The city of Cambridge is home to many libraries, which are wonderful places for studying and admiring. Here are some of the best public and private libraries in (or near) Cambridge, based on factors like friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and impressive collections.
Lamont Library: Located in the southeastern corner of the Harvard campus, this library houses an extensive collection of humanities literature. It holds some of the best works from the humanities field, including the writings of Elizabeth Bishop and Vladimir Nabokov, and it provides a comfortable space for college students to work. The interior has soft couches, coffee tables, and reading nooks, making it the perfect place for a study session.
O’Connell Public Library: This branch of the Cambridge Public Library is located in East Cambridge, on Sixth Street. On the outside, it is one of the prettiest branches in Cambridge, with a quaint brick exterior and white trimmings. The inside is just as cozy, with plush couches and tiny shelves bustling with books. And most importantly, the staff are very friendly, readily answering questions and locating books.
Widener Library: This iconic building houses over three million books, ranging from non-fiction to poetry. Not only is it large and beautiful, but the library also has a tear-jerking backstory: It was founded by Eleanor Elkins Widener after her son, Henry Widener, died on the Titanic. The building has beautifully honored his legacy, as Henry was an avid collector of books. What makes this library particularly special is its extensive basement, which holds dozens of miles of shelving space, giving students the opportunity to explore, as well as study!
Everett C. Benton Library: A branch of the Belmont Public Library, this library is technically not in Cambridge; however, such a charming location certainly deserves a mention on this list. The Everett C. Benton library has an adorable cottage-like exterior, with stone walls and dark green trimmings. The inside is distinctly vintage, with wooden shelves and cozy rugs. The atmosphere of the library gets you in the perfect mood to study or read!
Collins Public Library: This is yet another branch of the Cambridge Public Library, located in West Cambridge, near Fresh Pond. It is a small, quaint building with a cozy atmosphere and helpful staff. It has a feeling of warmth and intimacy unlike the other branches, making it the perfect place to work after a long, stressful day. It is also nearby a few different cafes, such as Sofra and Intelligentsia, allowing you to study over a hot cup of tea or coffee.
These five libraries are some of the best around Cambridge. The three public ones—O’Connell, Everett C. Benton, and Collins—are open to the public, and great spots for CRLS students to study and read. The private libraries are not always open to visitors, but they are certainly beautiful to admire, and a wonderful place for busy college students!
