About the Main Library

The Main Library (Baxter Building) on Monument Square (83,000 sq. feet) opened in 1979. In 2010, we completed Phase I of a major renovation that added new spaces for adult popular reading, technology services, cultural center activities (Lewis Gallery, Rines Auditorium, and meeting rooms available to rent), along with the new Sam L. Cohen Children’s Library and S. Donald Sussman Teen Library. Since renovating, community usage and donations to the Library Annual Fund have hit record highs. In 2011-2012, we loaned 945,000 items, up 5.5% over the previous year. We also hosted 666,000 visits, pushing it up 4.7%. Plans for Phase 2 additional improvements are underway.

Park on the street or in the Elm Street Parking Garage or Midtown Parking Garage (accessible from Monument Square or Free St). Bookdrops are available by the main entrance on Congress St. and down the side block on Elm St.

See our Holiday Schedule for planned closings.

Main Library

Parking: Park on the street, in the Elm Street Parking Garage or Midtown Parking Garage (enter from Monument Square or Free St).

Bookdrops: Bookdrops are available by the Main Entrance on Congress St. and down the block on Elm St.

Wheelchair accessible