Old glass floors still visible at this historic library. Stained glass windows are probably leftover from one of the older portions of the library that actually was originally a church. I love this institution which is a beautiful place for any patron / citizen / visitor to explore what's all about in and around the library. read more

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Very nice Library, it has a space for those that want to use iPods without interrupting those studying.. For sure would come back!!

We're very lucky to have the Russell Library in Middletown. They offer a ton of free programs to the community. Check the Middletown Press for current programs for adults and youth. Before my son came along, I used the library primarily for books, movies and music. Since having my son, there has been a whole other world opened up to me. There is a whole wing devoted to kids of all ages. There is an activity room, toddler play room, computer area and a music & video area. We enrolled our son in the Twos Are Terrific program. This program is free for Middletown residents. It is an one hour class for 2 year olds and their parents/caretakers. The children have story time, sing songs, create crafts and have free time. During free time they learn to play with other children. They are allowed to explore the instruments, play with the toys or play dough and read books. Be sure to speak with the librarians about the museum passes. These passes will get you into local museums and attractions at a discounted price or free. All you need is a library card. There is on street parking and there is also a parking lot across the street. Both options are meter parking. The meters accept coins or cards. Don't miss the book sales here. They have great deals! read more

Russell Library - Outside the library. We call this "Mr. Rainbow". - Libraries Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Old colorful and new The Russell Library is really two libraries in one. The first part was built with money donated by Frances Russell in honor of her hubby Sam Russell. It opened as a library in 1875 but the building was actually built in 1834 and was originally used by a church. Mrs Russell had the building extensively renovated into a sort of Roman Gothic style. The building had a lot of changes over the years but in 1983 a huge addition was added and the library suddenly became a whole lot larger. The architects did a great job in blending everything together and the building is lovely indeed. The inside has all kinds of very colorful and cool stained glass windows and lovely staircases and doors. A modern library but one that still retains the charm of it's past. The library is large enough to have a fine selection of books, both new and old as well as the usual computers and wifi. Lots of cool programs are always going on all year long for both kids and adults. A very cool library for a lot of reasons. A great place to get a book, admire the old building or perhaps even meet someone very special. read more

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This library is our usual destination any time we need new books for leisure, school, or for if we need to fax something. The library is kept very clean and they have the best children's section I have ever seen. The kids love all the computers and play areas, I love the book variety and how friendly the librarians are toward the kids. The library itself is very large and it's super easy to get lost and immersed. There are separate areas for teens, books on tape, new releases, adults, research materials, and computers. Faxing is a little tricky the first time but I asked one of the girls at the desk and she was very nice to walk me through it and stay with me until I was done. Faxing does cost $1 per page so I only use it when I need to but it's nice that it's there. I've been to libraries in Naugatuck, Waterbury, and Wolcott and this one is by far the most modern, clean, and friendly one. read more

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The collection at this library is not too bad. However, most of the times I have checked out audiobooks and DVDs there is a lot of difficulty getting them to play. The patrons at this library are very hard on materials. Even the foreign DVDS which are usually in better shape don't fair all that well at this library. The library itself is busy no matter what time you go. The patrons tend to be on the loud side, at least on the main level. If you go up to the second floor (where reference is) it is much quieter. Reference service itself is very disappointing. The service itself is good. They will help you as best they can, but I've come to realize that the librarians are not actually reading--or even keeping abreast of what titles are out there today. I don't know how many times I've asked about books that have won multiple literature awards and it was clear that the librarian had never even heard of the title. But, overall, it's a moderately useful library with some hiccups. read more

Russell Library - Libraries Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Let me just start by saying how fortunate I am to have such a great library so close by. I have the added luxury of being able to stop by at lunchtime to return or check out books when I need to get escape from the office but don't want to spend money. I usually prepare for my visits by checking their super helpful website for the location of the book(s) that I want and jotting them down. Otherwise I might wander inside those rows and emerge hours later with a shopping cart full of books that couldn't possibly all get read in a reasonable amount of time. In other words, I save myself and the staff a great deal of trouble by planning ahead. The selection of books is incredible; there have only been a few instances where I couldn't find the books that I wanted. In those cases, I was able to have them transferred from a local library to the Russell. I'm always pleasantly surprised with the speed at which this process is completed. In addition, they have an extensive collection of CD's and DVD's (according to my husband anyway, as I have not yet ventured there). The library itself is very clean and well organized and I just love the historic feel with the beautiful old exterior and the stained glass windows. The staff is friendly and very helpful, so even if I forget my library card (which has been known to happen occasionally), it's not a problem. I'm already excited about what I'll find on my next visit! read more

This library has it all! The staff are very helpful and accommodating. It's a really large facility with lots of community services.

The library staff at the resource desk are very helpful when seeking source information. The library is a comfortable place to read a book, an article or a magazine while drinking coffee. It is a great small library. Excuse unedited grammar read more

CDs, movies, and every type of book, I could stay here for hours and just and look. I always find an unexpected hidden treasure, And enjoy the next few weeks of reading pleasure. I love my local library! Just signed up for a membership last week, and it could not have been easier. During the enrollment process I was also given the opportunity to register to vote. At the library?! Cool! You bet your boots I registered! My girlfriend and I recently decided we wanted to start working our way through all of the "Best Pictures of the Year" for the past few decades. We can usually find the perfect movie to watch, including some newer stuff. Sometimes they don't have exactly what we are looking for, but we can always find a decent substitute. I'm a big music buff, and I have started doing a "CD of the Week" program for my long car rides thanks to the Russell Library. Book selection is also very good, which includes a section for New Releases. The staff is absolutely phenomenal. They are always affable and very helpful, no matter who I deal with. The place also has all kinds of special events in the large adjacent hall, including concerts, arts & crafts, and book sales. I come here weekly, and it will continue to be that way for as long as I am a Middletown resident. read more

Kind, helpful and knowledgeable staff. Wide range of programs for all ages. Cool architecture. Nice atmosphere. My kids and I love this library. Park across the street. Pay two quarters for 30 minutes. Sign up for their book selection service and a brown bag of great books will be waiting for you. read more

This place is more than just a pretty building. You can rent movies here, and yes they have new ones! You can read any magazine you want here, *sit back and reads selection of trashy magazines I'm too proud to get a subscription to (US weekly, I'm lookin at you)* Book sales, monthly. Rockin kids area, already there. Amazing selection of cookbooks, don't mind if I do. Interlibrary loan, quicker than you can say amazon.com. Oh yes, and it's all FREE. read more

I like it here. :) This is my town library, and I end up here at least once a week. I find what I need 80% of the time, and when I can't, they can get it for me. The librarians have always been very helpful, and I really enjoy the Friends book sale they have once a month. I usually walk in with a couple of titles in mind, but end up roaming around the new arrivals and fiction sections and picking up more than I expected to. That's the best thing about libraries, in my opinion. You never know what you didn't know or what you need to learn until you find a book that fits right into that empty spot. :) read more

Pretty good library. I like to come here sometimes to do work-study or grad school assignments. There are plenty of places on the second floor to set up your laptop and do some work. There are also a lot of public computers for use as well. A good selection of DVDs to check out. Hubs likes to rent movies now and then, and sometimes would need to request a movie from another library if Russell doesn't carry it. All free of charge. There are some public parking lots within walking distance to the library. If you are broke like me, there is a public lot behind Kid City that has some free parking spaces. I think the library also hosts some community courses and events as well, and the same goes for kids events too. The only thing is that you will encounter is some patrons who are not afraid to truly express themselves... and loudly, too. Easier to just ignore the commotions that arise once in a while. Other than that, a nice small library to do some work, check out a few books or DVDs, or take part in a class or event. read more

This is a gorgeous library with private study rooms and free wifi it really is an absolute gem

This is a great little library with reciprocity at many other local libraries. Pretty much any book can be put on hold or ordered from another library and delivered within a week. Great collections if children's books as well. read more

I really like this library. Getting a card is very easy, as long as you have a state ID with your Middletown address on it. I find the book selection good but not great, however you can get access to other books via interlibrary loan. I don't bother because I am in Wesleyan, so I can usually find what I need there. They also have an excellent movie collection, as well as book sales! read more