For me, it's hard to give a library below four stars. Right now my kids are young so a good children's department is a must. A good selection of books that includes a decent rotation of new picture books, and kind librarians are a must.
C.H. Booth is a beautiful library, no doubt. The architecture is lovely, and the age of the building creates an atmosphere perfect for books and reading. There is a very nice play area for the kids. We love how the puzzles are organized into zippered bags. There's a little playhouse/theater, a train table, and play food with kitchen. During more crowded times, space for adult seating can be tight. The library also hosts a good number of children's programs. There is a good selection of books though I do think their incoming/new books selection is not as impressive as other libraries we visit. My kids love the elaborate display doll house at the entrance, to boot.
So where's my issue? These are all great things, right? Yes. It's a nice library. But, I've discovered that being made to feel welcome is one of the most important things when it comes to how I feel about a location, and I don't find this library to be terribly welcoming. First of all, they have a no diapers tossed in library waste baskets policy. As a parent with a child in diapers, this is horrendous for me. In talking to other parents, it would seem the only place they've seen this is occasionally at a doctor's office for health reasons. So I suppose that's likely the library's reasoning as well.
Here's the thing though. They ask you to come request a plastic bag at the desk. Now that I know to do this ahead of time, the process isn't as disgusting, but the first time I didn't know and had to carry my child's poop filled diaper to the desk to ask for a bag. Then they say you can toss it in the bin outside the door. Well, it's winter and I have two kids. I'd need to get my coat on, both their coats on, and take them with me outside to toss it, to come back in and take our coats off to continue the visit. I either undergo that immense hassle or I have to sit in the children's area with a poop diaper that despite the bag, is easily smelled.
On top of this major inconvenience and frustrating policy, I find the children's librarians to be unfriendly. That first time that I had to ask for a bag there was no one at the desk. I stood there with the poop diaper in hand for a few minutes before someone came to help. That person then asked me with an irritated tone, as if I'd interrupted her, what I wanted. She then handed over the bag without a word. I've discovered in the visits following that incident that we are never greeted, as we often are in other libraries. I don't see the librarians interacting with the kids, as I do in other libraries.
I'm not saying I'm an absolute authority on the library or its librarians, nor have I met all of them, but these interactions plus the horrid diaper policy, are enough to knock this library down a couple stars for me. So why do I still come? It's close to my daughter's school and has become a part of our routine due to convenience. But I greatly prefer libraries that kindly provide a diaper genie (best option), or at least allow you to toss the diapers in a particular bin. And I love libraries where we are warmly greeted and my kids and I feel welcomed. read more