I've driven past this library for decades but never went inside until the past few years. After my…read moresecond visit to,look around, I just had to get myself a library card here. Besides being an architecturally appealing building, I love the layout and offerings. I've found books, and other items that other libraries either don't have or are hard to get, being checked out frequently. I recently discovered their nice DVD section. I found all seasons of Get Smart and rented them all over a period of about 5-1/2 weeks. They have a decent selection of Blu-Ray discs as well. The first room on the left as you enter is where they keep newspapers and periodicals. It's also a wonderful spot to sit and read. There's a small but adequate metered parking lot behind the building , which is managed by the Town. There's on-street metered parking as well. Just a block or two away, you'll find free parking on the side streets. They also offer passes to museums and some other local attractions, although, in most cases, the discount is somewhat less than those available from the Boston Public Library. The advantage is this is both easier to get to and park at. They do also offer,some virtual passes that you can easily obtain online. It is near at least two MBTA bus routes (77, 87). The staff is very helpful and friendly. They are associated with several other libraries within their network as well.

Great library. Helpful staff. Lots of audiobooks and DVDs. And a comfy area to explore fiction…read more Love the big overstuffed chair there.

The employees are quite noisy and chatty. Very beautiful library, though. Great selection.read more

friendly and helpful staff, great selection, easy to use. I like being able to get materials from…read moreother libraries in the area too. The quiet rooms are comfortable and inviting. The kids section is bright, warm and welcoming. I love the library!

Super cute library- It's bright, has a lot of desks (!!!) also has a gorgeous reading room. Sort of…read moreclose to the Red Line.. I visited for the first time recently and I liked it!! :)

The Hive, audiobooks, DVDs/blue rays, and of course books, there's nothing this library does not…read morehave. Staff is always so kind and friendly too. Lots of fun events/classes to check out!

Great library with very nice people working at the check-out/circulation desk. They have hours to…read moreaccommodate 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!

It is a gorgeous and clean library. The people who work there were kind, and helpful. The books are…read morepretty 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!

This physically beautiful new library lacks parking spaces and makes it difficult, especially for…read moreseniors to return and pick up books. If all the spaces are taken there is no easy way a person can go inside. Plus there is no outside drop box that they previously had on the far side of the building. One can no longer drive around the building but must enter and exit from the same driveway. The parking space is almost identical as it originally was but the building is twice the size. What was anyone thinking when they designed it?

Used to love this library. However the staff have made it hard to enjoy. They're very passive…read moreaggressive and rude at times. Left the experience feeling rather sour.

loudest library ive ever been in honestly, there are only 3 study rooms and the rest of the library…read moreis open to all the noise of the staff and hallways. the staff are nice but some of them are so loud they're literally echoing across the whole building. it's clean and organized but they don't have any of the books i have been looking for and it's not a good place to study.

Great new space, always helpful staff. The kids room and it's respective librarians are especially…read morewonderful. Can't imagine Medford without it.

So kind - so helpful! Nice place to be! Check out Tech hour - they teach you stuff. Love the…read morelibrary. A true civil institution. Esta muy bien para todos!

the staff is great nice place to relax and its across from mbta stop if theres a problem there on…read moreit if its the computer not working or the printer is jammed they are on it fast

We love the library! The new library is beautiful and an amazing space for the Melrose community…read more We frequent the children's and YA rooms the most often and the staff is amazing. They're so so helpful when speaking with my kids about what to read next, listening to their likes and dislikes and always finding something new for them. The after school programming is also a pleasant plus! My teen enjoys their crafts, and I'm happy it's someplace she can walk to after school for something a little different. For myself, I love their Libby app. It's stocked with so many audiobooks which I read in the car, on walks, and around the house. I'm so grateful for our library - both the building and the programming they offer!

Best place in the game. Special shoutout to: reference department. This is the best library in the…read moreland. Thanks guys. The grandfather clock is still there.

As someone who is not a student, I absolutely give this library 5 stars. My parents used to teach…read moreat Tufts, and all through high school I would cut class to come watch foreign films in the AV room, which I could access by leaving my keys at the desk since I had no form of ID whatsoever. I always came here rather than my school's crap library when I had a paper, and still sometimes go to read lit criticism. They have EVERYTHING!!! I have always loved libraries and this one is among the best. I love walking up that beautiful pastoral green hill and I love that they are open practically all night. I just wish I could check out materials.

It'll do. I know this is snobby, but my undergrad college had the 3rd-biggest university library…read morein the country...Tisch seems a little dinky in comparison. I mean, it's FINE, but nothing to write home about. BUT. The reference librarians here are awesome. Friendly, accommodating, and smart smart smart. Use them!

Boston Public Library is one of those places that feels like more than just a library. We walked…read moreinto a building that combines history, architecture, and art in a way that makes walking through the space feel closer to visiting a museum. The exterior is impressive, but the interior is where the building really stands out, with grand marble staircases, detailed murals, and historic design elements throughout that immediately signal this is not a standard public library. The sense of history is palpable from the moment you step inside, and the building's design invites you to slow down and appreciate the details rather than rushing through. The main reading room is the highlight of the visit. The tall ceilings, long rows of desks, classic lamps, and quiet atmosphere create a space that feels almost cinematic. We found ourselves pausing to take in the scale of the room, with the natural light filtering through the tall windows and the rows of green lamps casting a warm glow across the tables. It has a timeless quality that makes you want to slow down and actually take in the details rather than just walk through for photos. The surrounding rooms also have their own character, with artwork and architectural details around almost every corner, each space offering something slightly different. The murals and ceiling paintings add depth to the visit, and the blend of architectural styles across the different rooms keeps the experience from feeling uniform. The courtyard is another standout area, offering a completely different feel from the grand interior. The open space, fountain, and seating areas make it a relaxing place to spend a few minutes away from the busy city streets. We stepped out and found the contrast between the formal interior and the calm, open courtyard added a nice balance to the visit. The courtyard feels like a hidden pocket of quiet in the middle of the city, and the sound of the fountain adds a layer of peace that makes it easy to sit for a while and take a break from walking through the building. One of the best parts is that admission is free, making it an easy stop whether you are sightseeing or just looking for a quiet place to explore. The library can get busier during peak times, especially around the popular rooms, but there are plenty of areas to walk through and appreciate. We noticed a mix of visitors, from tourists taking photos to locals settling in with books, and the space accommodated both without feeling overcrowded. The flow of the building makes it easy to wander at your own pace, and the staff are present but not intrusive, allowing you to explore freely. Overall, the Boston Public Library is one of the most beautiful public spaces in the city. The combination of architecture, artwork, and peaceful atmosphere makes it worth visiting even if you are not there specifically to read or study. It feels like a landmark that showcases Boston's history and design in a way that anyone can enjoy, offering a visit that feels both educational and serene.

To think we almost left Boston without stopping into the library. It would have been our loss. This…read morelibrary was so impressive. We entered the new section by the cafe. The staff were very friendly and helpful. There were people at almost every table on three different floors. The children's section was very cute. The library appeared to have an extensive collection for both adults and children. We walked into the older section of the library and we were amazed. It was definitely more like a museum. The murals on the wall and ceiling were stunning. The outside fountain area was beautiful. There were people taking photos for special events and many people like us just in awe of our surroundings. What a great find!