One of my favorite libraries in the city (or collection of neighboring city states that is Boston)…read morebeautiful, classy, well organized. So in short amazing atmosphere, super helpful staff. Amazing kid, young adult and adult programs and activities always happening. Super safe, and you almost kinda find street parking here compared to the main library in the city that you absolutely cannot. Great place to skim books, act like your reading and people watch, or actually escape to finish homework.

The Hive, audiobooks, DVDs/blue rays, and of course books, there's nothing this library does not…read morehave. Staff is always so kind and friendly too. Lots of fun events/classes to check out!

After moving to a new area, I always like to check out the public library. This library was very…read morebusy when I went, but like other reviewers mentioned - after school hours are expected to be the busiest. I didn't' stay long on this visit but will definitely come back during some quieter hours. I must have looked a bit bewildered, because a friendly librarian approached with a smile and offered to answer any questions. Sadly I did not catch her name, but I was thankful for the greeting.

I have to laugh when reading other reviews on the Somerville Public Library. Reviews. On a library…read more Five stars for books on shelves, you say? The staff is extremely nice and, to echo the sentiments of my fellow Yelpers, are quick to alleviate the pains of the $2 late fee cap. I've only found one or two paperbacks I wanted at a given time on the shelves at this location (-1 *) but who really does that anymore? This crazy little Interwebspace makes it fun and easy to find a title and request it from any library in the Minuteman network. Well, not fun but definitely easy. With this system, I get an email to let me know my book is, um, in da house. And for those long commutes of yesteryear, the CD audiobook selection was a lifesaver. Did you know you can even download a large selection of free audiobooks in mp3 format? Eat your heart out iPhone technology. Central location makes a swing by convenient and Saturday hours rock my bookworm face off. So, turn off the TV will ya? Paper is the new On Demand.

I've driven past this library for decades but never went inside until the past few years. After my…read moresecond 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.

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

Great place to study and work on case studies. Harvard…read morestudent ID gets you in the doors with no questions or waits.

From the owner: The mission of the Harvard Law School Library is to support the research and curricular needs of…read moreits faculty and students by providing a superb collection of legal materials and by offering the highest possible level of service. To the extent consistent with its mission, the Library supports the research needs of the greater Harvard community as well as scholars from outside the Harvard community requiring access to its unique collections. Please see our website for current hours as they vary throughout the academic year.

This is our local library branch and we feel so lucky to have it. My kids love to come here, the…read morechildren's room and librarian are fantastic. The outdoor space is lovely as well. Have not spent time here using workspace as an adult but would consider doing so! Grateful for this public resource.

This branch has the STUPIDEST F*CKING HOURS EVAR…read more I'm sorry, i get it, you can't staff all branch libraries every damn hour of the day, but the hours at the West Branch are not only paltry (to say the least) but are COMPLETELY FREAKING ARBITRARY. Want to go on Monday to pick up your book from interlibrary loan? Well you're in luck my friend-- we're open from 10AM to 9 at night! Hooray!!!! Oh, did you have some other Monday commitment? No problem, why don't you stop by on Wednesday! Oooooh, sorry man. Nice try, but we keep a strict 2-6PM policy on Wednesdays. It's just the way we roll. And same with Fridays. Oh, did you say you wanted to pop by on Saturday? Yeah, tough sh*t. We take the weekends off too. Try next Monday! I mean, for the love of God, the whole point of branch libraries is that it makes it more CONVENIENT for local residents to pop by and grab a book. Instead, it would have been more than worth my time to drive/walk/crawl/take the 88 down to Somerville Central and grab that damn copy of Yo, Rigoberta Menchu. I've learned my lesson. And seriously: how much $$$ does it take to staff the library? $10 an hour? Seriously. Time to call 311 Direct. ANGST! OUTRAGE! ENTITLEMENT TO MY BOOKS!!!!!111111

I was in Boston for a conference this week, and it's always a shame to not do or see anything in…read morethe city where you've been for work. I knew I wouldn't have much free time and needed to get some work done between the end of the conference and leaving for the airport. When I discovered the Athenaeum, I thought - perfect! So what is the Boston Athenaeum? It's a "unique combination of library, museum, and cultural center in a magnificent landmark building . . . One of the country's oldest and most distinguished independent libraries..." It's a great place to work, study, and socialize. The first floor of the Athenaeum (where they have several galleries, including one for temporary exhibits) is open to the public. The rest of the floors are open to members only. Annual membership is currently $506/year or $338 for people 40 and under. However, they offer a day pass ($40), which is how I took advantage of the Athenaeum for a day. There are desks, chairs, patios, tables - tons of places to work and study and read. There are incredible views. The collection of art on the main level was worth seeing, and I also enjoyed their temporary exhibit: "Allan Rohan Crite: Griot of Boston." I wish they had provided a map, because - as a first time visitor - I got very confused by the floorplan. I couldn't find stairs so used the elevator, but one elevator only went to the second of five floors, so ... I wandered, found a place on the fourth floor to work from, and explored. It's really beautiful and it was a great place to get some work done while learning a little about Boston. $40 was a little steep, but it allowed me to get a little bit of a museum visit in while also allowing me the opportunity to work in a more beautiful place for a few hours. I'd happily check it out again. If I lived in Boston, I'd definitely consider becoming a member.

We've gone to so many incredible talks at the Athenaeum. In addition to it being a beautiful…read morelibrary, the author talks and events really make this place special. Most recently, we went to a talk on George Washington's private library collection.

As someone who is not a student, I absolutely give this library 5 stars. My parents used to teach…read moreat Tufts, and all through high school I would cut class to come watch foreign films in the AV room, which I could access by leaving my keys at the desk since I had no form of ID whatsoever. I always came here rather than my school's crap library when I had a paper, and still sometimes go to read lit criticism. They have EVERYTHING!!! I have always loved libraries and this one is among the best. I love walking up that beautiful pastoral green hill and I love that they are open practically all night. I just wish I could check out materials.

It'll do. I know this is snobby, but my undergrad college had the 3rd-biggest university library…read morein the country...Tisch seems a little dinky in comparison. I mean, it's FINE, but nothing to write home about. BUT. The reference librarians here are awesome. Friendly, accommodating, and smart smart smart. Use them!

Great study spot! This place is low key and doesn't get a lot of foot traffic like the other…read morelibraries. This place is super quiet too. Plenty of places for private studying. It was easy for me to find a spot of my own and can make the space as chaotic as I want it to be. Downside is that the gendered restrooms are located on different floors. I had to go upstairs for my gender-assigned restroom.

I think I've got a crush on you, Lamont. What a gorgeous name for a library. Say it with me…read more. Lamont. :) Oookay, perhaps, I'm starting to lose it. I've been writing way too many papers. ANYWAY, what's so great about Lamont? Well, currently during finals reading period, it's open for 24 hours.. plus, there's a cafe inside that serves food (your typical pre-made sandwiches, snacks) and drinks (coffee from Starbucks). And really, as a student that is all you need... quiet space open for 24 hours with food and drinks. Happy studying!

Tucked away behind the intimidating façade of an old New England building, complete with austere…read morecolumns, the Papercut 'Zine Library is the epitome of a hidden gem. Located on the first floor of the Democracy Center, away from the hustle and bustle of Harvard Square, Papercut is worth stepping off the beaten path. Inside their cozy one-room locale, wood paneling lines the walls, and Christmas tree lights are draped over the windows, giving the whole thing a feeling of an Elks lounge crossed with your best friend's basement. Not that the wood paneling is especially visible, behind the shelves BURSTING with 'zines. Everything from DIY pamphlets, to political manifestos, cutting edge music reviews, art criticisms, graphic art stories, self-published novellas, and environmentalist tome is crammed into this small space. Whatever your interest and intrigue, someone has written about it in 'zine form, and Papercut has the most impressive collection of 'zines I have every seen. Which is not surprising, considering that many of the volunteers who work there are 'zinesters themselves. During hours of operation, the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and what some people might refer to as chillaxed. If you want to talk shop, they are more than willing, but if you want to just kick back and lounge on the worn yet comfy furniture with a stack of 'zines, they'll leave you to it. Their enthusiasm for the topic of self-publishing is infectious, just ask the people who come to their many events, such as indie bands, sushi dinners, and 'zine fairs. Membership is free and fun, as the library cards are made right in front of you and are created from recycled calendar images, decoupaged onto cardstock. And it doesn't matter if you live out of state and are just passing through. Papercut works on the honor system, so they trust you to mail back anything you borrow. And, if you don't live in the area, Papercut still cares about your 'zine needs. Their website provides you with reviews of 'zines, so you know what to look for; and a list of 'zine-carrying institutes across the country so you can find a library near you. So go ahead and fill your free time with uncensored literature of the masses, you dissident. Check them out online at: http://www.papercutzinelibrary.org And check out our DIY 'zine at: http://packratmag.com/zine

This is a great little library. They have an enormous selection of independently produced zines. I…read morewent in there ready to scoff but was very impressed. The zines are of surprisingly uniform and high quality and are definitely worth visiting. The building itself seems to be used for various lefty causes, some of which you may find interesting. Go check it out, and maybe get a library card and check out some zines, too.

It is good for kids and I know because I am a kid. And I think that a parent should definitely take…read moretheir kid.

This is the closest library branch to our house. It's small, yes. It's also adorably antiquated…read more With that being said, you can get any of the books through the Minuteman catalog of books that you want. This is also the poll I head to when I vote, and they do a good job in turning it into a polling station. There's a cute little park next to the library if you want to hang out, though it isn't a dog friendly park, so don't bring your furry friends.