Belle Isle Library

I like this library. Sure, it’s a little run down. The ceiling looks like something from a 1960s elementary school/​bunker, but it’s got charm and loads of books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, etc. They have a nice computer section and a large children’s and youth section. What really makes it are the librarians. They are nice and helpful. They are available and friendly. The parking is their own private lot and spots are easy to come by.
They have some good classes and activities for adults, and a lot for families and kids.

The Belle Isle Library may not be especially easy on the eyes, especially when one finds him or herself confused by the whacky stucco ceiling, slightly reminiscent of Gaudi or perhaps a drip castle. But it delivers, nonetheless, as a library should.
I like the Belle Isle Library for its proximity to my home, better parking than the downtown library, cozy little stacks and ease of service. ‘Little’ may be unfair: the stacks are well-​… stacked. I needed to gather a variety of sources for my 6^th grade class to conduct research on a variety of subtopics for the ancient Greeks, and quickly found some very appropriate books in both the children and adult sections. I was in and out of the library, with 50 books under my arm, in less than 15 minutes. While I’d like to chalk it up to my own drive and efficiency, I have to give credit to the Belle Isle library for having the right books. It helps that the size of the library is relatively small. Had I been at the downtown library, much as I like to get lost in the stacks, my task would have taken probably 30 minutes more.
The children’s section is good for a smallish library. However, with computers front and center, it takes a little coaxing to get the kids to select their own books. I wish the computers were available but out of sight. Certainly libraries should offer computer access, but not at the expense of book exploration. I’m glad the Belle Isle library has a time limit so that my kids are kicked off the computers after a certain point!
I get most of my movies at Belle Isle. They have a basic selection of documentaries, classics, and art house films. There is something of a lost opportunity, however, to curate a serious film collection. I think the selection is limited– you can’t go in with a film agenda, unless of course you request select films online using your library card.
Audiobooks are a must for any road trip. Fortunately the selection at Belle Isle is a good one, both for children and adults.
Closes at 6 on Fridays. Max checkout on a library card is 30 books or DVDs.