The 10 Best Libraries in Massachusetts!

Despite entering an age where information is accessed right at your fingertips, libraries have remained an integral part of communities across the globe. From movies to educational workshops, libraries are great community gathering places. And in Massachusetts, you’ll find some of the very best around. Here are our favorites. 

Boston Public Library, Boston, MA

The ways to use the Boston Public Library are practically limitless. Borrow books, CDs, movies, eBooks and more. Check out their calendar of events that are open to the community. Borrow a pair of passes to a local museum. The Boston Public Library was the first large free municipal library in the U.S.

Thomas Crane Public Library, Quincy, MA

The Thomas Crane Public Library provides a wealth of local history, in addition to a wealth of books. Whether you read electronic books or traditional hard or softcover editions, they provide everything you need. Their early literacy program for kids is awesome.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Boston, MA

Learn about the history of the Kennedy family at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library. While you don’t check out books at this library, you walk away with the knowledge of having read several. The programs, museum exhibits, films and lectures are designed to educate the public about this family and late president, and their impact on politics nationwide.

Oak Bluffs Public Library, Martha’s Vineyard, MA

When guests visit the Oak Bluffs Public Library, they get so much more than the books, magazines, CDs and movies on shelves. The librarian and staff provide helpful hints about local history, seasonal excitement or even where to get the best cocktail or food to eat. The island culture is both known and beloved by the library staff and they love sharing it—along with free Wi-Fi and reading materials—with everyone who stops by.

Millicent Library, Fairhaven, MA

Probably the first thing visitors note about the Millicent Library is the stunning building in which it lives. Built in 1893, it is dedicated to the late Millicent G. Rogers, who died in 1890 at the age of 17. Her likeness appears in a brilliant stained glass window designed in London. Millie Rogers loved to read and her family wanted to honor her in a meaningful way. Today her namesake library serves the region in countless ways, including their bookmobile that brings books to those who might not otherwise have access to them.

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Lee Library, Lee, MA

Located on Main Street, the Lee Library is a great resource for books, information and more. They loan out passes for many of the main attractions in the nearby Berkshires. It’s a real small town library with a big influence on both its townspeople and out of town visitors.

Norwell Public Library, Norwell, MA

The Norwell Public Library strives to encourage reading—so much that they even feature Sunday afternoon hours. That’s something not many libraries include. In addition, they deliver books to their homebound readers. Story times, a STEM playgroup, author events and more make the library a real community hub.

The Public Library of Brookline, Brookline, MA

The third most used public library in the state of Massachusetts, the Public Library of Brookline serves the community and especially children of all ages. Combating illiteracy with countless programs over the years, it has become a safe, friendly place for students to do homework and access resources they might not otherwise have.

Working in a library this grand doesn't feel like work.

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Chelmsford Public Library, Chelmsford, MA

Another favorite for its children’s programs, Chelmsford Public Library received an award for Best Picture Books and Middle Grade Fiction for 2017. If children are inspired by a library’s collection, they will want to visit the library even more. That’s where the reading, history and community programs come into play. Programs for adults draw big crowds. Noted fiction author Kristin Hannah is set to appear there in February.

Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, MA

The Cambridge Public Library consists of a main library and several branches located throughout the city. Featuring programs including Girls Who Code, computers for use by students, preschool literacy, ESOL (English for speaks of other languages) education and more, the library offers something for practically everyone.

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55 West Main Street, Westborough, MA
The Westborough Public Library is a member of the Central and Western Massachusetts Regional Library System (C/W MARS). Westborough Library card ho... Read More
609 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA
Mission StatementIn a welcoming environment, with diverse materials, programs and services, the mission of Shrewsbury Public Library is to stimulat... Read More
1139 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA
The Needham Free Public Library was founded in 1888. The current building was constructed in 1915 and has had two additions, one in 1961 that more ... Read More
14 Richards Street, Worcester, MA
Hours: JUNE 26 - AUGUST 23 MONDAY - FRIDAY: 9 A.M. - 12 P.M. & 2 - 5:30 P.M. SATURDAY: 9 A.M. -12 P.M Entrance is on Freeland Street. Read More
4 Meetinghouse Hill Road, Sterling, MA
786 Washington Street, Canton, MA
Hours Monday 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tuesday - Thursday 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm Saturday & Sunday Closed Read More
30 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA
The renovated Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library reopened on Saturday, May 20, 2017. The $10 million renovation of the Jamaica Plain... Read More
433 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA
History:Library service to the Hyde Square area of Jamaica Plain began in 1897 with a small book deposit in the rear of a neighborhood pharmacy at ... Read More
1350 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA
History:As early as December 18, 1849 the people of Mattapan were concerned about library facilities. It was on that date that Increase S. Smith fo... Read More
41 Geneva Avenue, Dorchester, MA
About Us:The Grove Hall Branch has more than thirty computers available for the public to use. The branch features three study rooms and a meeting ... Read More
200 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA
The Mary Baker Eddy Library is housed in an 11-story structure originally built for The Christian Science Publishing Society. Constructed between 1... Read More
111 High Street, Medford, MA
Hours Monday-Thursday : 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday : 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday (September-June) : 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday (July-August) : 9:0... Read More
27 Richmond Street, Dorchester, MA
Special FeaturesWorld language collections in Chinese, French, Spanish and VietnameseHistory- Library service in Lower Mills was first offered thro... Read More
685 Tremont Street, Boston, MA
Hours Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:... Read More
700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
Within its collection of 23 million items, the library boasts a wealth of rare books and manuscripts, maps, musical scores and prints. Among its la... Read More
500 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA
History:In 1904 the Uphams Corner Branch moved from a temporary store-front location on Dudley Street to the two-year-old municipal building on Col... Read More
690 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA
History:Service to the Adams Street neighborhood was first provided in 1875 through a delivery station on Walnut Street. A reading room was opened ... Read More
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