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.

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.

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!

A library that never…read morechanges I love tiny, old libraries and they just don't come any tinier or older than the Guilford Hathaway Library. It was constructed in 1895 with money donated by Florence Hathaway in memory of her father and I suspect it hardly changed over the decades. The library is indeed tiny and absolutely filled with books stacked everywhere. It's difficult to walk in some areas but the diminutive place has to make use of every nooks and cranny. Old books, new books and some unique old stuff occupies every shelve and they even have room for a few computers. The library does have electricity but no running water and no bathrooms. It smells old and stuffy but in a pleasant sort of way. This is a place that the local people of the village of Assonet probably think of as their private library. The building certainly looks like it needs some care but that's part of the charm of this place. Cool stone walls surround the ancient building and I suspect they were just found in the area and piled up to make the walls. The name Assonet actually means something like "the place of rocks" in the local Wampanoag language and there is certainly no shortage of them scattered around the village. Another more modern library was built in 1947 on the other side of town but the Hathaway Library still carries on much the way in always has. You have to occasional duck, turn sideways and step over things in this place but that is part of the fun. There aren't a lot of materials compared to most other libraries, no bathrooms and not a whole lot of room but this library certainly has it's own unique and anachronistic charm.

One librarian for two…read morelibraries Freetown, Ma isn't a very large place but it does have two cool libraries, one of each end of town. On the west side is the ancient Guilford Hathaway Library with no running water and crowded and spooky interior and on the east side is the "modern" James White Memorial Library. The James White Library was established in 1947 and still looks a lot like the original house. In fact if it wasn't for the small sign it would be impossible to tell that this was a library. Just kind of blends right in with the neighborhood. The inside is small, just basically one room, but they manage to get almost 25,000 volumes in here as well as the usual magazines and computers. It even has running water and real bathrooms. The library has the usual programs and events and even had a very cool therapy dog come in to assist in a kid's reading program. Both of Freetown's two libraries have the same librarian and she goes back and forth between the two. The libraries of course have different hours but it is still quite a chore for the librarian to keep up with things. Somehow she manages to remain very friendly and helpful in the small town library sort of way and even remembers what library she's in. Freetown has two interesting libraries and one very cool librarian.

Love the staff at this library - super friendly…read more It's a small library with not a huge selection in general but especially non-fiction but I don't fault them for that because I bet they would expand if they could. Special shout out to all the librarians there who select the children's books to put on display on the top of the shelves. They always make great selections and they are constantly getting new Children's book - nice work! They are also always hosting different events for the community. I don't want to knock other libraries but Westport has the friendliest librarians compared to neighboring towns. Anyway, people should read more.

Sleek and clean…read more The Westport Library was built in 1971 and was expanded and renovated a couple of years ago. It's a very clean, spacious and modern looking library that's extremely nicely organized and well thought out. A library that it's easy to feel right at home after only a few minutes. The first thing you notice as you walk toward the doors is the unusual sculpture near the front of the building. It really shines when the sun hits it and does go nicely with the design of the building. The inside of the library has a nice children department and community room with lots of events and programs going on. All the periodicals, best sellers, new books, computers and historic references are easy to access and logically placed. The Westport Library is a nice community library that offers a pleasant environment to study, read or just attend a lecture or program.

Only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10-5, this library is reminiscent of the old times, with…read moreonly 3 rooms, and 3 computers. However, the staff at this library are so welcoming and helpful, that it only adds to the small town appeal of this library. Right when you enter the library there is a bookcase of books for sale ($1 for paperbacks, $2 for hardcovers) and these are not obscure books, but recent ones. Within 2 minutes I found a book I've been looking for in used books stores and was ready to leave happy. I decided to further enter the library to use a computer and found that while most RI libraries have computer areas set up, this one has only 3 - one in the main room, 1 in the RI room, and 1 in the children's section. The staff quickly got me set up on one of them and I was off and running. I wouldn't make this my go to library because of the size and limited hours, but it was a treat to experience it for the day.

Dances books and…read moresnow globes The Blanding Library is a cool and rather spooky looking building that is going to be celebrating it's one hundredth birthday in 2015. The library isn't huge but since it has a children's section down stairs and a local history and genealogy room up stairs it is a lot larger than it first looks. The building has a huge room called The Goff Memorial Hall where lots of events are held, including contra and Renaissance dancing. Lots of talented musicians and dancers have passed through this hall over the decades. The library is pleasant but not spectacular inside. It does have some cool staircases, nice windows for natural light and some impressive ceilings, but is more modest than many other libraries in the area. It definitely gives the feeling of a late Victorian private home. One of the very cool things about the library is the great collection of snow globes from around the world that it has. Blanding is a unique library that in it's own quiet way manages to keep it's individuality while still being relevant. A place where you can find a book, do some research, use a computer, check out some snow globes and then if you have the energy go dancing.

The Blanding Library is a quaint library located in a seemingly archaic/gothic house. Ivy crawls…read moreup the walls of the 3 story establishment, giving it an inviting but mystical atmosphere. Though parking is less than well identified, there is rarely a problem finding somewhere to safely pull your car aside. The inside of the library is less than extensive; the worth of this place is not in its size but the quality of its contents. A room on the 2nd floor contains a room loaded with genealogical records dating far back in Rehoboth history. . .a large resource for those looking into their familial past. Pictures depicting town events and major locations hang on the walls. In the basement you can find the children's section. Entire collections of books from my not so distant past, including Goosebumps and Choose Your Own Adventure series, can be found here. A virtual paradise through my younger eyes. Don't forget to send the library your snow globes collected from around the world. There is a display for all to enjoy :)