In a word, Stunning! This cozy, jam-packed with all you could need and want in a library is filled with both old-world charm and futuristic possibilities for you to pursue. The architecture inside is worth the visit itself. There is a place to shop, browse and outright purchase books and other items for a fraction of the cost. The idea lab is a dreamers paradise where you can learn to print just about anything your heart desires, be it greeting cards, mugs, t-shirts, you name you can learn how to create in the lab. If you are seeking peace and quite, sneak off into one of the little cubby rooms to read, meditate, make phone calls or work on your computer. There are plenty of open spaces to relax and unwind with a good book or magazine while still participating in a public, social experience. There are plenty of windows to gaze out into the beautiful park or quaint city scenery. They have books for those that struggle to read with smaller print. There is a very large section of large print books. A children and teen section as well as every subject the adult could want for book selection. A beautiful, wonderful resource for the Birmingham, MI area. read more

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Cutest library ever! It's old but has truly the most stunning bookshelves, lighting, tables, ambiance, etc! It is so cozy. They have an atrium where you can snack and be loud, but the inside has the expectation of quiet! They have a little "bookstore" at the very front, I assume for books they want to retire, and operate off the honor system! Everything is $3 or LESS! Lots of carts marked $1 or 2/$1. I think they may have reading classes or story hour for children in the mornings, I got here at 9:30 and heard what sounded like a teacher talking to parents about their kids! They have toy bags and activities for young kids, a fish tank, and a globe! It's overall a really comfy place to spend quiet time in the Word. read more

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The original parts of the building are so gorgeous; the renovated and later added spaces are a little clunky and lead to added noise pollution in certain areas. The collections themselves were fine, nothing overly impressive. Staff could make an effort to greet people. My favorite places were in the old portion of the building--gorgeous old lighting, the room with the fireplace--those are the cozy places I'd use if I was a regular visitor. read more

It is a very nice library it is comfortable and has all the books that I need. It i s very nice.

We love this library. Moved to the area 4 years ago and gave only had great experiences especially with the staff. They are friendly, knowledgeable and go out of their way to help. There are lots of spaces to get away if you want quiet. Also the programs are top notch and I'm now a devout attendee of one of their many book clubs. Our son was looking for book's series to read over the summer. The helpful librarian asked him a few questions and gave him 5 different suggestions. He took three and loved them. When we returned the next month she saw us and came CB over to tell us there was a new series coming next week she thought he'd love and will put it aside. She did. We did. He did! read more

Baldwin Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Birmingham, Michigan

This library has it all, beautiful interior space, a well-planned mix of old and new architecture, separate spaces for team projects and collaboration, magazines, research, kids play and quiet time. I love the bright & comfortable areas for the kids, puppets, archways, soft seating. The kids love it- several young kids were putting on a spontaneous puppet show for their parents. Lots of books with every subject available in 4 shelf high rows. There are some crafts and games sheets. There was a list of resources for learning about Native Americans and their many skills, achievements and contributions. The soaring ceilings and comfy seating in the magazine area is wonderful. Lots of magazines to peruse and some local periodicals for the region (MI history). Shelves of books that pertain to the several Book Clubs- easy to get involved. The Idea Lab is a crafty do-it-yourself place with 3D printers and dozens of cool completed projects. Lots of people enjoying the library on this Sunday. They have long OPEN hours- lots to learn and do! Join a book club- there are several! There are office like spaces w doors too. Free Wifi. This is the best county library I have ever seen in the US. I know taxes are high in this area, but you can see what they are used for!! read more

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Small town library with very knowledgeable staff and easily accessible materials. The librarians are willing to go the extra mile when finding a title. read more

Baldwin Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Birmingham, Michigan

Lukewarm to cold. Libraries are public domains and its residents pay for the salaries of the librarians and its employees. I've lived in the BH-Birmingham area on and off for over 20 years and just recently moved back with my service dog. It seems that the majority of the people behind the desks are unwelcoming and some are rather rude. It's sad for me to state this as I am always a very positive and open minded person. I don't judge and I definitely don't give negative energy wherever I go. Libraries are supposed to be a place of refuge and peace; yet the people that work here exude negative energy and unwelcoming attitudes. I feel like I'm walking into that tv show; the one with all the negative ladies yapping about the world and the people they don't like or agree with. What a sad state humanity has entered into. read more

Baldwin Public Library - My service dog being polite and respectful while I'm on a Zoom call inside a small enclosed meeting room. - Libraries Near Me - Birmingham, Michigan

I love this library. They've recently renovated the children's section & my little one loves it! They have plenty of relevant books, CD's & random activities as noted by the calendar. I'm pretty sure every first Monday of the month they have a cool craft activity for kids. Come in and grab one--me and my little one love the crafts they share! read more

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Beautiful library and very nice children's sections. Lots of windows too so lots of natural light.

I like the staff at this library they always bright my day even Bart, Julia, Hailey Ethan, Elizabeth and Jen I always say their names in an accent because I want to see then laugh and react, I love you guys and the finance guy I like so much from the president of the Baidwin Library Joey Gallagher read more

At first, I fell completely in love with the library! The building is beautiful both inside and out with lots of comfortable sofas, clean chairs and tables to study, absolutely great natural lighting owing to the massive windows everywhere... I thought I finally found my happy place in the town. Being an avid book reader, I was so happy to be surrounded by the endless arrays of shelves and it's like I wish I could live here to just read all day every day. I find myself coming back to the library almost every week for the rest of the summer (and with almost every day off). However, the more I spend time there the more I realize that occasionally there will be talking in loud noises (not even people doing group projects), just like somebody walking around... which causes some distractions, so unfortunately that sort of diminishes the experience. However, overall, I still like going here from time to time read more

What a gorgeous library! Now that I've left academia (I'd say permanently, but one never knows), I've been hoping to find a good place for study. This is it! The great adult reading room just to the north of circulation is just lovely. The table space and lighting are more than adequate, although the main room gets a bit loud at times due to its proximity to both circulation and youth services. There is a quiet study room available, but that room tends to get a bit stuffy at times. The librarians and staff are generally friendly. The collection is very large and the children's section is wonderful. There are many free or inexpensive activities (book clubs, classes, etc.) for patrons of all ages. It is possible to reserve a computer for use if you don't bring your laptop, but if you do, the wifi is easy to access (requires only an email address and acknowledgement of terms of use) and very fast. One BIG problem I have is the number of times each visit I have to glare at other patrons for carrying on cell phone conversations in the library. So inconsiderate! I wish the library would do a bit more to curb this behavior. read more

Of the four staff members I interacted with here at this library only one had social graces and tried to be helpful. The others? As a few Yelpers have already mentioned, they are not properly trained AT ALL. Oh, not one bit. I've been to many libraries, and I must say, this is the FIRST library that made me feel like I wasn't welcome. Quite honestly, the staff (with the exception of one) was not warm or welcoming and the fake smile thing - I can't. Oh, and excuse me for not already being a patron, your highness. Ugh, please don't get me started. It was my first time here and I will not be coming back. Quite honestly, reading in a cave in the middle of nowhere by faint candlelight would be better than sitting in this library. read more

I wish I could live at the Baldwin Library... I love to spend afternoons at this beautiful library studying, getting work done or just kicking back to browse the books and magazines. The BPL has the romantic aura of the classic Ivy League library mixed with great modern amenities such as WiFi and a great online renewal system. They stock plenty of new novels as well as DVD Movies. They have a very large DVD selection in general, in addition to video games and CDs! Great periodical section flush with the best in magazines. If they don't have a book you're looking for, just log-on to MeL (Michigan e-library) and locate it from any available library in Michigan and have it loaned out to you, they'll ship to your library. Front desk people can be a bit snooty sometimes, but overall this place is fantastic and it never ruins my experience -- I'm here at least once a week! read more

My experience today with this library was very good. It was my first time going in, and I had just applied for a library card online. I went in to retrieve my card and was helped by a polite attendant. She encouraged me to take a look around the library, as it was my first time in, and I was pleasantly surprised at what I saw. There was a substantial selection of literature and media and the various sections- adult, teen, and youth- were distinct and well defined. The layout itself was slightly confusing to navigate and the appearance of the library could have been more elegant, but that is simply an aesthetic complaint. My rating would be five stars if all of the spaces were available to patrons, as there were several study spaces that were completely locked up, presumably due to Covid. I will continue checking back and will change my rating when these are open. read more

I would mainly like to comment on the library's semi-annual (I think) book sale. As for the building itself - well it is Birmingham, and it seemed like a nice place to do your librarying. One thing to note is that the parking meters are limited (2 hours, I think), so you are probably better off parking in a structure nearby. Or if you live nearby, have your chauffeur put you on his back and come over on the segway. Anyhow, the book sale was pretty fantastic. On the last day of the sale, Monday, you buy a bag for $3, and fill it up with as many books fit. And, amidst some really awful books, there were quite a few really great finds. The volunteers were very cheerful. And, unlike some other book sales, there were very few angry looking people growling at everyone else, hoarding boxes at a time. I'm looking forward to the next sale. read more

The library itself is a beautiful building, and gives off a victorian feeling. However, some of the staff I came across were incredibly rude . They are poorly trained with costumer service and will speak on what is on their mind. I asked a simple question and was answered with the rudest response from two different woman. Horrible experience, and I am sure to never go there again ! I hope upper management will realize the type of low feedback that was experienced. read more

Beautiful building, great selection, adequate hours. But every time I am in there the staff acts like they are doing this huge favor by helping you. They are just snotty people with the exception of one middle aged lady at the check out counter. (Sort of short hair). No name badges so I can't identify. read more

The staff is poorly trained. i have had books "lost" and my wife find them on the return cart. Some of the staff are friendly and helpful but most are dimly lit. The library at best is cramped, loud and unreliable. Before I frequented the library I understand they tried to pass a milage increase to update it, that failed now I know why. Libraries are meant to inspire a generation of literate and illiterate. They are not meant to be a beacon of mediocrity and bad manners. The main study hall of the library is nice everything else is lacking and poorly done. I have been to one room libraries with better service and a friendly atmosphere. read more

Wonderful library - one of my favorite places to go in Birmingham. I spent long summers working my way through the (substantial) foreign film collection of DVDs, and sampling the array of eBooks and audiobooks also available through Baldwin's web platform. read more

One of my least favorite libraries to meet students at, but I keep going because there's not a ton of other great tutoring locations in the area. Especially with the building under construction, there's a severe lack of space available for study groups, but even before that, I often ended up way back in a corner, feeling like I was being punished for having a discussion with a student. (Contrast this with the Southfield, Rochester, Novi, West Bloomfield, or Bloomfield Township libraries, where they seem to have prioritized making space for youth to meet for group projects.) Now the only place I've found that doesn't seem to elicit shushing and nasty looks is a single table located between the children and adult sections. The staff should give serious consideration to having designated talking and silent areas, instead of having designated quiet areas and then more open spaces that it seems everyone has decided also need to be silent, and instead of telling people having relatively quiet discussions in open study to be quiet (when there is no place to move to), they should direct those looking for profound silence to the computer lab in the basement or the quiet study room on the ground floor. I hope things will improve when the renovations are done. read more