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.

Personal help finding things. Kind and experienced staff is super helpful. They reserved a book…read moreat another library and it was sent to Lilly library for me to check out. -For my book club. Computers available. Love the free Summer concerts just steps away on Thursdays.

From the owner: Lilly Library serves traditional and modern library user's needs. Come check out books, movies,…read moremusic, magazines & more. We also have ebooks and digital audiobooks available on our digital catalog. Find out about storytimes, book clubs for new readers, teens, and mystery lovers, as well as movie show times and other exciting programming on our website.

My favorite place to go when I am in a new town. The library . I would love to check out books but…read moredon't have a card. I really like this place and all.

This rating is in regards to the children's area which I find amazing. In addition to a vast…read morecollection of books the librarians have created a wonderful atmosphere. Writing tables, magnet tables, blocks, restaurant play, office, theme tables...whenever we go in there's something new for my little guy to look at. Tons of DVDs and videos to check out. Huge fish tank is always a draw. Also host activities for all different age groups.

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.

Wow! I love visiting libraries and this one was especially pleasant. It is a large comfortable…read moreplace. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Manchester gets a beautiful new library! Bright and airy filled with BOOKS! DVD'S! Audiobooks! It's…read morejust off 7A north of the Rite Aid, keep an eye out for the blue library sign. There's even a cafe at the entrance of the library with free wifi and plenty of seats.

Very nice small town library, friendly people dedicated to keeping the library alive. I can't…read moreimagine complaining about a local library since most towns don't even have one but I had to respond since the main review complains about being called too many times.

Comically inefficient. A person named Matthew, either a volunteer or employee, repeatedly calls…read moreand e-mails me about an issue that was resolved a month ago. Apparently Matthew listens to a month-old voicemail message day after day, and falsely believes it is a new voicemail message each day. He then responds to the "new" voicemail message by contacting me to tell me the same thing he's told me multiple times and that has been resolved. It's like a "Groundhog Day" time loop which would be comical if it wasn't a complete waste of time and money. Taxpayers pay for the library. I contacted the director, Sharon Sharry, who didn't address the issue but rather relied on Matthew's delusions in defending him and her inefficient library.

Staff was very helpful when I wanted to create a library card. Glad I came to visit when I was in…read moreSaratoga Springs!

I love this library. When we first moved to NYS and started house-hunting, this library and the…read morevibe of downtown drew me to the Saratoga area. I was sad leaving the home, work and friends I had made over the previous 8 years and the library simply felt comfortable and welcoming. One of my initial experiences after our relocation was in their computer classes. Kathy is a wonderful teacher and I looked forward to seeing her smiling face. They offer a wide variety of classes and services for the public. I have taken several computer classes, an introduction to coding class, a cupcake decorating and a dessert class. I have also attended a preschool play group. The main floor features books, cds and dvds for adults. It also has a used book store that I check out regularly for unbelievable bargains. Every Christmas I do an advent tower of books (instead of a calendar) for my friend's little girls. They love unwrapping a book every day until Christmas. Purchasing quite a few of the books there helps keep my costs low for this tradition. There is also a cafe with baked goods, sandwiches, coffee and tea. There are plenty of computers for public use on each floor and help is readily available when needed.The lines are never very long at the numerous check out areas and they have some very practical options for busy patrons. I typically browse the catalog online at home and make my requests via computer allowing me to choose books from libraries all over the Capital region. I check my account regularly and often just run in, return books I have finished and pick up a stack of requested material they have gathered for me. The staff is very friendly and efficient. They make the use of the facilities very convenient. The lower level houses the children's selections, a playroom and story rooms. There are special holiday events , kids classes and so many wonderful activities hosted here. An events calendar is available in print at the facility and online on the website. The upper level has reference materials, plenty of study areas and the computer classroom complete with a 3D printer that can be hired out for projects. Parking can sometimes be difficult, particularly on the weekends or holidays and that keeps them from earning a 5th star. There is truly something for everyone here and I encourage you to visit and/or check out the numerous possibilities thru the website.

Wonderful, friendly, helpful librararians can get you whatever you need. Nice children's library…read more Be sure to check out the Williamstown Historical Museum in the back of the library.

Gorgeous library repurposed from a former ca. 1800's court house (itself on the National Historic…read morePlaces Register). While small, it is charming, efficient in its use of space, a hub of this small town's life (great to see youngsters and teens in here reading and studying!), and utterly nostalgic. The architecture both inside and outside is beautiful. The staff is very friendly as well and knowledgeable about the building's history. In terms of a small-town library, you can't get much better than this one! And if you ever need a dose of classic New England Americana, Lenox is the place to visit and this library is a great place to start!

An oasis of peace and tranquility in an already peaceful town. Enveloped in two sides by a fabulous…read moreflower garden with benches to relax on the cool interior awaits. On entering the library you'll be on a mezzanine floor. Straight ahead for the library, left for the clean and well appointed bathrooms, and downstairs for the Lenox museum and meeting room. The library is comfortable and has a few.computers that you can use at no cost. A gem to experience.

I drive about 30 minutes every time I visit this wonderful library, even though I pass by at least…read moretwo other libraries on the way. It's absolutely worth the drive! I really appreciate the peaceful and welcoming environment, the excellent management team, and the thoughtful overall layout of the library. It's a great place to study, focus, and get work done.

I grew up in Brooklyn, NY and any times politicians needed money, they cut funding to libraries…read morebecause who needs to read, right? When I moved up to Clifton Park in 2018, I discovered this beautiful library and fell in love with it. Wonderful people, great events, very community minded. Thid library is, in a long life of reading, my favorite.