I really like this library. It is very historical and it has some cool stuff at the library…read more There's a permanent display of military weapons as well as a really cool bear sculpture. The Children's library is really nice downstairs. The library staff are nice people and the atmosphere is really old but really kept up spotless.

Easthampton's Emily Williston Library and I go back 35 years, and the staff is unfailingly polite…read moreand helpful. The building is an architectural gem, and its collection seems well curated. Being able to request materials using the cwmars system gives access to a large network of libraries, so building size is not important to me. The location is convenient, and parking is generally easy except when school gets out. They were good sports when I added B to the start of their READ sign one April Fools day.

If you love our country, the arts and bingo not the place for you. South Hadley and Forbes and…read moreSpringfield have nicer staff. I do appreciate them flying the American flag. They should fly a progress flag as well.

I love this library! It's absolutely gorgeous!…read more It's relatively new and it's pretty large. On the main floor, they've got fiction, a teen area, all the media, and a bunch of areas to sit and relax and read. They've got the largest children's room around by far! Oh my goodness! They've got iPads, large research computers, the small computers for the little little ones, and even a 3D printer! It's so cool! Downstairs they've got the computers and non fiction, along with a few rooms for meetings and such. It really is a beautiful place.

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.

I love libraries, and no matter where I travel and if time allows it, I'll usually try to visit…read moreone. Nobody can deny how beautiful the building is. I was reading up on how it was built in 1912 in the Italian renaissance style, not that dissimilar to the Greco-Roman style with its ivory pillars. It's so beautiful, it felt like I was in a museum rather than a library. As I walked through the passageways, I wondered who had walked here back in those days? Men? Women? Were women even allowed inside places of learning back then? Once again, I dragged my brother along for use of his library card as I am only visiting during my mother's surgical recovery and checked out a few books. They do have a vast selection compared to other libraries I have seen. Including DVD's, music, even video games!!! Never thought I'd see that in a library. My library back home gives no such visual inspirations and has media but it's limited to just DVD's and music so I was very impressed with what I saw here. I asked about a particular author whose works I wanted to check out and while it wasn't at that location, I was told that it could be delivered, so great service there. If I lived here, I'd probably frequent this library all the time. The building being so extraordinary is just icing on the cake.

You would think because of all were going through with the pandemic,, that they would knock of late…read morefees considered parents are struggling,,,my son has a $40 charge on his card for a game we never checked out,I spoke to the supervisor at the central library about my situation, and he was rude about it,,,my son and I used to love going to the library. Not anymore we dont,,and their supposed to be friendly,,,yea right.the libraries have become very dissatisfied and disappointing .

This three story library is beautiful. Modern and yet refined. Clean and functional and yet…read morecomfortable. The citizens of Holyoke have done well to put together such a fabulous resource! I was here for about three hours today, quietly ensconced at a study carrel on the second floor where I was able to spread out two laptops and my phone. I made (quiet) Zoom calls, sent emails and wrote Yelp reviews. I was not disturbed and in my time, I didn't see many other patrons. Y'all are missing out! Study desks and free computers, books, magazines, music, movies, reference materials and a free wifi. What more do you need? [Review 18422 overall - 1142 in Massachusetts - 1944 of 2022.]

Cute library tucked away in the wooded 16 acres lot. It was quiet, comfortable, with a group of…read moreolder women whispering to each other as they knitted. They have a good selection of books for it being a smaller library. I especially appreciated how they had certain books standing out front and center so you could readily pick them up. Both of my book selections were like this, and they were really great reads. If there's a book you're looking for and they don't have it, ask and they'll order it for you. Cozy, comfortable, quiet, and inviting, everything you want in a library.

Wonderful, child friendly staff!! Always go above and beyond! Nice and quiet for reading!read more

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.