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    Keene Public Library

    4.5 (6 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

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    Photo of Julia R.
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    8 years ago

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    12 years ago

    An oasis of tranquility, reflection, and exploration. Like visiting the library room in a old English castle.

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    13 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    11 years ago

    A beautiful old library with a great book collection, resources, and a friendly staff of librarians.

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    8 years ago

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    Lydon Library - North Entrance behind Alumni Hall

    Lydon Library

    5.0(1 review)
    52.2 mi

    It's 11pm on Sunday and your usual wifi hotspot is closed, but you still have some online research…read moreleft for that report due at 9am on Monday and working at home is not an option. Have no fear, Lydon Library is here! You can plug in and log on until 2am Sunday thru Thursday during the academic year (September-May)... yes, I said 2AM you procrastinating over-achiever!! Most people are being stupid or sleeping at that hour, but here at UMass Lowell the future engineers and scientists are cramming in their last few hours of studying. (See website for full hours of operation.) This could be Lowell's best kept secret- especially the library's new second floor "Learning Commons" with a variety of seating and table options. Admittedly, I have a slight furniture crush on the acrylic tables that don't overheat my laptop like traditional wood tables do. For the awesome convenience of free late night fast internet you will pay a small price. The entrance is somewhat obscured by Alumni Hall and parking is a bit of an issue. You might get lucky if it's after 5pm and a spot is available behind Cumnock or Southwick Hall. The closest public parking lot is up the street near Egg Roll Cafe- about two blocks from the library. Since EC and DD close before 10pm, your nearest caffeine addiction can be cured by 7-Eleven on Mammoth Rd. Now that you have the power of insider knowledge, I expect that you'll only use it for forces of good.

    Photos
    Lydon Library - Front desk

    Front desk

    Lydon Library - 2nd Floor Learning Commons (left side)

    2nd Floor Learning Commons (left side)

    Lydon Library - 2nd Floor Learninh Commons (Right side)

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    2nd Floor Learninh Commons (Right side)

    Brooks Memorial Library - Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro

    Brooks Memorial Library

    4.2(6 reviews)
    15.1 mi

    Today's "office" was the Brattleboro library. Easy, clean, comfortable…read more I found a nice spot on the upper floor where I was undisturbed for five hours of emails, quiet Zoom meetings and perhaps a few Yelp reviews got cranked out in between here and there. The library is quite modern on the inside despite being in an older and refined building. A large collection of books including the usual fiction, non-fiction, reference and periodicals. Friendly and helpful staff who helped me get settled. And a free wifi that worked very well. Street parking with meters and you're expected to find a different space after two hours. Okay, I did that. [Review 18442 overall - 42 in Vermont - 1964 of 2022.]

    Thanks Jerry. My experience there was really unfortunate. I recieved a threatening notice that…read moreVermont law allowed for a fine of up to $400. for a book that was not returned. There was no further explanation offered, no further elaboration, or justification for that amount. That is the basis of my Yelp. The day I got the notice, I was, ironically, driving to Boston to return books to both the Boston Public Library, and a university library. When I returned to Brattleboro and saw the notice, I came in inquire about the threatening tone of the note. I was assured by reference librarian the that they only sent that after an initial notice had been ignored, and that fine amount was encoded in Vermont law. I had not recieved any prior notice and I asked if there was a record that the first notice was indeed sent to me. The reference librarian then took me back to the office behind the main desk. A woman there looked up my account and told both of us that there had, in fact, been no prior notice sent. There had indeed been an error. I love the charm of the library, but I woud not assume people are out to harm it or inflict financial strain on it. I am curious to know how anyone (particularly a legislator) thought $400 was a good idea, or why it would be used as an incentive to get a book back? That's where I think $25 would do the trick. It seems like overkill and unecessarily threatening.

    Photos
    Brooks Memorial Library - Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro

    Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro

    Brooks Memorial Library - Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro

    Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro

    Brooks Memorial Library

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    Forbes Library - 2nd floor

    Forbes Library

    4.4(13 reviews)
    46.3 mi

    The Forbes Library in Northampton, Massachusetts, was established through the will of Judge Charles…read moreEdward Forbes, who died in 1881. He left $220,000 to the city to create a public library that would be free and accessible to all residents. Construction began in 1893, and the library opened in 1894. The building was designed by architect William Brocklesby in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, using Longmeadow brownstone and fireproof steel framing. It remains one of the most architecturally distinctive civic buildings in western Massachusetts. Judge Forbes was not related to the Forbes family associated with Forbes magazine or the well-known Forbes millionaire rankings. His wealth came from investments in the New Haven and Northampton Canal and later in railroads. He lived modestly, never married, and rented rooms in town. His legacy was civic rather than commercial, focused on education and public access to knowledge. The library also houses the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum, reflecting its deep ties to local and national history. So while the name might suggest a connection to publishing or wealth, the Forbes Library stands as a monument to quiet generosity and intellectual accessibility. Beyond the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Museum, the Forbes Library offered a warm, welcoming space filled with quiet nooks, curated art displays, and shelves that seemed to stretch endlessly with local history, fiction, and research materials. We explored the main reading room, where natural light poured through tall windows and the original woodwork lent a sense of timeless dignity. A rotating exhibit near the entrance showcased regional artists, while tucked-away corners revealed archival maps and Northampton memorabilia. The elevator made it easy to reach the upper floors, ensuring that the library's resources and charm were accessible to everyone, regardless of mobility. [Review 1135 of 2025 - 1276 in Massachusetts - 24688 overall]

    You know me and Libraries; can't keep me out of them!! and this one I daresay is my favorite in the…read moreWestern Mass area. Ok, ok, it's not just because Paco the vegetarian Pirahna is here. The building itself is an architectural marvel. There's something about this beautiful building that's up on the hill, surrounded by large oaks. It's as if the leaves billowing in the wind beckon you to: "please come in." There's just something about where this building is situated that exudes peace and tranquility. You'll see that others feel the same in the reviews. If you follow Forbes on Instagram, you'll not only see that it's active with events, but a lot of them strive to help the community. They have an upcoming event where they'll have clothes, shoes and general business attire available for people who are looking to get a job. I can't think of any other library that does that. To further expand on that note; they lend out musical instruments. You read right; you can borrow musical instruments here. I'm not sure what details are involved but I personally found that to be incredible, and a show of the willingness to go the extra mile for the community. Yes, you do have to pay for parking here. I know that sounds off putting, but there is a sign on the property that says the proceeds help the library and their programs. Besides, I think a dime gives you 20 minutes time so it's extremely cheap. Keep up the good work Forbes! You definitely have admirers.

    Photos
    Forbes Library - By the entrance

    By the entrance

    Forbes Library
    Forbes Library - Stairs from the 2nd floor

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    Stairs from the 2nd floor

    Keene Public Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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