The heavily-trafficked Melrose Public Library offers an abundance of programs for children and adults alike, in addition to its collection. The library has a children's room, a young adult services and reference librarian and a senior reference librarian.

The library also has memberships to area museums and attractions; Melrose resident may reserve passes through these memberships up to 30 days in advance.

The library has called its current location home since 1897 - although the library first began 1871 and bounced around to three locations before landing on West Emerson Street. In 1990,the library was awarded a Massachusetts Library Construction Grant which enabled major improvements to be made to the interior and exterior of the library.

The Melrose Public Library is a member of the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE).