I've driven past this library for decades but never went inside until the past few years. After my second visit to,look around, I just had to get myself a library card here. Besides being an architecturally appealing building, I love the layout and offerings. I've found books, and other items that other libraries either don't have or are hard to get, being checked out frequently. I recently discovered their nice DVD section. I found all seasons of Get Smart and rented them all over a period of about 5-1/2 weeks. They have a decent selection of Blu-Ray discs as well. The first room on the left as you enter is where they keep newspapers and periodicals. It's also a wonderful spot to sit and read. There's a small but adequate metered parking lot behind the building , which is managed by the Town. There's on-street metered parking as well. Just a block or two away, you'll find free parking on the side streets. They also offer passes to museums and some other local attractions, although, in most cases, the discount is somewhat less than those available from the Boston Public Library. The advantage is this is both easier to get to and park at. They do also offer,some virtual passes that you can easily obtain online. It is near at least two MBTA bus routes (77, 87). The staff is very helpful and friendly. They are associated with several other libraries within their network as well. read more

Great library. Helpful staff. Lots of audiobooks and DVDs. And a comfy area to explore fiction. Love the big overstuffed chair there.

Just sitting in the main room and reading is such a gorgeous, zen-like experience. Rarely crowded.

Beautiful library in the heart of downtown Arlington center. The building is stately and a good place to work, read, and do research. The Friends of Library sale on the fourth floor is also a good resource; some really interesting books you can get for $2. read more

I love the library. Robbins is a special place to me, in part of how kindly they treat my dad. My dad is a very talkative person who requests a lot of books of various interests, and they always treat him with so much respect. I will occasionally get a call saying they found a rare book for him but it will take some time to arrive at the library. Overall, this library is a gem. The kids area is huge. There are study rooms you can reserve. The building itself is beautiful. Also, I love their book sale! So lucky to have this resource. read more

I like that it has a section dedicate to loud talk --either conferencing, phone call, or collaborative work. Food is also allowed if not messy or open container. It's a huge library with branches in other locations. Easy to obtain library with area address. Open wi-fi. Pleasant to kids too!/easy access to books and borrowing. The printing card machine needs an upgrade, though. But librarians were very helpful. read more

I love libraries. This one has a great historic reading room. One floor is dedicated to kids. The young adult section is cool. "The library of borrowed things", let's you check out board games, musical instruments, cooking stuff and more. There are no late fees. Any books get automatically renewed twice. The staff are friendly and helpful. You can get discounted museum passes. There are study rooms you can reserve. Lastly, your library card gives you access to Libby and Hoopla, where you read ebooks and more. Plus, you can use your card at any library in the Minuteman network read more

Love this library. Beautiful architecture, a wide range of services, quiet study areas, historical children's collection, helpful staff. A true treasure and emblematic of the town's public spirit. Two thumbs way up. read more

The staff are quite amazing, the library is beautiful! Many floors for different types of reading, and the books for an old lady like myself are a must! read more

Great study spot. So many places to sit including lots of carrels and a couple of tables. Bring a small pillow or sweater for your lower back if you sit in the upholstered chairs though. Very charming, interesting architecture. The large room with the magazine shelves has such amazing presence. It's a treat to read in there. You could spend a half hour just looking around the details of the room. Love the free parking when you're lucky enough to get a spot. read more

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I recently moved to the area and my daughter wanted to get a library card. While speaking to a librarian named Anna on the phone, she rudely corrected my daughter because she mispronounced a word. She is only 7 and this embarrassed her. I always had a love for libraries and now Anna has diminished the same love for libraries I hoped to instill in my daughter. Very disappointing. read more

What a shame. I've visited the Arlington Public Library a number of times and had liked it reasonably well - clearly the architecture is beautiful and it has a fairly good selection, although I will say the checkout lines can be very long. However, this weekend when I stopped in to check out movies for the first time, I was stunned to discover that there's a $1 fee per film. I've never, never heard of this. I borrow from the libraries in the adjacent communities of Cambridge, Somerville, and Lexington on a regular basis, and there's absolutely no fee for movies at any of these libraries. When I asked the librarian if this was true of all movies, she explained that documentaries with "educational value" are free, but that there is a charge for "all fiction movies." I have to say, I feel uncomfortable with the Robbins Library being the arbiter as to what has educational value, and found it especially ironic given that I was attempting to check out three Criterion Collection films. It's frustrating because I'm just about to move to Arlington and had planned to use Robbins as my primary library, but I'm certainly not going to pay to check out media materials at a public library. I'll have to keep relying on other libraries in the area... read more

One of the most beautiful libraries I've been to in a long time. Three floors of books, with a pretty decent-sized YA section and a massive non-fiction collection. I love the reading room near the entrance, which is one of the only large rooms from the original library building that's in much use (the rest has been converted to study rooms/Friends of the library book sale, while most of the modern library was built later in an add-on building). DVDs are rental-only, but I don't mind donating a dollar or two to the Friends for a good cause. There's also free off-street parking if you drive, which isn't so common for libraries closer to the Boston metro area. And as a sidenote: the circ people are some of the friendliest circ desk workers I've met yet in any library! read more

Oh, thank you thank you thank you, Robbins, for making me excited to go dawdle in my local public library again. What an upgrade over the architecturally moribund Somerville public (my former haunt), which, while fulfilling all the necessary functions, did nothing to promote itself as a central hub of the community. An outdated, decaying physical plant providing the perfect complement to its drab interior, it was just depressing, strictly a dash in and dash out establishment. Not so Robbins. With its spacious atrium, its mix of classical and modern architecture, and the ready availability of nice deep comfy chairs, it is the Rolls Royce of the Minuteman network. The collection is laid out in a most sensible and efficient manner, allowing for easy browesability and quickness of locating a particular section. Boasts a voluminous media collection, though film and TV rentals will set you back a buck to check out. At first this irked me, but then I realized that because of it a) more titles tended to be available and shelf ready and b) the discs tended to be in better condition. Whether the implied classism buried in this charge flies in the face of the core ethos at the bottom of the American public library ideal (open, free access to all citizens), I for one am, I guess, am happy enough to pony up a little dough to jump to the head of the line, and support the cause (DVD charges are funneled right into the upkeep of the library itself). read more

EXCELLENT library, with a superstar Childrens room accessible via stairs or elevator (aka stroller friendly). The main entrance has a huge circular atrium (might be called something else, but I'm not an architect) with balconies that show off peeks of the top three floors. Awesome staircase out front, great book sale areas inside (both adult and childrens books). And did I mention PUPPETS? Yes, you can play with them all you want in the kids section. Might help to have a kid with you so the other parents don't think you're a ped-o weirdo. read more

I love this library. We had our wedding here :) Great selection of books (and they're in the minuteman network, so anything they don't have is probably available by request), great study spaces, and their dvd selection has saved me $$$. read more

Very efficient library. Good selection of books, magazines, and CD's. They even recently started a new system for there computer use. Instead of desktops, you can get a labtop with your library card, and they have plenty of them, and take it to any nook or cranny in the library. Very convenient. They also have a scanning machine and copier machine, along with meeting rooms if needed. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. read more

This library is a gem. Gorgeous architecture and bountiful resources. Feels like a literate and KIND community.

It's true, really beautiful library. It reminds me of the newport mansions. The gardens next door are really beautiful in the spring. Great place to study/read and very bright. You always need good lighting. Really good children's section. read more

I truly love the Robbins Library. The structure itself is beautiful, but in addition to that, the librarians always go out of their way to help me out. Whether I am looking for a book that needs to be ordered from a different library, information on doing in depth searches, or learning how to use new technologies, they are always so helpful and knowledgeable. I also use the children's room and their activities and simply love going there with my grandchildren. The Robbins Library is simply one of the best things in Arlington. read more

The best place to study in peace. A nice enjoyable spot to study or read, with the sun shining through the windows. read more

This is the noisiest library I have ever been in. The folks at the front desk talk non stop and at full volume. Someone seems to be moving an anvil about every ten minutes and banging it loudly against a wall. It is architecturally stunning. But bring ear plugs if you want to hear yourself think. read more

The Robbins library is the rare institution that is openly welcoming to all walks of life. I am so impressed with their displays and the books they put out - they are serving a very important purpose in our community, especially in these dark times! The 1st floor is usually quiet but if you want a good place for completely quiet reading and studying I always love the silent 2nd floor. It's so nice to have evening hours (9pm!) throughout the week when some of the local coffee shops close at around dinner time. I was a little worried about the parking change, but parking is still pretty easy and low cost (15 minutes free if you're just popping in to pick up books). One more cool thing we discovered is all of the things besides books you can take home - including borrowing art for your walls! This library definitely deserves it's rave reviews. read more

I love many things about this library. First the excellent staff, friendly, helpful and kind to everyone. Second the gorgeous building, the windows, the old reference room, the rotunda all inspire awe and peace. There are the various floors of books to explore and the children's rooms are easy to navigate. All in all I am very grateful that Arlington has invested in such a wonderful community resource. read more

Wow! What a great library. I've been to several very nice libraries in my life, but after coming from using the Medford Library, what a difference! The kids room on the Lower Level, is the entire level, not just a room. Love their 'quick picks' book packs and sitting areas. I would like to see their hours a bit later and open on weekends even during the summer. read more

Incredibly beautiful library with plenty of places to get reading/work/thinking done. Off-street parking available, which is nice. Good selection of books and access through the Minuteman Library network to an enormous selection. I've been able to get out-of-stock books quickly and without hassle. read more

It's a great resource here. One of the best things that hasn't yet been mentioned is that you can also take out artwork for six weeks (limit two at a time). The DVD collection is good, the reading rooms are nice, they have a lot of magazines and the opening hours are good (even open 2-5 pm during the school year!). One of the best town libraries I've ever been to. read more

The larger of the two libraries in Arlington, Robbins is, quite simply, amazing. They have free wifi throughout the library and offer computers, free to use as long as you have a library card. Also supplied are countless places to sit and read as well as more private desks for studying or to block possible distractions. In the Teen Fiction section, three tables are reserved from 3 to 5 in the afternoon, just for students to study and do homework, a very nice addition which has helped me quite a lot in recent years. The building itself is quite beautiful. The circulation and check-out desk is located in a beautiful entrance with a high ceiling and a wondrous skylight. The architecture is simply breath-taking, reminiscent of an old style mansion with its great column and the endless garden located in the back. The Children's room in the basement is quite nice and is filled with fun puppets and puzzles, perfect to distract the little kiddies. With the miles of book stacks, they basically have any book you could ever want. Even better, if they don't have the specific book your looking for, they can simply order it from another library free of charge. They'll even call you to let you know when your book is in. Also offered are computers specifically designated to looking for books and their locations on the Minuteman Library Network. It's all very easy to use and you'll be able to find what you're looking for with little to no difficulty. They also have DVD and TV series for rental, at just $1 a week. Their selection isn't that big but it's quite larger than that of most libraries. The librarians are some of the nicest around. They are some of the most helpful and patient people around. I've personally known one of the main librarians my entire life. Even after I came into the library after a two year hiatus, growing about 6 inches and dying my hair in the time, the librarian still recognized me and asked about my mother by name. They are very personable and some of the best I've even encountered. read more

The library suits me in two ways: I am in the dark ages technologically so I still read actual books, and I am cheap so I never buy them. This library in particular is great. It is huge, beautiful, has a fantastic selection and friendly staff. Did you know you can use the internet at the library for free? Or that you can check out DVDs and CDs? And they have good stuff too, like Entourage and newer movies. Don't know what to check out? Ask the librarian and she will give you a suggestion! They don't have the book you want? Let them know and they will order it up for you and let you know when it comes in! And for the tech savvy you can renew books, reserve books and tickets and search the catalog online. read more

Absolutely beautiful and amazing library. As a grad student I come here a lot to get work/studying done. The study area on the 3rd floor is perfect. However many people don't respect the quiet aspect of the floor. Taking phone calls and obnoxious teens being loud. There's no authority or anyone controlling the floor resulting in everyone treating it as a coffee shop. If your there at the right time and day it can be quiet and relaxing to get work done. Don't count on it. read more

I love my local library. I remember the renovations done back in the 90s (oh hush you) and I love how they were able to incorporate the new building with the old building. It still looks wonderfully historical, but the whole basement is dedicated to children, they are slowly amassing a large CD collection, there are lots of study desks, cookbook selection is decent, etc. And it's easy to get to. There's a parking lot, street parking, and buses since it's on Mass Ave. read more

the staff is really nice and patient. The printing process is a bit cumbersome and could use some more instructions. The main reading room is beautiful even if a bit tight in space. read more

This library has really gone downhill over the years. It used to be a well-run place with friendly employees. In more recent times their customer service has taken a downward turn. In particular, Willow at the front desk has to be the single rudest library employee I've ever encountered. She's friendly and chatty with some people and completely rude and unprofessional to others. The library frequently is opened several minutes past opening time when she's on staff for the day, and her attitude on closing shifts ....watch out. She turned off the wifi 5 minutes before 9pm one night recently when we asked her if we could wait until a download was finished (it had about 60 seconds left and was important.) What a completely petty thing to do!! We should have just said nothing. It was as if she turned it off before closing time just to spite us for asking. Had to go to Starbucks to finish it, because she wanted to exercise her authority. Please get rid of this girl!! The thing that pushed me over the edge enough to write this review was how disorganized the front desk is now - it takes them nearly a week to respond to emails. And they charged me for a book I returned, that they apparently lost. Robbins Library... I have many fond memories of you as a child, but those days are sadly gone. read more

What a great place to study! Nice and usually quiet, save for a few hyperactive kids (better than they hyperactive homeless people in the Boston Public Library--or hogging the computers at the Chicago Public Library). Glad that they can get me books from anywhere in their network (and they have a surprisingly decent Transcendentalism collection in that network) and also some things through interlibrary loan. I go in there on a Sunday and just read for three hours, I come out feeling relaxed and ready to start up the week again on Monday--almost. read more

They have a very liberal agenda here, so much so that I will not bring my children. The books on display and events are not appropriate for children and families. I will not support this library if they continue to indoctrinate our children. read more

Historic piece of town's history, old book smell and all, beautifully preserved in the heart of Arlington center, with many sections, from small rooms with private study carrels to active meeting rooms lively with events. Limited parking in immediate lot. There is a large metered lot behind the Arlington Center businesses. read more

Robbins Library is awesome. It is huge, so you have enough space to read or do work without being bothered. The staff is super helpful and friendly. They have an amazing selection of fiction books and if they don't have what you went they will try and find it at another branch. DVDs can be rented for a week and you only pay a dollar per movie. read more

Cute entrance to study rooms, huge DVD collection, great selection of magazines and journals, easy-access computers and wifi, and nice library staff. I love coming here whenever I can, it's a comfortable place to be and the temperature is always right (not an icebox nor a sauna). They have a nice stock of classics, but if I want something contemporary (e.g., Palahniuk, Pinker, etc), I usually have to request the book online. But that is absolutely painless. Arlington has a great library! read more

It is one of the most beautiful libraries around. the staff is helpful and they have good collections. I wish there were more hours but that is an issue with town funding. I also wish the parking was better but again not their fault. the library itself is great! read more

The stately central library in downtown Arlington greets the visitor with an atrium filled with classical 19th century paintings and sculptures. The atmosphere is hushed and mixed with the scent of old books. There are many nooks and crannies to hideaway and focus on reading, writing or study. It is easy to get lost in the book collections, the artwork (which you can rent out), the music CDs and the wide selection of DVDs, including current releases. It's a destination when you need quiet tranquility. read more