Plants, books and…read moreweird sculpture The first Buckingham Library started back in 1894 when the town decided to buy one hundred dollars worth of books and stick them in the house of a generous volunteer.. This was the official library until 1905 when the growing number of books were place in a spare room at the local school. It became increasingly obvious over the years that this was not the ideal solution so in 1930 the first "real" library was built. Conveniently located on Main Street, this library served well until maintenance problems and size restraints made the town realize that it needed a new and more modern library. So a new building was constructed and in 1989 opened it's doors for business. The new Bellingham Library isn't one of the most stunning libraries from the outside. Rather plain and symmetrical and except from the bizarre sculpture of a kid standing on her head guarding the front of the library, the building isn't going to drop any jaws. However the inside is extremely well designed with a nice flow of lines and everything nicely organized and easy to find. One of the best things about the library is the abundance of plants inside. Large and creeping greenery greet you around every corner. A pleasant addition to all the books and computers. The librarians were cheerful, funny and helpful and suited the ambiance of the library perfectly. A very pleasant library that has a sense of peace and purpose. The aesthetics won't blow you away but the building will impress in a quiet and gentle way. Especially if you happen to enjoy statures of kids doing somersaults.

I stopped at the Bellingham Public Library recently to print a few things out, and overall, while…read moreit's an older facility, it's organized (in terms of printing, computers, and books in general), clean, and worry-free. For the record, I don't go to my local library because there are always problems there. The Westwood Public Library and Norwood Public Library (both closest to my house) aren't ever reliable and don't have decent printers or even decent computers. Printing is expensive and not worth the aggravation when it doesn't work (over 50% of the time there is some sort of issue). So, whenever I need to visit a library, in order to go somewhere decent I have to take a trip about fifteen minutes away, when the point of a library is being local. This effects in myself having to stop at a library when I'm out and about and near one. I was in the Bellingham area and stopped here. First things first, kudos to whoever thought to place the library on Blackstone Street, not in the middle of everything and in a low traffic area, next to the Bellingham Middle School. Not that I would specifically bring my classes over, but at my middle school any field trip to the library is about a mile walk away, here you would just have to cross the parking lot. Convenient spot. It's sort of old, but has been kept up with care and is open, spacious and has more books than you would expect. Actually, from the outside it looks very small, but is actually quite large inside. There are lots of computers and a wonderful, working printing program that is easy, fast and compact. Copier and printer both work wonderfully and the staff at the front desk (especially Carol), are extremely helpful and friendly. I would come back if I were to be in the area again, would like this to be a local library for me! 5 stars for the Bellingham library.

When a town doesn't have much in it, smaller things make a bigger difference. Norfolk is really in…read morethe middle of nowhere, and doesn't have much in it. The center is based on a gas station, Dunkin Donuts, Walgreens, a few other small shops, and this library. Now, I was looking forward to a great experience at the Norfolk Public Library. I needed to print a few things out, and thought I'd stop by before going to the amazing book sale this library has annually, as I go to it every year, and it is always amazing. I may a day of going to this sale, as the book sale this library puts on every year is always amazing. Speaking of the book sale, I would rate that at 5 stars. It is, in my opinion, triple-tied with Natick & Auburndale as the best book sale in Massachusetts. It occurs at the DPW Garage on Medway Branch Road, in April every year, presented by the Friends of this Library. Anyway, upon entering the library, it was actually quite nice. It seemed somewhat new, super clean, and a large variety of books, DVD's, and a huge children's section for such a small town. As I said before, I stopped at the library to print some things out (as I don't have (but should) a printer at home anymore), and was greeted by John at the reference desk. John was friendly and kind, but simply, disappeared right as I got to one of the computers. Since I don't live in Norfolk, and patronize one of my favorite libraries in Dedham, I have a MLN library card, not in the Norfolk network. I tried to find John, and then just went to the front desk. It was crowded, with one woman working and about 3 people in line waiting to check out books and some DVD's. Long story short (well, it might be too late for that, but whatever), it took me about 10 minutes to tell her I needed a guest pass, and then after waiting an additional 10 minutes for her to come over to the reference area, I just left. I have NEVER been treated so poorly at a public library. Normally, I have only good experiences at libraries (except for the Westwood Public Library, and now here), but this left me disgusted with the staff at the Norfolk Public Library. If you need a library in the Norfolk area, go to either the Walpole Public Library, or the Franklin Public Library, dependent upon which side of town you are on. This is NOT what a library should be like. 2 stars.

Friendly staff and great selection! I take my nanny kid here for baby time once a week and he…read morereally loves it. I've picked up a book here and there and I can always find something that sparks my interest. All the staff are very helpful and informative!

What an odd place for a Little Library. This was a chance find. Given that it is smack dab in the…read moremiddle of a shopping center, I wonder how much love it actually sees. It is definitely not aimed towards children but it would be great to see a sitting area and a variety of selections. I know my child could use the break from walking and shopping. It is a traditional book box, nothing overly fancy. Nice to find it here!

A wide selection of items, with an especially good crystal section. Definitely worth the trip!read more

This review has been a long time in coming…read more Over twenty years ago, I was friendly for several years with Rose, one of the owners, and her daughter Robin, who is still the resident "intuitive reader". I was introduced to them because I was going through a terrible time. Over a period of several years, as my life fell apart, I was repeatedly told by the people who congregated there that everything that was happening to me was due to one or more of the following: - it was something I'd agreed to before I came into this life; - we're here to "learn lessons" and I was failing to learn them; - I was "manifesting" everything that was happening to me, telling the universe it was what I wanted even if I wasn't consciously aware of it; - that God, Spirit or the universe (take your pick) was offering me what I needed, but I wasn't seeing it because I was focused only on what I wanted. In other words, my suffering was my own fault. It was standard New Age fare - puerile rationalizations and psychological counseling without training, qualifications or a license. Moreover, it was relentless, repetitive, went on for years, and I now regard it as a form of abuse. I should have walked away long before I did. When I knew them, the store was a gathering place for numerous psychics, channelers, Wiccans, card readers, energy healers, "shamanic practitioners" and other assorted people who believed they were inherently gifted or just went to a few weekend workshops and considered themselves qualified to do whatever it was they were doing. I tried various New Age healing and interventional modalities; nothing worked, not one piece of information I was given was accurate and not one prediction (from those who made them as part of their practice) came to pass. I was fed a great deal of nonsense while my life continued to spiral downward, despite everything I tried to do to help myself - and while it was spiraling, it always came back to the same thing: I was consistently told that it was all somehow my fault (although they tended to bristle at my use of the word). The people who gathered around that store epitomized the New Age ethos of blaming the victim. I complained about this on a number of occasions, and was at one point told, "It isn't an exact science; it's really like guessing." This was actually said. On another occasion, I was accused of shaking my fist at God. They practice theology the same way they practice therapy - with neither training nor qualifications, and with a belief in their ability to understand complex subjects that doesn't hold up in reality. On several occasions, I said to both Rose and Robin, "If we're here to learn lessons, and the same things keep happening to me repeatedly because I'm somehow not 'getting' those lessons, there has to be a problem with the presentation - because I'm simply not that stupid." This was invariably met with silence. I should also mention that at no point was there ever an apology. If something along the lines of, "We don't know what's going on in your life and we're sorry we can't help you" had been said, I would be much more forgiving. Instead, there was always either silence or a rationalization involving my culpability - again, it was always my fault. It was never that their foundational beliefs were wrong; that was unthinkable. I have to assume the people who post positive reviews here and on Facebook either go there solely for New Age paraphernalia and leave it at that, or if they go for some sort of "spiritual counseling" they're told what they want to hear. The only further contact occurred years after I'd ended the relationships, when I emailed one of them to express my frustration and resentment. Again, there was no apology. The reply was acrimonious, defensive, and of course, blamed me both for their failures and for my own discomfiture. As is typical within that subculture, she took no responsibility for misleading me while emphasizing *my* responsibility. I'm posting this because it's festered within me for two decades. I was given a lot of false hope at a time when I needed genuine answers, and I came out of it with a profound contempt for both the New Age belief system and the subculture that embraces it. If there is anyone else who walked away from that world disgruntled, perhaps they'll read this and realize they aren't alone. On their Facebook page, they describe their business as "a haven of nurturing and healing to those needing physical and spiritual restoration". It was anything but that for me. If you're looking for crystals, jewelry, New Age books (which I think contain nonsense but if that's what you want), Tarot cards, Native American flutes and carvings, etc. - as others have said, they have a very good selection. If you're thinking of going there for any sort of counseling or supernatural intervention (for lack of a better term) - my advice would be to steer clear. Everything these people believe is harmful and misleading inanity.

I was admitted to Operation ABLE's Work/Study program a few years ago in my late Sixties. I was not…read morelooking to get a Full Time Job but I did know I wanted to either learn some Technical Computer Skills which I never thought I would ever learn at my age so that I could do some part time work somewhere or a Home Business which definitely would need Excel, Word, and make Presentations. I also learned while there they had a 'Medical Terminology Course', which would feed my previous Army Medical background and learn more up to date terms for work at a Hospital or similar area. The many weeks I was there; with the absolutely patient, understanding, and very loving and talented 'Friends' made there; I have made my life ; because of Operation ABLE's Staff much more enjoyable; and made money I never dreamed of. Let us all support this program as long as God keeps us here. They will always be part of my Heart's 'Family' and I wish them well........ A Check is on the way. Well Deserved. Frank Pignone Stoneham Mass. Age 72 and as active as 40.......due to this program.

From the owner: Since 1982, Operation ABLE, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, has provided job seekers with training…read moreprograms and employment services. Our mission and passion is to empower our community of job seekers, the underemployed, those in career transition, and military veterans who need job support services to re-enter the workforce. We offer a variety of services including occupational and computer skills training, workshops, job search training and support, coaching and counseling, and some training programs offer internships.

On 2/4/2025 Went to the Franklin Police to drop off some papers and was in the waiting area for a…read morewhile with no one to help after a while, finally 3-4 Officers came in and Officer Victoria McVicar came over and spoke to myself and my son. She had a very smug attitude towards us and when we said what if we don't want to do what she was saying was going to happen, she said Well no problem Ill get the Fire Department and we will take down your door and then you'll be replacing the door and looked at the officer beside her and chuckled. We turned away and she said hey did you just say something to me? I have called three time to file a complaint to her officer with no contact back. This is behavior unbecoming of an officer. There is No reason anyone should be spoken to by an officer that way for any reason. They wonder why people feel the way they do about the police, perfect case. And nothing done to her so she thinks it okay to talk to people that way. Im sure we are not the only one that had issues with her. Officer McVicar Badge # MV01

My family has lived in Franklin MA for over 18 years and on several occasions needed the assistance…read moreof the Franklin Police Department, just as recent as April 2023 for a family health emergency. Within 2 minutes of calling 911 there were several police officers rushing into my home to the aid of my family. They are not only professional, highly trained, and quick to help every resident but meet the needs of every person in a kind and caring approach. I should also mention Franklin is one of the safety communities in Massachusetts, just Google it. Take the time to thank them when the opportunity arises, and if you are looking for an awesome community to move to and feel safe, look no further, as I speak from first hand experience. Lastly I would be remiss not to acknowledge the Franklin Fire Department with the same appreciation. Thank you FPD!! Jim Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

We tried to return BRAND NEW BOOK, and the women working there, especially the two managers, made…read moreus feel like we were mafia thugs. They turned something so small into a huge thing, and they and the staff seem not friendly and mean spirited. Marty

An excellent Barnes! Store is well kept. And the staff is always right there for you. Quick…read morecheckout. And if they don't have it, they order it and its delivered to the house within a few days. Good store.