Boston Public Library – South End Branch

Sigh. As other reviewers have noted, some people do wander into this library just to smell bad and pass out at a table. One time when I was here, someone was actually escorted out by a police officer because he had been sleeping. Despite this, the staff is very friendly, and of course it’s nice to have a library in the neighborhood. but between the unappetizing smells and sleepy wanderers, it’s worth the effort to walk up to the central library (which is actually just a 0.8 mile /​16 minute stroll).

When I go to a library, it’s usually for a quiet place to study or do work. I don’t check out too many books.
The South End Branch has the basic necessities for me to work: Wifi which is fast enough, and desks. There is even a power strip or two to charge a laptop.
As noted in other reviews, this place is loud and there is definitely a strange smell. Kids get a pass for being loud, and the kids section is actually segregated from the desks so it’s not too bothersome. However, I’m not a big fan of librarians yelling to each other, especially when they are 5 feet away from each other. I am sure they are very nice people as noted in other reviews, but they don’t set a good ‘quiet’ example for kids (librarians in my day used to say «SSHHH» to me a lot, and whisper to each other at their loudest). The librarians’ speaking volume in the South End Branch is annoying. The reason I go to a library is for a quiet place to work, which the South End Branch doesn’t provide.

It’s a great nice little library. I generally like it and enjoy the convenience of it .
However, two things really bother me .
(1) It is VERY loud. People keep talking, play music, kids run around … I understand it is a community library so it’s more casual … But it is still a Library …
Try to be more quiet …
(2) it is really smelly sometimes. Especially in winter… Is it a shelter? Or a library? I just can’t tell .
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2 months later Im here to edit my comments. This time I give them 4 star. I still say it is not the best place to actually study, kinda loud and smelly. But the staff there are really friendly and nice. I think people feel here more like a small community center rather than a quiet library.

Just about the least helpful, yet most pleasant librarians I have ever encountered. Warm smiles and kindness go a long way!
p. s. Some horrible smells were brewing by the DVD collection. beware!

Cute little branch. Very small and usually over-​heated, so it’s quite stuffy inside. They’ve had a history of HVAC problems I guess you could say.

2 years later and i’ve still got nothing but love for the south end library. the librarians are funny, friendly, and helpful.
unfortunately, the library will be closed for the summer starting on june 2^nd for repairs :(i believe it’ll re-​open in sept, so south enders, you’ll have to go to the copley library instead.

Here’s a secret for avid readers who rather rent than buy — get yourself a Boston Public Library card, request books online and if you live, work or visit in South Boston, swing by here to pick them up. I love libraries and library books, but I hate trying to get to Boylston most of the time. Moreover, it seems the books I want are always in some obscure college branch I likely could not find or would not be able to get into w/​only my library card. South Boston has a small parking lot, and usually either some on street spaces or the ability to run in from a double-​parked car. The librarians are very nice and since the place is just one large room can find any book in under 30 seconds. It’s old, it feels like the cafeteria from my elementary school, but it is a gem. Plus, if you are interested in Southie, Boston history, the Irish or the Polish, it has a strong little collection. Now that you know the secret, be sure to not let anyone spill the beans on the double-​parking thing.

The South End Branch of the Boston Public Library is a little gem. While it can never compare asthetically to its big brother in Copley, what makes it so great are the librarians. They are helpful and understanding. I check out 30+ books at a time sometimes to use in my classroom and they are great if I’m a few days late or if one of my darling students has misplaced a book.
Did you know that you can get FREE passes to Boston Museums from your local branch of the library? Just sign up in advance for the day, and they’ll lend you their pass so you can get in free. cool.