I love this library. They have an amazing selection of books to choose from. The library is really old but shows cleanliness with its beautiful character and beauty on the inside. They have a lot of Board Games to choose from as well. There's Media Room exclusive for a lot of movies they have on DVD and Blu-Ray. There's nice people working at the library as well. However... The library is not suitable for expansion but unfortunately the library is really overgrown and have barely any more space for most books to shelve. Bookshelves are cramped as well resulting in so many books withdrawn yearly (there is a basement for more storage of books but unfortunately not enough space for more books as well.). The good news is voters approved the deal that would move the library to a brand new building where Webster Bank currently is down the street (the Webster Bank will be relocated to another property and its building will be demolished for new library construction). The Cheney Library building will still be there once the library moves out of that building once the new library building is complete within the next few years or so. read more

Mary Cheney Library - Libraries Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

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This is a review for the board game section of the library sporting so many games I've lost count. The borad game section has a lot of different types of games with varying age, group size and time frame. Donated from different walks of life the library does well to ensure eveything is there for your fun time ahead. You can borrow the games up to 3 weeks and they even added in renewals which is a nice feature. The only thing is that the games have to be returned while the library is open and sadly here is the only place that carry an extensive selection but hope that others hop on. Do you part and support the local library and try a free new game before purchasing or having a great time. With so many games for so many different type of people and groups drop by and see what they have. read more

Good library because of all the terrific librarians and staff. It is obvious the crew cares about each other. I feel important whenever I visit. The staff has longevity. I attend the adult craft workshops - the curricula are fantastic! Good clean fun! I am one of their lifelong BOOKWORMS!! read more

A philanthropist gardener and lover of books Mary Cheney was born way back in 1855 and left this world in 1934. She was born to the very wealthy and influence Cheney family who made their fortune in the silk business. Mary was a quiet but very well known figure in the town and had a reputation for generosity with both her money and time. She loved gardening and kept her own spectacular gardens in her yard that she opened to the public. It was said that everyone in the town loved Mary and besides her many other interests Mary also loved books. The first library in Manchester was opened back in 1871 when an association charged one buck to join and then let you barrow books. But as the town grew so did the need for a larger library and in 1937 the town decided to combine several smaller libraries into one central one. When the question of what to call the new library came up it was decided to name it after Mary, in honor of her lifelong generosity and benevolence. Of course the fact that her family made substantial contributions toward the new library probably didn't hurt. The library isn't particular large, only about 26,000 square feet and has about 150,000 volumes. It's very popular and has one of the largest circulations of any library in the state and has that grand and extravagant feel that of many of the older libraries in the state have. Lots of comfy chairs and cool pictures to look at, including one of Mary herself, it's a cool place just to walk around. The biggest problem is finding a place to park. Not a lot of spaces in front so during busy times you might have tot walk a bit. The Mary Cheney Library is a nice place to visit to find a book, read a paper, do some research, talk to some people or just to check out the architecture of the building. A fitting tribute for a kind and gentle soul who enjoyed quietly helping others. read more

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This library desperately needs new management! It's old & gross , looks the same way it did back 30 years ago. Nothing has changed!! Worse yet, the staff in the circulation department (check out) never smiles or looks happy, dare I even say good afternoon to any of them!!! Throughout the Adult & Children Departments, I must add, the staff there are a little more happier and more approachable then the front desk!! This library needs a major clean up! read more

I have borrowed several books and DVDs here and the staff was very helpful. A bit out-dated, the library could definitely use some TLC though. There are a number of computers for the public to use as well as a few long tables to sit at. However, the seating is arranged in such a way that it can be a bit overcrowded. There are also very limited available outlets to use. There aren't any "quiet" areas either which makes being productive difficult. I have often witnessed arguments, people playing video games and/or listening to music extra super loud -- just a lot of distractions. And staff doesn't always ensure for a "library" environment. Parking is very tight and limited to the front of the library. FYI Monday - Thursday: 9am - 9pm Friday and Saturday: 9am - 5pm Sunday: Closed read more

I have been there to Mary Cheney Library of Manchester with the Blancks since August 2009. This is one of my favorite libraries ever as part of my Top 5 Libraries in Connecticut. At the Adult Department, We have New Books Display with Current and Modern Bestsellers with Brand New Fiction and Non-Fiction is still there. The Circulation Desk is on the right side but we can check out books, movies, and music there and we have holds with pick up items from different libraries. We have an wall of the Portrait of Mary Cheney, still uses since decades ago. The Reference Department is also takes left which is next to new books display on the right but where we have lots of computers to use. Also, We have Free Wi-Fi to use too with cell phones and tablets. At the Reference Department, We have popular magazines, reference books to use to research things like history, genealogies, and other things at Mary Cheney Library's Reference Department. Also, We have the Media Room there because there is an large selection of DVD's and Music CD's there. Also, Browsing Paperback Collection is where we have used paperbacks with mysteries, romance and other fiction there to take home without needed a library card because it's free with paperbacks, which is located at the Media Room. Also, We have an large selection of audiobooks on CD's there which is located with the straight wall of racks which is nearby the reference department, new books, and the media room. We have an bookmobile delivery service for Manchester residents only but where you live there with an Manchester library card for people who don't go there to the library due to the disability, medical or family reasons, age, elderly people, and other reasons like homebound. Manchester Public Library have free and reduced museum passes for Manchester residents only where you live there in this town. Checkout Museum Passes is only for couple of days but we can used like CT Science Center, Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, and other places with museum passes for everyone. At the Children's Department, We have Family Place Library right there where the local children played toys there, reading books, and getting Kid's DVD's to watch like educational, Sesame Street, Disney and other kids movies which is the left side. We have toys, movies and books there at the Family Place Library at Mary Cheney Library. Also, we have plenty of computers too at the Children's Room (known as The French Room, in honor of Anna C. French (Reference and Librarian at Mary Cheney Library) At Steven Howroyd Room, We have free events there for children and adults alike like Summer Reading Program for local children, Children's Events, and other events for everyone. As part of the Program Room, We have an semi-annual book sale which is held 2 times every year which is benefit the Friends of Manchester Public Library because we raise money for the library. At the book sale, we have an very large selection of used books there like old/antique books, children's books, hardcovers, paperbacks and media there. This book sale is very popular for local residents and out of town patrons too, which is held at Steven Howroyd Room (Program Room) If you lived in Manchester with your Manchester library card, You can check out materials for everyone at the library. If you are an out of town resident, just bring your hometown library card if you lived there with Connecticut towns too for check out materials with books, movies, and music. It used to be the old name, South Manchester Library until 1937 because we have an new name for the library is Mary Cheney Library. This building is still in use as today for the same location right there in Manchester. Mary Cheney Library is an Great Library in the Community. My top 5 rankings with favorite libraries in Connecticut includes Rockville, South Windsor, Hartford, and Ellington. I am coming back to Mary Cheney Library with my brothers very soon in the future because it's very local. read more

Not as good as the Hartford Library but a smaller place makes for more privacy and a great place to study! Have been going there since I was a baby and I am a native of Manchester! read more

They get tour name address and phone number wrong and they say you dont qualify for a entry level job.

We love the library. Everyone is so helpful. And it is walking distance. Wish it had more museum passes though

I started going to Mary Cheney Library when I was a kid, in the early 70's. The MCL is a haven for me. I found time to read lots of books from it's shelves. Most people take libraries for granted, since media has undergone a revolution, but it is a must to remember, that library shelves hold vast volumes of information, that can be found in a particular way, that computers and search engines cannot intuitively duplicate. My experience with the library staff has always been pleasurable. The companion library, The Whiton Memorial Library is well connected, through the use of internet, and staff is always ready and helpful to search for, and get books and materials from the companion library, and vice versa. I am so thankful to the Cheney family, for establishing this legacy in our town. read more