St Louis Public Library

the building is beautiful, if this was a review for just that, it’d be stars. why is the staff so rude? anytime I’ve had a question they always seem so peeved, so annoyed. today, the lady literally rolled her eyes when I asked how to get to the resume template on the computer… come on guys, its not like im asking for the answer to global warming.

My son and I spend a lot of time at this library as it is very close to our house and we’re both book worms. I love that they have an entire floor for children and young adults. As a teacher and mother to a now 1^st grader, we are often found on the third floor. The librarians are also so helpful and fun to talk to. They are almost always able to make excellent recommendations and are very patient with both me and my son (yes, I require just as much patience when it comes to books). They offer tons of free activities for kids and I love the online accessibility of SLPL.

Outstanding branch of the St Louis city library, one of the top two or three out of them. The selection of nonfiction and fiction is usually very good compared to other branches. CD selection is so so but you obviously can request anything in the system. Video game selection is strong. The quiet work rooms on floor 2 are exceptionally soundproofed. Biographies and local history is a very strong element of the on site collection. Parking is convenient, and the lines are very short for checkouts.

Sweet little library and super close to home. The Internet is dreadfully slow. Tried to even search their catalogs from my laptop and it took forever. Nice reading tables an good collection of magazines.

I love this library! I can always find the latest travel guides, the space is very appealing and you always run into a neighbor or two.

I will admit I am a complete and utter nerd, I love libraries. And the Buder library is no exception. It has ample parking, 3 floors plus a basement, great study/​work space, friendly staff, and my favorite lots and lots of books!
There are times when I just need to get out of my office to get work done and Buder is my go-​to place. I have never had trouble finding a quiet place to hole myself up with my laptop and get work done. And when I need breaks I just cruise the isles looking for gems of books I may have previously missed.
One more than one occasion staff and the children’s librarians have taken their time to search for resources that have been miss-​shelved or are waiting to be returned to their shelves. They have been very helpful and willing to go above and beyond to help me with my research.
Also they have a great selection of audio books and eBooks– which I take advantage of on a regular basis!

I think I visit Buder nowadays more than I visit Schlafly, and it’s mainly because of the parking lot. It’s one of the newer branches. The basement has a computer lab that is usually open if it’s not booked for the GED or ESL classes. First floor consists of CDs, DVDs, and fiction. The second floor is made up of a quiet area, nonfiction, and more computers. The third floor is the children’s area.
I rhapsodize about the library in my Central Branch review, so you can go there to read all about why I love the library.
Regarding this branch:
Pros:
Big and spacious with nice lighting.
A big selection of stuff.
A parking lot! Although people just randomly back out nilly-​willy, so just be careful.
Nice seating.
Great hours.
Cons:
Computers are almost always booked.
Private rooms aren’t really private because the tops aren’t enclosed, so you can hear everyone around you amplified.
Patrons have no idea of personal space… I was studying at a table, left for a second, and when I came back, someone had made themselves at home across from me even though there were other tables available. Um, ok…
No self check out.
Xerox machines 15 cents a copy.

I love the library! Does that make me a nerd? Who cares?! The Buder branch is right in my neighborhood and I’m a frequent visitor as I’m an avid reader. I believe this branch has three floors, though I ever only go on the main floor, so I’m not entirely sure. They have a good selection of fiction books, CDs, DVDs, and a smaller selection of audio books.

Key things to remember are that you get up to 200 pages of free computer print outs every month; you can check out a ton of books; there are lots of computers for free public use; and there is a really good selection of books here. It’s a really good deal. Plenty of parking and right by a Hampton bus stop, Schnucks, Target, eateries, etc.
These are my caveats: you have to book a computer in advance (206‑6702) because they’re almost always full; there’s no way of printing things in color, faxing, scanning, or using CD-​roms; fines really add up; and while alot of the staff can be nice, alot of them are overworked and can be frosty or indifferent.