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    Orange Public Library

    2.0 (1 review)

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    Athol Public Library - The circulation desk

    Athol Public Library

    2.4(5 reviews)
    4.0 mi

    I called to ask some questions about technology classes for my Uncle and the person on the phone…read morewas so rude and wouldn't let me talk. When I nicely pointed out her rude response, she ignored me and asked to talk to my uncle and proceeded to ask him the same questions i answered already . He had asked me to call because he gets confused. It was just a really unprofessional conversation and she acted like she had no time of day to do her job. If you don't like people, than you're clearly in the wrong profession.

    The library is in a nicely renovated historic building. Getting in and out of the parking lot is a…read morelittle tricky if you are not familiar with the area. The collection is very small for a city this size. By comparison Lancaster, which is a town with a couple thousand fewer residents, has more books. Gardner has double the population but probably 6 to 8 times more new books. Masks are optional and are one reason I came, thinking this might be a freedom loving community I would like to move to someday, but it is apparent they don't fund the library the way they should. I could find a library with comparable holdings in a small town without the car thefts and other quality of life issues here. You choose a city because of its amenities and unfortunately Athol is lacking in this regard.

    Photos
    Athol Public Library - The newly-renovated original section of the library.

    The newly-renovated original section of the library.

    Athol Public Library - View of library from behind the Circulation Desk

    View of library from behind the Circulation Desk

    Athol Public Library - Exterior View from the front of the library

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    Exterior View from the front of the library

    Brooks Memorial Library - Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro

    Brooks Memorial Library

    4.2(6 reviews)
    22.3 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)
    25.3 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

    Shrewsbury Public Library - Main staircase

    Shrewsbury Public Library

    4.4(5 reviews)
    36.5 mi

    Located in the town center of Shrewsbury, this newly renovated and redesigned library has a very…read morewelcoming floor plan. The 1903 original library building is blended seamlessly with the newer structure. As you enter, there are many wide open spaces to sit and read throughout the library. For the children, there is a large children section which has a lot of fun animal characters. We were visiting in the winter so the outdoor area was closed but it did look very nice. The parking lot is good but I would imagine that it would always be great to have more parking. Finally, the book self-check-out system is definitely state of the art and there is an electronic drop of book drop off at the main entrance. The architect, Michael Pagano, and the entire library team did an amazing job with this new town community hub. Don't miss the "Let your quest be for knowledge" inscription on the stained glass in the 2nd Floor staircase of the original 1903 Library building.

    We got to visit this beautiful library! It was reopened in October 2016 after the renovation. They…read morehave done such an amazing job, and kept lots of beautiful original architecture and woodworks. It is three stories, with stairs and elevators. I believe they have bathroom on every floor. There are children section, young adult, and adult section, and the flow was very nice, easy to find what you are looking for. They have more than just books, they have many computers, DVDs and CDs, and lots of nice seating areas. They offer several small meeting rooms that you can rent for few hours. You can have a small meeting, or you can just have a super quiet room just for yourself for studying or working. I saw a "Gaming" section where kids can play video games, which was interesting... On the top floor, there is a "Quiet" section for reading and studying. They have snacks and drinks that you can purchase, and some tables and chairs right there for eating (food are not allowed outside the snack section). They also have ATM machine if you need cash for that as well, very considerate. The furniture in kids section are all so cute, colorful and interesting. The outside area off the children section has beautiful murals and cute little sculptures. Beautiful, bright, friendly, really nicely done library!!! They even have a book of the history of library of the town as well, which is really cool and interesting. I wish if we had a library like this in our neighborhood...

    Photos
    Shrewsbury Public Library - Pleasant old room

    Pleasant old room

    Shrewsbury Public Library
    Shrewsbury Public Library

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    Orange Public Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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