| The Reference Department offers research
materials in print and access to a variety of online databases and CD-ROM
sources. For your convenience, the New Bedford Free Public Library has selected web sites for quick access to a large variety
of information from this site.
The Reference Department responds to
telephone (508)991-6280 or (508)991-6278, fax (508)991-6368 or e-mail (nbmref@sailsinc.org) queries for ready
reference information. For more extended research questions, we encourage
patrons to visit the library where experienced professional librarians can
assist you with your research needs.
The collection includes specialized
research tools and finding aids produced in-house, e.g. vertical files, song
index, Standard Times newspaper index, obituary index, etc...
We offer tours and orientations to
classes and small groups by appointments.
U.S.
Government Documents Depository Collection
The New Bedford Free Public Library, designated a federal depository in 1858,
serves the government in information needs of the City of New Bedford, of the
patrons of the Southeastern Massachusetts Automated Libraries Network (SEAL)
and of the Fourth Congressional District. Annually, the library receives
approximately 16% of all documents published by the Government Printing Office.
Many titles are available in electronic and microform format.
Patrons are encouraged to consult with a reference librarian with their
research needs for government information.
Special Collections
and Archival Collection
When the New Bedford Free Public Library
was incorporated in 1852 the core of its collection consisted of the books,
periodicals and other materials that were purchased from the New Bedford Social
Library (founded in 1807). The Social Library had assimilated the collections
of the Encyclopedia Societe (founded in 1798), the Bedford Library Society, the
Athenaeum and the Lyceum. Because of this history the collections of the New
Bedford Free Public Library have some publication dates previous to its
incorporation. Other earlier books were donated to the library from private
collections or acquired through purchase in the rare book market.
In accordance with the 1864 collection
development policy for Special Collections, the most valuable items are found
in the Special Collection Department. Included in this collection are items
relating to the local history of the New Bedford area, genealogy, whaling, and
the Society of Friends.
Limited Hours
Genealogy / Archives
Mon, Tues - 9am - 9pm;
Wed - 1pm - 9pm;
Thur - 9am - 5pm;
Fri - 9am - 12:30pm;
Sat - 9am - 12pm & 1pm - 5pm
Tel.:(508)991-6276. Access to the archives
collection (e-mail: pcyr@sailsinc.org)
is by appointment during the open hours of Special Collections. Tel.
(508)961-3104. For Obituaries queries contact e-mail: pcyr@sailsinc.org
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