Today I stopped by The New Britain Public Library to look for some cook books and for some fun new…read morebooks to read to my class. I haven't been to this library in a long time, since I was in college and avoided paying the extravagant prices the school bookstore charged for the classic literature books. The large windows and the construction of the library make it obvious, it has been here for a long time. The library first opened in 1853. I first went to the children's department. This area of the library was filled with kids playing with wooden blocks and legos, as well as a plethora of books categorized by interest. I selected around five brand new books for my class. They also have computers and movies in the kid's department. The adult section was much quieter and I couldn't hear any of the noise coming through from the adjacent children's area. I took the third floor on the elevator to find the area with the books that interested me. This was a super quiet space with shelves and shelves of organized books. I found two. They also have a selection of magazines, puzzles, CDs and DVDs available to borrow. I was very pleased with my experience at this library today.

The New Britain Public Library is beautiful building with stained glass windows and gorgeous…read morearchitecture. The staff is well informed and friendly. And their children's department is one of the best I have visited. Sometimes I like to take my laptop there, sit by the big windows, take in the natural sunlight and get some work done. It's a great place.

Love this clean, bright, welcoming public library where locals are getting tutored, using the…read morecomputers, reading, generally taking advantage of a valuable community space together. Always glad to see public libraries doing well.

I've frequented this library quite often since moving to CT. Mainly because they have a children's…read moresection at the lower level. We took the elevator to this level; there is a tween/teen, toddler, and baby section. The baby room is locked from the outside but you can reach over to unlock the door; this is for babies and crawlers. They had some baby toys and books in there. The toddler section has a mini kitchen, fake groceries, baby dolls, doll house, Legos, and toy cars which kept my toddler busy. We put away the toys we played with before we left just to be courteous. We had to print out some paper and it's 10 cents a page. Keep in mind when putting the quantity in the computer, it doesn't specify dollars or pages; it's actually quantity of dollars not pages. This location is nice because it's walking distance to all the stores and restaurants. Overall, a clean and organized library!

I stopped by the Cora J. Belden Library in Rocky Hill to pick up a book for my book club. I have…read morenever been to this library before. I thought it was interesting that this library is located amongst the houses, for some people I'm sure they could walk here with their eyes closed. Right at the front of the library they have a hold box. I could be wrong with the name, but this is where they hold your book, and you could pick it up even when the library is closed. I walked inside, there's book sales and community events posted. I went to the computer to search where my book is located. According to my search result, I went to look under fiction. It wasn't there. There were other works by the same author. I went to the front desk to ask for assistance. The lady started walking towards a totally different direction. She went to look under Mysteries, I found it under New Releases. She explained that they're going through a new system, it might be difficult to find some materials. She was very helpful, despite me finding it. They also have a spiral staircase leading to the children's department. I typically love to explore the children's area, I was in a rush this time. There were some noisy kids having a fun time. I had a successful first time at the Cora J. Belden Library.

A pretty library with friendly staff - they have nice open areas to read and research, and even…read moresome art on the walls. Parking was plentiful with an easy in and out; there was even a knitting group meeting outside when I pulled up! They seem very community oriented.

The most recently renovated branch of the Hartford Public Library, Park Branch. Now called Park…read moreStreet Library at the Lyric. The area is very inviting and clean. Plenty of room to sit down and read a book. The branch has many programs too. There are a few parking spots in the back opening on Broad street but mostly occupied by staff. There are plenty of side streets to park at though.

Berlin library has a history that started in 1829. This particular library opened in 1989. It's…read morelocated in a lovely campus across the street from the town hall. There were plenty of parking and the library was spacious and had an open layout. When you first walk in, the children section is to the right. They had a large children section which was nicely decorated with fake trees and a variety of kids decor. They also had so many toys for the kids; from a toy train table, kitchen sets, cash register, dollhouse, and more. They had a wide array of books too. My family and I spent about an hour in there and loved it. It was pretty busy since it's a weekend and cold out; other families had the same plans as us. Overall, it's definitely a nice library. I didn't talk to the librarians so I can't comment on if they're nice or not.

Books for all ages, video of all formats (and apps for that), kids craft events, video games, a…read moreseed bank, museum passes, puzzles and games, periodicals, study cubbies and study rooms, a genealogical history room, and comfy reading chairs. As of late, this library has everything but the late fees. The children's department has an excellent scavenger hunt to find The staff are knowledgeable and friendly as you'd hope, and there are so many neat finds to grab as you walk by. There is a self-checkout, but when your library card finally curls beyond reading the staff are ready to help. This library always confirms how awesome a community resource can be.

We were looking for a quiet cool place to read this afternoon after being in the sun for several…read morehours at the Wethersfield PorchFest on Main St. First we stopped by the Wethersfield Cove which was lovely by the water, but there was no shade. So we checked out their public library. What a beautiful place! The staff are welcoming and kind. The 3 floors of books are conveniently and hospitably set up, with lots of tables/chairs. Brightly lit, with several spacious study rooms along the sides. Basement is children's books, first floor nonfiction, and second floor fiction for the most part.

Love the study rooms!!!…read more This library closes pretty late... They do want you out about 15-20 mins before closing (which is understandable). I always push my luck and stay until the last 3 mins... The man (who I presume is the manager) is a big pacer. He may pace outside your study room but I do believe this is just part of his exercise routine. Books seem to be in tip top shape Overall: 10/10 Would recommend this library!!!

What a beautiful Greek revival style building! It was built in 1917 and was the main library in…read moreFarmington until 1983. There is a playground and ample parking. Like other libraries, this place is a great resource for the community. The children's area was nice. There were plenty of books and some computers for them to use. There was a separate room with toys, magnetic tiles, dollhouse, and more. Overall, a beautiful library and the kids and I enjoyed our time there.

A lot more than…read more just books There are lots of libraries in the state of Connecticut. Huge efficient ones, small quaint ones and cool historical ones. But there are few libraries anywhere than can match the resplendence, elegance and comfort of the Barney Library. Built back in 1919 and called the Village Library until 1999, the Barney Library was the main library in the town of Farmington until 1983 when a much more modern and larger library was completed. Fortunately the Barney Library was kept open and given three million dollars in renovations. Walking into this library is an experience. You immediately notice such niceties like fireplaces, wooden floors, antiques, spiral staircases and artwork. One of the cool librarians that works here told me that many people ask if the building was once someones private mansion or residence but no, it was built as a library from the very start. Of course the Barney Library has books, computers, and all the other mundane things found in typical libraries. It also has plenty of programs for kids and various lectures and demonstrations. However if you go up the grand spiral staircase you will find something not so typical. Several beautiful rooms that hold art sales and concerts, complete with a kitchen and stunning antiques. The Barney Library is a very special place. Perhaps not the most efficient library around because of all the open spaces and gorgeous paintings and antiques that prevent certain areas from being packed with books. That doesn't matter, it is a library that takes you back in time, when libraries were much more than just a place to find a book.

Open to the public, has a Starbucks in the entry way. Sometimes can be difficult to print but lots…read moreof periodicals and 4 floors of "stacks" of books. Easiest place to park is the lot near the student center. 4th floor is the best study spot... (quiet space) & the other floors can sometimes be TOASTY.

The Faxon Branch Library, is part of the West Hartford Libraries, it is the smallest of the three…read morelibraries. The entire library is in one room, on one floor. Despite how small it is, it still has all of the resources one would find in a typical library, including the very friendly librarians. My class is currently learning about animals. I thought Free Willy would be a great movie to play them as a reward for their hard work. I popped by the Faxon Branch Library to see if said movie on DVD was in stock. And it was! I also picked up a few books about bears who hibernate. The library is very organized and clean. If they happen to not have an item you're looking for, they can easily borrow it from another library. I think the smaller the library the more organized and the easier it is to find what you're looking for. My class loved Free Willy, and both of the books!

Wow, Faxon Branch Library is my go-to! Even though Faxon is pretty small, it has everything you…read moreneed, and more too! It's much easier for me to navigate around because its small!