Time to retire…read more The Essex Public Library is a cool looking stone library that isn't very large. Built like it could last forever, unfortunately or perhaps fortunately it won't. At least not as a library. The cool looking stone part is fine but the isn't very large part is what dooms it. I'm sure it will survive as something, it is just to cool looking to destroy, but it's library days are almost gone. The library was built back in 1939 and the massive stone walls survived whatever nature could throw at it with ease. Cozy and very pleasant inside, the venerable old library just could expand no further. Just no more room to put computers and other new necessitates. So it was decided to build a new library that is much larger, more convenient, more user friendly and much more modern. It is scheduled to open in 2014. The old library is not very easy to get into, steep stairs get slippery in the rain or snow and it must be difficult for anyone with a handicap to manage. The library is wonderful once you manage to get in, cozy, comfy, with a great sense of history. The stairs down to the kid's department has a fantastic mosaic covering both walls. Absolutely stunning to look at, I hope this somehow makes it to the new library. Yeah, a new library is needed and will serve the community much better. But seeing this building retired will still be sad. Hopefully it can be turned into some type of museum or educational edifice. Time passes and the old fade into the mists of time and the new takes over. Doesn't matter if it's a building or a person, time will always have it's way.

It's a place where I can focus to read and make a work or thinking in create something. I enjoyed…read morethis space for a long time in my first visiting to Tiverton.

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.]

The library is quite large, as one might expect for a city as big as Fall River. This structure…read moreopened as the public library in 1899 and was recently updated and restored. In addition to the usual stacks of books, the library has computers available to be used plus wifi access, digital media to be borrowed and lots of space for study. I found a quiet study room under the back stairs that was first-come first-served and spent about three hours there, working and having my work Zoom meetings. Plenty of power, no noise and I was not disturbed. I was even able to keep my sneaky water bottle with me and didn't mind since there wasn't anything I could possibly damage with spilled water. Great space and a fabulous resource. [Review 18641 overall - 1221 in Massachusetts - 2163 of 2022.]

As a newcomer to Fall River, I've found that the library's atmosphere is great, a lot of books to…read moreread, comfortable chairs and tables, friendly and helpful staff. I've been to this place a few times and I wish I could go again to do my readings.

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.

Being the nerd that I am, I came here on my birthday. Since last year, I've been challenging myself…read moreto visit all public libraries in the state of Rhode Island. This was the 9th one I visited. It took us a couple seconds to figure out the entrance to the parking lot and the main entrance to the building. Since it was a Friday morning, it was almost empty and quiet. When you first walk in, the checkout counter is right in front of you and there were about two librarians who greeted us with a smile. I was gravitated towards a table on bicycling - apparently there are efforts to make at least southern RI more accessible by bike which is nice. They did have free little bike lights, so I took one. To the right of the table, the painted glass windows caught my eye. It gives a nice touch to the study tables they have there. There is a stand that has puzzles, I think to do there, but also to take home (this is perfect for people like me who like doing puzzles but don't like owning them). There is only one floor, but they have made good use of it as the material is well organized by genres and age groups. This includes movies in CD form. We did not spend too much time here but before leaving, we used the bathrooms. They are handicapped accessible, single person at a time use, and very clean.

Love this library. There's an upper and lower level. The staff is friendly and welcoming. They have…read morea section for all ages (children). They have computers that are available for use and printers as well.

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.

Windows and parks…read more The Lawler Branch Library is one of the four libraries in the city of New Bedford. It was built in 1960 with money donated by Sylvia A.H.G. Wilkes and is located right next to Buttonwoods Park. The library is fairly large for a branch library and is basically one large room that has all the separate areas just delineated by a bit of space and some signs. The library has some cool windows and the whole building kind of reminds of me of an old fashion gymnasium with a pool or basketball courts inside. Definitely a unique but pleasant look for a library The inside is very clean and convenient with working wifi and everything you would except from a modern library, just not as much of it as in one of the larger libraries. There is even a meeting room for events and groups. Not a huge, historic or architecturally impressive library but a very nice branch library located in a very convenient location.

We love the charm and quaintness of this library but the staff are incredibly rude and unwilling to…read morework with members. If a certain book is taken out that has special features library staff should make that member aware of the features rather than assuming the member knows how to use it and then charge outrageous late fees with no shame. We will not be going back.

A long time ago, in a…read moreplace far, far away Many libraries in New England go back quite a ways. Books were somewhat rare and expensive and the average person had access to very few so the idea of libraries caught on quickly. Many of the early libraries were roving libraries where a person went around with some books and an individual paid to keep the book until the roving library returned. The idea of "free" libraries was a somewhat new and radical idea that took a while to catch on. The very first roving library in Little Compton was way back in 1811. Perhaps this was because Little Compton is on a peninsula and very isolated and hard to get to or maybe the people around there really loved books. Move permanent places to keep books developed over the decades until the Brownell Library was finally constructed in 1929. The library is a pleasant brick building with the usual books, magazines and computers but it also has a cool fireplace, some antiques, interesting paintings on the wall of early librarians and of course the guy who came up with the money for the building, Pardon Brownell. The library today is a cozy and friendly place with some helpful, knowledgeable and amiable librarians. Little Compton is one of those "you can't get there from here" places but the Brownell Library is such a cool and unique New England library that it is worth the trip way out to Little Compton to visit.

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

I visited this library today for the first time. I was drawn in by the old beautiful building from…read morethe outside. They have a gazebo outside that I could picture would be nice spot to sit and read in, in nicer weather. When I walked inside, I was greeted warmly and all the staff that I encountered were friendly. To the left was a room with a table and a fireplace, all decorated for Christmas. It was nice to look at! The library itself is small, but offers a good variety of books. Downstairs is an entire Children's section of books, but also includes a few different play areas. I loved this idea and could see kids having some fun here! This was such a great atmosphere, and I'd definitely be back again.

In praise of…read morePenny The Swansea Library is a wonderful old building. It was built back in 1899 out of huge blocks of lovely granite and just oozes charm and character. Friendly, comfy, useful and interesting. On of the most charming things about the library is Penny the kitty. She is about 14 years old and has spent her entire life in the library; There have been other cats calling this library home before Penny and it's been quite a while since there hasn't been a kitty here. Unfortunately early this year a rather self centered and attention seeking individual with a long history of litigation and desire to get his name in the news decided that he was offended by the presence of this quiet, clean and gentle creature and that Penny had to go. He threatened to sue the library, town and just about anyone else he could think of if Penny wasn't immediately removed from the library. No debate, no compromise. He didn't like Penny so she had to go. Didn't matter what anyone else thought. Fortunately it turned out that little Penny had lots of friends that were willing to take on the arrogant bully. The articles about Penny and the lawsuit went viral and thousands of signatures and letters started pouring in demanding that Penny be allowed to stay in her home. The support for Penny was overwhelming and all the attention made the lawsuit and man seem ridiculous. So as bullies usually do when people stand up to them, the self centered, attention seeking guy decided he was getting far too much attention and stopped his lawsuit. So Penny still sleeps quietly in her little box over the heating vent. Unassuming and beautiful she represents everything good about the library and small town. Good people did something and this time evil and arrogance did not triumph.