I stopped by the Cora J. Belden Library in Rocky Hill to pick up a book for my book club. I have…read morenever been to this library before. I thought it was interesting that this library is located amongst the houses, for some people I'm sure they could walk here with their eyes closed. Right at the front of the library they have a hold box. I could be wrong with the name, but this is where they hold your book, and you could pick it up even when the library is closed. I walked inside, there's book sales and community events posted. I went to the computer to search where my book is located. According to my search result, I went to look under fiction. It wasn't there. There were other works by the same author. I went to the front desk to ask for assistance. The lady started walking towards a totally different direction. She went to look under Mysteries, I found it under New Releases. She explained that they're going through a new system, it might be difficult to find some materials. She was very helpful, despite me finding it. They also have a spiral staircase leading to the children's department. I typically love to explore the children's area, I was in a rush this time. There were some noisy kids having a fun time. I had a successful first time at the Cora J. Belden Library.

A pretty library with friendly staff - they have nice open areas to read and research, and even…read moresome art on the walls. Parking was plentiful with an easy in and out; there was even a knitting group meeting outside when I pulled up! They seem very community oriented.

This review is specifically for the kids section on the second floor. I've read reviews that they…read morehad a huge section designated for kids, so I had to check it out. Once you walk in from the parking lot, take an immediate right up the stairs (I don't know if there is an elevator). This floor was huge! Biggest kid section I've seen. The Teens room had their own room. There were multiple study rooms which is pretty awesome, I haven't seen those in the libraries I've been to in the past. There's an art studio as well. The kids/preschool section was nicely decorated. The books were organized and they seem to have a huge collection of childrens books. My toddler loved the play kitchen; there's a puppet section under the tree, a play boat with fishing toys, blocks, chess table, computers, and magnetic blocks. We spent over an hour there and it's a great place to take the kids. I see that they have many events planned that's posted on their bulletin board. I will be back for sure!

So admittedly my review is based on one author event; but it was Mary Kay Andrews. She's prolific,…read moreat least to me. She's the Stephen King of the beach book set, her books are great. So in terms of the actual library: parking was ample. It was an easy in and out. The actual building was impressive, it looked almost like a modern castle, and they had trash cans by their front door. I can't tell you how much time I have wasted in my life trying to find a trash can, and they have two within eyesight of the front door. The bathrooms are clean, the staff is friendly, and the books seem to be part of a thorough collection. The actual author event was fantastic; they went above and beyond to make it as summery as they could, and were even playing the sounds of crashing waves as people walked in. Clearly a lot of thought went into every detail.

The librarians at the Cromwell library are super friendly and helpful. I came in looking for one…read morething and ended up finding out all about a ton of other free options for events, books, movies, downloadable and streaming databases. I've just scratched the surface of this great local library. Can't wait to go back again. What a treasure chest of fun!

I had trouble logging into the computers. I requested assistance, but the staff often ignored my…read moreinquiries. The library director was often rude to me when i requested help. The library was not a comfortable place to read a novel or news magazine. Excuse unedited grammar

This is a very nice library with a average sized children's section. It is located in the complex…read morewith other town buildings. There was plenty of parking. The Librarian was very friendly and greeted us when we walked in. You can't miss the book tower in front of the librarian desk; my toddler and I were in awe looking at it. The children's section had a big fake tree that a child can go in. There were computers, Legos, train table, dollhouse, and other toys. There was a tween reading area. Although, this was not the biggest library, it was indeed lovely. I noticed a trail out back and had to check it out. The trail is called Doreen's Nature Trail and it was peaceful and neat. It is in memory of the former Library Director that tragically lost her life. Overall, this was definitely one of my top 10 favorite libraries I've been to. I wish my local library had a trail in the back!

I went to the Library in East Granby for a quiet space to do some work. There is a large blue…read moreturkey right in front of the library. This is in honor of East Granby originally being named Turkey Hills. The inside of this library is very well kept, with a grandfather clock that immediately caught my eye. There are some beautiful plants and a nice amount of sunlight coming through. They have a self serve coffee and tea station. The books are nicely organized and there's a substantial amount under every author. They also have an area for kids and teens. As well as quiet areas where you can work on your computer. The kids area is a lot of fun, with a large "tree", the kids can go inside of to play. The books are also plentiful in this area. They also had a selection of books for sale. Here I found a book that I was very interested in a number of years ago. It probably would have been $1 if I wanted to purchase it. I sat down and read about 20 pages, and decided it's a bit too sad to fully involve my self in it right now, so I put it back. This library is quite a nice one in the small town of East Granby. Be sure, you're going to the library not the town hall, as they're right next to one another.

Little Free Library is an organization based in Minnesota. LFLs are small public bookcases…read morethroughout the community with free books. The first one was built in 2009. There are approximately 150,000 in 115 countries. The goal is to take a book and donate a book. This forms community, expand access to books, and inspire readers. Ever since I start noticing these cute little libraries, I fell in love with them. They are such a great idea. I love books, reading, and the library, so something like this is inspiring and thoughtful. This LFL is located in Mills Pond Park in Canton, CT. It's right near the playground and picnic pavilion. The box is fairly new, installed in the summer of 2024. This was the work of Canton Public Library and Canton Parks and Recreation. The box is tan and green with a plaque on it stating the charter number, name, and the sponsor. "Books are uniquely portable magic." I concur.

This Little Free Library is located right at the entrance of the Rotary Boundless Playground. It is…read morered with a white roof and looks like it's seen better days; a little bit of the paint has faded. This doesn't take away from the importance of this little bookcase. There is a plaque on top that says, "Eagle Project of Gabe Clonts & BSA Troop 113, Feb. 2016 "My Little Free Library" Materials donated by Home Depot. The plaque at the bottom says LittleFreeLibrary.org Take a Book - Return a Book Charter # 58746 A Nonprofit Organization. The bookcase is usually filled with books when I visit. I think it's a great spot for it because of the foot traffic to the playground, dog park, outdoor theater, and trail. I think it needs a little bit of a touch up on the paint, other than that, it looks pretty decent for 8 years old. There are cold winters and hot summers here in New England; things get deteriorated fast with the weather. Overall, a great resource for the community!

Love this place! I do a LOT of reading, and I like actual books, so I'm here minimum of once /…read moreweek. Plus there are computers, movies, newspapers.... The new director, Lois, is a vet and well-credentialed. She's instituted some positive and fun changes in a short amount of time. Taken down most of the plexiglass erected during COVID, allowed staff to be creative (see pic on book return slot, as one example), brought back newspapers, is bringing back game night, to name a few of the many recent things. Staff is always helpful and friendly. And check out the pic of this week's cool message. I didn't snap last week's, which was: Dinosaurs didn't read Dinosaurs are extinct Coincidence?? Anyway, a great asset to the town 5 stars

Book Sale now in the lobby area every single day the library is open. That's a book lover's dream!read more

This Little Free Library is located in Norton Park, in Plainville, CT. It's right near the…read moreplayground. Another pleasant surprise to stumble upon one. This was is so pretty and well painted. There was even a little bench connected to it. There is a plaque that says: "Plainville High School National English Honor Society with the Banned. Est. 2023." It was built by the Plainville High School Advanced Construction Technology class and the Environmental Club. It was painted by the classes of 2034 and 2035 at Linden Street School. The only minor issue was, it didn't have any books in it. I will make note to bring some books here next time.