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.

This library (and perhaps the system as a whole) has really ramped up its efforts to stay connected…read morewith the community throughout the pandemic, which is definitely laudable. They've completely converted to curbside pickup and had some opening hours during the summer (with social distance and masks required), and they've done a lot virtually as well. During this different time when folks are spending a lot of time at home, it's nice to have them keeping media and books available for all to enjoy! No museum passes at this time, but they do have a nice selection that may be available again one day!

Decent library. Go here to tutor once a week. On the small side for sure. Noise level is pretty…read moregood. Have a few small study areas for people to come and get some work done. Free wifi, but it's quite slow. Coolest thing I've found at this library is that they have an annual pass for 2 adults and 4 children to the Morris Arboretum. You cannot reserve this, but if you call ahead and it's in, they'll hold it for one hour. Pretty cool.

Love the Ardmore Free Library. It is small but they are very helpful and they make the most of…read moretheir limitations. They kids section in the basement is a huge hit with my kids and even their daycare comes for story time occasionally. I'd donate money to them but my wife more than makes up for that with the amount of fines we pay for late returns. Not enough wonderful things can be said about their staff. Always helpful, always kind... So happy to have them as a cornerstone of our community.

My library cards are current in GA (from where I moved), FL and as of today, Montgomery County, PA…read more Each system operates differently-- all with merits. Some, more so. Dating back to 1926, the Ardmore Library is small, charming and the oldest in the county. Despite its size, you're not restricted by what's there; you can go online and reserve books from any local branch. Two things in particular struck me: 1) if there's no hold on a book, it automatically renews -- with a few exceptions -- after three weeks. Apparently, this will happen twice. 2) you can go to the library and get free three-day passes to participating museums and gardens. Have a back-up, since there are a limited number of passes, sometimes only one per library per venue. The people working here are very nice and in a city where one should know how to parallel park -- that wouldn't be me! -- the library has a parking lot.

I've always been blown away by the service at the Norristown Public Library--the reference…read morelibrarians are tops at offering relevant, deep research if needed--and I am actually surprised that this is the first review. Anyway, I had new reason to praise the libe this week. I had an editing job that, unlike most others, required AP style--and the job was due today. Luckily, the Norristown Library had the three most recent copies of the AP Stylebook. Unluckily, we're in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and most libraries take several days to make books available for curbside pickup, which would be too late for my project due date in two days. So I called the Norristown Library reference desk, explained that it was an emergency, and the librarian immediately found the book and made it available for me--in 15 minutes! Props to the reference librarian working the morning of 08-12-2020; she was professional and personable.

This library has a lot of books of every genre as well as plenty of computers. The staff are very…read morehelpful and friendly.

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!

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.

Beautiful facility, friendly staff. Great place to meet people in the community, with so many…read moreactivities -- book clubs, games nights, training classes.

I can't believe I've lived here for what, over a year, and have only just been to the library. How…read moremuch money have I wasted on books and how many cool activities could my kid have enjoyed on a rainy day. Anyway. It's small and I only picked up one book for myself so I'm uncertain about offerings, but it's easy to order whatever you want; the staff were super helpful and friendly in assisting me with finding the children's books I was after and in explaining how to acquire material via my kindle. There was a group of seniors playing a board game, a number of children being tutored and some older kids and pre-teens tucked away in various corners of the library floor. They have an extensive and awesome list of children and teen activities, just a lot going on in general. It might be a small place, but they seem especially vested in the community and vise versa.

There are so many things to do at the library and I especially love the Lovett branch in Mount…read moreAiry. It is one of life's great joys to go to a beautiful and friendly Library!

Solid local branch, but chronic underfunding means they are often short staffed and sometimes…read moreunexpectedly closed.