Reference
The Reference Department of the Melrose Public Library is organized to help you find specific, factual information on any topic you may need. Whether a business address or critical review, the book value of a used car or the author of an obscure opera, the reference collection and staff of this department are available to assist you. Email us with any questions or call 781-665-2313.

Public Computers

Other Resources

Noble Member Libraries

Electronic Resources at your library

Gale Group Databases Online

Encyclopedia Britannica

EBSCO Databases Online

Online Newspapers

Interlibrary Loan

About Melrose

The Melrose Public Library offers access to Ancestry.com in the library on our public computers. Please see a reference librarian for more information.

Special Interests
Local History
Melrose Public Library provides an extensive local history collection.
Resources include: Books on Melrose history
City directories and/or street lists back to 1872/73
Late 19th century atlases
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps on microfilm from 1887-1934
Melrose newspapers on microfilm (not indexed)
Town/city reports from 1851-1979/80
Melrose High School yearbooks back to 1925
A file of clippings, photographs, and miscellanea
Family histories

Please contact a reference librarian for access to this noncirculating collection. Items on microfilm are available in the Reference Department. Other items are available in the Genealogy/Melrose History Room.

Due to the valuable nature of this collection, the following procedure is to be followed by all users:

1. You will be asked to provide identification (driver's license, etc.) before access is provided. This identification will be returned when you are done with your research.
2. Staff will have you leave all personal belongings except pencils and notepaper locked at the reference desk.
3. There is a small copier in the room for the convenience of users, as no material may be taken from the room.
4. A Reference Librarian will accompany patrons who are using the room for the first time.
5. Per the Director, it is our policy that any patron using the locked vertical files in the G room will be assisted by the Reference Librarian, who will remain in the room while the vertical files are in use.