Bloomingdale Public Library

This library is small and has few books. Not too many computers either. Their upstairs historical area is a joke too as there is nothing interesting or hisorical up there.

I just moved to Bloomingdale 3 weeks ago and am still getting situated. Last week, after a grocery run after work, I went in to see if I could check out one highly sought-​after book that I’d been waiting to get electronically from my old library (all hard copies are checked out). The trouble was, I haven’t changed any address information and left my lease at school (work) because I’m in the process of changing my information with them.
Still, I figured like every other library, they’d link up my out-​of-​town library card to their system and I’d be able to check out a book.
Being an honest person, I first asked at the young man at the Front Desk how I can go about doing so. I explained to him that I just moved but that I do not have any paperwork with my changed address on it, my mother still resides at the out-​of-​town address, and that I’m at that address 1−2x per week. He said he wasn’t sure, and turned to the older woman next to him (who had overheard everything I had said).
She first told me that it can’t be done, and started ranting about how I’m «a Bloomingdale taxpayer,» and I «pay taxes here.» (Do you mean property taxes or state taxes??) I said, «Well, not yet, since I JUST moved.» She went on and on about taxpaying. (If you want to be technical, I lived with my mother — SHE paid property taxes in my previous town.) I told her I’ve used my card at other libraries before with no problem — that’s what they do. And, like I said, my mother still resides there and I visit weekly. She asked what days I visit. I told her «Right now Wednesdays and some Saturdays.» «Perfect — Wednesday is coming up and you can check out a book from them.» I explained that I’m giving blood on Wednesday. I also explained that they haven’t had a hard copy, and that I’ve been waiting for an electronic copy for months.
She asked how old I was. She then asked what I do and where exactly I work — the name of the school and the town. She asked where I just moved, and my address there, including zip code. She asked for the apartment complex name. She asked why I hadn’t changed my paperwork yet and why I don’t have copies of anything, while at the same time commenting that most utilities and cable sign-​up is done online.
I stood there for no fewer than 10 – 15 minutes while she grilled me about everything except my blood type and religion. I asked her if she wanted to see my school ID, if she wanted to make a copy of my Driver’s License and Credit Card… to which she said no. She THEN said I COULD check out the book I was looking for this time. She ended with the comment, «You’re a smart girl — I’m sure you can figure out where the book is. If not, go to the Circulation Desk and they can help you find it.» Condescending much?
I took a look, but since their system isn’t familiar to me, I went to the Circulation Desk. The woman there said that they don’t have the book I’m looking for in stock, but they «Can get it on loan from another library and have it here mid-​week.» I explained that I have an out-​of-​town library card, and she told me that it’s «No problem — they can just register your other card at the Front Desk.»
SHE told me registering my out-​of-​town library card is no problem, but it was a HUGE problem with the woman at the Front Desk. So, no, clearly that wasn’t going to happen.
On my way out, I told the young man and the older woman that they didn’t have the book after all and it would have to be on loan. (Clearly having them do a loan for me would entail 20 more Questions, no?) The older woman then made it a point to tell me, «If you want to get a library card here, you need to bring your ID with the address changed and TWO copies of mail with your address on it. If you only bring one, we can give you a card, but will have to mail it to you.»
Riiight.
2 stars because not EVERYONE I spoke with at the Bloomingdale Library was a power-​hungry jerk who asked every detail of my life and then made it seem like they were doing ME a huge favor.
After I brought my melting groceries home, I went to Glenside. NIGHT and DAY. They were NICE, RESPECTFUL, and HELPFUL. Clearly they actually ENJOY their jobs and don’t try and dissuade people from using their library. What a novel concept!

For the size of bloomingdale, it’s a pretty big library. Free wifi is great for me. Interlibrary loan adds to the selection and you can download to your nook too.

This library is great! Very clean and large with friendly staff; a big computer room; lots of seating; awesome children’s section downstairs; and plenty of magazines (you can check out the back issues), CDs (you can check them out and burn them to your comp), and DVDs.
I like to reserve books online, or use their inter-​library loan system (if the Bloomingdale location doesn’t have a particular book, just check a box online and they’ll have it shipped from a nearby library).
Though I love bookstores and believe in supporting them whenever my budget allows, it’s amazing how much money I save when I check out new hardcovers here vs. get them fresh from Borders.

Good selection of books and movies, but pretty disappointing that as a non Bloomingdale resident I am not allowed to check out new movies or games. I pay my state taxes too?

Never have gone beyond the children’s area but I LOVE to take my daughter here after I pick her up from daycare or on weekends. The children’s area is great — very spacious and comfortable, with lots of toys, puzzles, interactive things, and of course a great book selection.

I love the atmosphere of this library.
Even as a reciprocal user you can set up an account online to keep up on what you have checked out and submit holds on books from their library and other neighboring libraries. Plus e-​mail reminders will ensure you never have past due fees on your account.
All the employees are very friendly too.

Good selection of books, magazines, CDs, DVDs and computer access. I’m recommending it for its fabulous children’s area downstairs. Filled with toys, plush animals, a mini puppet theatre, interactive games, and a great selection of books and DVDs for the younger set. My 3 year old son loves coming here on rainy or cold days, and getting lost among the stacks.