On a bit of a roadtrip down the Connecticut coast, we arrived in New Haven a little after 3pm, and…read moreI knew I had only had a little time before things/attractions closed at 5pm. So after hitting the Yale Center for British Art, we speed walked (sped walked?) over to the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Why? Google it and you'll understand when you see the pictures. Beinicke is Yale's rare book and manuscript library - not their main university library or their law library. The reading room is open to registered researchers only, but the public are welcome to visit the library's exhibition hall. And everyone visiting New Haven should! The library was built in 1963, and the the architecture is incredible. The building is a granite veneer shell, fastened to a structural steel frame. Inside that structure is a glass-enclosed tower of book cases. The granite was milled to 1.25 inches thick to allow filtered daylight in - in the afternoon/early evening, the marble turned an amber color. We walked back past it at night for a different view of the building. It is really incredible architecture, and the library hosts exhibits you can see in the exhibition hall when you visit to enjoy the building (when we visited, the exhibit was "Taught By the Pen: The World of Islamic Manuscripts"). The building is incredible and definitely worth a visit if you're exploring the Yale campus!

One of the largest collections of rare books and manuscripts. Rotating exhibits for the general…read morepublic. During my visit, it was testimonies from Holocaust survivors. The general public has limited access, and this will be a short stop for most people, depending upon the exhibit. Let's be honest--most people stop by for a photo op, for the architecture and the huge column of books. I got a few great photos, got to say I've seen it, and it's cool. Worthwhile. If you're in the area.

I've been here a couple of times now and I'm completely obsessed. I love the music records area and…read moreI can camp out here for hours. It's almost dead silent and it feels like one ought to do important work ... in such an important-feeling space (which is a wonderful motivator). Wish that more of the library was open to the public but I understand that in the New Haven area and with as many visitors as Yale probably gets, that's simply not possible. Note: This library is also open until 10pm on some days! Thank you!

The Sterling Memorial Library is the most beautiful library I've ever entered! The Gothic arches,…read moreceiling vaults, and details embedded in every nook and cranny blew my mind. I felt like I was walking the halls of Hogwarts and didn't want to leave. If you love architecture, I highly recommend checking out this library.

The Cheshire library has an area where they sell books, DVD's CD's, and audio books. On the main…read morefloor there is a very large children's room section with many programs and events. The lower level has an ample amount of public computers, quiet room,study rooms,newspapers, and magazines.There is also a, fax, scanner, and copy area available at very reasonable fees. The staff are friendly and extremely helpful. Parking is in the rare building.

Lots of interesting book displays and a decent selection of board games plus an ongoing book sale.read more

Came here and was a little disappointed in the assortment of books. I'm a non-fiction reader and I…read morejust wish there was *more* but I heard the librarian explaining to another patron that it's expensive to keep many books around when so many are online. Charged my device(s) and spent a couple of hours at a table. Quiet ... (but it is late on a Wednesday) & overall my experience was good. Nothing too crazy & I think it's cute & they did have a seed garden. Also I did like some of the signs outside. Overall 3/5

I stopped at the North Haven Library as a part of a quest to see every town in Connecticut, and…read morethis is a great place! The parking spaces are a little tight. but the building itself is huge. It has four levels, with the ground one dedicated to an ongoing book sale at reasonable prices. The exterior has a reading garden in the back, with covered benches for enjoying a book and some hidden art in the leaves. I wish I lived closer to this library!

Wonderful Library! The collaboratory is one of a kind. The staff is friendly and helpful. I'm so…read moreglad we found this Library and it certainly is well worth the drive from Northford!!

As a self proclaimed library connoisseur, this is definitely on my top 3 libraries I've been to…read more The place was huge, like a campus. I've only explored the children's section which is where I spend most of my time because of my toddler. They had clean family bathrooms. There was a book case shaped like a train and a little play train station. There was a baby section for them to crawl in; toys, play kitchen, and train table. I loved that there were little reading nooks built into the walls. In front of the librarian desk, there's a huge play tree where kids can go in it. On the side, a big craft room with blocks and magnetic tiles. They had a fish tank, a tank with worms/isopods, computers, and so much stimulation for the little ones. I'm sure they have great activities, events, and resources as with other libraries. The librarians were friendly; it was a busy Saturday afternoon because it was kind of rainy out. The little kids were being rowdy at one point and the librarian shushed them in a stern but friendly way. All of us parents were trying our best, but things got out of hand when you mix a bunch of little kids together lol. Overall, I wish this library was closer to me, I would be there often!

Libraries don't have foyers like this which is why you need to see it. It looks like a gothic…read morechurch minus the religious accouterments. It was built around the 1930's but it could pass for a lot older. When you finally get to the part where students actually read and study, there are 2 areas. One is open with high ceilings the other enclosed. It looks like out of Hollywood casting what an Ivy League library would look like. See pics

The prettiest library I've been too. I dear say it's prettier than the Bryant Park library in NYC…read more The guard at the door was friendly. The bathrooms were clean. The courtyard was opened on a beautiful fall day.

The New Haven Free Public Library is a very cool building designed by Cass Gilbert of New York and…read morebuilt between 1908 and 1911. The colonial revival structure is set back from the street and blends in with the 19th century architecture, including that of the church on the green. As an adult, it brings back childhood memories of my fascination with the variety of the layout of the various rooms. Many things have been modernized, but just walking in and looking around at the magnitude of shelves and shelves of books still brings joy to my quest for learning something new every day.

I am old fashioned in the sense that I still would rather walk into a public library and check out…read morebooks, instead of downloading them on a device or buying them. NHPL is a large library located downtown on the green, but somewhat outdated in the decor. A librarian there once told me that they have a huge number of "lost" books that people never return and never pay the fees for...guess it is difficult to chase down these missing books after a while. Late fees are reasonable too...20 cents per day, per book. Parking can be a pain (got a ticket once when I went in for 5 minutes to grab a book). Luckily, Yale lot 51 is right next door and offers free evening and weekend parking. They have a lot of free programs/speakers for adults and children. They also have many computers for use with your library card number as a log-in. You can use the internet, do some research and look up specific books that are available at any of the branches. They also have free museum and theater passes that can be checked out for discounts and free admission.

All the staff are so friendly, courteous, professional, and patient at this library.The folks at…read morethe reference desk in the computer room always cheerfully make copies of what I need to be copied and they're knowledgeable about iOS and PC software. They give instruction, providing the email address of the library so I can send what I need to be copied from my phone to the library email. It's very convenient and economical too. I don't like the cost of ink in the store nor the mess so I don't have to deal with any of that unpleasantness. I just visit my friendly library folk, pay 20 cents per copy, et voila, call it done. It's an absolute pleasure coming here because the folks that work here seem interested and genuinely want to help and are exemplary in customer service. If all staff at other businesses could conduct themselves in this manner, the world would be a more productive place. I highly recommend this library because of the warmth and competence of all staff members and I'm grateful to all the good folks at the West Haven Library. Happy library patron, Rick Dumas

West Haven public library is amazing. The people are really nice and very helpful. The main library…read moreis beautiful and has great hours.

This is a multi-level library chock full of books. There is an elevator for assistance if needed,…read moreand when I arrived, the Friends of the Library were manning a book sale at the entrance. There is also an outdoor reading area outside, with benches sheltered by an overgrowth of green foliage. There is art and intrigue tucked among the plants, making the experience a little magical.