Newton Free Library — Attraction in Newton

The Newton Library, overall, is a terrific source of information, products and services. I find the regular staff there very helpful (No, I don't work there).

The Minuteman Library System (whereby, one can borrow from various library collections all over greater Boston) is second to none, in my opinion. The movie CD collection (despite someone else's negative report here...erroneously) is fantastic. I've watched well over 150 take-home films, many of them, Academy -award-winning, foreign films, a great source, obtained via the Minuteman System.

The free-ticket/access program to various, local historical, cultural event/venues, etc. is also a fantastic asset for our residents. And, it is easily accessed online, as it he movie CD-ordering program.

The inexpensive book purchase arrangement is also a major asset to those seeking such an option. And, the common room is in constant use for various seminars/educational get-togethers, etc. FYI, although it can be busy, I rarely find the library at capacity, relative to patrons.

My only negative comment (the reason for only 4 stars) concerns parking, as there is a shortness of parking spaces (the library is often well-patroned), and the lot, as well as the street parking, are frequently filled (one can see online the busy hours, if one wants to avoid that situation)...requiring one to drive over to the City Hall lot, or circle around, until a space is freed-up. This bad parking situation is often compounded by a few, selfish/rude Newton residents (not speaking of those with impairment plates/tags) who park in the non-designated parking areas in the library lot (something I would never do), oftentimes creating havoc.

Thank you...

I have only had excellent experiences at this library (any public library really - so I'm a bit puzzled by any negative reviews of the staff). The staff in every department that I visited today was friendly and extremely helpful. I needed to print something out quickly, the person working on the ground floor in the main section was super friendly and patient and I printed my item in a breeze; later I needed help finding graphic novels for my students and other reference books and the reference supervisor was extraordinary in helping me locate the items in the adolescent and adult section; she also escorted me to a completely different area for other research materials. (She even emailed me later to let me know that she placed a hold on materials through the system!) I also encountered very helpful staff members in the children's department. I've only encountered patient and kind workers at this library and I was very grateful to their assistance today! I have also been here for a few workshops in the past. This library has a phenomenal space and extra rooms for people to reserve for meetings or study times. This town is extremely lucky and fortunate to have such a luxurious public space with...

While the library is beautiful and expansive inside (3 floors!), with ample study space, engaging children's section, and top notch book collection, I would HIGHLY discourage anyone who requires conversation with staff from coming here. The staff members were rude, disrespectful, and inconsiderate. Libraries have always been a safe place for me and I've never felt so disrespected at any other library. Additionally, as previous reviews have suggested, the building is stuffy and hot inside - my study room was 81 degrees. While they have fans to combat the heat, and apparently the system is undergoing repair, visitors at any risk of dehydration should be cautious. For potential patrons who require interaction with staff, I would strongly recommend considering a different local library. Nearby, I would recommend Needham (similarly large!), Brookline, West Roxbury, or Wellesley. No one deserves the staff disrespect that is rampant and offputting at this library. And the same book collection can be accessed at any Minuteman library in the state - so i would recommend quite literally any library in the state...