Brockton Public Library

The Main Branch Childrens section is staffed by the least friendly employees in existence. It would appear that they have worked in the system for a very long time and are sick and tired of children. They need to go, but it appears they only keep their job due to a strong union. We have been to all the other area libraries and the staff is always happy to see children. The City of Brockton should implement an employee complaint hotline, but alas, nobody up to an including the Mayor seem to care. It is very sad. There are no programs here for young children during weekdays for parents that do not send their kids to preschool. Don’t waste your time with this library and its miserable staff. They just want to put in their time and collect a paycheck, CUSTOMERS are their last priority.

Full disclosure, first. I worked here six years ago. Have been back a couple of times since.
Notwithstanding that, this has to be the ultimate overachieving library. Located in one of the toughest towns in Massachusetts, with a budget that should be at least doubled, and seriously understaffed this library delivers an incredible range of services. The collections are the best found in any local library of its size in the state and the historical collections are a treasure trove of Southeastern Massachusetts heritage matched only by larger facilities in Boston.
Most outstanding is the quality of reference service delivered to the ever-​changing needs of city residents. With a large transient population that has few other outlets for meaningful information the reference department has put together a collection and commitment to service that meets a huge level of need at minimal cost. How they do business could serve as a case study in a library school.
A decade ago city residents led by the former director persevered and raised enough to renovate the early 20^th century Carnegie building and give its collections a proper home. One would hope the city’s residents value this gem in their midst.

Good selection of books. The programs are great. The staff in children’s area do not like kids. They always have an attitude and get frustrated if you ask a question regarding books. Do not take your kids here, or if you must don’t ask a librarian. Sad but true.