About Us
Established in 1852 by a city ordinance, the New Bedford Free Public Library is among the earliest free municipal libraries in the United States. Beginning in 1857 and housed in the building now used as City Hall until 1910, the core of the library’s original holdings contained books, periodicals and other materials purchased from the New Bedford Social Library (founded in 1807), which had assimilated the collections of the Encyclopedia Society, New Bedford Library Society, New Bedford Athenaeum and Lyceum.
Built as a City Hall in the 1830’s, the present building was reconstructed after a fire in 1906. Once reconstruction was complete, the buildings switched permanently and is now home to significant historical holdings, including materials on Whaling, Quaker and 19th century Abolition Movement and museum-quality collection of fine art.
The Library consists of the Main Library, four branches and a Bookmobile. The Wilks, Howland-Green and Francis J. Lawler Branches were built with funds left in trust to the library by Sylvia Ann Howland-Green Wilks, whose mother was the famous financier Hetty Green. The Main Library is open 64 hours per week and the branches are open 40 hours per week. The Bookmobile is on the road 20 – 25 hours per week.
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Another awesome event for the kiddos at New Bedford Free Public Library. Check it out below! 🤖🦾
Your children's favorite characters will be joining our City Celebrates New Year's Eve festivities at the New Bedford Free Public Library main branch downtown. Sing along and dance to some of your favorite songs from Encanto and take photos with the characters.
Ever After Storybook Entertainment
🗓 Saturday 12/31
⏰ 5-8pm
📍 New Bedford Free Public Library 613 Pleasant St.
Tap the link below for event details and a programming map.
https://destinationnewbedford.org/city-celebrates-new-years-eve-2022/
Thank you to our sponsors Bristol County Savings Bank, Vineyard Wind, and Claremont Companies.
For decades, the City of New Bedford has displayed a Christmas Tree on the steps of the New Bedford Free Public Library in the downtown. Thousands of people stop by to see it, but have you ever wondered how it got there? Join us as we tell the story of New Bedford's Christmas Tree. Where did it come from? Who decorates it? And why it's such a big deal 🎄🌟
Join a park ranger (and our Artist in Residence!) TODAY at 10:00 AM at the downtown New Bedford Free Public Library. The event and parking are FREE, and all youth are welcome!
This Saturday during the Downtown New Bedford Inc. Holiday Stroll, don't miss the Buy Black NB pop-up market at the New Bedford Whaling Museum from 12-5pm.
Don't forget to head over to the New Bedford Free Public Library across from City Hall after the stroll for the official Christmas tree lighting at 5pm.
https://fb.me/e/2wh4yv6Yk
Do you know any youth interested in climate action and having their voices heard? We're collecting surveys from New Bedford youth to learn more about their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on climate change and how Mass Audubon can help them achieve climate solutions they want to see take place in the city. Have them stop by the the Main Branch of New Bedford Free Public Library to fill out the survey by December 12th!
New Bedford Free Public Library, New Bedford Public Schools, Pa Raffa's, and NBstrong are seeking hand-drawn holiday cards for Seniors.
Check out the flyer below to learn more.
Happy Veterans Day from Destination New Bedford.
Honor your local veterans by learning the history of New Bedford veterans throughout the years. The Fort Rodman / Fort Taber Military Museum catalogues local veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present. Each of their exhibitions is a tribute to our veterans and service members. Veteran and retired service member volunteers will guide you through their extensive collection Wednesdays through Sundays from 1-4 PM. Visit today!
The parade today departs from Rockdale Avenue and Union Street at 11 AM and ends in from of the New Bedford Free Public Library for a service. For more information: City of New Bedford.
What is your plan to vote this Election? Early Voting at the New Bedford Free Public Library begins on October 22nd. You can apply online to Vote By Mail and the deadline to apply is November 1st. You can always plan to Vote on Election Day, November 8th!
Click here to apply to Vote By Mail! at
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/MailInRequestWeb/MailInBallot.aspx
Any New Bedford resident who is uncertain about their voting status, designated polling location, has changed their address since the last election or would like to request an absentee ballot should contact the Board of Election Commissioners at (508) 979-1420.
Today is the LAST DAY of EARLY VOTING at the New Bedford Free Public Library. Make your way downtown to vote before 4:00 PM today. Every vote counts!
REMINDER: Today is the last day for early voting at New Bedford Free Public Library located at 613 Pleasant St. Anyone who wishes to cast their ballot in person prior to Election Day may do so today, Friday, November 4th, until 4pm.
Voters may cast their votes for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, 9th District Representative in Congress, 1st District Councilor, 2nd Bristol & Plymouth District Senator in General Court, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 13th District Representative in General Court, District Attorney Bristol, Sheriff Bristol County, County Commissioner Bristol, Register of Deeds Bristol, State Ballot questions and a Municipal Referendum question.
Wishing you had binoculars, a label maker, or a yoga mat for just a day? Visit the New Bedford Free Public Library 'Funbrary' and borrow games and tools. Lending programs like this help save money and reduce waste. Learn why creating less waste is important:
https://bit.ly/3ylIddy
New Bedford Free Public Library wants your help! Take this survey to help influence the direction of the library system for the next five years.
It's a month full of fun at the New Bedford Free Public Library!
Please make a plan to VOTE EARLY this week at the New Bedford Free Public Library, located downtown at 613 Pleasant St.
Early Voting is available 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday November 4th.
Early voting taking place at the New Bedford Free Public Library!
