Baldwin Public Library

The library itself is a beautiful building, and gives off a victorian feeling. However, some of the staff I came across were incredibly rude. They are poorly trained with costumer service and will speak on what is on their mind. I asked a simple question and was answered with the rudest response from two different woman. Horrible experience, and I am sure to never go there again ! I hope upper management will realize the type of low feedback that was experienced.

The staff is poorly trained. i have had books «lost» and my wife find them on the return cart. Some of the staff are friendly and helpful but most are dimly lit. The library at best is cramped, loud and unreliable. Before I frequented the library I understand they tried to pass a milage increase to update it, that failed now I know why. Libraries are meant to inspire a generation of literate and illiterate. They are not meant to be a beacon of mediocrity and bad manners. The main study hall of the library is nice everything else is lacking and poorly done. I have been to one room libraries with better service and a friendly atmosphere.

Wonderful library — one of my favorite places to go in Birmingham. I spent long summers working my way through the (substantial) foreign film collection of DVDs, and sampling the array of eBooks and audiobooks also available through Baldwin’s web platform.

Nice library. It’s def not a 100% quite on this Sunday evening… it’s how I like it though. They have nice tables/​good work spaces. The lighting is great… not crazy bright though.
They didn’t care we walked in with coffee/​drinks. They greeted us and were pleasant.
There is plenty of street parking.

Beautiful building, great selection, adequate hours. But every time I am in there the staff acts like they are doing this huge favor by helping you. They are just snotty people with the exception of one middle aged lady at the check out counter. (Sort of short hair). No name badges so I can’t identify.

What a gorgeous library! Now that I’ve left academia (I’d say permanently, but one never knows), I’ve been hoping to find a good place for study. This is it! The great adult reading room just to the north of circulation is just lovely. The table space and lighting are more than adequate, although the main room gets a bit loud at times due to its proximity to both circulation and youth services. There is a quiet study room available, but that room tends to get a bit stuffy at times.
The librarians and staff are generally friendly. The collection is very large and the children’s section is wonderful. There are many free or inexpensive activities (book clubs, classes, etc.) for patrons of all ages. It is possible to reserve a computer for use if you don’t bring your laptop, but if you do, the wifi is easy to access (requires only an email address and acknowledgement of terms of use) and very fast.
One BIG problem I have is the number of times each visit I have to glare at other patrons for carrying on cell phone conversations in the library. So inconsiderate! I wish the library would do a bit more to curb this behavior.

I wish I could live at the Baldwin Library…
I love to spend afternoons at this beautiful library studying, getting work done or just kicking back to browse the books and magazines. The BPL has the romantic aura of the classic Ivy League library mixed with great modern amenities such as WiFi and a great online renewal system.
They stock plenty of new novels as well as DVD Movies. They have a very large DVD selection in general, in addition to video games and CDs! Great periodical section flush with the best in magazines. If they don’t have a book you’re looking for, just log-​on to MeL (Michigan e-​library) and locate it from any available library in Michigan and have it loaned out to you, they’ll ship to your library.
Front desk people can be a bit snooty sometimes, but overall this place is fantastic and it never ruins my experience — I’m here at least once a week!

I would mainly like to comment on the library’s semi-​annual (I think) book sale. As for the building itself — well it is Birmingham, and it seemed like a nice place to do your librarying. One thing to note is that the parking meters are limited (2 hours, I think), so you are probably better off parking in a structure nearby. Or if you live nearby, have your chauffeur put you on his back and come over on the segway.
Anyhow, the book sale was pretty fantastic. On the last day of the sale, Monday, you buy a bag for $ 3, and fill it up with as many books fit. And, amidst some really awful books, there were quite a few really great finds. The volunteers were very cheerful. And, unlike some other book sales, there were very few angry looking people growling at everyone else, hoarding boxes at a time. I’m looking forward to the next sale.