O’Connell Branch Library

This is a tiny library and has limited hours, not to mention the fact that it is closed three days a week (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), but don’t let those details get in your way if you are in the neighborhood and need some library time. The staff is really helpful, if a bit chatty, and they have free wireless, four computers for anyone to use, lots of DVDs and books to borrow and some really nice programs.
For those of us who have given up magazine subscriptions but still need a little fix now and then, you can settle in with Gourmet, The New Yorker or House and Garden, although there are not too many comfy chairs for getting cozy. Most are on the hard side.
Like other local libraries, they have museum passes to borrow, which is a great deal. Museums are expensive and if you are a museum buff, those admission costs add up.
There’s on street parking for residents plus a small lot in the back.
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This library may be tiny, but I have access to almost any book I want through the network of libraries in the greater Boston area… which means I can order a book online, and walk the 10 blocks over there from my apartment to pick it up, which is great since I read at least one book a week. Friendly and helpful staff, convenient location, only minus is the odd hours.

I love this little library. The people working there are friendly and it seems like they’re always holding fun events for the community. It is very small, but you can go online and request whatever books you want and they will get them from other libraries and send you an email when the book is at O’Connell waiting for you (I adore this feature — like
, only free!) Plus they’re just so darn nice.

Though small, this library is one street over from where I live in East Cambridge.
I have walked by it a thousand times and never even realized it was there.
It is one floor and an open space. Each section is small and I wouldn’t eb surprised if they didn’t carry a book in this branch. They will look up in their database and hold it for you at the Valente branch.
Your best bet is to come here to work, study or join the Minuteman network.