The three-floor Newton Free Library offers an extensive collection of both print and non-print material including books, music scores, magazines, newspapers, audio CDs and movies. It is a popular place for locals to not only relax with a book, but also to study and work using the wireless Internet access and computer lab, which offers printing services.
Aside from Internet and computer access, library patrons can also use individual study rooms and study desks as well as larger meeting rooms.
Art exhibits are located throughout the library and a gallery on the main floor features monthly collections by regional artists.
The Newton Free Library is a one-mile walk from the Newton Center and Newton Highlands MBTA stops (green line, D branch) as well as the Newtonville MBTA Commuter Rail station (purple line, Framingham/Worcester line). The #59 bus also stops nearby at the corner of Homer Street and Walnut Street.
The Canton Public Library was established in 1874. Today, it offers more than just a quiet place to read. The library also hosts arts & crafts sessions and story time for children, coffee house nights for adults, as well as providing private study rooms for students. Located in the center of town, the library has a free parking lot and offers free Wi-Fi to patrons.
Town Hall is located outside the town center on North Street, off Lowell Street and Route 62. It is home to many departments of the town government, including the town administrator, town clerk, Board of Selectmen, assessor, community planning, public works, parks and recreation, tax collector and treasurer, and zoning.
Greg Balukonis is the town administrator. Robert Mauceri is the chairman of the Board of Selectmen.
Call ahead for specific hours for each department.
Departments located at Town Hall include:
Board of Selectmen - 978-664-6010
Accounting - 978-664-6022
Assessors - 978-664-6021
Building Department - 978-664-6040
Community Planning - 978-664-6050
Conservation - 978-664-6047
Finance Committee - 978-664-6047
Finance Department - 978-664-6022
Health Department - 978-664-6042
Human Resources - 978-664-6065
Information Technology - 978-664-6055
Parks and Recreation - 978-664-6016
Public Works - 978-664-6060
Tax Collector/Town Treasurer - 978-664-6020
Town Administrator - 978-664-6010
Town Clerk - 978-664-6030
Veterans' Services - 978-664-6011
Youth Services - 978-357-5281
Zoning - 978-664-6070
Grafton Public Library, located in a classic New England building on the historic Grafton Common, features books, CDs, DVDs, Internet access and audiobooks. The Friends of Grafton Public Library operate Down Under Bookstore, which is open during library hours and helps raise money for the library. Hilding Hedberg is the library director.
The Swampscott Fire Department's ranks—31 full-time firefighters and officers—are a mix of veterans and relative newcomers. A third of them have 15 or more years experience; a third have between five and 15 years; and a third have less than five years. These firefighters battle fires and respond to other emergencies, inspect homes and buildings, train to sharpen their skills and teach fire safety and prevention. One of these outreach teaching efforts is the SAFE program, which teaches middle school students fire safety and how to properly report emergencies. Department apparatus includes two fire engines, a ladder truck and a rescue boat. Firefighters are organized into four groups. Each group works a 24-hour shift at a time, from 8am to 8am.
From carrying birth certificates to business certificates and dog licenses to marriage licenses, the office of City Clerk David A. Olson is a central location for many resident records and information. Located on the first floor of City Hall, the clerk keeps track of public information for Newton boards, commissions and residents. Appeals from the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals are also kept in this office.
Newton City Hall is barely more than a mile from the Newton Centre MBTA stop (Green Line, D Branch) and the Newtonville Commuter Rail station (Purple Line, Framingham/Worcester Line). The #59 MBTA bus also stops nearby at the intersection of Chestnut Street and Commonwealth Avenue.