I've only been using this library for the past six months, and I really wish I had started sooner…read more The space is always clean and well-kept, and I spend most of my time with my kids in the children's section on the ground floor. They have a wonderful selection of books for all ages, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn they also lend out audiobooks and video games. My 4-year-old daughter loved borrowing the Bluey game for our Switch--it was a great way for her to try it without us having to buy it. The staff is very friendly, especially in the children's area. They're polite, engaging, and always helpful. One unique feature is the sarcophagus with "Mr. Bones," the friendly neighborhood skeleton--my son's absolute favorite part of the library. He also enjoys the play area, which has a train table and puzzles. There are computers available for kids to play games or do homework, and plenty of comfortable reading spaces for everyone. If I had one wish, it would be for more kids' activities like story times or reading groups on Saturdays, since I work during the week. Still, I know this is not uncommon these days. Overall, this library is a wonderful place to spark a love of reading and play for kids, or to enjoy as an adult if you're looking for a comfortable, quiet space.

Newer to the Library scene and feel like they are so underrated. The Lucius Beebe library is great…read more It is down on Main St. and easy to get to. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The enrollment process for a library card is very quick and easy. It is three stories with lots of books, movies, tables/chairs, computers, etc. I primarily get ebooks through Libby on my Kindle, which has been an awesome resource; occasionally I will go in and get a hard-copy though and they have a lot to offer. They are very generous with the rental time and renewals and communicate effectively. I really enjoy that they have both the noble and libby app too - this makes things really easy. Highly recommend!

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.

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.

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.

Have come here a handful of times and am now officially making use of this public space. Very quiet…read moreand perfect place to get some studying done. Will come as often as I can. There is metered street parking in front and might have private parking in back. Attached are their summer and Labor Day weekend hours.

Architecture inside gorgeous. Hidden gem, great selection, not too busy, friendly librarians and…read morejust the building itself, walking in their took my breath away. I stopped by here just to print something and I was awe struck by the architecture and uniqueness. Also they had some rare non fiction stuff which is what I read mostly. I also noticed it's ADA accessible In some areas. There are chair lifts etc. Check out these pictures,it's like an awesome museum. I cannot believe I've been living and working in this area the past 15 years and never heard about it! Looks closed sometimes from the outside- especially from the parking lott in back, but don't let that throw you off. It's like a speakeasy library...

this library doesn't have very vast study spaces but overall is pretty nice. the layout is pretty…read moregood. nothing crazy tho. they do have a good selection.

Great selection of dvds and has free computers and internet. Really nice insideread more

This is a great library. It was quiet and a great place to study. The study room I used was clean…read moreand well kept. I will definitely be back here.

this library is pretty nice. the upper floor is very creaky and even a bit shaky. the ambiance is…read moreokay. staff were nice. i think the masks signs still being up in 2023 is a bit extra.

Came here to work in a quiet space. Was able to find a seat right away with plenty of space from…read moreothers. A peaceful spot that I will come again to.

A man named…read moreGeorge The Peabody Institute and Library was constructed in 1854 from a gift by George Peabody. Ol' George was a boy that was dirt poor but through hard work and intelligence made bezillions of dollars over the years. George not only made this library possible but a whole bunch of other pretty amazing places. Including a certain Peabody Museum at Yale University in CT. The library was designed by famous architect Richard Bond and is a lovely brick building that has gone through lots of additions and changes over the years. I heard that it once had a huge tower in that back that was destroyed decades ago. The library is rather scattered inside, some rooms are ornate and beautiful and others very plain. It's easy to tell where the additions were added because they don't blend in well with the old parts. The library is a fascinating place to explore, the kids room and local history room are really cool and it's the type of library with lots of nooks and places to check out. Some were places where I suspect I wasn't suppose to be. The librarians here were wonderful and friendly and happy to tell me all about their cool, old library. Not as grand and stunning as some other old libraries but the Peabody Institute definitely is unique.

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.