I love to visit libraries! This library was very modern. It had a good set up for books and a great…read moreselection. There were lots of places to sit and read the lighting was good. There's a small area on the second floor, where you can sit and read and also has vending machines. My favorite part was a used book room That had lots of books for $1 or $2 It also had DVDs for sale It was a great spot to take a break. I was also able to find two books to buy The staff were very nice

When I saw the book sale sign, I figured they'd have a couple of shelves with tired old volumes…read more Nope! A room-and-a-half filled with nearly new books and DVDs -- (do people still use DVDs?!) -- all clearly categorized. If there are children in your life, check out the kids' section with more than reading matter for sale. Cheap, too. Ludington isn't my home branch, but we come for museum passes. If you live in Montgomery County, you can check out 3-day passes to a host of museums and venues in and around the area. We've been to the Audobon Center, the Shofuso Japanese house, several small zoos ... all free! Today's visit: the beautiful Woodmere Art Museum. Ludington Library is spacious and nicely laid out with ample places to relax, read, and even (quietly) chat with a friend. Parking is sometimes tricky on Saturdays with the farmer's market across the street. But otherwise their lot is adequate, even with a two hour time restriction. Libraries have evolved significantly since I was a kid. They always were, and continue to be, an important community resource. Ludington is a good one!

Needed to do some literary research today, and the only library anywhere nearby who had what I…read moreneeded was Bryn Mawr's Canaday Library. I am a local resident, and am not currently a student anywhere, so I called first to see what access was allowed to me. Swarthmore, Haverford and Bryn Mawr colleges work together for inter-library loaning on the Tri-pod system, which is an online catalog of all their collections, accessible to any i-net user. You don't have to be a student to visit the libraries and read, but you do need a school card to check out. I had used Tri-pod to ascertain which library had what I needed, before calling for more info. (According to my local township library, there is an inter-library loan process which would allow me access to Tri-pod items and be lent something through my library, but, since it takes over a week to process, I have not personally done this. I am relating the info I was given, but I do not know for sure how much access is really permitted via inter-library loans, to libraries outside the three Tri-pod schools.) I was very impressed with the politeness and helpfulness of the young woman who answered the phone at the Bryn Mawr science library, however, I ended up calling her only because I could not get a live soul on the line for Canaday, even after multiple calls, and leaving a message. That part was a really poor experience, especially when we finally got there and saw FOUR staff members sitting at the circulation desks, doing nothing but their own classwork, while on duty. Come on. This would not fly at other libraries. I even called McCabe at Swarthmore just to see if they had someone answering at that time, and a very helpful young man was live on the other end, ready to help me, so Canaday, seriously, answer your phone! The helpful staff member at the Bryn Mawr science library told me that "Visitor Hours" for Canaday Library, which I guess are different from student hours, are 8-6 M-F, and 10-5 on Sat. Upon visiting on a week day, it was well after 6pm when we left, and they were making no signs of closing, so I assume they run late for students (normally campus libraries are open until closer to midnight) but would like visitors to leave earlier. For safety reasons, especially since this is a women's school, I can certainly understand and respect that. The library was organized and clean. I did not see any features on display, such as an art collection or those snazzy decorative architectural niches, that many other academic libraries have. Normally a school library is a showplace, even at private schools, on an upper school level. While I like looking at the neat things academic libraries normally display (glass cases of rare books, Native American artifacts, antique local photography, etc.), it was also a little refreshing not to have the pomp and circumstance, and we certainly did not explore the entire building, so I could be missing something outstanding. But for what we saw, it was a plain old library, with books as the main event. I hope to have more time to explore next time. For the section of literary journals where we were, it was very inclusive of all I needed, and actually had several other literary reviews that were really helpful as well. Definitely strong on their collection for all my research purposes, and then some. I had a positive experience, as well, speaking to the main reception at Bryn Mawr, another student who was very helpful. I call there to ask about visitor parking and she patched me through to Campus Safety / Public Safety, who unfortunately did not have a name for the lot, but confirmed what I saw online on their interactive map, which called it "Campus Center Parking," off of New Gulp Road. I posted a map with visuals to help anyone needing to know where this is. This was my first time at Canaday. When I took some undergrad classes at Penn, and then grad classes at Penn and Rosemont, I had always used the HUGE library at Penn, or McCabe Library at Swarthmore College. I have to say I really like McCabe, and that is normally my go-to when I have a choice. They have the perfect aesthetic for a college library (decor combo of tasteful architecture, sculpture, art, and an amazingly comprehensive book collection). But, while I didn't feel as at home at Canaday, I did feel comfortable enough to get work done there, which is the whole point. All in all it was a strong positive experience at Canaday. The Bryn Mawr campus, like many, has a strong Gothic architectural influence. I also cannot help but think of Katharine Hepburn, one of their most well-known alumni. Katharine's "Bryn Mawr accent" is a joy to watch, as it comes and goes, when she thinks about using it, in her earlier movies, especially "Philadelphia Story." It is so shamelessly snobby, but ballsy of her, which makes it hilarious at the same time.

I love working at the Bryn Mawr College Libraries, which are open to the general public. In…read moreparticular, the Science Library (Collier) is a beautiful, quiet place to get work done, and parking is easy and free in the visitors lot. Carpenter is quite pretty too (but the chairs aren't as comfy). Beautiful campus, and easy to get lunch/coffee at the student cafe.

[605] I've visited…read morethis nearby library tons of time and each time I've had a great experience. Plenty of parking between the lot and the street. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Tons of programs that you're able to participate in I'll definitely be back.

The economy is tough! I'm a voracious reader and I get my material from many sources. I'm…read moreaddicted to my Kindle so Amazon's got my number. I also patronize Cathy's Half Price Books. Finally I'm a regular at this library. Free is always good. One of the most important features of a library is its organization and this place does it well. It's really easy to find the genre of books you like. Also the employees (many volunteers) are helpful. Even if you're lax and you have some overdue books, a few cents fine is way better than purchasing. There is one negative here and that is parking. There is a parking lot but it fills up quickly and parking on the surrounding streets can be a pain. To me it's worth dealing with this to get some great books at no cost.

This is a really great place to work and study. It's always quiet, has ton of natural light, and a…read moregreat view.

A fantastic library, even to this day. It even has that coveted library smell... books old and new!…read moreIt is a large library for the town The employees are always helpful even when you need to find that one special book. Check their website out for events and information. The property around the library is great for sitting outside and reading a book.

Cute library with several different spaces. I enjoyed the civic center and relaxed there for an…read morehour just reading.

Y'all, this place has Charles Dickens' actual writing desk…read more We entered this beautiful building, mouths agape in wonder. One of the security guards told us to head straight up to the 3rd floor -- he compared it to a small museum full of rare things. Intrigued, we took his advice. So glad we did! We happened upon the free guided tour of the Rare Book Department, and spent the next hour happily being shown treasures such as books with special bindings, books with gold leaf, the taxidermied raven named Grip which inspired Edgar Allan Poe's famous work, and yes, Charles Dickens' desk, complete with his scratched-on initials. Later, we came across a giant shoe in one of the reading rooms. This place is fantastically magical. Love the Free Library of Philadelphia.

First came here through 52 First Philly event and instantly loved it. It's a small, quaint museum…read moretucked right next to Washington Square Park, which already sets the vibe. During the First Flight event it was a bit busy, but still felt intimate and special. There's a members-only reading/library area that feels very old-world and scholarly, and a general exhibition space with rotating displays, historic prints, books, and artifacts tied to architecture, design, and Philadelphia history. It's quiet, thoughtful, and the kind of place where you naturally slow down and look closely at things. I went back again yesterday for a very specific and slightly heartbreaking reason. I realized I grabbed the wrong collectible pencil before. Mine said "52 Weeks" instead of "First Flight," which meant my collection was incomplete and yes, I was genuinely sad about it. I stopped in just to ask if they maybe had an extra one somewhere. Renee was INCREDIBLE. Truly the nicest human. She took the time to look and actually found one for me. It absolutely made my day. I honestly wanted to write this review just to thank her because that level of kindness and care really sticks with you. Also, on my second visit I realized how much I missed the first time around. The building itself is beautiful, classic architecture, warm and elegant without being intimidating. It's the kind of place that rewards repeat visits because you notice something new each time. A hidden gem, wonderful staff, and a really special Philly institution. I'll definitely be back. I'll admit the non member area is small. But it was very informational. I think it would be perfect for civic engineers.

I like going there. The general atmosphere is very unique and welcoming. I would encourage them to…read moreban the use of laptops in the library, it is a place to read, not to do the work.

Very friendly and helpful staff, well stocked materials, available tables for those needing…read moretutoring, as well as space for the kiddos. There is a playground next-door, which is really helpful as well.

For my 200th first to review (!!!) I may as well give it to the hollowed halls where I first…read morediscovered my love of reading. While the Narberth Library is nowhere near the size of the likes of even the smallest branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia system, it makes up for it in quality by getting a good selection of the latest new releases, blu-ray DVDs, and periodicals, all while keeping its variety fairly fresh and interesting. the children's room has enough to appeal to new readers, young adults looking for the next big Twiligfht or Harry Potter, and people who are looking to appease their manga and graphic novel addiction alike. And if they don't have what you're looking for they do a pretty good job of getting it in. Other amenities of this small community library include a good research and computer station, a relaxing central reading station with free wi-fi that even has a fireplace, and tea/coffee for an inexpensive price. They also do a array of good events that range from book discussions for adults and children, and an annual Librewery beer tasting event.

One of my favorite libraries in the area. It's clean, modern, and has a free parking lot. The staff…read moreis helpful, although sometimes a little loud. They have plenty of tables and desks if you're looking to do remote work. They also have meeting rooms that you can reserve for up to two hours per day. They aren't sound proof, but they allow for some added privacy. It's located across the street from a school so from 230-430 it can get crowded with students.

I've been hopping storytimes like the beginning of "Fight Club." (I'm not the only one, Holly A,…read moreper her reviews, did it too.) So my review is for storytime, not RML in general. Andrea does storytime for my son's age group at RML, and she is awesome! I have been taking my baby since he was 3mos old, though they offer the pre-walker program from birth. (No registration necessary.) The RML pre-walkers group is a decent size. A mix of moms, nannies, and grandparents, are all there to help their little one learn and grow (an occasional dad or grandpa). There is a core group of regulars, and many others who come and go. Andrea is great about remembering her babies' names, which is a really sweet touch! She is energized, and keeps the kids' attention really well. My son is mesmerized when he goes. It's hard to hold the attention of such a young age group, so actual stories are limited, but the choices Andrea makes are really appropriate for this stage. She adds songs, bells, scarves, puppets, gestures and movements, etc. to keep them entertained. While the pre-walker storytime is only 20-30mins, it's worth the trip! When we get home, my son is exhausted from all the stimulation. They offer it twice on Thursdays, so you can catch one or the other. The storytime room is partitioned off for noise insulation, and to allow babies to crawl wherever they want. I am equidistant from Newtown Twp Library and RML. The group size at Newtown Twp gets huge, and the moms talk nonstop, which is unpleasant for those of us looking to engage in the activity and bond with our kids. That behavior doesn't happen at RML; focus is on the kids, where it should be, IMO. My son and I both prefer RLM because the group size is always just right and Andrea is a great leader. This place is great for us! * * * TIP * * * Your Radnor Library card will get you into Chanticleer Garden for $5 instead of $10.

Penn Wynne Library holds special memories for me. I am 64 now , but I first started walking over…read morethere when I was about 6 ( I lived only a couple blocks away ). I'd be on the 1st floor, walk up the steps to the 2nd floor and read and do homework, and I absolutely loved doing the summer reading lists EVERY SINGLE SUMMER ! Ahh, good memories !!

Very helpful librarians. They have a good reading area with toys and comfortable chairs to sit…read more Would recommend.