I see there hasn't been a review in years, so I wanted to show my appreciation for an amazing…read morelibrary downtown!! The staff is extremely friendly, and it is so cozy and relaxing inside. They have a large selection, and I love to come here and just browse. If you are downtown New Bedford, make sure to venture inside!

Art books and…read morewhales The New Bedford library is a massive edifice but not particularly beautiful or aesthetical pleasing. Huge blocks of granite piled together and some powerful looking pillars in the front. However since this is New Bedford, the land of Moby Dick, several very interesting statues about whaling grace the front of the library. Actually rather stern and brutal looking but then I guess whaling was never a pleasant vocation. The inside of the library is stunning. Lovely and graceful staircases and wonderful lights and windows. This is definitely one of those libraries that is more art museum that a place for books. But along with the art and antiques this library does have books. A whole lot of books. All the usual best sellers and useful modern books but also an amazing collection of very, very old books. A very cool library that is definitely that is a lot more than just a place to go for a book. A beautiful place that is fascinating to prowl around even if you don't want to read.

Love this library! Great place for toddlers!! They have a room for kids in the ground level where…read morekids can read, play, and explore! Also, check out the free programs they have for kids!

Harpoons ships and…read morenaked ladies The Southworth Library was opened in 1969 and looks like a massively strong and stout building from the outside. A lot of stairs to climb to get into the main entrance but with handicapped access also available. Once inside it becomes immediately apparent that this library is as much museum as a place for books. Lots of cool paintings and models of ships, most reflecting the area's very nautical history. Some old harpoons are prominently displayed on one wall and right in the middle of the library is a large statue of a very naked lady. Not sure who she is but the statue is definitely hard to miss. A very pleasant and unique library that is more than just a place to find a book or use a computer. Lots of local history is available and even some historical and prurient art.

Cannon clocks and…read morecases Mattapoisett means place of rest in the local Native American language and this library is indeed a peaceful and extremely interesting place. Nestled on a quiet side street close enough to the ocean that you can smell it, the library has a unique charm. As you approach the library you notice all the cool stuff outside. A huge old naval cannon sits guarding the lawn, a huge boulder with a plaque on it and a cool civil war statue all demand your attention. They now are displaying an octopus made out of trash picked up from the area. Even if you didn't go into the building this would still be a interesting place. Once you do go inside you quickly realize this is not your average small town library. Cool old grandfather clocks, beautiful artwork, cases filled with cool stuff and a magnificent staircase all conspire to catch your eye. The library was renovated in 2008 with 4,000 square feet added and the architects did a marvelous job. Everything blends together very well and the new area is congruent with the original. Not the cheap, hack jobs that you frequently see on some renovated libraries, this was well thought out. The librarians there were very friendly, knowledgeable, hospitable and just plain nice. Gave me all the information about the library that I could every desire and let us explore as much as we wanted. Of course the facility has all the usual modern items that most libraries have and lots of cozy places to read but we didn't even bother to look at them, we were having too much fun with everything else. Mattatpoisett Public Library makes you realize that a library can be a lot more than just a place to read.

Definitely one of the nicest libraries in the state. Lots of cozy places to sit and read a good…read morebook. The children's portion of the library is fantastic, with lots of fun projects kids can work on, from arts and crafts, puzzles, a science corner, and a large lego play table with legos. My kids love to spend time here as do I!

One of the best libraries in the state! Clean. Well stocked. Well run. People there are helpful…read more Not everybody knows how to use an index box or whatever they call it to look up a book. Not everyone knows how to use a computer. Even in this day and age that's right. Place is great. It's great to spend a rainy afternoon and reading any kind of book you want. Books for sale. Different events. Just a beautiful library!

There are so many free activities to be found at this wonderful library. It is a very inviting…read moreplace with friendly staff. There is a large children's area full of books and toys. There is a teen area with seating and tables for studying. There are so many activities to be found here! Story times, books clubs, art history presentations, homeschool STEAM classes, movie matinees, board game groups, science shows, musicians, the list goes on. You can get free local museum passes, participate in the summer reading program, or just stop in the shop their bookstore. I am very impressed by this library!

This is an awesome library. The staff are so helpful and pleasant. Always happy and smiling. Such a…read moregreat selection of books and children's section. My favorite part is the activities they offer. From children's story time and crafts, to novel teas and Lego night, book clubs and so much more. They have things you can borrow such as yoga mats and helpful devices such as knee scooters and walkers, as well as games such as jenga and more. Don't forget the passes that could get you free access to places such as the Buttonwood ZooBy far one of the best libraries I've ever been to.

Went there to do some research and apply for some jobs and they really covered there electrical…read moreoutlets an put a lock for one thing they don't pay any of the library's bills so to have the nerve to cover them and a lock when my tax money pays the bills and there check this is a new low for they I will be filling a complaint as they have no right covering them up when my son goes apply for jobs on his phone sometimes needs to charge his phone especially when he needs to call me to pick him up something has to be done

Old schools new libraries…read more The Acushnet Public Library opened in 2015 and is located in the old Marie S. Howard school that was closed sometime in the 1960s and was used as a community center for several decades. The old Russell Library, located not far away, was a very cool building but was too small and very difficult to access for people with any kind of disability. Definitely not an easy place to get in and out of. The new library is spacious, practical and still manages to be aesthetical pleasing even though its old school roots are still obvious. The children's area is especially nice and everything is well organized and easy to find. The librarian we talked with was very friendly and helpful and was proud of the new library. It's actually fun going around and trying to find little reminders of the building's school origins and it's obvious that the choice of the building as the new library was a wise move that will serve Acushnet for decades to come.

Great location and awesome children's book area with a great selection and some activities to keep…read morethe kids busy. Very clean and staff is always helpful

While out for a walk around Bristol, we took a warming break at the Rogers Free Library. Beautiful…read morelibrary with a gorgeous 1877 exterior and a newly renovated interior. I loved these beautiful old books that were still on the shelves. Very clean and comfortable. They also offer a small selection of books for sale.

The old and the new…read more Rogers Free Library was always a very cool place to look at books. Built way back in 1877 out of brown sandstone, it had a very dignified and pleasantly archaic look about it. However it was small and just didn't have enough room to hold many books or other typical library conveniences. Finally a couple of years ago the town decided to do something about their charming if diminutive library and expanded the original library into the long out of business Bristol Furniture Company building right next door. In fact the two old buildings were actually touching so turning them into one larger building wasn't a difficult as it sounds. The results are fantastic. The area of the library has more than tripled, giving room for many more books, several new meeting and study rooms and very importantly 50 new computer stations open to the public. The two buildings blend together seamlessly and you can't even tell exactly which one you are in without stopping and thinking about it. The great thing is that the library still has that great small town, very inviting and comfy feeling. Definitely not sterile, static and homogenized like many more modern libraries. Modern technology can never replace the great feel of being in a old building. The Rogers Free Library is a great example of how to do something right. They manages to add the new without losing or sacificing the old. It always was a great place to read a book, now it's even better. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOVmwyYJuEE&feature=related This youtube video is in honor of Lydia L, The Space Cowgirl from NY who has some of the coolest videos on Yelp. The old and the new.

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.