During the fall and winter months, I try to stop at one of the libraries in the area as part of my…read moreusual weekend errand-run. If you live in southern NH, your library card will give you free access to most of the libraries in the area: Manchester, Bedford, Hooksett, Derry, Merrimack, Salem and a couple others. Very cool! Bedford has a great selection of books, including a decent amount of new titles. They have a huge collection of DVDs, including many TV series (since I dumped cable years ago I find this to be a great thing). The best part is they also have around 150+ blu-ray discs-as far as I know this is the only area library that carries them. There is a nice reading area in the back, lots of computers, an excellent kids section (the whole bottom floor, in fact), and it seems they have many public events during the week (movies, concerts, and such). My only disappointment is their graphic novel section is a little light, but seems to be growing. If you are into that kind of thing, Manchester has the best selection.

Good place serving the community we can read or borrow book can rent a meeting room. Lots of local…read moreactivities. Easy to find a parking.

I relocated from Boston, MA to Deering, NH in 1977. My husband and I were looking for a place to…read moreraise our two children, then seven and twelve. We looked at many places, first in Maine, then in NH. I was reluctant to move, and agreed to it only if we could find a town with both a bowling alley and a great library! My husband just wanted a lot of land and no traffic. On our first visit to the area we checked out the library. I was immediately drawn in by the beautiful space, the stained glass windows, the hand-carved bears coat rack, the huge fireplace, and the cozy reading nooks. The head librarian, Rita Morgan, was friendly and knowledgeable, and made us feel very welcome. What cinched the deal for me was the majestic grandfather clock that chimed and bonged every hour. After 41 years here, the bowling alley is long gone, and Rita Morgan, sadly, passed on many years ago, but her successors have kept the homey feeling of the space while moving it slowly into the 21st century. While I have never gotten used to the harsh winters and buggy springs, I am happy to say I still love the library!!

Stunning building of historical significance with awesome folks who are friendly and helpful…read more Just walking around is cool if you like old architecture and 1800's mansion homes.

It's 11pm on Sunday and your usual wifi hotspot is closed, but you still have some online research…read moreleft for that report due at 9am on Monday and working at home is not an option. Have no fear, Lydon Library is here! You can plug in and log on until 2am Sunday thru Thursday during the academic year (September-May)... yes, I said 2AM you procrastinating over-achiever!! Most people are being stupid or sleeping at that hour, but here at UMass Lowell the future engineers and scientists are cramming in their last few hours of studying. (See website for full hours of operation.) This could be Lowell's best kept secret- especially the library's new second floor "Learning Commons" with a variety of seating and table options. Admittedly, I have a slight furniture crush on the acrylic tables that don't overheat my laptop like traditional wood tables do. For the awesome convenience of free late night fast internet you will pay a small price. The entrance is somewhat obscured by Alumni Hall and parking is a bit of an issue. You might get lucky if it's after 5pm and a spot is available behind Cumnock or Southwick Hall. The closest public parking lot is up the street near Egg Roll Cafe- about two blocks from the library. Since EC and DD close before 10pm, your nearest caffeine addiction can be cured by 7-Eleven on Mammoth Rd. Now that you have the power of insider knowledge, I expect that you'll only use it for forces of good.

super cute library with friendly staff. not the largest selection but nice variety. quiet study…read morespaces. 4.5 rounding to 5 stars!

This is an amazing public library. They have a very knowledgeable staff that will help you find…read morewhatever you're looking for - they have not only books but also CDs and DVDs - and if they don't have it will get it either by inter library loan or buying it themselves for the library's collection. They also have a great selection of magazines. The most current issue of each magazine has to stay in the library (you can read at one of their many tables or desks) but any older editions are available for checking out. They also have a great selection of audiobooks, which is great especially for children - listened to Harry Potter all the way to Canada and back when I was in middle school! This is also a wonderful place to study. I spent a couple weeks studying for the DAT for dental school here and the environment was great. Quiet, clean, and well lit I found it easy to work. There were also dozens of places to sit and free fast Wi-Fi. They have events for kids and reading hours, as well as helping you set up your eReader for access to NH's online library. This really is just about as good as a public library gets.

Today's "office" was the Brattleboro library. Easy, clean, comfortable…read more I found a nice spot on the upper floor where I was undisturbed for five hours of emails, quiet Zoom meetings and perhaps a few Yelp reviews got cranked out in between here and there. The library is quite modern on the inside despite being in an older and refined building. A large collection of books including the usual fiction, non-fiction, reference and periodicals. Friendly and helpful staff who helped me get settled. And a free wifi that worked very well. Street parking with meters and you're expected to find a different space after two hours. Okay, I did that. [Review 18442 overall - 42 in Vermont - 1964 of 2022.]

Thanks Jerry. My experience there was really unfortunate. I recieved a threatening notice that…read moreVermont law allowed for a fine of up to $400. for a book that was not returned. There was no further explanation offered, no further elaboration, or justification for that amount. That is the basis of my Yelp. The day I got the notice, I was, ironically, driving to Boston to return books to both the Boston Public Library, and a university library. When I returned to Brattleboro and saw the notice, I came in inquire about the threatening tone of the note. I was assured by reference librarian the that they only sent that after an initial notice had been ignored, and that fine amount was encoded in Vermont law. I had not recieved any prior notice and I asked if there was a record that the first notice was indeed sent to me. The reference librarian then took me back to the office behind the main desk. A woman there looked up my account and told both of us that there had, in fact, been no prior notice sent. There had indeed been an error. I love the charm of the library, but I woud not assume people are out to harm it or inflict financial strain on it. I am curious to know how anyone (particularly a legislator) thought $400 was a good idea, or why it would be used as an incentive to get a book back? That's where I think $25 would do the trick. It seems like overkill and unecessarily threatening.

I just returned here for the first time in 4 years. The remodel is awesome. The space is much more…read moreopen and inviting, they have an activity room for the kids upstairs with the general fiction. The staff was very friendly and helpful too. Overall great experience.

Personal help finding things. Kind and experienced staff is super helpful. They reserved a book…read moreat another library and it was sent to Lilly library for me to check out. -For my book club. Computers available. Love the free Summer concerts just steps away on Thursdays.

From the owner: Lilly Library serves traditional and modern library user's needs. Come check out books, movies,…read moremusic, magazines & more. We also have ebooks and digital audiobooks available on our digital catalog. Find out about storytimes, book clubs for new readers, teens, and mystery lovers, as well as movie show times and other exciting programming on our website.

The Forbes Library in Northampton, Massachusetts, was established through the will of Judge Charles…read moreEdward Forbes, who died in 1881. He left $220,000 to the city to create a public library that would be free and accessible to all residents. Construction began in 1893, and the library opened in 1894. The building was designed by architect William Brocklesby in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, using Longmeadow brownstone and fireproof steel framing. It remains one of the most architecturally distinctive civic buildings in western Massachusetts. Judge Forbes was not related to the Forbes family associated with Forbes magazine or the well-known Forbes millionaire rankings. His wealth came from investments in the New Haven and Northampton Canal and later in railroads. He lived modestly, never married, and rented rooms in town. His legacy was civic rather than commercial, focused on education and public access to knowledge. The library also houses the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum, reflecting its deep ties to local and national history. So while the name might suggest a connection to publishing or wealth, the Forbes Library stands as a monument to quiet generosity and intellectual accessibility. Beyond the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Museum, the Forbes Library offered a warm, welcoming space filled with quiet nooks, curated art displays, and shelves that seemed to stretch endlessly with local history, fiction, and research materials. We explored the main reading room, where natural light poured through tall windows and the original woodwork lent a sense of timeless dignity. A rotating exhibit near the entrance showcased regional artists, while tucked-away corners revealed archival maps and Northampton memorabilia. The elevator made it easy to reach the upper floors, ensuring that the library's resources and charm were accessible to everyone, regardless of mobility. [Review 1135 of 2025 - 1276 in Massachusetts - 24688 overall]

You know me and Libraries; can't keep me out of them!! and this one I daresay is my favorite in the…read moreWestern Mass area. Ok, ok, it's not just because Paco the vegetarian Pirahna is here. The building itself is an architectural marvel. There's something about this beautiful building that's up on the hill, surrounded by large oaks. It's as if the leaves billowing in the wind beckon you to: "please come in." There's just something about where this building is situated that exudes peace and tranquility. You'll see that others feel the same in the reviews. If you follow Forbes on Instagram, you'll not only see that it's active with events, but a lot of them strive to help the community. They have an upcoming event where they'll have clothes, shoes and general business attire available for people who are looking to get a job. I can't think of any other library that does that. To further expand on that note; they lend out musical instruments. You read right; you can borrow musical instruments here. I'm not sure what details are involved but I personally found that to be incredible, and a show of the willingness to go the extra mile for the community. Yes, you do have to pay for parking here. I know that sounds off putting, but there is a sign on the property that says the proceeds help the library and their programs. Besides, I think a dime gives you 20 minutes time so it's extremely cheap. Keep up the good work Forbes! You definitely have admirers.

The general atmosphere is welcoming. The staff are always helpful and go one step further to help.read more

I occasionally come to this library to study or complete some daily homework and I find it to be a…read morepleasurable experience! I love how spacious this library is and it has such a wide collection. They do offer computers but you must have a library card to use them. The library never seems crowded and theres always enough material for you to read! Overall, I enjoy coming to this library from time to time and just relax.