, lovely art, historical photographs and a very cool garden outside. And of course like most small town libraries West Falmouth also served as a community center and a place people in the town discuss important issues and kids come to play. A wonderful library that serves the town well.

This is the quintessential "small town" library that has a surprisingly diverse range of books…read more They have unique programs year round such as the "All Ages Coloring Club:" (last Tuesday of every month, 4:00 to 5:00 PM) and children's book clubs. Everyone knows that libraries now offer more than books for loan. Of course, most libraries also offer movies on DVD's and books read aloud on CD's, e-books, and museum passes. (The Woods Hole Library offers all of these items as well as passes to seven different museums). What might not be so well known is that some libraries offer all sorts of "other things" on loan. This growing trend has long been in place at the Woods Hole Public Library. For instance, as a result of a gardening workshop series started five years ago, two sets of "soil block makers" have been available for several growing seasons. Every spring there is a waiting list of people eager to use them. The library also loans a Kindle, a Home Detection Kit for energy conservation, a digital projector, and a portable projection screen. This past summer, two sewing machines joined the line-up of items to borrow. They are both easily portable; one is a Singer "Featherweight" beloved by generations of seamstresses. The other is a Singer 457, notable for its zig-zag stitch. Don't miss the book sale in the basement!

The Woods Hole Library is a charming little place with a view of the Martha's Vineyard Ferry…read more Despite its smallness, they have a diverse selection. The cooking section has official Woods Hole cookbooks (yes, seafood predominates) along with diverse selections like Allison Bechdel's Fun Home graphic novel, books about the Shakers in New England, and weighty Joseph Conrad tomes. They also have several DVDs. The children's room is extensive and has a bird feeder. The place is very old school when it comes to checking out books; it has limited parking, along with odd hours. Housed in a historic 1875 building, it has a beautiful view of the Atlantic. A place for opening the mind.

I come here mostly for their baby coalition classes. We love it. Wish the play area was a little…read morebigger as we tend to travel to Falmouth Main library to hang out with other parents and their kids, but lots of kids books and friendly staff! I read myself and enjoy coming here as the library itself is massive and seems brand new. Lots of selections and staff have always been helpful, knowledgeable and nice.

More than a…read morelibrary The Mashpee Library is a new library that replaces the tiny library that served the town before for many decades. Opened in early 2010, this library is huge, modern and very impressive. Lots of space to find a place to read and lots of computers available for public use. A fantastic kids area and beautiful staircases and comfy chairs to sit on. The library also serves as a community center and has a whole bunch of rooms for different programs and events. Reading, arts & crafts, movies and a whole bunch of other things are always going on. A wonderful new library that has just about everything that a town could ask for.

The most magical small town library that there ever was! I cannot stress how beautiful it is inside…read moreand out. I always feel like I'm Belle from beauty and the beast when I go in here! It's charming and romantic and a dreamy local library from the multi level staircases to the stained glass and tile floors. Everyone here is always nice. I often go to use their printers and have also tutored there. They hold local events and collect food for those in need too. I love this library so much. I'm so lucky it is in my town!

This fabulous library was my afternoon office for working and surfing. The library opened to the…read morepublic in 1893 and was funded by Standard Oil Vice President Henry Huttleston Rogers in memory of his daughter Millicent, who passed away at the age of 17. Today it operates as a non-profit with funding from the state and city. It is an amazing structure and it is somehow bigger on the inside with tall stacks of books. So many books. And places to sit and study and work quietly. It's a fantastic resource. [Review 18630 overall - 1210 in Massachusetts - 2152 of 2022.]

WHAT A NICE LIBRARY!…read more We were visiting the island with 2 kids the weekend before Halloween. It was rainy and I had found the library was having a Halloween party. Not going to lie over the last few years I have been to a few library parties and Oak Bluff took it up a notch! Their decorations were creative! Some purchased, some hand made. They made a tunnel for the kids to crawl through with decorations inside! There was a massive spider web with a word intricately placed inside it over a large window. There were do many hands on things to do... Halloween twister, decorate a bag, coloring, ball toss, the maze, etc... The staff were dressed up, they served cider, popcorn and treat bags for every child. There were stickers, and sticky hands and jeez! What a great party for the kids! On another note, the library is spectacular! Outlets available on every table, super clean, organized, spacious... I wish my library was this nice! Kudos to the staff and thanks for making our kids smile!

A new library…read more The first library in Oak Bluffs was started way back in the 1880's. In fact the town wasn't even called Oak Bluffs back then but was still referred to as Cottage City. As with most small town libraries the books really didn't have a permanent home but were moved around and stored in different buildings throughout the years. Finally in Oct. 2005 the library finally got a new home, the first time the library was ever in a building that was designed and built especially as a library. Obviously someone gave a lot of thought and effort into the the place because it is stunning. Even though it is a new and very modern building it's absolutely beautiful on the outside and in. Roomy, spacious and bright, the perfect place to relax and enjoy reading a book or doing a bit of research. All the facilities of a much larger library are present but it still has cozy little spots and special areas emphasizing it's island heritage. Of course the librarians are friendly, knowledgeable and pleasant and are more than willing to help with any problem you might have. Oak Bluffs Library is a great example of how a new and very modern library doesn't have to be mundane and boring but can still be unique and special.

Adorable little library with a good selection of new releases and fiction. Friendly, knowledgeable…read morestaff make this little gem a must stop spot for your summer reading. This was my first visit to Martha's Vineyard, invited along by long time visitors, and I wasn't disappointed. The library card gives you access to all of the libraries on the Island plus the cape and for a small fee, you can have one of your very own. Great for those lazy rainy afternoons! Comfy couches and large windows on the main floor provide a great place to sit and eat. The downstairs offers quiet work stations and a large program room. Call about drag queen story time

A quiet place for…read moreinformation The Vineyard Haven Library is location on the quiet part of Main Street just outside of the center of the busy town. It's only a ten minute walk from the ferry but it's in the opposite direction of all the stores and restaurants so most people visiting the island never even know that it exists. That's too bad because visitors to the island are frequently in need of information and directions and this is a great place to find it. The librarians here are patient and friendly and can tell you just about anything you want to know about the island. If you happen to be staying in the town for some time, the library is a great place to read a book or magazine, take advantage of the wi-fi or just relax. I've always found pleasant people to talk to and and discuss things with. The library isn't as quaint or historical interesting as some of the other ones on the island but it is very clean, comfy and efficient. Over 50,000 items are scattered around the building and some great old maps and pictures grace the walls and tons of info on the history of the town and island are available. The library has lots of classes and programs for the local folks and for a relatively small place certainly offers a lot. A great place to go when you have something you wish to know.

For a small resort island, I love that they their own public library and it's larger than you'd…read moreexpect. It doubles as a cultural center and a mini museum. Located right in the middle of everything in the downtown district, this is a site not to be missed! Beautiful exterior architecture and a grand staircase. Two floors, with a range of books, a corner for free books for the taking, restrooms in the lower level, and friendly staff. They have events year round including lectures and special exhibits. I wish I had more time to explore!

The Atheneum is a must visit. It's great for kids and adults…read more First, wander around the outside grounds. Check online for any programming, too; we stumbled upon a really great outdoor show for young kids with music and dancing - very memorable and fun. We got our kid's first library card here, even as a non-local. The kid book section is right in front with a great selection. There's also a kid's bathroom. There are extra bathrooms for adults in the basement, but they took forever.

A gift from…read moreAndrew By any standards Andrew Carnegie was a very generous man and gave vast sums of money to many different charities and organizations. However when it came to libraries he really opened up his heart and wallet and was responsible for hundreds of libraries being built throughout the world, 85 in New England alone. In 1904 Carnegie and a local resident named Caroline Warren donated money to the town with the stipulation that a library be built. Carnegie didn't want publicity for this altruistic act and although this building is official known as the Carnegie building nowhere do you see his name or picture. Most people simply call this the Edgartown Library and that is the way he wanted it. The library is well used and has a huge number of special events and classes and it is definitely is a lot more than just a place to store books. Even though the building isn't large by many library standards, it manages to cram in roughly 40,000 items and still has cozy little spots to read and relax. The old building has been expanded three times over the years but has reached a point that makes further growth impractical. Fortunately plans and money for a new library are being developed and possible by 2015 a much larger and modern facility will be available. What will happen to the old Carnegie building once the new library is finished is still unknown but I'd like to think that it will continue to serve the Edgartown in some capacity that would make Andrew proud.

Famous. Founded by Andrew Carnegie at the turn of the Century…read more Holds close to 40,000 volumes. An older, classic building. Located in beautiful Martha's Vineyard. A perfect spot to write, do research or simply borrow books. An excellent public library.

I really just love the WT library. While it is located right in town and the building and grounds…read moreare really nice, it is the staff that makes it one of the best libraries around. They are friendly and very helpful. They are what makes the WT library the best around. The inventory of books is awesome and they can usually get what I am looking for if another library has it. When our power or wi fi goes out and I need the juice, I head over to the library. Sometimes I need help with Word Press or need something printed or copied, I head over to the library.

Best place to charge on the island it's level 2 charger so charges at 17mi/h and it's free…read more 2outlets for any electric vehicle