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.

July 2020... this COVID thing,places are finally opening up. But I must have hit a rare gem here…read morebecause I had called a bunch of other libraries in Delaware County and they either weren't open for computer access or just had weird hours...

This library is super tiny! That said, there was a nice big DVD section which we frequented. I…read morefound the people at the desk to be friendly most of the time, but once I actually had a librarian who wouldn't help me find what I was looking for - which is shocking to me. It's great if you want DVDs, but otherwise some of the other Delco libraries might be a better fit for you.

My son was at a camp at Swarthmore College, and I needed a place to camp out and do some work. The…read morePublic Library fit the bill. Very friendly staff, nice quiet environment (I mean, it is a library) and most importantly, accessible power outlets and free internet.

I wish the children's section had more things to keep the interest of children. But other wise I go…read moreto this place often because it's one of the few libraries that open before 10AM. I wish more of the libraries opened earlier. It's also a bonus that this is within walking distance of the swarthmore tot lot. Although the tot lot could use a bit more landscape maintenance.

[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.

Well lit and bright, clean. The staff has been really kind and helpful. There's tons of computers,…read moretables, and seats to study at or just read. They have tons of things beyond books too! There's library passes, yard games, even a power washer. Lots of games and even baking pans. Really neat. I've noticed they even have events for kids/teens.

Museum passes are amazing for saving money and having fun in the community! Everyone there is very…read morehelpful and friendly.

This library is so big and has programming for children. I tried coming for storytime over the…read moresummer but they limit to first 100 parents and kids, and apparently some start lining up way earlier! This may not be the program for you if you know your child would get overstimulated, but the kids play area is wonderful. There's a play table and rug with plenty of toys along with seating for parents. I could see this being a go-to spot for play dates! Note that there's two entrances to the building that go to different floors.

We Lovethe library! It is so quiet and cozy, unless you are in the baby room, there it can be a bit…read morenoisy but we don't care we are ProLife! We went in to use the computers! What a great idea, you are allowed 35 minute to start and if no one else needs to use it, they will extend your computer time till you finish up your work! This library has 8 computers. Also, if you want to explore the museums in Philadelphia and Chester County pick up passes from the library because they are free and they even give you a parking pass! How nice. We went to the art museum and it was wonderful! The library has so many different books, magazines, audiobooks and tapes but also classes you can take and adventures for the kiddos! They offer a wealth of information to you and your family. In addition, there was multiple tax applications and documents you may need this season if you are doing your own taxes, if not they have several resources for filing your taxes for free and not so free. Please check it out and support your local library, the library is open for business everyday of the week till 8 pm except Friday till 5pm, Saturday till 4pm and Sunday till 5pm, with free parking and handicap accessible parking. Don't forget to register for your free library card and please make a donation to help fund our community library if you can!!

Dudes- did we know there were FREE activities for children (and others but I just went for BB…read moretoday) at the library? And that we're not restricted to our own town's library?? Well there are and we aren't! My sister suggested we go to one last week and I did a little digging on their site. Queried children's events and there you have it! Infants' play group on Thursdays at 10am. I never remember the library has awesome programing. I was the first mom/baby combo the so we had free reign on the climbing toys, stuffed animals, balls and books for a few. Two other little girls crashed our solo party and that put the space at about capacity for the roaming walking babies. It was a good time had by all. Cheers to you for doing your job, Delco Library system. Someone please remind me to keep going!

Media's new library has achieved the inglorious distinction of blowing a huge and expensive…read moreopportunity for greatness. First the positive. The exterior architecture is a fantastic attempt at retaining the borough's brick past. This building could have been thrown up with cheaper construction materials like vinyl siding, or fake brick like some other homes popping up in Media, but they used the real deal. Good ole brick. The building is visually appealing with a nice porch on the front. The sidewalk utilizes stamped concrete brick impressions. While not real brick, stamped concrete brick is better for maintenance, liability, it mimics the look of brick effectively and has more appeal than just a concrete sidewalk. There are awkward exterior elements though. Why they did not build a deck or outdoor porch on the rear 2nd floor of the building is beyond comprehension. If it was money related, understood, but I hope the architect left the possibility down the road to allow for this with no structural changes needed. The front also has two oddities. On the side of the porch is a patio with etched bricks with names of the donors. Nice idea, but functionally weird. No seats, benches and symmetrically out of place. Seems like someone threw a dart at the plans to pick the spot to put the "donor brick patio." The other oddity is the 2nd floor porch that never was. There are doors opening to a porch that can accommodate about one half of your foot. Odd. Overall though, the exterior is to be commended for its adherence to Media's brick legacy. The inside is what makes this love story turn into a mystery. When you walk in, you are overwhelmed with the antiseptic, white bland interior of what could double as a hospital waiting room. This looks like the result of design by committee when communal input in the floor planning process sucks the life out of the project (either that or a completely unimaginative and boring architect). With many fantastic libraries to draw inspiration from in the area namely Bryn Mawr's new library, I find it disappointing that Media did not go all in and do something as amazing, or at least compare itself to other great local library offerings. There is no aesthetically, inviting quality interior spaces to relax with a book without feeling like you are a patient of Nurse Ratched. Its all very stark. Book rows, computer rows, a long "technology" bar with stools that I still don't know what purpose it serves. The children's room lacks imagination and playfulness. They carried over the one bathroom plan from the old library which also is a disappointment. During the construction process, the size of the hole in the ground suggested a huge basement with high ceilings, that would make a great computer lab or rentable meeting or party space. Reality? Its storage. The 2nd floor is equally perplexing. It's a series of again, oddly sized mundane rooms with zero personality. One room that has a glimmer of personality is the room with a conference table that houses the double doored, half inch porch that overlooks Bryn Mawr Running Co. Expectations for this place were large. Media was going big and it was going to be great. And while the exterior dazzles, the innards of the building couldn't be more boring. (A situation that could be improved with guidance from an interior designer.) This new Media-Upper Providence Library serves a purpose, use the computer or get a book/movie and return it. This inside of the library was built with the same approach as buildings built in the 70's and 80's, utility. As for a warm, inviting place for people to come, use the computer, read a magazine, spend time inside; I'd rather go to Taylor Hospital and pull up a chair at Intake, for it has more charm.

Little but lovely. Obviously it's not the biggest and most updated in the DELCO library system but…read moreit gets the job done. There are still plenty of options. Multiple sections for seating. The librarian was very helpful and friendly. She sweetly answered all of my questions. Self checkout is available which I've never seen before and it's so cool! You can return the book/ resource to any Delaware County library. Really cool system and a giant network with tons of physical and digital books.

Delaware County Library System (DCLS) is a decent system as far as suburban community libraries go…read more Is it Ludington Library in Bryn Mawr? No. Is it Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library? No again. But I would say those are outstanding examples of non-urban public libraries. Newtown Public Library serves its purpose, & is one of the newer, "nicer" libraries in the DCLS system. The building is clean, artfully designed, & full of cheerful light from large windows. This makes for a pleasant atmosphere. It is rarely quiet as a library should be. I don't know why none of the patrons understand how to behave in a library, but they don't, & no one working there cares. It is not designed with places for privacy either. Wish they cared about that. I have never been able to use them for academic study. Over the years I've searched the online catalog (pooling inventory in all DCLS libraries) by book /author /research topic, for various needs, but I never find much. I guess this is not the intended use of a civic library anyway, but a set of TCLCs in Reference would benefit even high school students. For other general interests, i-net research at home usually does the trick. As for more pop lit, we don't devour novels or bestsellers, & we do our periodical reading, again, online. We also buy a lot of used books on Amazon to meet most of our reading needs. So the library has been of use to us for other purposes... *If you are trying to do local academic study, I recommend getting a student membership to Swathmore College's library (which allows access to Haverford & Bryn Mawr Colleges as well), & allows you to check things out. U-Penn has a fabulous library, but you can't check anything out unless you have a Penn Pass. Back to DCLS... During our 84-hour power outage a couple years back, we were very grateful for the free computer/i-net usage. There are a few terminals right up front, & there is usually no one there, which is great. They allow you to print in black & white for a small fee ($0.05/page last we used it), or color ($0.15/page). Aside from power outages, we have had a printer malfunction, or have run out of color toner, & have needed to rely on Newtown Library in a pinch, which is much appreciated. We more recently went through a classic movie DVD binge, & found a lot of great titles in the DCLS catalog. We were able to easily order online from all over Delco, & pick up at Newtown Library when they arrived through inter-library loan. The snag was, the first two times we picked up our movies, they were free. The librarians on duty (two different ones) both told us that Newtown doesn't charge for movies, therefore there was no fee if it came from elsewhere (even if a fee was charged at other libraries). My understanding has always been that this is a free library system, so naturally we hadn't expected a fee in the first place. Also, this was never disclosed online when we ordered the films, so if they are going to apply unexpected fees, it would be appropriate to disclose this when you order. With all due respect, anyone who has NetFlix or Amazon Prime, etc. is able to access movies on their computer for free with subscription. The reason we would borrow library movies would be to view them on the larger TV instead. Some people are high-tech enough to wire their computer or device to their TV, but we try not to watch that much TV in the first place, so we have no such system. Therefore, the point of utilizing the library would be for the convenience of DVDs to view on our TV, & this would only be worth the week-long wait, the drive to/from the library, & the hustle to watch before return due date, if the movies were lent for free. If I am going to be charged for movies I can watch free online, AND I have a week-long wait, AND a drive to and from the library, AND have to hustle to watch before return due date, it is really not worth it. On the 3rd movie trip to Newtown Library, we were asked to pay for the movies. I explained what I had been told twice in prior visits about no fee. The manager was there that time & was surprised to hear that. One of the women present, who had told me this "no fee" information, was honest about what she had said. Unfortunately, her manager didn't seem to appreciate the woman's honesty, & kind of gave her a look for it. I offered to just pay to be done with the argument, & the manager told me to "Just pay when you return them," as if that were some kind of gratuitous prize, instead of further inconvenience for me (I would rather pay & be done with it than have to remember tedious bs for a week). They require cash too, so add a trip to the ATM to your long list of hassles. So the movie RENTAL business they have going on there is worthless to us, and, I would venture to say, anyone else with a computer. I would rather be asked to pay a yearly fee with my library card than have to nickel & dime with them over movies, & fuss with cash that I never use, each time.

I was attending a political organizing event that was held at the Tredyffrin Public Library…read more I did not have a chance to look at much of the library because I spent most of my time in the main meeting room. The room itself had a couple of tables and did not have a cramped feel at all. It probably has enough room to hold around 100-150 people. It seemed like the library had plenty of books, computers and other resources. There were a couple of parents at the political event and some of them let their kids out in the library to read or do some work. This library had a couple of signs for events at the library including movie nights. Across the street from the library are a couple of pairs of tennis courts, which looked to be in good condition. Once it gets warmer, I wouldn't rule out stopping odd here once in a while to hit some balls. Altogether, the Tredyffrin Public Library is a nice space to hold gatherings/events or do some reading or other work.

Nice librarians. I've been taking my kids (ages 4 and 2) here every couple of weeks for the last 2…read moremonths. The children's section is in the basement and has a ton of books. Signage is great and it is very easy to find the type of books you are looking for. It is also very clean. And there is a decent playground right next to the library. There is lots of parking and an electric charging station in the parking lot for electric vehicles.

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.