About the Fall River Library

The Fall River Public Library seeks to be an integral part of the community by providing all residents with a wide variety of popular and reference materials, resources, technology, and services that facilitate their daily lives and extend their personal and intellectual development.

The staff of the Fall River Public Library works to create an environment that welcomes and satisfies the needs of patrons of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.

History

The Fall River Public Library was founded in 1861, as the direct descendant of the Fall River Athenaeum, a private subscription library which had been in operation since 1835. The l ibrary was housed in the Fall River City Hall until 1886, when a fire destroyed part of the collection and forced relocation to rented premises on North Main Street. The new location, while more spacious, was not considered suitable as permanent housing for a public library, and in 1895 the City authorized construction of a library building. The present library building on North Main Street was opened in 1899. Beginning in 2001, the library underwent a complete restoration, so that the original building has retained its beauty and historic appeal, but with facilities designed for the 21st century library user.

With more computers, wireless access, and book stacks open to the public, the new building, opened in 2003, continues to amaze visitors with its vaulted ceilings, marble accents and graceful design. We are still a source for books, but we now offer you access to electronic information as well. While technology changes rapidly, our mission is still to create an environment that welcomes patrons of all ages, interests, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.

Art Collection

A rich variety of paintings, many by local artists from the Fall River School of still life painting, are on display throughout the main library. The library's art collection includes many outstanding paintings from the 19th and early 20th century, including the work pictured here, Still Life With Peaches by Robert Spear Dunning.

A pamphlet with a complete description of the library's art collection, including background information on specific paintings and artists, is being prepared and will soon be available at the library.

Library Staff

Main library mailing address: 104 North Main Street, Fall River, MA 02720 Phone: 508-324-2700

For general questions about the library, including scheduling programs and meeting space:
Library Administrator: Keith Stavely
Assistant Administrator: Paula Costa Cullen

For questions regarding library materials, fines, policies, or programs for adults:
Adult Services and Circulation: Jocelyn Tavares

For questions regarding library materials or programs for children:
Children's Services: David Mello

For reference questions, research assistance and interlibrary loan:
Reference Services: Kathryn Kulpa

Technical Services: Laurel DeStefano

East End Branch Supervisor: Conor Murray
East Branch mailing address: 1386 Pleasant Street, Fall River, MA 02723

South Branch Supervisor: Elizabeth Washburn
South Branch mailing address: 1310 South Main Street, Fall River, MA 02724

About the Fall River Public Library