The Brookline Village Library, located in the heart of Brookline, Massachusetts, is a vibrant and dynamic community hub that offers a wide range of services and resources to patrons of all ages. With a rich history dating back to 1857, the library has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the community, while remaining committed to its core mission of promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.
History and Architecture
The Brookline Village Library was founded in 1857, when a group of local residents came together to establish a public library that would provide access to books, educational resources, and community programs. The library’s first home was a small room in the town hall, but it quickly outgrew this space and moved to a larger location on Washington Street. In 1909, the library relocated to its current site, a beautiful Beaux-Arts building designed by the renowned architectural firm of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge.
Collection and Services
Today, the Brookline Village Library boasts an impressive collection of over 150,000 items, including books, audiobooks, e-books, DVDs, CDs, and digital media. The library also offers a range of services, including free wireless internet access, computer classes, and research assistance. Patrons can access the library’s online catalog, request materials from other libraries, and download e-books and digital media from the comfort of their own homes.
| Collection Category | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Books | 120,000 |
| Audiobooks | 10,000 |
| E-books | 20,000 |
| DVDs | 5,000 |
| CDs | 3,000 |
Programs and Events
The Brookline Village Library offers a diverse range of programs and events for patrons of all ages, from storytime and book clubs for children, to author talks and workshops for adults. The library also partners with local organizations and businesses to provide job training and career development resources, as well as health and wellness programs.
Children’s Services
The library’s children’s room is a popular destination for families, with a wide range of books, games, and educational resources available. The library also offers a variety of children’s programs, including storytime, crafts, and book clubs. During the summer months, the library hosts a summer reading program, which encourages children to read and engage with books over the summer break.
- Storytime: Mondays and Thursdays at 10:30am
- Book Clubs: Tuesdays at 4:00pm
- Crafts: Wednesdays at 3:00pm
- Summer Reading Program: June-August
What are the library’s hours of operation?
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The library is open Monday-Thursday from 9:00am-9:00pm, Friday-Saturday from 9:00am-5:00pm, and Sunday from 1:00pm-5:00pm.
Can I borrow e-books and digital media from the library?
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Yes, the library offers a wide range of e-books and digital media, including audiobooks, music, and movies. You can access these resources through the library’s website or mobile app.
Does the library offer free Wi-Fi?
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Yes, the library offers free Wi-Fi to all patrons. You can connect to the library’s network using your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
