This is quite possibly the cream of the crop when it comes to public libraries in the North Shore…read morearea. I've been borrowing books, movies, and music at this location for nine years, and I have never been disappointed by their policies or their inventory. The staff is a healthy mix of positive work ethics and nonchalant attitude. Never have I felt as though I was walking into a hole in the wall museum,operated by snobby pseudo-intellectual curators. I feel as though the relatively casual atmosphere is maintained due to public appeasement and understanding that the average citizen may feel inhibited walking into a library (where one may expect cranky women with blue hair and bifocal reading glasses to shoot a death stare of silence upon entrance.) The selections at the Reading Public Library are seemingly infinite and their catalog never ceases to settle in an obsolete state or rotation. Their music section is widely varied, with a heavy emphasis on seventies glam/punk and eighties new wave/synth pop, which is right up my alley. As a voracious consumer of comics and graphic novels, many of my voids have been filled, as this section is booming with vintage Marvel/DC fare, along with quirky underground comix reading material. One of this libraries' useful hallmarks is their inclusion of a quiet computer study area, which has been very convenient for me over the years. This room is cut off and isolated for those who need to maintain unwavering focus on personal projects, schoolwork, finances, and the like. As if this isn't a formula for the perfect library, there are vending machines located on the basement level near the book sale room. Yes, you can also eat, drink, and merrily read books at this location, unlike most libraries that scoff at a rumbling stomach or the slightest hint of dehydration. For media geeks of all ages, I cannot rave enough about this library and it's wide range of largely unrivaled assets!

We were peacefully gaming, when one of my friends, got a little upset with one of the kids on a…read morecomputer. It wasn't anything big, but he had just changed schools, and he wanted to play with us. The kid said no, and my friend got a little mad. Nothing big, but the librarian still stepped in to break it up, nothing much. Then we came up with a compromise. However, later on, the librarian decided that we had enough gaming, and kicked us out! We didn't even do anything. There wasn't even anyone waiting in line for the computer. This act even goes against the law. Then, she tried to blame us that we had created a hostile environment earlier in the day. They held us on a 30 min limit on the computers, even though everyone else was not held to the same standard. She also tried saying that the library was closing, even though it was still half an hour away from closing time.

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.

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!

I can't say anything about the book selection, but I came here today to study for my boards and…read morethis is the LAST place on earth anyone should ever try to study. The "quiet" space has an automated elevator that literally announces when it's going up and down and the librarians and patrons literally yell at each other all day long. It's like going to a circus to study.

the building seems to be newly renovated and is very nice inside. cool to checkout and browse the…read moreselection. not too many tables for quiet study but the ambiance is prime for quiet reading/study. i could def hear a pen drop in there!

I love this library-lots of activities and pleasant staff. Some of the negative reviews are really…read moreold; I saw one from 2009! Would be good if Yelp phased out older reviews, those over five years, say.

We love the library, especially the children's section. There have been some recent changes in…read morestaffing, programming, and physical layout and I think it's becoming an even better space for kids. My 3-year-old frequently asks to go and my 6-year-old thinks of the children's librarians as his personal friends.

The Malden Public Library has excellent programming for the community, especially for kids - LEGO…read moreclub, arts & crafts, puppet shows, etc Today I took my son to a program on exotic animals. The group Curious Creatures brought tree frogs, a tarantula, a scorpion, etc. My son got to hold an alligator. It was amazing! In addition to the great programming, the folks who work there are really nice and helpful. I love this place!

I am an over a decade old member of Malden and I can remember like it was yesterday when my mother…read morebrought me into the library to create my library card. I was excited I enjoy reading so when I got my card in middle school I was ecstatic. The reference librarian was always beyond helpful. The amount of growth and change that I have witnessed at this library is astonishing. They do great work such as Malden reads which is a group that chooses a book to read for the month or so and then eventually gets together and discusses their opinions on that specific book. Let me tell you I have been to one book discussion but I am making it my business to attend another one. Hearing so many different perspectives on a book that you read really helps build your intellect and open your mind to different ways people interpret things based off of their own ideas. If you are not affiliated with Malden library in any way I highly recommend you do so when you get a chance. It welcoming and warm and the librarians are A1. #read

Great library. We go to the children's room and the staff there seem pretty friendly, greeting you…read morewith a smile. There are lots of things to catch the little one's interest. There was an activity with magnets set up on the front table to explore. There was a table for coloring, and a table with magnifying glasses and seashells to examine. Towards the back of the library are puzzles, stuffed animals, a mural of sea creatures, and a bunch of other toys. The books are arranged by fiction and nonfiction but they also have sections for specific interests such as "trucks" and "sparkly" where you can quickly select a few books based on your child's interest.

My go-to library. Good selection of books, wifi, clean. And everyone is helpful. There are also…read morerooms that can be reserved.

This is the LOUDEST library that I have ever been to. Employees, please stop yelling. It is aweful…read moreto come here to study, which the library should be one of the quietest places on the planet. You are all so disrespectful.

The Lynnfield Public Library is a good library. The staff is friendly, they have multiple…read morecomputers, and a good Children's section. They have some other stuff like color printing for low prices, tables to eat/bring your laptop and work (with chargers!), and free magazines sometimes near the back.

The building where our library is housed is grand and beautiful, and with the children's section on…read morethe very top floor, my kids get the best seat in the library. The layout is a bit disjointed as another reviewer mentioned, but the fourth floor is typically where our family spends the most of its time, so not too much of an issue for us. I have also worked remotely in the library on days when my offices were closed and it was a nice quiet place to get my work done -- that is, up until around 3 p.m. or so when teenagers pop in and are a bit louder. Another really great thing to know about our library is that they house a "library of things" where you can check out random things like a metal detectors, bolt charger, karaoke machine, label maker, telescope, binoculars, and much more.

Really upsetting that you get there 2 minutes before closing to just pick up a book and they…read morealready closed, I get state they are suppose to close 5 minutes before. Please tell this in the website so everyone that works know.