It is the mission of the Worcester Public Library to provide free information and services that promote lifelong learning and personal enrichment. In all its operations, the library strives to eliminate barriers to the pursuit of ideas.

I encourage you to visit the Worcester Public Library. Come to the 150,000 square foot Main Library in downtown Worcester at Salem Square that was renovated and expanded in 2001 and has a vast array of resources available to you. Stop by the bustling Frances Perkins Branch Library at Greendale, where personalized services makes it a favorite for people of all ages. And the tiny Great Brook Valley Branch Library, which is a haven to the youth of this neighborhood, welcomes you.

The library has a dedicated, knowledgeable staff. They are available to assist you in person, over the phone or via e-mail. Our library is part of a 24/7 real time reference service, where you can ask a librarian for information any time, any day via the Internet. Also the librarians offer outstanding programs for children and adults at all three locations. There is an emphasis on reading to children because reading aloud is the single most important activity to prepare a child to read by him/herself.

The library’s strategic plan for services has been developed with an emphasis on customer service and service to neighborhoods. When the Board of Directors decided to undertake an upgrading of the Main Library, it did so with the knowledge that a strong, technologically advanced Main Library serves as the hub of the city’s library services. The next phase will be connecting these services to our neighborhoods.

Unfortunately the down turn in the economy hit the library. While the City Council and the City Manager have attempted to retain as many city services as possible, the loss of aid from the Commonwealth was devastating. Library staff were laid off, and other positions were left vacant. In all we have 31 positions that are not filled. Without these people, we had to reduce our hours of service to you, the library customer.

We are still open somewhere six days a week, twelve hours each weekday and eight and a half hours on Saturday. Our staff is flexible, working at different locations in their workweek. A complete listing of the hours can be found by clicking “Hours.”
Everyone connected with the library from the Board of Directors, the staff, City government, and you, our valued users, hopes services will be restored soon.

If you have suggestions regarding library services, please don’t hesitate to contact me. The Worcester Public Library endeavors to provide the library services you want and need.