Established in 1852, the New Bedford Free Public Library is among the earliest free municipal libraries in the United States. 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.
The art collection is on public view at the Main Library and also showcased in City Gallery exhibits at the New Bedford Art Museum.
Main Library Hours:
Monday 9:00am – 9:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am – 9:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am – 9:00pm
Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm
Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Special Collections
For more information about the Special Collections Department, see http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/library/special-collections/
