What a lovely library! Not the typical library from when I was a kid in NYC. This one has high…read moreceilings, lots of light and tons of space. Children's area is separate and colorful, the computer lab area seems to be well-kept and there are comfortable chairs here and there. Obviously, plenty of books to keep one occupied. Upon entering, it was comfortably air conditioned on a warm evening. Bathroom was cleaner than expected. Vibe was quiet-ish...but still noisier than libraries of my youth. Nobody was "sushing" anyone.

This review is for the "branch", not the county library system as a whole, and is relative to…read morepublic libraries in general. It's a medium-sized downtown branch and the flagship of the county library system, housed in a somewhat dreary and dated 1970s building that suffers from the nadir of institutional architecture. The new addition is supposed to open later this year and should make for a much nicer children's department and open up more space in front for adult readers. In the meantime the building is a bit depressing to linger in, and does not have a lot of the comforting aspects for the reader. The construction project has no doubt not helped. Free parking just next to the library, and it's in a neat downtown location across from city hall and catty-corner to the Jay walk. The collection is decent for a public library - not "downtown" quality, if you will, but as a very large library for a city this size and for a relatively small county, it's pretty nice. The county library system in general seems to function well (we've come from another part of the county so have some points of reference), and the staff are very nice and helpful. The collection does seem to be in need of sprucing up -- culling a number of older titles and adding new books more quickly. The computer facilities are below average, but they are entering the age of loaning e-books so I suspect this is a function of budget and not managerial foot-dragging. In any event it's a mixed bag with respect to ability to use the library for research as a whole. I'm a little torn as for rating this, since I can't quite give it five stars -- I've seen five-star public libraries and this is not one of them -- but in terms of patron service I think they're doing better than average for the country as a whole. Can you compare them to the brand new libraries in Saratoga County? Or do you compare it to the storefront library branches in the same county? Or to the smaller but swankier libraries in the towns in the same county system? I honestly don't know, but my sense is that the sheer (relative) size of the collection and the vigor with which it survives in a shrunken user base merits the fourth star. They're adding on: they're moving forward - full credit here where credit is due. For public institutions to actually expand in this day and age means there's something worth paying attention to about this place. That said, it is not a "destination" library, like, say, the Carnegie in Pittsburgh PA or the main branch in Berkeley CA, et alia - it's not the kind of library you'd go out of your way to visit if you were coming from out of town. It's an old armchair that's probably far more comfortable for its affable familiarity than it is for its design. Great to have for locals who can appreciate it. The attention of readers everywhere, however, should be drawn to the Whitney Book Corner, just down the street at 600 Union, which is the used bookstore operated by the Friends of the Schenectady County Library, which is really quite something and which we'll review separately now that there's a Yelp entry for it.

I drive about 30 minutes every time I visit this wonderful library, even though I pass by at least…read moretwo other libraries on the way. It's absolutely worth the drive! I really appreciate the peaceful and welcoming environment, the excellent management team, and the thoughtful overall layout of the library. It's a great place to study, focus, and get work done.

I grew up in Brooklyn, NY and any times politicians needed money, they cut funding to libraries…read morebecause who needs to read, right? When I moved up to Clifton Park in 2018, I discovered this beautiful library and fell in love with it. Wonderful people, great events, very community minded. Thid library is, in a long life of reading, my favorite.

Dropped in to use their printing services. I was amazed when the associate handed me the colored…read morecopies and I asked how much they said three free copies a day. Also, I'd been looking for a place to donate some books and was beyond enjoyed to come across a Better World Books drop box in the parking lot of the library. Haven't used the service yet but sounds like an amazing thing to partnership with!

A fantastic public library. Spacious, with a huge selection of books for adults, children and young…read moreadults as well as dvds, magazines and plenty more. The library is clean and welcoming with lots of tables and seating for reading. The staff is friendly and efficient. So grateful to have such an amazing public space in the area!

This is an amazing library with tons of resources for people of all ages and abilities! It was such…read morea fun welcoming experience! Loads of programming and activities for kids. A quiet playroom for younger ones, computers for older kiddos, a scavenger hunt, large fish tank, coloring pages. I mean there is so much for kids to do here! Easily spent two hours here without any kids (inc a 20 month old) getting bored and without sitting reading together (as crazy as that sounds lol). If my youngest didn't get tuckered out by the fun we easily could have stayed another 45 mins if we did pick books and snuggle up. The adult section had loads of meeting rooms, quiet nooks, large windows to sit by, and tons of variety to choose from. Video games, movies, music, and books of all sorts! Truly a gem to the area. We can't wait to come back.

Love this place & the renovation made it that much better. The kids area is great and they always…read morehave fun activities planned. I love that they have virtual author speakers, too, and have watched several of them.

Staff was very helpful when I wanted to create a library card. Glad I came to visit when I was in…read moreSaratoga Springs!

I love this library. When we first moved to NYS and started house-hunting, this library and the…read morevibe of downtown drew me to the Saratoga area. I was sad leaving the home, work and friends I had made over the previous 8 years and the library simply felt comfortable and welcoming. One of my initial experiences after our relocation was in their computer classes. Kathy is a wonderful teacher and I looked forward to seeing her smiling face. They offer a wide variety of classes and services for the public. I have taken several computer classes, an introduction to coding class, a cupcake decorating and a dessert class. I have also attended a preschool play group. The main floor features books, cds and dvds for adults. It also has a used book store that I check out regularly for unbelievable bargains. Every Christmas I do an advent tower of books (instead of a calendar) for my friend's little girls. They love unwrapping a book every day until Christmas. Purchasing quite a few of the books there helps keep my costs low for this tradition. There is also a cafe with baked goods, sandwiches, coffee and tea. There are plenty of computers for public use on each floor and help is readily available when needed.The lines are never very long at the numerous check out areas and they have some very practical options for busy patrons. I typically browse the catalog online at home and make my requests via computer allowing me to choose books from libraries all over the Capital region. I check my account regularly and often just run in, return books I have finished and pick up a stack of requested material they have gathered for me. The staff is very friendly and efficient. They make the use of the facilities very convenient. The lower level houses the children's selections, a playroom and story rooms. There are special holiday events , kids classes and so many wonderful activities hosted here. An events calendar is available in print at the facility and online on the website. The upper level has reference materials, plenty of study areas and the computer classroom complete with a 3D printer that can be hired out for projects. Parking can sometimes be difficult, particularly on the weekends or holidays and that keeps them from earning a 5th star. There is truly something for everyone here and I encourage you to visit and/or check out the numerous possibilities thru the website.

The library is a mostly quiet place to read. The exception being on Tuesdays (?) when it turns into…read morea day care center. There is a children's room which should have doors on it so that the noise is contained within that room. I thus avoid Tuesdays for this reason.

One of the best libraries in the area! The librarians all care so much and provide so many programs…read moreand such a welcoming clean environment for children! There is a beautiful community that frequently comes through here also. Thank you all for all you do!!!

I take my kids to a local library at least once a week. We started going to this library a few…read moreweeks ago and it has quickly become our favorite. My kids love the children's section. It is bright yet cozy and the book selection is great. We've discovered many new titles just browsing here. There are numerous comfortable chairs and nooks to read in. One unique offering at this library is that they rent out Nordic cake pans in all different shapes, themes, and sizes. What a neat idea! Who wants to store a cake pan that you only use for one holiday? Now you can rent it. I haven't tried it yet but love the idea. This library also loans out passes to local museums and we recently checked one out to go to CMOST for free. There were passes available for almost all of the local museums. I also appreciate that this library has spacious family restrooms with changing tables.

They recently remodeled this library to reduce noise. Well, ladies, no amount of remodeling will…read morereduce noise if you speak alta voce at the circulation desk and laugh like school girls. Could we return to a time when librarians spoke quietly and shushed loud talkers? I'm not even 50 yet but I remember the good ole days.

The library is better than my expectations! The interior is very nice and clean, also quiet enough…read morefor me to study here since my house is in construction. Besides the reading area, there are comfy leather couches to relax! You can also view the trees outside through those windows. Moreover, it opens until 8pm in ALL weekdays including Friday, unlike many other libraries, which is super convenient! Generally it's a good place to whether work or study!

A wonderful small-town library, with an equally wonderful staff. (Beautiful and homey…read morearchitectural decor, and a superb collection of books and DVD's.)