Bacon Free Library

I’ve only been here three times — once to pick up a book on CD, second time to return it, and third was today to pick up another book on CD. I guess all the books I’m interested in listening to on a long car ride are only found at this library. So that’s a plus! (note: the audiobooks I’ve been borrowing are of the nonfiction genre).
That being said, I’ve only been on the first floor and interacted with the front desk lady. Let’s just say I wish I wasn’t always coming here when I was in a rush — there seems to be great reading places by the windows, which let through a good amount of sunlight!
The librarian was also nice enough to tell me about the fine I’ve been racking up. Not that she wanted my money, she just wanted to let me know that if I didn’t pay it soon enough, I wouldn’t be able to borrow books. Which reminds me…

My most favorite library ever!
Firstly (and probably least importantly) it is in a great old building (but no disabled access, just so as you know).
The library itself is pretty much one big room. Which is kind of my favorite part. Because you can bring your kids in, and while they look at kids books/​play with toys you can look at books for YOURSELF! Yes, adult books! At most libraries trying to take your young kids to the adult section can be trying. There is no time to look at books. If your kids are really young they’re probably running/​crawling away or pulling books off shelves. If they’re older they are probably bored and fighting. Or asking endless questions. No time to browse there! But at the Bacon Free library they can look at the kids books (or play with toys) while you look at the adult books.
My real actual favorite part though, is the staff. They are super friendly and very accepting. And they know their stuff too. You can say «so I heard a bit on the radio the other day about this book that sounded really interesting. I’m not sure who it’s by or what the title is, but it was about…» And chances are they’ll know what you’re talking about. I’m sure other libraries have nice staff too, but due to the small and intimate size of the Bacon Free Library you really get to see and interact with the staff (and like I said they’re super helpful!)
Now they don’t have all the books in the world (although they do have thousands). But they can request any book for you through the Minuteman Catalog, and send you an email once it arrives and is ready for pick up.
They have many programs. Our favorites are story hour (Wed & Fri at 10am). Many kids programs at other libraries require you to sign up in advance, and also limit the ages of the children. Which is VERY frustrating if you have kids of mixed ages. What are you meant to do with the other kid while one is in story hour? At the Bacon Free Library it’s simple — everyone is welcome! No sign up necessary, just show up at 10am.
Art for all (one Friday a month 3−5pm) is also great.
The only downside are the hours — they’re not open every day at the same hour (budget cuts — they’re only there part time now). Check out the website for the hours before you go.

A great historical building. If you are interested in architecture or in local history, this library is an interesting stop. It also complements the setting along the Charles River quite well. It is across from the Charles River Coffee shop, allowing my perfect morning of getting breakfast, checking out a book and reading it overlooking the waterfall (inside the library if the weather is not quite right or down at the waterfall otherwise.)
In the basement is the historical society museum. Again, this is a great stop if you are interested in local history, or if you just want a low-​key place to spend the day. If you have children, keep an eye out for the story hour flag that is outside when stories are being read inside.