From a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate your local library and why?

[Yuvi]

Theres 3 libraries near-ish in the area that i live but all 3 have issues, honestly

Library 1: "Youth Library"
the closest one to me (that i can just walk to) is a 'youth library' intended for like adolescents to teenagers. its not much different to a regular library in terms of book selection (for me at least since all i read is manga and comics)... however...

the computers here have a much shorter limit, since i imagine they dont want kids to spend a lot of time on there (that makes no sense since they can just go to a normal library anyway) but the worst part is that there is a f***ing PS4 there with just dance it gets pretty damn loud there and makes it difficult to read for someone like me. obviously its goals are completely different to a regualar library so i cant say the library itself is bad but as a personal rating for my own experince
3/10

Library 2: the library at the closest town near me
this library is a library in the town near me and would be about a 35~ minute walk from my place to there and about a 5~ minute bus ride. its a pretty nice library, looks a little too simple and modern for me but thats just me nitpicking. its usually perfectly nice and quiet, but the main issue is the mall next to it. there was this group of kids about 5 - 10 years old that just came in and continued to yell, this kind of thing happens relatively often there too security will often ask these kids to quiet down but after about 5 minutes they get right back at it... but oh well. other then that its a fine library
6/10

Library 3: the library in the town not closest to me
This last one is probably my favourite... it has semi-private booths for people to study in, its reletively quiet (though not as much as 2 because this one is in a mall, i know, weird) and the interior is basically perfect. the only downside is the reletively recent one of exam season and how crowded it gets, during exams you kind-of have to silently compete with others to get the booths as soon as the library opens (i swear during exams theres lines of like 50 kids there) but its just a nice place to chill in all honesty.
8/10

but anyway, i'd love to hear about your guys' local libraries and how much you like/dislike them!

[nuclearblues]

mine used to be an easy 9/10 - wonderful selection, part of a network with other libraries in the region which gave access to an even wider selection, good hours, great friendly staff, tons of community outreach, events like a twice yearly art and craft fair. then a new board of directors took over and it got a bit worse, particularly with their heinous beige remodel (it used to have gorgeous pine framing and a warm glow... I miss it) and then tragedy really struck 2 years ago. county legislators started a petition issue to half their funding under the guise of "lowering taxes" over an issue with the fact that the library had a section with information for LGBTQ and at-risk youth and refused to remove it. due to some very creative wordsmithing it ended up passing by quite a lot, despite the protests of myself and many others in our community. now they are severely underfunded, understaffed, no longer do events or classes, and are only open monday through friday from 9-5 when the majority of the underserved community who relies on their services has work, naturally). it was up for refunding during this year's election and it almost passed, but not quite. because a "lower tax rate" (which didn't actually happen, that's not how millage and public funding work) is apparently more worthwhile than education and community in a very poor part of the county. those who are left still do their best, and I particularly applaud the children's librarians who are always optimistic and whimsical, but it's just not the same as it was and can't properly serve the community. I'd probably bring that ranking down to a 3/10, for the children's librarians and for the fact that they still have yet to reinstate late fees. so long as you return the material eventually, all fees are waived, your account just has a freeze until you do. I appreciate how accessible that makes their services for the working poor in the area.

[Memory]

pros: the library in my city is really pretty! it's very lovely to walk around in, the building looks very grand on the inside. high ceilings and dramatic columns and such. it's got a lot of spots with big sunny windows and armchairs to sit in, as well as heaps of tables and desks for working at. the selection of books is solid but that's not super important to me since the library system around here is huge and inter-library loans are really easy. there's a small shelf of free books by the entrance that's fun to skim through for collage supplies. the librarians are all friendly.

cons: it's too quiet, which is not actually my favorite in a library - i like libraries that have a soft murmur of activity in the main area and then other quiet-only areas. when it's too quiet i feel really awkward and nervous like everything i do is Too Loud! they don't run a lot of events for adults. the chairs are all really uncomfortable. the grandness of the interior makes it not cozy at all. the city is always trying to cut their already-tiny budget so it's hard for the workers to do much of the stuff they want to do. the building is big but they don't actually have a huge collection of books or that many patrons or librarians, so it has a weird vibe.

i dunno how i'd rate it out of 10; maybe a 6 or a 7...? it's a perfectly fine library, but not extraordinary in any respect. i don't really like being there that much, but i don't DISlike it. it's just okay.

the library in the previous town i lived in, on the other hand, was much cozier and had more comfortable chairs but a bad selection of books! it was super small - basically only two rooms, one big one with the entire library in it and one event room - but never empty. it had the low-level chatter volume i like in a library and it got a surprising amount of traffic considering the size!
they had a small shelf where people could leave nonperishable food items for anybody to take which was a nice thought but also "one shelf with two cans of soup on it" is not actually terribly helpful... they also always had free covid tests which was cool, but also they were all always expired. so... less cool.
probably a 5 or 6 out of ten library. not great, could've been worse, trying very hard. i liked hanging out there just fine, but i mostly stopped going after having an unpleasant experience with some local teens. 5/10 if i let the teens count against it, 6/10 if i disregard the teens i think haha

[candycanearter07]

8/10! My library has a ton of nice stuff and it's really close

[MrsMoe]

Probably like.....a 4/10, honestly.

It gets some points for allowing book donations from everyone across my town and having no set return dates, but it's sooooo small. It's literally one tiny room with four book shelves and a short row of computers. It's smaller than a kindergarten classroom and barely anyone really goes there.

[musicobsessed107]

7/10. My city's public library is alright, although compared to some other libraries I've visited, it could be better. It's a 3 story building, although only in recent years (since at least 2023, from what I've noticed) did they close off the 3rd floor and move everything from that floor (including the computers) down to the 2nd floor.

They do have a pretty decent selection of books, magazines (including monthly MAD Magazine editions), and DVDs that you can borrow from there. However, they don't have any CDs you can borrow, unlike another public library I've been to outside of my home town.

The atmosphere is quiet, calming, and relaxing.

My school's library is pretty similar in terms of the atmosphere, although of course, it mostly has books, has all 4 floors open, and has this neat little spiral staircase going from the 1st - 3rd floors of the building.

[ConnorTheVGFan78]

The library near me that I visit most frequently was built into a decommissioned train station up in a slightly more mountainous area just a bit of ways from town. It's been a bit since I was last there, but from what I remember, it's a really nice and cozy library. There's not really a lot of people who visit it because of how out of the way it is, but I kinda feel more comfortable visiting it like that. Sure, there might be less fellow patrons to interact with, but the lack of people guarantees that I can work without being distracted by loud or disruptive patrons.

I've also been always able to find what I'm looking for there. The selection they have is mostly books and magazines, but they also have a few CDs and DVDs. They also have plenty of computers, but they hardly get used by anyone. The reason for that being, of course, because of how out of the way the library is. They also hold some events, but most of them center around things I'm not really all that interested in.

Overall, I'd give it an 8/10. It's a very cozy and quiet library with a great selection, but there are a few things they can improve on.

[DJoftheCoven]

My city has a number of libraries, and though there's one closer to me, I usually go to the big one in civic center because it has a room for renting CDs. The main branch library is about 7 stories tall, and each floor is dedicated to about 4 subjects. I like it a lot, but there are some issues...

For one, it's not very inviting. The rooms are so big that it feels like standing in an open field instead of hanging out at the library, and since it's so quiet, everyone in the whole tower can hear you no matter how quietly you speak. G*d forbid your phone rings before you can silence it. There aren't really good options for studying with a group, either. You will be yelled at for speaking, and though there are study rooms, they're made of glass and only designed for maybe 2 people to fit inside. No soundproofing whatsoever. Unfortunately, there's also the issue of security. In general I am HIGHLY against the city's negative attitude towards addiction and homelessness, but I've also had a number of unsavory encounters in that library from people who start smoking or shooting up inside and then go on destructive rampages. I don't even know what to do about it because I would much rather that the police don't show up to arrest or hurt them for being troubled. Still, being physically assaulted while checking out books is never, uh, pleasant . 9 out of 10 visits go fine, but it's a very real problem that I have to warn people about when they move here so they can avoid some of the rude awakenings I've had in that location.

At least their music selection is rather extensive--I find small bands' demo discs there pretty often! All in all I'd rate it a 7/10 on the library pleasantness scale.

[wolfkitty42]

Hmmm... Well, my local library is good... sort of... I think generally, it is a very good librarby! There are a fair selection of books. I used 2 come here every week with my dad, so I have fond memories of that. :) Plus, the library hosts lots of programming 4 families, teens, and adults. It has a makerspace in it which is SO COOL!!!! (although the sewing machines in it HATE me but thats ok i dont have time 2 go anymore) It's also been developing into a safe space 4 therians, which I think is cool! A lot of critters frequent the craft space and leave up drawings of theta deltas. It's pretty sweet and it makes me happy. The library is also very queer friendly and has a lot of progressive books. The only issue is that within the last year or so, the library has been removing a lot of books en masse. Like, enough that the local book sales can't take all of them. It's sort of worrying. Overall, I think it is currently an 8/10. It's rating will depend on where the book removal goes...

[solbeth]

i would rate it as an absolute 10/10, 11/10 even. it has multiple stories full of all the goodies you could ever wish for. spacious book sections for each genre, additional shelves for books in different languages. it has comics, manga and graphic novels, but also maps and music scores aplenty. you can borrow movies, documentaries, music and games in any format - even the 'outdated' ones. there are in-building gaming consoles, places to watch movies, chairs with bluetooth connection so you can play music. it has an 'ultra quiet' zone for people to work and study in, leisure spaces with many comfortable seats and a cafe area, space just for kids. aside from media you can borrow electronics and music instruments, print and copy things and use their computers. it perfectly ensapsulates the philosophy of a 'third space' and is a hot spot for people to spend time together. it is basically my little heaven on earth. i really wish places like this could exist everywhere.

[PurpleHello98]

My hometown's main library is a solid 8 or 9/10. It's not the perfect third place, at least because I don't own a car, but there's a ton of books for a town our size, some really cool book sales, fun events with normally at least one or two a month that interest me, and a great selection of CDs, DVDs and magazines as well. There are also computers and printers, and even a microfilm reader! There's also a mini-cafe inside although I never really get anything from there.

My current town's library, however, is pretty disappointing---I'd have to say 4/10. There's a really poor selection of books and CDs and all, even compared to my university's library, and I live pretty far away, and as I said, I don't own a car, so I've only actually been there one, to get my card. I think there are book sales and maybe one or two events, but it can't compare to my hometown.

My uni's library, on the other hand, is also an 8 or 9/10! There's a selection of magazines and newer, "casual reading" books (even though I'm not really into most of the books in that section, but I read Victorian literature so I have great options elsewhere LOL), and one of my favourite bits, a big DVD selection! Most of my favourite TV shows are in there, and since I have a DVD player (both a portable standalone one and a DVD drive in my PC) I like to check them out! There's also a lot of cool literature and stuff, and the building is AWESOME!! There's a cafe inside that I like to go to sometimes, and some study tables and reservable study rooms, and my favourite place, on the top floor there are some armchairs next to a balcony that drops (for lack of a better word) all the way down to the first floor with a skylight above it. It's so comfy, especially when it's raining! And the general design is amazing. I really want to get a job there next school year! The only drawbacks are that the only CDs they have are audiobooks (but I almost only listen to music on iTunes and my iPod anyways) and the fact that some people love making noise on the top floor, which is supposed to be silent.

The library near me that I visit most frequently was built into a decommissioned train station up in a slightly more mountainous area just a bit of ways from town. It's been a bit since I was last there, but from what I remember, it's a really nice and cozy library. There's not really a lot of people who visit it because of how out of the way it is, but I kinda feel more comfortable visiting it like that. Sure, there might be less fellow patrons to interact with, but the lack of people guarantees that I can work without being distracted by loud or disruptive patrons.

I've also been always able to find what I'm looking for there. The selection they have is mostly books and magazines, but they also have a few CDs and DVDs. They also have plenty of computers, but they hardly get used by anyone. The reason for that being, of course, because of how out of the way the library is. They also hold some events, but most of them center around things I'm not really all that interested in.

Overall, I'd give it an 8/10. It's a very cozy and quiet library with a great selection, but there are a few things they can improve on.

That sounds insanely cool!!! Would you be comfortable showing some photos? Totally okay if not but that sounds absolutely epic.

[Monado07]

My town's library is pretty solid. It has 2 stories, the bottom level is focused on non-fiction and "serious" literature targeted towards adults, as well as having a mini-bookshop, some computers and an archive of the town's history. The top level mainly has books for kids and YA stuff, but also has an activity room and a few rooms for studying. The hours are kinda restrictive, 8:30AM-6PM Mon-Thu, 8:30AM-5PM Fri, 8:30AM-3PM Sat and closed on Sunday; but it could be worse. As for the selection, it's okay but not great, they seem to mostly rely on donations since I rarely see any newer books; there's a decent selection of fiction, but most of their non-fiction material is severely outdated. The building looks really nice though, it has a sleek design and feels modern. I'd give it a 7/10 overall.

[BlazingCobaltX]

My library is a solid 10/10 and even that number can grow. I emailed them a while ago about using a certain facility they have and they replied that they want to pilot the usage of this facility with us! It's extremely cool to me that we get to use these new facilities for free and that this situation is beneficial for everyone involved.

[drmollytov]

I just want to say, as a librarian, this thread makes my heart happy.

My local library - the one I pay taxes into - is very small and running on a shoestring, like a lot of libraries. But they do amazing things with the tiny budget they have, and I learn a lot from seeing how they manage.

Also, not to preach to the converted, but: If you love libraries, the best thing you can do is use their services. Check out those books! Grab those free museum tickets! Go to storytime! And so on!

All those little uses - items checked out, services used, people showing up for events - are data we need to argue that we're worthy of continued funding. So PLEASE use the library! (Yes, interlibrary loans and borrowing via Libby/Overdrive, hoopla, and Kanopy count as use!)

Thanks for being the reason I love my job, y'all. <3

[Yuvi]

i would rate it as an absolute 10/10, 11/10 even. it has multiple stories full of all the goodies you could ever wish for. spacious book sections for each genre, additional shelves for books in different languages. it has comics, manga and graphic novels, but also maps and music scores aplenty. you can borrow movies, documentaries, music and games in any format - even the 'outdated' ones. there are in-building gaming consoles, places to watch movies, chairs with bluetooth connection so you can play music. it has an 'ultra quiet' zone for people to work and study in, leisure spaces with many comfortable seats and a cafe area, space just for kids. aside from media you can borrow electronics and music instruments, print and copy things and use their computers. it perfectly ensapsulates the philosophy of a 'third space' and is a hot spot for people to spend time together. it is basically my little heaven on earth. i really wish places like this could exist everywhere.

That sounds so so amazing...

I just want to say, as a librarian, this thread makes my heart happy.

My local library - the one I pay taxes into - is very small and running on a shoestring, like a lot of libraries. But they do amazing things with the tiny budget they have, and I learn a lot from seeing how they manage.

Also, not to preach to the converted, but: If you love libraries, the best thing you can do is use their services. Check out those books! Grab those free museum tickets! Go to storytime! And so on!

All those little uses - items checked out, services used, people showing up for events - are data we need to argue that we're worthy of continued funding. So PLEASE use the library! (Yes, interlibrary loans and borrowing via Libby/Overdrive, hoopla, and Kanopy count as use!)

Thanks for being the reason I love my job, y'all. <3

Will do! I'm actually considering getting a job at a local library here as well! I love the services provided even if i feel like its sometimes limited, however using it more will only make it better in the long run! I usually have like 2 - 5 books (mostly manga volumes) issued at once now and put in holds for things all the time! me and my girlfriend frequent the events for the farther library since their events are actually pretty awesome

I'm glad i put this thread out there:mark: i love reading and imagining what everyone's local libraries are like
If some of ya'll can provide pictures then that would be genuinely awesome