West Bloomfield Township Library

The library is great for children and adults. The library could get very packed from 3pm-​7pm. West Bloomfield library has 7 study rooms, which are always occupied. The children’s section is so cute and fun! It has a puppet show section, a kitchen set, and iPads!

West Acres branch knows how to take the «public» out of Public Library. This location does not allow even guest usage of their Internet stations despite having more than several available and their overall library traffic being very light at the time of my visit. No exceptions made even with drivers license or active library card from another branch. They segregate /​direct non-​resident «riff raff» to the main branch, just so you know. I had quick, but official business to take care of but was not near my local branch in White Lake. No accommodations or exceptions are made. They take the ‘Don’t Feed The Library Animals’ approach seriously here.

This library is wonderful, they have terrific children youth and adult programs.
The children’s library is awesome, my grandson loves it there!

It’s ok, it’s more eye-​candy than anything else, their book selection is alright, but don’t bother looking for any books on Chihuahua!!! Because they only have ONE and it’s a 32 page book in the children’s section, and it’s always checked out! Pretty sad really. The «Friend’s Store», is the Libraries’ little used book-​shop, there is ALWAYS, a random old woman «working» the register in there who seems not to be all there!!! And I don’t mean just ONE woman! Whenever I go in there it’s ALWAYS whichever old woman is working the register seems to have like issues or something, like they are SO old they just can’t understand where things are, and are NOT helpful at all, or just don’t know how to operate things. But I guess you can’t bitch to much when it’s volunteer based help, yet all their volunteers seem to have behavior problems, or just look like their deteriorating before your eyes… YIKES!

This library is stunning! Not only is it surrounded by hiking trails and lakes, it is landscaped perfectly and adorned with very nice sculptures. Inside you will find meeting rooms, study rooms, a library gift shop, and fireplaces. They have an amazing collection of movies esp. foreign films. I am a HUGE fan of Japanese horror and Bollywood and they got me covered. They also have the largest audio book collection I have ever seen. They have a great music collection as well… even obscure indie bands (just check the teenie bopper section). Free wifi is always a hit. Tons of computers with scanners for you to use. No need to register with a librarian, no time limit… If this library does not have what you want just melcat it and it will be there within a few brief days. They are lucky that they have the money to be open seven days a week, unlike many other libraries. They have a great webpage as well, where you can even pay your fines… which is nice. I hate paying fines in person– I feel like I am turning myself in. Also, online you can get help with your homework from a librarian. They have fiesta cooking classes, Sanders chocolate tastings, computer lessons, puppets, open gaming, ereaders club, children’s songs and stories, investing classes, teen programs, reading groups… tons of programs. If you are not full from a cooking class and hunger strikes you can hit one of their vending machines. Also, on their webpage you can reserve a room, browse Pearl’s picks or many other lists to give your reading list fresh additions. Ebooks and e audio available through metronet not digital overdrive. Seriously, you could spend a day here. Make sure you register your card as a michicard– you can visit multiple libraries in the county. However, melcat will ship it to your library from anywhere in Michigan… I cannot praise melcat enough!

I’m a huge proponent of libraries; I support them as a community resource, and my own library card gets a lot of use. I’m a professional tutor right now, so I spend a ton of time in libraries all over Southern Michigan, and I’m actually about to start a graduate program to become a librarian. That being said, just thinking about this particular library enrages me.
A few months ago, a student who lives a mile from the library asked me to meet him there for a tutoring session. When we tried to request a room for quiet study, we were not only refused a room but told (very rudely!) to LEAVE THE LIBRARY. Why? Because it’s against their code of conduct to engage in for-​profit activities there. I’m pretty sure that’s a common rule at libraries, but I’m ALSO pretty sure that it’s intended to keep people from selling things in the library or running a business out of a study room or something. I’ve NEVER heard of a library kicking out an educator just because she happens to receive a paycheck. No money was changing hands on the premises, and I certainly wasn’t soliciting new students. I was just trying to help a student study.
Every other library I’ve been to in this state (and I’ve been in many) has been staffed with helpful, friendly people who were happy to assist me and welcomed me and my students. The fact that this library kicked out a tax-​paying local resident and his tutor continues to appall me, and despite my unwavering support for the public library system, I think this place should be shut down and have its funds redirected to one of the many local libraries that actually welcomes people to use it for educational activities– the branch on Lone Pine, for instance.

Great library with an emphasis on kids and teens, and a great DVD collection. You can even pop in the DVDs in one of the many computers, put on some provided headphones and enjoy a movie!
There is a café area right when you walk in, to get yourself hydrated before a day of studying. They have nice private study rooms, and a very helpful staff.
The Friends of the Library store has great selection, and usually has some sort of sidewalk sale going on (you’ve seen the stickers around town.)

An outstanding library. Newly renovated with a reading area complete with fireplace, group study rooms, computer labs, and a Friends of the LIbrary store. Super nice!