Central Library – 220 State Street – Springfield MA 01103 | ||||||
MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | SAT | SUN |
12-8 | 9-5 | 12-8 | 9-5 | CLOSED | 9-5 | 12-5* |
*Open Sundays between Labor Day and Memorial Day |

220 State Street
Springfield MA 01103
Parking: Visitors to the Central Library may park for free in the lot directly across State Street. A few accessible spaces are located in front of St. Michael’s Cathedral (church next to the Central Library) on State Street. Accessible parking is also available in the small lot between the Smith Art Museum and the Science Museum (enter via the driveway to the right of the library, next to the Cathedral).
Book Drop: The book drop is located across State St. in the parking lot – take an immediate right when you enter the lot, and you will see the drive-up book drop ahead on the right. (There is no after-hours book drop on the side of the street with the library building, only the one in the parking lot.)
413-263-6828
Reference: ext. 213
Circulation: ext. 218
Children’s Room: ext. 201
Manager, Borrowers’ Services: Zach Bartlett
Manager, Adult and Youth Information Services: Diane Houle
Manager, Technical Services: Tom O’Connell
The libraries will be closed on the following dates for holidays: | |
---|---|
January 1, 2022 (Saturday) | New Year's Day |
January 2 (Sunday) | New Year Weekend: Central Library Closed |
January 17 (Monday) | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
February 21 (Monday) | Presidents’ Day |
April 17 (Sunday) | Easter: Central Library closed |
April 18 (Monday) | Patriot’s Day (MA holiday) |
May 30 (Monday) | Memorial Day |
June 20 (Monday) | Juneteenth (Observed) |
July 4 (Monday) | Independence Day |
September 5 (Monday) | Labor Day |
October 10 (Monday) | Columbus Day |
November 11 (Friday) | Veterans Day |
November 23 (Wednesday) | Thanksgiving Eve: All libraries close at 5 pm |
November 24 (Thursday) | Thanksgiving Day |
December 24 (Saturday) | Christmas Eve |
December 25 (Sunday) | Christmas Day: Central Library Closed |
December 26 (Monday) | Christmas Day (Observed) |
Children: Six internet computers. Each session lasts 30 minutes. Children may have two sessions per day. Headphones are provided.
Adults and Teens: 32 computers available in Wellman Hall. Two one-hour sessions allowed per day with your valid library card or guest access. No headphones. Earbuds for $1 and flash drives for $5 are available at the Reference Desk.
Computer Lab: The computer lab on the lower level is reserved for computer classes.
Connect to WiFi: The Central Library provides access to WiFi for your personal device. Before you connect please read our Computer Use and Internet Access Policy. To connect, navigate to your WiFi settings and choose LibraryPublicHotspot. Problems? Please ask a Librarian.
Fax Service: Fax service is available in Wellman Hall on the second floor of the Central Library. There is a $1 per job charge for a traditional fax. We cannot receive faxes.
Scanning: There is no charge to scan your document to an email address, USB, tablet or smartphone. To scan to your smartphone you must have a QR code app.
Mobile Printing: You can easily print on the Central Library’s public printer during library hours from your home computer, laptop or mobile device. Imagine that! You don’t have to be in the Central Library to print but you must pick up the print job on the same day during our open hours.
There are three ways to use our mobile printing option: (available during the library’s open hours)
1. Visit our online printer portal, enter your email address, upload your document or URL and click on green printer icon
2. Send or forward the document as an attachment via email to scl-main-bw@printspots.com
3. Install the PrinterOn app for iOS or Android devices. Search 01103 or Springfield and select SCL Main Branch
Come to Wellman Hall at the Central Library on the same day during our open hours to retrieve your print job. (Note: The Central Library is closed on Fridays.) Black and white only; 15 cents a page. Consult a staff member for assistance.
Here is a list of supported file formats in a pdf file.


The Community Room and Computer Lab on the lower level are available to the public by application when these rooms are not needed for library purposes. The rooms may be reserved for use by educational, civic, cultural, and governmental groups. Visit the Meeting Room page for information about booking the Community Room or Computer Lab, to review our meeting room rules and policies, and submit a meeting room request.
The Central Library boasts large and varied collections, free wifi, and Internet access on public computers, plus many programs for children, teens and adults. Children’s storytimes, book groups, and free computer classes are among the most popular. PDF document of the Central Library floor plan.

Since its opening in 1912, the Central Library, a “center of intellectual life,” has given entrance to the State Street corridor. Solidly built of white Vermont marble with immense rooms and corridors, this library has a history of serving working people, at one time open 365 days per year! More than a collection of books and materials, it is an impressive yet inviting community-gathering space. The original 1871 red brick library building, temporarily and ingeniously moved back 200 feet while the current building was under construction, is long gone. Today’s building, an Andrew Carnegie Library, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The Rotunda was restored to its original elegance in 1998; the building is on the State Historic Register and is part of the Quadrangle-Mattoon Historic District in the City. Also solid is the history of the men and women who have guided the library. In 150 years only eight library directors have preceded the current director, Molly Fogarty.
For more information about the history of the Central Library, download our brochure.
News
Increasing Community Internet Access: Introducing Chromebooks
The Library will circulate Google Chromebook laptops for those in the community that do not have computer access at home.
Library Commission Announces New Façade Lighting for Central Library (WWLP)
The Springfield Central Library has installed lighting on State Street to not only illuminate the historic 110-year-old building but to also increase safety on State street.
Citywide Mask Mandate Will Expire; At-Home COVID-19 Testing Kit Distribution Centers Consolidated
The City of Springfield mask mandate will expire February 28, 2022. At-home COVID-19 testing kit distribution centers will also be consolidated.
Programs

Discover Your Summer Events & Activities
Join us for Discover Your Summer: Summer Reading decorating events, kickoff parties, crafts, and more! | All Ages

Flash Fiction Contest – May 2-31
Can you tell a full story in 500 words or less? You have 30 days to figure it out! | Central Library | Teens

Carve Your Own Stamp – May 26
Learn the art of stamp carving, and make your own custom stamp! | Central Library | Teens

June Crafts for Children, Teens, & Families
Crafts and activities at the library in June! | Children, Teens, and Families

Paint and Sip for Teens – June 7
Enjoy an afternoon of refreshment and create a masterpiece. Beverages & supplies provided! | Central Library | Teens

Discover Dungeons & Dragons
Curious about D&D but don’t know how to get started? Meet us for a beginner-friendly adventure every month! No equipment, commitment, or experience necessary. | Central | Adults

The Haunting of Mirror Lake Manor: A D&D Mini-Campaign
Join us for a seven-week Mini-Campaign online! Beginners and seasoned players welcome. | Teens

Hour of Code
Spend an hour playing games and solving challenges all while learning computer coding! | Central Library | Children

Teen Advisory Board
Make an impact on your local library and community by sharing your ideas for activities and materials. | Central Library & Forest Park | Teens

Teen Choice Day
Suggest YOUR program idea that you would like to see at the library. Then join us for the fun! | Teens

Simple Crafts for Adults
Join other adults for low-pressure, simple crafts you can complete in an evening. | Central | Adults

Soothing Adult Coloring
Need a chance to unwind, color beautiful designs, and leave your stress behind? Join us every month for coloring for adults. | Central Library & East Springfield | Adults

1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Read just one book a day to build a foundation for lifelong success. Prizes awarded for every 100 books! | Children

Wee Ones Storytime & Playgroup at Central
Join us for storytime featuring books, songs, and playtime for babies and toddlers and caregivers. | Central | Children

Scavenger Hunt
Join a scavenger hunt and search the Children’s Room for clues. When you finish, get a prize! | Central | Children

Creation Station Every Day at Central Library
Create art with different materials, methods and media guaranteed to unleash your inner artist. | Central | Children

Comics Club for Teens
Join us for the Comics Club for Teens as we share our favorites in Anime, Manga, and American comics. | Central | Teens

Romance Book Club – Online
Get your Happily Ever After fix from the Romance Book Club! | Online | Adults

Knot Just Knitters
Grab some needles and yarn, then come join us! Newcomers always welcome. | Adults

Afterthoughts Book Discussion Group – Online
A traditional book discussion group where everyone reads and discusses the same book. Join us! | Online | Adults

What’s Cooking Cookbook Club – Online
Do you enjoy cooking, or would you like to improve your cooking skills? | Online | Adults

Introduction to Microsoft Word & Excel
Free Microsoft Office computer classes covering both Microsoft Word and Excel | Central | Adults