When I moved to Branford last September, I didn't have much love lost for libraries; still a bit…read moreangry at the Dix Hills Public Library where I grew up for outrageous late fees; once they tried to levy a 7 dollar fine for a book that was priced at $1.99, and I had like 20 dollars to my name. How could the fine be higher than the value of the book? So, instead of paying it, I kept the book and didn't utilize public library services for 30 years. Anyway, the Branford library completely changed my mind about the value of a community library and this particular library should be the gold standard for all exurban and suburban libraries in New England! The staff here are patient, friendly and actually love their work; it shows on the smiles they are constantly wearing and the wide diversity of content, events and activities for the community. I don't have the right adjective to describe how amazing this place is, but something like fucking fantastic just about does it!!

We were part of one of my college friend's wedding party. One of his wife's favorite spots is the…read moreJames Blackstone Memorial library. Towards the end of the last 20 minutes before closure, they wanted to squeeze in some wedding pictures. Walking up the stairs going into the James Blackstone Memorial library. The big doors opened led to beautiful entrance and observing the Art and books around us. We didn't get a chance to look around more because of the time restraint. A beautiful, quiet space filled with so much history.

The building is beautiful, first of all. There's a well manicured lawn and garden outside, and…read moreinside you're greeted in a rotunda. As far as I could tell, the building was actually built to be a library but it looks more like a house built with upstart new money to impress the neighbors. There are anchoring fireplaces at either side room off the rotunda, both with artwork above them. One is for adults, while the other is clearly marked as a teens area. The check-out desk provided prompt attention and service, and there are shelves of full of books and media. It was also rather busy with people coming in and out consistently, and great hours. Being open until five on a Saturday is amazingly convenient.

Hagaman Memorial Library has always been clean and organized with a helpful friendly staff. I went…read morethere for the first time in over a year due to the pandemic to get some documents printed out. I applaud the entire staff for how they took their customer service and cleanliness to another level! Chris Hemmingway was one of the people working there the day I went in. This person, like all the other people that work there was helpful, patient, knowledgeable and friendly! I'm so thankful to not only have such a beautiful building as my library but to have the awesome people there as well!! FIVE STARS ALL THE WAY!!!

We bought tickets online for the Blackstone Library's mini golf fundraiser. We've never been to…read morethis library but we were excited to check it out. We went Sunday and the time was from 1-3:30pm. We waited outside on their benches until they opened at 1pm. We didn't realize there was another parking lot that directly brought you to the sign-in location. It appeared to be a smooth check-in as I also paid online the night before. We got our mini golf putts and balls. Mine had butterflies! I took pictures of a few of the holes but it was busy and we didn't want to keep the line longer. The upstairs third level hole 17 was super fun with spring loaded action. My husband and I both got a hole in one here. Hole 18 went around a net on the stairs and was fun to watch and hear as it set off bells as it went down the stairs. Such a fun event. We loved the library as well. Each floor has amazing set ups and displays their books very invitingly. I took pictures of books to check out in the future at our own town library. We would love to come back next year and check out this event. On Saturday night, they had an adults only event with silent auction and adult beverages. This would be fun too! 5 stars

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!

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.

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

I was spending some time this past Memorial Day Saturday reading in the library. The initially…read morebuilt old space is beautiful, and every chair is strategically positioned. I literally want to sit in each to enjoy the view. The new books they add are top selections. I stumbled upon serious reads here.

does not return calls after repeated tries. i have a question about the tax return she prepared…read morefor us

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.

A pretty nice library, lots of space and plenty of seating. The internet is nice because you can…read morereserve for an hour but if there's no one in line after you, it renews at 15 minute intervals for up to an hour.

great for free internet use. If there's not many people waiting you can usually extend your time…read more The locataion is in walking distance from dining, shops, bars, and historical sites in downtown. Nice and quiet like a good library should be.