Great library with very nice people working at the check-out/circulation desk. They have hours to accommodate those who can't get in during the day (open to 9pm!), lots of events throughout the month and a cool section called "The Library of Things": luggage scale, baking pans, a rug cleaner and more (look at the website for the list of things that will make you say "yes, I need to borrow that")! They even have museum passes which will get you into the MFA for $10 vs the usual $27! read more

It is a gorgeous and clean library. The people who work there were kind, and helpful. The books are pretty easily organized on the second floor. They didn't have some of the books I was looking for but I could request that they get them from another branch. There is parking behind the library- which is a huge win because it's so hard to park on Main Street. The library also has a kids section, and lets you rent puzzles, dvds etc. I definitely recommend going here but maybe look if they have the book first if you're looking for something specific. The app is great! read more

I do love a good library and this is a very good library. Quiet, clean, well organized, lots of space, lots of accessible stacks and a free wifi that worked super well. I was here for about an hour on a weekday evening and enjoyed my time reading and writing Yelp reviews. I love the comfy chair set up in the window space so that you could read and sit in the sunlight. Neat! read more

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Retreat into the older portion of the library for a quiet place to work or study; the newer portion has a great selection of graphic novels, films, music, and books, books, books (thank goodness!). Anything that isn't on hand can be requested and delivered through the minuteman system -- as convenient as Amazon! And check out their online database subscriptions; patrons have access to Consumer Reports, JSTOR, Mango Languages, and more: http://www.mln.lib.ma.us/electronic/wat1.htm ALSO: Movie Mondays! Haven't been, but they're always showcasing contemporary films like Her, Before Midnight, Dallas Buyers Club, etc. as well as classics. read more

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This library is not close enough to be my everyday library, but I was very impressed by my trip here. The renovated building looks and feels great, the staff is friendly and they offer a really extensive collection of classes, groups and services. read more

Watertown Free Public Library - part of the WFPL, the older part of the building - Libraries Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Very dusty place. My wife and I start to get allergies just sitting down in here. Sometimes after returning an item to this branch, it wouldn't show as returned until a couple of days after. We've been charged a return fee for those days. One incident, I went to pick up my holds and there was only one librarian at the desk and she was on the phone. The others were not helping her. After waiting for her to finish with the customer over the phone, I decided to go do some paperwork and come back in a few since I was already wasting the time. I didn't intend to be there for longer than the amount of time it took to pick up my holds. I came back and there was a long line of people that was very slow at moving and once again, one librarian. I went outside to go put another quarter in the parking meter and when I returned to the counter to pick up the holds, a younger man was at the counter. He was very rude and arrogant. He told me they made an announcement that they are closing and to do any checkouts immediately. I explained to him that I was outside feeding the parking meter and did not hear any announcement but when I came back inside there was still the same line of people, so my detour to the parking meter wouldn't have changed the volume of his work. I also explained to him that I had waited in line multiple times long before they had made an announcement. For some reason, he could only hear himself speaking and nobody else. He stated that they had things to do and that I was keeping him there longer. IRONIC! I tried to figure out in my head, how to politely ask this clueless young man to "please, let's cease this pointless conversation, scan the items that are in your hand and hand me back my card so that we can both go about our day" in a format that he can easily understand. I guess he just wanted to be heard and all I wanted was to check out my items and go home. Recently, I've had hold items that I've been put on a waiting list for at this library that they had cancelled. I just don't want any more headache. I've found it much easier and faster to buy books and other items from online retailers. read more

Okay, I guess I am a slight dork and a really huge fan if I am reviewing a library on a Friday night. :) I LOVE the newly renovated Watertown Free Library!!! I used to frequent the Newton one but am so glad there is one in my backyard now. The library is super clean and organized, and has a large circulation. And if there is something you can't find, you can get it from one of the affiliated libraries. (But you can still return it to your home branch once you are done.) There are workshops here too and a cafe which sells used books. Wifi . . . ample parking . . . a cute kid area . . . lotsa DVDs and CDs in their inventory. The list goes on and on. I just wish it was open on Sundays in the summer! read more

This public library is my favorite one, EXCEPT for the lack of free or long term parking. I'm a grad student, so settling in for 6-8 hrs to work on my stuff is all in a day's work. But I can't do that here b/c of the metered parking with stingy 3 hr limits (or was it 2 hrs?). However, if you take the bus, you can be here ALL day. There's a cafe with pretty darn good food, or you can hop across the street to UpperCrust for a slice to sustain you. Free wi-fi and lots of light. what more can you ask for? read more

Not a fan. Waited in line. As soon as I was next one of the cashiers, just walks away. I wait as the other cashier is doing whatever she was doing eventually asking if I was being helped (I am standing about 3 feet from her). I have about 5 items, and let her know I didn't bring my card to which I am turned away as they don't look up accounts with IDs. Odd, as it is a minuteman library and I haven't run into a cashier at a library that was unhelpful. Please note this is based on the fact that Belmont and Waltham both will look up your card for you if you forget. So, 2 stars for you. read more

I made a New Year's resolution to not buy any books this year. The library has helped me keep this resolution! This branch of the library is a great sized and clean library with WiFi, desks, computers available, and private rooms you can reserve. They offer out laptops to borrow during your stay at the library and if you forget your headphones they have some you can borrow too. This branch has a big following and I"ve noticed that the teen sees a lot of action with kids hanging out and attending the gaming sessions. After I park in their super convenient parking lot I walk in and I'm instant smiles. read more

I went here on the advice of a photographer who's from Eastern Europe, a nice young lady, whose exhibit was on display. The photographer/ artist shoot black and white on 4 X 5 or 8 by 10 Mamiya camera. When I arrived I was immediately greeted by a librarian who directed me to another librarian who, with me, viewed the photography and talked about it. read more

Of all the libraries I've lived near over the years, the Watertown Free Library is by far the best. It is top-shelf in every department -- design, layout, book selection, amenities, quality of service. The library's new expansion preserves the historical integrity of the old brick-and-brownstone Classical Revival building while arranging the space more efficiently for everyone's benefit. The equal weight given to the front and rear entrances initiates the efficient spatial flow of the building, creating convenient entries from both Main Street and the rear parking area for the convenience of all. The cafe, restrooms, central circulation desk, and catalog computer are right there when you walk in. The glass walls and skylit stair atrium make the space more open and friendly, as an antidote to the dark corners and musty stacks of traditional libraries. This openness makes the children's level more family-friendly too, as well as the see-through displays of children's books and crafts along the entrance hall. They were smart to put all of the children's and teen's sections on the first floor, to save the young ones the trouble of mounting stairs. And the children's play and story room is spacious, perfect for storytime and fun activities. Right next to this are the children's computers, right there for their next level of development. The cafe is great -- terrific baked goods and drinks, and a rare opportunity to eat and drink in the library! They always have great books for sale at $1 to $2 each, including literature, history, biography, self-help, mysteries, young adult fiction, CDs, all in great condition, some almost new! I'm now enjoying a biography of Abraham Lincoln I bought there. Down a hall from the rear entrance are the conference and media rooms, wisely separated from the main public areas to assure quiet throughout. Regular movies and concert series take place there -- all free of charge, of course. I also liked the way they centralized the reference desk on the second floor, the adults' level, and arranged it so the desk area flows right back into the reference area for the convenience of both the staff and the users. And what a staff -- always helpful and friendly and available when you need them. The computer room is also very handy, not only for library catalog consultation, but also for online research, web surfing, e-mailing, even printing documents. The first few printings are free, and there is a 10-cent charge for subsequent ones, but less than at Staples or FedEx Kinkos. Contrasting this modern, digital-age openness is the somber, scholarly ambiance of the newspaper reading and general study room, which preserves the old building's architectural details: carved fireplaces and columns, crown moldings, fanlight windows, an old clock (which works but never tells the correct time), a cast-iron spiral stair. (I only wish they hadn't exposed the old brick, for that was not the way the room was originally built, and exposed brick modernizes the space too much and mars its historical integrity.) Many great newspapers and magazines are visibly displayed on racks, as well as income tax forms and instruction books. I've enjoyed many productive study, research and writing moments in this great old room. A great book, CD, DVD and VHS selection too -- and if the Watertown library doesn't have a book, disc or tape you want, they're happy to order it from another library in the Minuteman Library Network, which also includes the excellent Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Lexington, Norwood and Wellesley libraries. All in all, I've gotten all of my library needs met at the Watertown Free Library. Check it out! read more

The Watertown Free Public Library may be the best example of what a modern public library can be. They not only have an extensive collection of books, but an up-to-date section of DVD's, language learning CD's and audiobooks, as well as a huge collection of video games for every modern system! I will often hit up the library on Fridays before I head home for the weekend to take out a movie, a book and a couple games for my Xbox 360 to try out! It's all free- and you can get material from anywhere in the Minuteman library network via their online site. Get your card and support your local library today! read more

Omg the mac and cheese is quite possibly the greatest thing I've ever tasted in my entire life.

I can state that the Watertown Free Public Library, and by extension I guess the whole Minuteman Library network, is a top notch operation. I can say this because, as I'm no slouch in the friend making department, I very rarely get the chance to read anything that isn't a clumsily misspelled email or a throw away text-message, lol:) What I like about this library in particular is the staff. I never have to endure a conversation if I don't feel like it, but if librarian is excited about a particular piece of literature that I'm checking out, they'll offer suggestions. For instance, did you know that Simon Pegg is a frequent guest on some podcast? Me neither. Plus this: a coworker might be unduly impressed if you're carrying around a copy of Lolita or Tropic of Cancer, but a librarian knows that you're either a) a pervert or b) making your third half-hearted attempt at making your way through the Modern Libraries list of the greatest fiction of the 20th century. Either way, the humility is refreshing. On a side note, and even though the same might not be true for female patrons, and if it's not than that's just awful, but the restrooms are super. For one thing they're clean. For another, they have those super powerful hand dryers that damn near blow the skin off your fingers. It may be a problem that those are so loud, what this being a library and all, but it's worth it. For whatever reason, as soon as the library's automatic door slides open my colon starts to rumble. Not sure that this is the library's fault or not though. It may be that the library is only a fifteen minute stroll form my work, which I take as my post-lunch constitutional. All that said, what ever happened to silence? The place sounds like a playground. But then, why are kids hanging out at the library? Because learning is fun. read more

I like my local library ... or I should say I love my local library. Anywhere you can get a book or movie you want for free is ok by me. They did a major overhaul a few years ago and they kept the wonderful old parts and stonework and then they added new parts. When my computer is wonky and needs repair, I can come here and use their bank of computers. There is free wi-fi, so I can come find a nice quiet spot to do my stuff. I loved the kids room and activities when my kids were that age. My son's tutor got a room and he would do reading tutoring. There is a meeting space ... I could go on but you probably love your library too so no need to go on. read more

I've been in almost all public libraries in Great Boston area and I can conclude that Watertown Public library is the best. Of course, it can't rival to Boston public library, but if to exclude the last one - it't the best! New building, big enough parking area, a lot of computers, it consist lots and lots of groups, meetings, classes. Great place to improve yourself, to catch relax and calm! Thanks for existing;) read more

I love this Library! when I go, I sit back and let the kids play. they don't even ask me for anything. read more

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This library is truly fab! It has single handedly brought back my love of reading! Did you know, you can go to this brand new, beautiful building, pick out any book you like, and bring it home for free? Seriously! I don't know if this helps you picture how beautiful the new building is, but it doesn't even make my allergies act up! That is huge, because I can't even walk into a book store without starting to sneeze! An added bonus... the staff are very friendly and extremely helpful! Even if you do not live in Watertown, you should definitely check this place out! read more

I have lived in Watertown for 2 years and shame on me that I never stepped into this gorgeous state-of-the art library until recently. This is the best neighborhood library that one should be proud of. I have been borrowing my books here since i 'discovered' it and will keep coming here to satiate my intellectual knowledge. This library offers a wide variety of books, workshops for kids and adults and a very conducive environment for studying. Because the library belong to the extensive Minuteman Library Network, i have no problem borrowing any kinds of book through the online catalog search and request-to-hold features. Good facilities indeed. read more

One of the better libraries in the area. The anime and manga sections are among the best in the Minuteman Library network. Parking isn't free though. read more

I have NEVER heard of a library that charges metered parking. The inside is nice and clean, the study rooms are nice as well, but make sure you mark your watch cause the moment your meter turns 2:01 you'll find a $25.00 ticket on your car. Way to promote using a public facility. Ugh Cities.... ;p read more

way overrated. the cafe, nothing special, just a way to make a few dollars serving cheap tasteless factory food. the library itself; nothing special at all, just a new public addition to a public building like any other new public addition. bland but functional architecture. the old library is very good - lots of old wood - but not worth a trip. if you want to see a really great old library with plenty of old wood, try concord - or better yet - try lincoln. the problem i have with the watertown library is that they have no books. they spent millions on the new addition and they have very few books. what a waste of money. most that they have are bad books. what they need to do is get amazon's top 1000 books and have enough on hand for everyone. and they should also monitor how many times a current book is used and archive those that get no use after a year or so. if you want one of those books, find it in the catalog and ask for it. as for the librarians, two are very good, but many of the old women are battle-axes, like you may have had in public school. nasty authoritarian types who get in your face for no reason (and i'm not some teenager doing anything wrong). these librarians are control freaks for absolutely no reason and create a prison atmosphere. try the other libraries in the system, which have much nicer atmospheres to while away your time with a good book. i recommend arlington, concord, and especially lexington and lincoln. and if you have not used the online minuteman system definitely check it out - that gets 5 stars. read more

This is the best library I've ever been to. It's wonderfully clean, brightly lit, quiet, and has all of your media needs in a modern, air conditioned building. What more could you need from a library. The staff have always been kind, courteous, and helpful in ordering me a book, or helping me find one there. In addition to the books, they have a wide variety of movies, tv shows, video games, and audiobooks, all available completely for free. Better still, they (along with the other Boston area libraries) have an app that you can download to get audiobooks or ebooks instantly for free. read more

This is an awesome place. Why buy books when you can borrow them from the library. What a concept. They do it really well. I also like their dvd and blueray collection. It is really pretty good and free too! They are part of the minute man library network and you can get books from participating libraries as well. Cool! read more

The best library. A great staff, and so helpful and informative. I appreciated the special Eclipse live event, it was totally cool, and litterally cool too with nice airconditioned room on a hot summer day, and watching the eclipse live it was spectacular. Cafe is awesome great cups of java sold reasonable priced. Old books are all about for reading collecting also sale cheap enough for chidlren of all ages. Wheelchair access and disabled access was easy throughout building awesome very open and welcome feeling. Liturature also quite varied, they have awesome book selection, and if they dont have it they can order it usually for you. Very freindly staff to people of all lifestyless too. Thanks. Getting library card was easy and check outs were easy once I got the card and we got set up. The only improvement could we have an easer way to log in though than 16 digit code. A librarian always helpful got me logged in. I give you five stars. The only downside as with any public place is the public. The few bad actors as I like to call them. On one visit there were some bad young men who vandalised the lawn chairs in the front. Special Alert: If you're disabled or blind be careful of those chairs bent up legs they will tip over and someone will get hurt. My sister is blind and if she had attempted to sit in the chair as it was well, I am just glad I was able to see the chairs were vandalised! read more

The renovation to the library is quite beautiful. Aside from the make over I find the food at the café to be very bland and I find the librarians in the children's section to be very combated. In addition, I would have expected more books in the children's section given the vast amount of money that was spent on the renovation. I much prefer the Cambridge library which is also part of the Minuteman network. read more

Really wonderful library, and I say this coming from the back bay library! The major advantage this place has over Copley: it's frickin' clean! Gleaming restrooms, pretty facility. read more

I visited my family in Watertown. I enjoy going to libraries home and away. Compare to those in NYC, Watertown Public Library is: 1) much better organized, 2) in general better hardware, 3) nice staff, and 4) better atmosphere. It has multiple reading areas with different style, and many computers for those who don't have computers at home. It also has copy and scan services. I highly recommend this place. read more

Newly renovated. Huge. Modern. Even has outdoor eating. But there are protests outside on the firehouse lawn, and their participants' kids yelling and screaming at library patrons. I'm sure for a good cause. But it's hard to study and and discuss work in their outdoor patio. read more

I first visited this library on a quest to find "the next book" in a kids series my son was reading. Our closest library is the Newton Free Library. It was a pleasant discovery, and I have returned here since for a number of kids books. The library is new, both the kids and teen rooms are quite active. There is a "Cafe" on the premises, which is a nice spot to stop for a coffee or a sandwich. The walls of the cafe are filled with gently used books for sale to benefit the library building fund. The library is close to Watertown Square, and has metered parking behind. read more

I came here a while back to study for my final exams. The place have a certain kind of charm to it, especially the older portion of the place. I also requested a few books through them for an independent study, worked flawlessly. read more

A very nice library, but the oddest thing is that they don't have any rule against loud talking or noise. There is one room with hard wooden chairs for quiet study, but there's almost no comfortable seating in there (only 4 soft chairs). Almost all the comfortable seating is in areas where loud talking is acceptable. read more

Is a very very good library! My son loves going to the library, and when its cold like this, it is an awesome place to hang out.

Nice clean place and it was perfect to spend some time I had to waste for a party I had to go to a few hours after work.

It's very lovely--the space, the staff, the collections. If you haven't been yet, GO!

You can take out as many books, dvds and cds as you like. Unless you have 5 or more dollars in late fees you are welcome to unlimited resources. read more

I'm so happy to live close to this library. It's very convenient on the main street. The place is nice and clean , friendly staffs. I borrow the books from here all the time. read more

I have been going to this Library for several years. The building is modern and always clean. They always have what I need. And the staff is always professional and polite. The reference people know their stuff too. I will always go here as long as I live in the area. Bravo to all the staff at the Water town Library!! read more

This is my favorite place is sit and read in Watertown . Just five minutes from home. Weekdays are awesome because they are opened . Sunday they have odd hours. I wish they were open in morning. Great staff and very clean. People are quiet too read more