Hello, former librarian here who loves libraries! I often try to seek out a library to visit when I travel. I noticed that this branch of the Troy Public Library was near the area I was exploring, so I walked in and was surprised at the historic building - it's very unique, but a bit crowded. I was greeted right away by friendly and smiling librarians - love that. I had fun looking at the new books section, and I did use the restroom (you need a key from the desk to access it). This library doesn't seem like a spot you could really hang out and work or read for hours, but it had a good selection of new books and a small children's area. read more

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This building is beautiful, and there is a great history about it on the library's Wikipedia page. Unfortunately, the day I visited, some work has been going on outside, so the exterior isn't quite visible at the moment. But the interior is quite interesting, even better that it's a library! It might take a nice stroll through to get the lay of the land. Rest rooms might be a bottleneck, some of the ones on the upper floor are currently closed, and you need the key from the front desk to use the ones on the ground floor. I'm also very glad that this library is part of my local library system. As much as I enjoy going to the library in my town, I'd certainly make the trip over to Troy to read and do stuff here. read more

Troy Public Library - All these libraries, including my local one, are in this network. - Libraries Near Me - Troy, New York

This is the most beautiful library I've ever been in and I've enjoyed coming in the past but they close without notice and restrict checkout times on dvds for some reason. I've tried calling ahead to see if they were closing early but the phone isn't always answered and they literally took items out of my hand ten minutes before their unannounced early closing time. I made a special trip for this and called ahead so I'm pretty pissed they essentially kicked me out early without warning. And it wasn't even hot inside. read more

I needed to return a library book and since we were heading towards Troy we stopped here. While I tend to visit different libraries, somehow I missed this one. It's a throwback to an earlier time, stained glass windows, wrought iron supports for the bookshelves, a dumbwaiter for getting the books back up to the shelves. The mezzanine floors were amazing - they've got a steep wrought iron staircase and GLASS FLOORS! It was so cool! The library is fairly crowded - full to the brim with books and all the other paraphernalia that goes with libraries but the crowding just adds to the charm. I didn't check any books out but the selection looks pretty thorough, and well organized. read more

The library needs much more funding, and more space (and air conditioning) so that it can better serve its community. That said-- the sources, services, and staff at TPL are excellent. The collection is great. There is always a well developed, carefully selected collection of new books and movies. There are the best-sellers and there are also items for the "long-tail" user. Good e-books, too. There is always a reference desk staffed with a librarian that holds an ALA accredited MLS or equivalent. The programming is always thoughtful and interesting. UHLS mobile app is super helpful for Troy Library patrons. If you live in New York State and don't have a Troy Library (or UHLS) card, you don't know what you're missing! You can even apply online! read more

I love this library, it's probably my absolute most favorite place in Troy. First of all it's beautiful and I love that the second floor is semi see through, and the small isles make me feel like I've been transported back in time. There are some quirks that are easy to get around. First they aren't a huge library, which means I spend a lot of time utilizing their online services and getting books sent (for free) to the library for me to pick up. It's also a good way to ensure that the book you want is there before you go. The second is that it is hot as all get out in the summer. So to get around this you'll need to know exactly what books/magazines you want, or have them ordered into the library so you can just get in or out. The librarians there are always so kind and quick with the check out process. read more

Beautiful place to read. Amazing stained glass and wonderful old book stacks. But I'm here now in August and there is NO AIR CONDITIONING. Wireless is free but only a few power outlets are available along the reading room walls. I can probably get more done at Bruegger's Bagels around the corner. read more

Best library in the area! Great selection of books, and incredible architecture. It's a great place to read, do research, or even just wander around if you have to kill time between classes at RSC (which is right across the street) read more