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    Waltham Public Library

    3.9 (38 reviews)
    Closed 1:00 pm - 5:00 PM

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    Brian S.

    A great place for a book The Waltham Library sure has grown and changed a lot over the years. The first library in the town started way back in 1865 and the present building was built in 1915. It had many different additions over the years and in 1994 the extensive renovations doubled the size of the building. The folks who built the original building probably wouldn't even recognize it. As with most old buildings that have additions, the library is a rambling collection of different sized and shaped rooms. I find that this adds to the aesthetics and charm of the edifice but first time users might find it somewhat disorientating. I like the fact that you can always find a little corner or nook to sit and read or do research. A lot nicer than just endless rows of tables that you find in the more modern, larger libraries. Of course the people working at a library a library are probably at least as important as the tomes and fortunately the people working here are friendly and pleasant. One of the women working at the desk patiently answered my dumb questions about the library's history and seemed to have a plethora of information right off the top of her head. She told me that the facility had over 155,000 books, 400 magazines and periodicals and 30 Internet stations. Also gave me lots of other numbers, facts and figures that I quickly forgot. Didn't expect such a quick shock and awe assault of statistics. but it was impressive and very cool. Sure the parking is difficult around the library but you can always find something if you don't mind walking a bit. And the organization of the different materials can be confusing at first but this is common in older libraries that have expanded over the years. Besides the very helpful and pleasant staff will always assist you. The Waltham Library is a somewhat eccentric library that retains the charm of older building while still having the modern amenities and information a newer facility. Like most unusual or atypical things, whether it's people or buildings, you have to make a few compromises, but in the end it's worth the effort.

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    11 years ago

    Newly renovated, clean, big, and friendly staff. They even have a nice sitting area out front.

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    Review Highlights - Waltham Public Library

    I was used to the Copley BPL that smelled like the inside of a T station on a humid day, but the Waltham library is actually quite nice inside.

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    Robbins Library

    Robbins Library

    4.4(50 reviews)
    5.1 miArlington Center

    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.

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    Robbins Library
    Robbins Library
    Robbins Library - Teens only study area

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    Teens only study area

    Boston Public Library - Exterior

    Boston Public Library

    4.6(659 reviews)
    8.5 miBack Bay

    The Boston Public Library is an institution. It is famous for being the first large, free…read moremunicipal library in the United States, established in 1848. Known as a "palace for the people," it is renowned for its stunning Renaissance Revival architecture, the iconic Bates Hall reading room, and an extensive collection of over 23 million items. My niece loved taking pictures of the outside building as well as the inside areas near the fountain. On certain days and times, you can watch live broadcasts from GBH inside the cafe.

    This is an absolutely gorgeous library, the older section houses fantastic art and feels more like…read morea museum than a library. It also has the Courtyard Tea Room (reservations available on Open Table) for traditional afternoon tea on the main level. I was able to peek inside but it was being prepared for a private event. Adjacent to the tea room is the Map Room Lounge for small bites and cocktails. Very cool. Bates Hall was amazing to walk into, but it was full of people studying, so I limited my visit to one end of the hall. In between the older part and the newer part of the library (where most of the books are, and a coffee shop/gift shop as well) is the Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center. They currently have a super interesting display called "Declarations: Printing a New Nation" with original copies of the Declaration of Independence in various formats. It was also really interesting to see the display of the maps of Boston over time and how the city changed. A must see if you are in Boston!

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    Boston Public Library - The lions. The ceiling. The floors. All of it was gorgeous!

    The lions. The ceiling. The floors. All of it was gorgeous!

    Boston Public Library - Bates Reading Room

    Bates Reading Room

    Boston Public Library - Newsfeed cafe in the library

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    Newsfeed cafe in the library

    Waltham Public Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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