Quincy

Kathy
Jun 23
9 min read

Quincy Library Tour

Quincy, Massachusetts

Adventure date: 6/3/2026

Q is for Quincy

There was so much to see in Quincy that we turned our usual library visit into a tour requiring two trips to Quincy to complete.

Quincy has four libraries, beautiful historical treasures, varied and numerous restaurants, neighborhoods and friendly people. Our visit to the letter "Q" was quite wonderful!

The tour included:

The Main Library
North Quincy branch
Adams Shore branch
Wollaston branch
The Stone Library

Did we make it to all of the Quincy libraries? Yes and no. Read on for details.

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for Kathy's Library Adventure.

North Quincy

The North Quincy branch was our first stop. What a happy place!! The librarians Abby and Kaelan were friendly, enthusiastic and informative. I loved their passion for the library and its patrons. This is a true neighborhood library.

The library sits on a main street with schools, churches and businesses . There were patrons in the library while we were there in the early morning. Their busiest time begins as soon as the schools let out! Preschools early afternoon, grade school, middle and high schoolers file in a little later. There are both public and private schools within walking distance . The library is a destination for kids in groups and families.

The staff is so in tune with their community! They have the young children who they lovingly call the "coloring crew." The library sits next door to a restaurant that makes awesome popcorn chicken which is very popular with the kids. The ten step walk from the restaurant to the library does not allow the kids enough time to finish their chicken. The librarians created a space in their event room for the fans of the popcorn chicken to finish their treat. Amazing, right!? That's what I call serving your community. :)

Their "Teen Space" is just past the main desk and down a half a flight of stairs. It gives the teenagers a sense of separation from the rest of the building, but also is easy for adults to monitor. Nintendo is a huge draw as well as providing a "third space" for the kids. This is a space to gather, socialize and hang out without having to spend money. It is their space and they are welcomed!!

There is a community room that can be reserved by local groups with no charge. There is an exterior entrance which makes it convenient for people to gather without walking through the library.

As we left Abby gave us both a Pride Pin :)

The North Quincy branch is the second busiest library in Quincy, and i can see why.

Adams National Historical Park (Stone Library)

Our second stop was the Adams National Historical Park which has the "Stone Library" on its premises. If you haven't visited this park you may want to give it a try. It is simply beautiful! To enter the Stone Library you had to have purchased a ticket for a tour that includes the Adams residence as well as the library. We may return for the tour some day, but today we toured the amazing garden on a picture perfect weather day.

There were several park attendants eager to share their knowledge of the property. Below are pictures of the Abigail Adams rose bush. She brought the White Rose of York to Quincy in 1788. That Rose bush is still blooming each year. Around 1830 John Quincy Adams brought back a sapling from a Yellowwood tree. That tree is now 300 years old. Adams retired as an arborist and horticulturist.

Thomas Crane Public Library (Wollaston Branch)

Our third stop was the Wollaston branch. We arrived at 11:30 and found out it opens at 1:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday's. I was impressed by the beautiful, historic building nestled on a busy street with businesses and homes. We intended to return later that day, however the fantastic main branch kept us busy !! Also, we had to have a late lunch at Marina Bay.

When I later researched the Wollaston branch, I learned that this library has a heart! It is an architectural gem and the oldest of the remaining four branches of the Quincy Public Library system. I want to hear more about the grass roots fundraising done by local woman's clubs. Although it is only open 24 hours per week, it has a dedicated patronage. I decided to go back and hear the stories myself.

The following week we headed back to Quincy. The history on this branch, the oldest in the city was one we to really wanted to see. I had read that local women's groups raised a lot of the funds to get the library built. That is a true neighborhood library. It was like taking a peek back in history, 103 years to be exact.

The Wollaston library offers a lot, just in a small space. They have a children's area, adult section, computer stations, printer and copier and tiny little teen space.

They do have regular patrons who stop by. They also put books on hold that arrive from surrounding libraries. I didn't get their names, but both librarians were great to talk to! Both reside in Quincy and praised their home town and its libraries.

Thomas Crane Public Library (Main Branch)

Our fourth stop was the Thomas Crane Public Library, A.K.A. the main branch. This impressive, majestic library is located on a bustling, beautiful city street. There was a big parking lot as well as a lot of pedestrian traffic.

The building was designed by by H.H. Richardson, in the Romanesque style, the same architect responsible for the Easton Public Library. The library opened its doors in 1881. An addition was added in 1908, 1939 and 2001! Yes! It is an impressive library!!

The first space we entered was the Atrium. Vaulted ceiling, cafe style seating and sunlight. This is a space to meet a friend, read, rest, study, work-from-home. It is the spot in the library where food (of any type) is allowed. It was explained to us that lidded drinks and minimal (non messy) snacks are allowed elsewhere in the library, but not in the children's room. Luckily the children's room is next to the atrium, making a quick snack an easy fix.

The "Friends of the Library" run a bookstore adjacent to the atrium. It's a separate room dedicated to selling second hand books. All proceeds help fund the library programs. It was like being in a well organized book store, complete with two friendly volunteers who were running the store.

In the (expansive) children's room we were lucky enough to meet Amanda, the head of youth services for all Quincy libraries. She has been working in the Quincy libraries for 25 years and she is passionate about her job! :) To say that there is a lot going on at the Quincy libraries is an understatement! Quincy is a city with 100,000 people.

Many People who have relocated to the United States have chosen Quincy as their home. Quincy is 20% Mandarin speakers. There are signs in the Mandarin language as well as Mandarin speaking librarians. Other nationalities and languages represented in Quincy are Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian. The library has wonderful programs to help people as they learn to speak English. The programs include a beginner English speaking class, a "Walk and Talk" class run by volunteers. At a slow pace they cover 2 miles while talking, meeting new people and learning about the neighborhood. What a comfortable way to welcome and assist people new to the city. There is also a crocheting and knitting group that helps patrons with conversational English. There are so many more programs designed to help those new to this country. The public library is making an impact on peoples lives.

The children's room has endless activities and programs. As I was standing at the circulation desk, I watched preschool age children race up to the desk, grab a scavenger hunt sheet and a pencil and off they went. Their goal was to find 8 pictures hidden around the room and record their success on the sheet. They have gone through 600 scavenger hunt sheets in one month!! The kids will do it over and over again even though the hiding places haven't changed. I believe they change the hunt each month.

"Read a 1,000 Books before Kindergarten." WHAT!?? At first glance I thought it was 100 books. The children receive a tote bag when they start the program. There is an app for the challenge. Parents simply scan the bar code on the book and get credit for a book read. They don't have to be library books. At each 100 mark the kids get a badge! Upon completion the children are given a prize bag!

The neighborhood schools make the library a convenient, comfortable , welcoming spot for many people! Foot traffic brings in even more patrons. The library offers a community gathering space and a hang out spot for teenagers. The library does not only rely on the neighborhood to partake in all they offer. They aim to be out in the public, letting the communities know what is offered in their libraries! They can be seen at farmer's markets, schools, fairs and at the beach. They hold a story time at Wollaston Beach! The librarians have the ability to make library cards for people at these off site events. Imagine going to the beach and returning with a library card!

The teen room is a large, semi-secluded room with stunning windows. The puffy clouds overhead respond to noise. The clouds appeared to flash lightening when we talked.

Technology has so much to offer the children. There are tablets to take out, just like checking out a book. They do not have internet connection. Audio books in English, Mandarin and Spanish. There is a device called a "Whazoodle" that has podcasts for children, also with no internet connection.

Amanda told us that their "Library of Things" include popular items like museum passes, a stand mixer, electric guitar, power washer, thermal imaging camera, a sewing machine and the list goes on!

The children's room was renovated in 2001. What was once a reference room is now a creative space with a moppable floor!!! The librarians were very happy about that! The entire children's room is amazing. Loving children's literature as I do, every step brought me to one more beloved book. The pictures will describe the essence of this space a lot better than I can.

Amanda was kind enough to guide us to the Richardson section, the original library

building where we met Kerri, an archivist. Beyond beautiful is the only description. This structure had a renovation in 1939 which added both space and lite. At one point the children's room was housed on the balcony (way back when) and then ceiling still has the whimsical wallpaper. Today the space is is a quiet study area with comfy seating.

Wedding ceremonies are allowed in this building. It is a one hour, non denominational, no food/drink rental. Couples are allowed 12 guests. There is a fee. Couples take photos both inside and outside this beautiful library. Kerri told us that a lot of high school graduates stopped by to take their pictures in front of the fireplace.

We walked into the Aiken section of the library an addition added in 1908. It was built in the same style as the original building. The windows are a source of pride for the Library. They were created by John La Farge, an artist who revolutionized stained glass art work. They are amazing! La Farge was a big deal and at one point, a competitor to Tiffany.

Kerry says that working on the floor with the patrons is an enjoyable change of pace a few hours each week. She is happy to return to her archivist office. She loves her job as she says, she "gets to snoop and read other peoples letters ." Patrons access the archives for several projects and interests. There are many requests for literature about geology and the Fore River Shipyard. Through these library visits I am learning how diverse the career of a librarian can be.

Adams Shore branch

Our last library visit of the day was the Adams Shore branch. This library is famous for its round design. From the circulation desk you can see the entire layout. The ceiling has a design reminiscent of a ships steering wheel. It is large, impressive and lets in a lot of sunlight. This library is nestled in a charming neighborhood. As we were leaving two friends were skipping up the sidewalk to get to their library!

Exploring Around Quincy

Carl and were blown away both by the libraries and city of Quincy itself! We passed through several neighborhoods and busy commercial streets on our way to Marina Bay. There was a long stretch of beach with sun worshipers on the sidewalk and across the street were homes and a couple of beachy restaurants.

If you haven't been to "Marina Bay" yet, it is worth visiting. There are several restaurants and shops built on a pier around an working marina. Sitting outdoors enjoying a cold drink and appetizers , while boats swayed and the breeze blew in was simply perfect. The picture perfect was didn't hurt either.

On our return trip to visit the Wollaston library, we visited Nut Island after the library. It's a pumping station, but is surrounded by a shady park with great views of the harbor islands.

Both Marina Bay and Nut Island were wonderful for catching the ocean breeze and a view of the Boston Skyline. We had a blast both at the libraries and exploring Quincy. We will be looking for another reason to return.

Distance traveled : 50 miles (one trip)

Next up: R