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Boston Public Library - North End Branch
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
25 Parmenter Street(between Bartlett Pl & Hanover St)
Boston, MA 02113
Neighborhood: North End
(617) 227-8135
- Nearest Transit:
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Haymarket Station - Outbound (Orange Line)
Haymarket Station - Inbound (Orange Line)
Congress St @ Haymarket Sta (191, 192, 193, 325, 326, 4, 92, 93)
6 reviews for Boston Public Library - North End Branch
6 reviews in English
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Review from Dana G.
Watertown, MA
9/17/2008
Good things:
-The building is cool. I especially like the sky light and the little garden.
-The apostrophe-shaped cement thingies (benches? decoration?) that were added during the entrance renovation.
-The ability to put a book or dvd from just about any local library on hold and then pick it up a few days later from my neighborhood branch. I love library networks.
Not-so-good things:
-The hours clash with my work hours horribly. If I want to stop by to pick up something I have on hold, I usually have to leave work early just to get there before they close. But this is understandable, considering it's a branch library.
-The staff. SO surly. I've never had a librarian there smile at me, let alone act like they want to help me. I totally understand that working with the public every day is not fun (I've worked both in retail and in a public library, so I can sympathize), but helping people is kind of their job and the whole reason they're there. Each time I get attitude, I'm tempted to share that I, too, am a librarian, in hopes that a sense of camaraderie will make the experience better. But I'm always too scared to utter more than a "thank you" before scurrying out the door as quickly as possible.
I was really tempted to give this place 2 stars, but it gets an extra one as a symbol of my support for public libraries. With a more friendly and helpful staff (or even just a little public service training for the current staff), this branch could be awesome and totally worth 5 stars.Listed in: The Old 'Hood
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Review from cherie c.
1/21/2008
"Look at that cool building. Interesting architectural details. Is it open?"
We happened upon it, looking closed down for construction. It's a tiny branch, but the garden, sky light, and courtyard are interesting. Stop in for quick internet access. Or if you live nearby, have your book sent here for easy pickup.
New in town, we applied for library cards. I love that I was able to choose my color (orange, blue, or red), though I miss the keychain card I had in the last three cities. The librarian who helped me was very nice. The other, however, was grouchy. I heard her bark at the other people she was 'helping.' Another new card applicant tried to make small talk, but she'd have none of it.
In summary: neat building that will look great after renovation. Not a branch to seek out, but at least there's something in the neighborhood if you want to pick up a book on order or just escape for a bit. -
Review from Sarah B.
Ann Arbor, MI
3/3/2007
Awful. First of all, the chairs are uncomfortable. Second of all the staff (all three times I went before writing the place off completely) are really quite prickly. Third, my roommate was there a few weeks ago and some guy walked in and started threatening people with a knife.
Too bad, because I think libraries are great. The main branch of the BPL is historic, beautiful, and comprehensive. You're better off making the trek to Copley if you need a library. Otherwise, hang out at a coffee shop to do whatever you need to do. But really this place is not worth your time. -
Review from Kristen W.
Boston, MA
7/10/2008
I have to agree with the other reviewers-- staff is downright unpleasant. Granted I went in about 15 minutes before closing, and asked to sign up for a card and check out a book 10 minutes before. I got a big sigh, some huffing and puffing, and finally, "You know we close in 10 minutes, right?" Well, I'm sorry, but how long does it take to open a card? I got my answer-- less than 5 minutes. So I got my book no problem, but the commentary really was unneccessary, several "You've got to be kidding me"s complete with eyerolls to other customers who believed that when a library is open until 6, you can take out a book at 5:55.
Other than the staff, it's a decent neighborhood library, nothing special but it's close by. Since the selection is not that large, I will be making use of the reservation function online, which should make my trips nice and short. -
Review from Karen K.
Boston, MA
9/28/2010
I am so glad that I read everyone else's review so now I know that the people who work here don't hate me they hate everyone! I have been going in here once or twice a week for a good 3 plus years now and not once have I even gotten a "hello" from anyone who works here. But overall I do love the library, I love that you can do almost everything on-line, and it is FREE! I don't go here to socialize I go here for my free books and Dvd's so, though this may be a first I am giving them 4 stars.
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Review from Sarah S.
Boston, MA
8/12/2011
Probably the most rude staff I've ever encountered in my life.
