Library System

New Bedford Free Public Library

Headquarters

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Phone Number

(508) 991-6275

Official Website

https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/library/

About

Established in 1852, the New Bedford Free Public Library is among the earliest free municipal libraries in the United States. The main library, located at 613 Pleasant Street, houses significant historical holdings, including the third-largest collection worldwide of American Whaling materials, early 19th-century Quaker materials, and an extensive genealogy collection. The library system comprises the Main Library and four branches: Casa da Saudade Branch, Howland-Green Branch, Lawler Branch, and Wilks Branch. All branches offer free computer and internet access, meeting rooms, and programs for all ages. Portuguese language materials are available at the Casa da Saudade Branch, and Spanish language materials at the Howland-Green Branch. The Main Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main phone number is (508) 991-6275.

Information is sourced from publicaly available information and may be inaccurate