Holyoke History Reading Room at the Holyoke Public Library

The Holyoke History Room of the Holyoke Public Library collects, maintains, and makes available to the public  historical materials relating to the history of Holyoke, Massachusetts, from its founding in 1850 to the present day.  We maintain a public reading room where visitors can explore city’s past or begin researching their own family histories.

The Reading Room is located off the third-level gallery of the Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street in Holyoke.

Two public-access computers are available in the History Room for patron use,  as is free wireless access to those who bring their own computers or tablets. Free access to Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest Online is available at the History Room and throughout the Library.

Hours:Please check our website for our hours.
https://www.holyokelibrary.org/Pages/Index/227251/history-room-hours-more
Directions From I-91 Northbound: Take Exit 16 (Route 202/Soldier’s Home exit). Take a right at the end of the ramp on to Cherry Street/Beech Street/202 East. See additional directions below.
From I-91 Southbound: Take Exit 16 (Route 202/Soldier’s Home exit). Take a left at the end of the ramp onto Beech Street/Cherry Street/202 East. See additional directions below.
Proceed through 6 Traffic lights – Hillside Avenue, the Yankee Pedlar, Holyoke Hospital, Holyoke High School, Franklin Street & Sargeant Street.
After the sixth light, proceed to the second intersection. Take a right at the second intersection onto Cabot Street. Proceed down Cabot Street through 3 intersecting streets (Pine, Walnut, and Elm). At the fourth intersection, with Chestnut Street, take a left onto Chestnut. The Library is on the right, after the Library Park.
Adjacent on street and lot parking is free.
From Amherst/South Hadley: Take 116 from Amherst through South Hadley and Mount Holyoke College to Route 202 (exit sign will read Holyoke). Continue on Route 202 around the rotary to Mueller Bridge. Cross Mueller Bridge and drive directly forward onto Linden Street. Stay on Linden Street until you reach Cabot Street. Take a left onto Cabot Street.
Proceed down Cabot Street through the light at Beech Street. Continue down Cabot Street past 3 intersecting streets (Pine, Walnut, and Elm). At the fourth intersection, with Chestnut Street, take a left onto Chestnut. The Library is on the right, after the Library Park.
Adjacent on street and lot parking is free.
Officers and staff
Eileen M. Crosby, Archivist
historyroom@holyokelibrary.org
(413) 420-8107
Mission: The mission of the Holyoke History Room and Archives of the Holyoke Public Library is to preserve materials related to the history of Holyoke and support research into the city's past.
Membership: The Holyoke History Reading Room is open to members of the public for research into local and regional history. You do not need a membership or a library card to use the History Room. You will need to fill out a short registration form upon arrival.
Holyoke History Room of the Holyoke Public Library
Holyoke Public Library
250 Chestnut Street
Third Floor
Holyoke, Mass. 01040
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