This is my happy place. I love coming to the library to see what they have on their express shelf and to ask the kind, helpful librarians for recommendations. They also have miscellaneous cool stuff for checkout like board games, music instruments, even art. The website is easy to use in terms of reserving books. If you reserve a book and clear the wait list, they will pull it for you. I wish they had a method of deferring (eg if you clear the wait list when you're on vacation) so that you don't have to go back through the queue, but understand how this could be complicated. Their "shelf service" is amazing. You put in your reading preferences and they select a handful of books that fit. It's wild that this is something you can access for free. It's a nice physical space with plenty of bathrooms, reading areas, wifi, etc. I love this library and coming here makes me so grateful to live in AA read more

Ann Arbor District Library - Libraries Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I can't believe that I came here for the first time last weekend, even though it's been 8 years since I was a student in Ann Arbor! Ann Arbor offers an abundance of things -- not just books -- and it's one of the most impressive libraries I've been to because of that! I came here last weekend because I heard they had an art exhibit for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month of a collection of artwork made by various Taiwanese artists. As a Taiwanese American, I knew I had to check this out immediately! And while I came to see this collection (and was so impressed by it!), I stayed for all the other things the library had to offer! I perused it's rows of artwork (including the Taiwanese artwork!) that you could check out and display in your household for 2 months on end! What a ingenious idea, I thought, as someone who is constantly switching out the artwork I have hung around my house depending on my mood haha! I also perused their aisles of equipment you can check out for every reason under the sun - starting a podcast? need some hardware? lighting? DJing? hosting a big party and want some giant chess? want to try a new instrument? The list goes on and on and the opportunities are endless! It's a shame that I am neither an Ann Arbor resident nor work in the city, so unfortunately I can't get a free library membership (and a paid one costs $150 a year!), and the librarian I spoke too also mentioned that the University of Michigan doesn't collaborate with the AA District Library either, so I'm not entirely sure if you're able to even get a membership here as a student, if you don't change your address to something in Ann Arbor, which is a bit of a bummer! But if you live or work in Ann Arbor, definitely don't sleep on the district library and make sure to take FULL advantage of all this place has to offer! read more

See all

Extremely charming library with SO MUCH more to offer to the community than just books. ("Just books" feels a little weird to write though, as books are wonderful!) I love coming for the multitude of events they are always hosting, from book sales to craft fairs to cultural performances, crafts, and screenings. Love their selection of art both displayed and rentable(!) and looking through all the fun "other" things they have available. Great place to look if you're thinking about trying something new, as they might have equipment or tools that you could rent instead of buy. Podcast equipment, speaker systems, telescopes? They've got it. It's just a wonderful, magical place which you can experience in new ways every time you walk in. read more

This is the best library. They have so much more than just books: you can rent giant lawn games, recording equipment, instruments, even albums. Also probably the coolest thing in all of downtown Ann Arbor: there is a free Narcan vending machine inside! It's such a good thing to carry these days and it's completely free. Winning. read more

This is my first time to this amazing library In Downtown` ANN Arbor. And it is certainly amazing. I'm here for my friend Mohsin's Photography Show here in the multi-purpose room, downstairs. This other cool event is also going on next door read more

Ann Arbor District Library - Citizen By Claudia Rankine shared art experience Citizenship Dinner 6-8:00 PM @Neutral Zone - Libraries Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

The downtown branch of the library has more than books. Check out movies, music magazines and other media on your library card. Use library computers to do research on the Internet or to access electronic databases. Request books on loan from other libraries. Check out the events schedule regularly. Interesting speakers and authors are scheduled every week, and they're all free. The art gallery rotates through several shows a year. Works are on display in the basement and on the third floor. The Friends of the Library operate a used book shop in the basement. Check out their separate review on this site. For more information, check out the library's Web site above. You can access the catalog through the website. If you have a library card, you can set up an online account and use it to reserve or renew your books. Open Sundays from Noon to 6 p.m. Every Sunday there is free parking on the city lot next door. Sundays only. The new self-checks are very fast and easy to use. Unlike the ones at Home Depot. You scan your card and then the book. Then you push one button, the one that says "finished," and then you're done. Do not park in the staff parking lot. You will be towed, even if you happen to be on the staff. You have been warned. Leaving your four-way flashers on does not actually provide any kind off legal protection against having your vehicle towed P.S. I'm a paid employee of the library, so my five-star rating comes with a little bias. read more

Ann Arbor District Library - AADL main branch at Fifth Avenue and William Street. - Libraries Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

The downtown branch of AADL is really the true urban locale of all the branches. It's situated right in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor & has undergone several renovation projects to restore, upgrade, or transform the facility. However, I'm pleased that no matter what, the children's room in rear on main floor is still in place. All of my children have enjoyed the fish tank over the years. Although "Nemo" is gone, he has been replaced by new gorgeous fish (see my photo). My daughter adored the doll house of yesterday year. We'd pour over the minute details & marvel over how they were able to create the tiny pieces to fill so many rooms. We loved the outdoor patio area of the house with its tiny tables complete with beverages atop. ... alas! The dollhouse is gone. The reading/activity tables and play areas are still there. Love that the new maximum fine allowed before prohibiting new book checkout is $25. Great for a mom like me whose 3 kids keep us in overdue land. read more

Ann Arbor District Library - The kids' reading room fish tank has newcomers - Libraries Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor's library system is excellent. If you don't have an AADL card, you're missing out. One of the things I'm most impressed by is the relatively short wait time for popular items, even when there are hundreds of holds. I heard a rumor that the staff orders one copy of an item for every seventh hold that is placed. Quite impressive. The staff are receptive to title suggestions. You can request new titles (as well as make other suggestions) through a form on the AADL website. Many of my suggestions have appeared immediately in the catalog. Make sure to check out the Friends of the Library book sales. The Friends shop, which is located in the basement of the library, is open almost every weekend. I visited one weekend and found some popular DVDs for only $3 (and they played!) The real fun, however, is the big blowout sale that is held every summer. Prices get progressively cheaper as the sale winds down. A friend and I had a blast picking through the books on the last day. We walked away with giant sacks of books for only $1 each. Not a bad way to spend a summer afternoon. If you're interested in scoring free admission to attractions in the Detroit metro area, make sure to ask a staff member about the Museum Adventure Passes. You can "check out" a pass that is good for about two weeks and will allow you two or four free admissions (depending on the venue). You can view the list of participating institutions at: www.detroitadventurepass.org. It's a great deal for families! read more

Perhaps it is a little nerdy to review a library, but this one is really a cut above. During the summer they offer museum tickets for Detroit, they have framed art to rent and a huge modern music collection. They are open late and you can generally find a quiet place to read. Requests come quickly because the whole library system here is one of the best I have seen. They will often purchase books they don't have. I won't dock a star for it, but the volunteers/low paid workers can be a little bit over zealous about their responsibilities. Fall asleep in your calculus book? You'll quickly have a volunteer making some smart ass comment about sleeping. Have a handful of books without a basket? You'll get a stupid comment about how you should use a basket for the book's sake. So on and so forth they get a little excited. There are two in particular that are borderline assholes but that's not the library's fault and I guess they keep the peace. read more

One of my favorite spots around. Seriously! I haven't been out to the new Traverwood branch, or the Pittsfield branch (where I hear they have a.... fireplace! Oooohhh!), but this location is less than a 10 minute walk from me. I should be so lucky to always live so dang close to a great library like this. The staff's really helpful, the collection is vast, and inter-library loan works like a charm. You can put a book on reserve, use the self-check-out, and even renewing my library card was lightening-fast and painless. They have wonderful programming- both for kids and adults, too. As someone who has a several points considered going back to school to become a librarian, I think the example that this place sets is a big part of what keeps me excited about libraries. Libraries aren't just places to store books anymore, by any means. They are an equal access space, a place for community dialogue and events, and this one, particularly, feels like a home away from home. It's a bit sad they had to put the plans for the new facility on hold due to the economy, but at least it'll give me some more cozy time to hang out in this location, which has been near and dear to my heart (and mind, I guess!) for many years. read more

The AADL (downtown branch) isn't flashy by any means. And that's part of what I love about it. Instead of pouring money into cutting-edge technology projects or sculptuaries, they focus on delivering great service and offering a comprehensive range of books, music, movies, and other resources. Our household uses it almost daily. A fantastic institution that serves as a center of community interaction and activity, and that will be even better when coupled with the park to be built next door, if the DDA ever pulls its head out of its ass and stops approving all of these godforsaken soulless high-rises instead. TL;DR: AADL rocks. Keep Ann Arbor low and funktastic! Parks for the people! read more

CONVENIENT, CLEAN, CONTEMPORARY. Overall, this library is booming, and in an age of electronica, the library here is still valid, and alive. What I love the most is that you can reserve books, DVD's, etc. and be emailed as soon as you have come up on the waitlist to receive the item(s). I agree with another reviewer in that this is a great way to check out something that you want to get on Amazon.com, and personally, I think it's a great place to find newly released DVD's to see if you actually want to purchase them later or not. They do have a large amount of computers upstairs if you need computer access. Also they have quite spacious rooms downstairs for meetings, presentations, etc. (I attended a public event there recently that was packed to the max.) There are also art installations in various areas, and a great area for children. There is definitely something for everyone at the library. It is centrally located, accessible by bus, walking, and if you drive parking is convenient, as there is on-street or a lot next door (and also across the street). The bus station is right across the street. MY PERSONAL LIKES: *I like that whatever you have "Waitlisted" is pulled for you and ready right up front when you get there. *Checking out is electronic if you want to use the self-checkouts (there are 4-5 of those), or a very helpful, nice library employee will assist. *Also, as I mentioned, you are emailed when your item is ready for pickup if you registered online for notifications. read more

This is the greatest Library EVER! Did you know that you can access Rosetta Stone online for FREE!!!!! Wow. The staff is wonderful and so very helpful. Great location and such a lovely place for children. read more

Downtown has a great library. One of my favorites free places in ann arbor to kill some time. Great movie selection pretty much always, and the website is really use-friendly to request titles. It is also spacious. Even though it is a downtown building, i don't much get a cramped feel from it. I wouldn't mind more independent places to study, but most of the time the 3rd floor is pretty quiet even if there aren't any rooms available. I support them so often through late fees that i should have donor status, but instead I have probably just really inconvenienced someone reading this review. The staff never judges though. They just politely collect. I appreciate that. read more

When I leave Ann Arbor I'm really, really going to miss the Ann Arbor District Library. Their online services are tops aadl.org and it's great to request materials to be delivered to the location that I decide is most convenient. And I love their self-checkout stations. No need for anyone to raise an eyebrow when I check out all three seasons of True Blood on DVD. read more

I can't say I've ever been to a more complete, friendly, and inviting library in my life. I am constantly surprised by what the carry there...graphic novel, music, and movie wise. It's truly amazing. Also, I can easily browse there and find books I'd want to read that I'd never find on Amazon or elsewhere. Don't have it on the shelf? Just request a hold. I babysit from time to time and I always enjoy bringing the little one to the children's section. We can read there, play puzzles, or maybe just play with some toy cars and airplanes. A great place to chill out, relax, and read for hours on end. read more

A great library for many purposes. Here's what I do: -- watch for interesting books listed on blogs, in reviews, etc. -- add them to an amazon.com wish list -- when I want something to read: look up from wish list to online library catalog (I use the Ann Arbor Dist. Library and also the University of Mich. library catalog for this). While I'm at the library I can read newspapers and magazines (in real paper copies, instead of online like I do at home), I can look at new and browsing books (conveniently arranged), I can look at the library sale books (when the store of donated books is open), I can donate my old books, I can look through cookbooks (shelved together), travel books, lots of books. I could also check encyclopedias, reference books, etc. if that were on my agenda. The librarians are knowledgeable and helpful also. A recent article about the demise of small and independent bookstores noted that if you want a big selection of nicely arranged books with knowledgeable guidance for reading or research, you should forget bookstores and go to the library. BINGO! The library: where I get value for my taxes. read more

Amusingly, this is my 3rd Yelp library review. :) Yay for reading! So I am very impressed by this place. It is HUGE and they have a TON of different TV show seasons on DVD. This very nice librarian helped me search for Mad Men DVD's which was very kind of her. I have picked a few books off of their staff recommendations section which have been enjoyable! They also have huge sets of books that book clubs could all check out, which is really nice. I am impressed by this library, and am glad to have such a great free resource in town! read more

This library system is amazing. They have a huge collection of books, dvds, cds, and magazines. They have a great selection of movies including foreign films and television series. You can actually borrow everything from episodes of Cheers to episodes of Alias, Star Trek, or even Friends. I also use the library for borrowing magazines. Whenever I fly, I stop by the library to pick up a few magazines to read during the flight. They let you borrow magazines for a week so this is great for short trips. Perhaps the best part about the library is the online catalog and emails they send. You can search for items online and have them delivered to any of the branches you'd like. When things are about to be due, you get a friendly email warning you and then you can easily renew items online too. SOOO user friendly! The library has free wifi and lots of computers too so it makes for a nice place to study or just get work done. They also offer read along and sing along events for little kids as well as events for teens and adults. They really work on making a community. I will be sad when I leave Ann Arbor and have to leave behind the best library system I've ever seen. read more

This is probably one of the hottest libraries around these parts. You walk in and you don't know where to go, there's so many possibilities right in front of you! Right away you are hit with the free rentals (don't be fooled, though, because you will pay dearly if you are late). Fiction is off to the side... oh, but then children's -- gotta check that out. Speaking of chlidren's stuff, I was at their booth with my family during the Taste of Ann Arbor (I had to get a plastic yellow hardhat for my son), and they were telling me about an awesome summer program they are having. The Reading Program awards the readers with a brand new book after reading ten books. They have special events involving Egyptian medicine, chess!, dancing babies, yoga, science, playgroups... and... Lowrider Car Expo??? read more

Pretty nice library. Like the artwork. Only street parking as far as I'm aware, which is a bummer. Otherwise, it's not bad.

This pertains to the downtown branch and its dontation facility. When you have books to donate (no encyclopedia sets, National Geographic sets etc), pull up in the lot directly behind the building. Park at the loading dock and walk to the locked doors. Next to the door is a buzzer and intercom to buzz you in. Once inside, turn to the right and leave your bags and boxes in the bins. A cheery assistant will help and will provide you with a tax dediction slip. The hardest part is deciding which books to donate. The AADL makes it very easy to drop off and donate. read more

Its a great library! there are tons of movies and blue ray versions of them. You can borrow them for a week with no charge and always review them. The staff is very helpful. There are a ton of cds, magazines, and also books that just got released. The booksale is a lot of fun to go to since some of the titles are pretty new there. Also they also have dvds selling there for dirt cheap. THe hours are pretty good and its easy to go in and out due to the self check out. I like to order a lot of movies online and even if its really popular subject there will be books either at the library, short hold list, or can get it from other branches. read more

Love this library, particularly the Pittsfield branch! Their online system is wonderful, makes it really easy to search for a book and have it held at a branch, or be put on a wait list if it's not currently available. Also, the system emails you when your books are due...so helpful! The staff has been helpful every time I'm needing any help, and the library always seems clean and well organized. read more

I hope Ann Arborites appreciate just how lucky we are to have such a fantastic public library system. The AADL has a great collection of materials, including DVDs, CDs, really good magazines, and graphic novels. Their website is outta-sight! On top of that they have a constant stream of events--invited speakers, cheese tastings, and workshops. All for free?! If you live in Ann Arbor and don't have a library card yet, shame on you! read more

The library system rocks. It was a great day when I realized that I could order a book from the downtown branch and pick it up at the Malletts Creek branch near my house. Perfect for lazy people like me :) read more

The staff are amazing. If they don't have, they will find it and let you know when it's in so you can come get it. The reading/study spots are all comfortable. The bathrooms are clean. What more could anyone ask for? read more

This library is awesome. They have a huge, and very complete, collection of books. You can put things on hold and pick them up without having to go to the circulation desk, which makes things much easier. Also, their self-checkout system makes checking things out a much speedier process. read more

Their downtown location and other branches are great. The staff are helpful and they have a wide variety to choose from.

They never have the book (from classic literature to travel guides to current bestsellers) or DVD I want, they once chastised me for putting my head down on the table. (school plus work makes a person tired). They let a group of teenagers continue to be loud while I was trying to study. They are basically closed on the weekend and Fri nite when I could have used them the most,some of their fines are excessive, I couldn't afford it... All of this was a while back, but i gave up on them a long time ago....maybe things are better, i dunno, I didn't have time to figure out the online crap either, so......the reference desk was always super cool.... read more

Ah, I love this library. They have such a great selection of books, movies, newspapers, magazines, CD's, and even art to bring home and show off on your wall for a few weeks. They have a great inter-library loan system where you can borrow an item from almost any library in Michigan so you can pretty much always get what you need/want. And they're website is great -- you can do so much on there and they sometimes have really interesting events. I'm a big supporter of this place and you should be too! read more

My Mom grew up in Ann Arbor and this was "her library" as she says. This past weekend I was in Ann Arbor for a family reunion and got to check it out. This library is huge and I assume that means lots of books that you wouldn't normally find in other libraries. My review is solely based on the 3rd floor. The selection of language books was surprising. Since I'm trying to brush up on my French, Spanish, Mandarin and learn Italian I had plenty of material to look while waiting for my family to show up to view the photography exhibit, my Grandpa's work. Free parking across the street on Sundays too! read more

I only used a conference room. The library and the post office can't agree on whether I do or do not live in Ann Arbor!

I come here every now and then to get some work done. The wifi is always fast and there never is a lot of people on the second and third floors. Overall it's a pretty great place. read more

Fantastic! You can search for books/music/movies on their website, request them, and wait for an email that says they are ready for you to pick up. When you arrive, you find your name, pick up your reserved selections, either scan yourself out or visit the desk, and then you are on your way. Renewals also available online when available! The selection is tremendous between all the branches. The staff is very helpful and friendly. The hours of operation are pretty good (closes way too early on the weekends). They offer so much with their events schedule that it is astounding. read more

Fantastic library. They have everything, including all the latest cd's and dvd's, but don't expect to see them sitting on the shelf. There is a wait-list for most popular stuff, so you have to request the item online and then get an email when it's your turn. It works out well, usually not too long of a wait. You can request them to be sent to whichever branch is most convenient for you. read more

I love the AADL especially the Downtown location. I just recently found out there is free tutoring for 4-12 graders by UM students on Mondays and Wednesdays. How great is that? The library is large and has quiet rooms as well as a kids room, a teen room and a gift shop. The one thing you need to know about the Downtown location is that there are homeless folks shuffling in and out especially in the winter but no worries, they don't bother anyone and maybe reading a good book will brighten their day:). The other branches are great and super convenient if you don't want to park Downtown but they don't have nearly the selection of the Downtown branch. But, don't forget you can reserve books online and pick them up at any branch! Also, bookclubs take note. All branches have book club to go. A bag of 10 books to grab for your bookclub and checkout. They have waiting lists though so get online and reserve your bag early. read more

I'm going to go ahead and say that I was a little too rough on the AADL. The noise has been a lot better even though I've still never seen them confront a roaming loud talking cell phone user (oh well, we live in an imperfect world.) The library is great; helpful staff, great selection of books, cds, dvds and lots of blu-rays (they even have a decent selection of criterion discs too.) read more