Danum Gallery, Library and Museum — Attraction in Doncaster

Before I start my one star rating is Only for the library aspect of the Danum Gallery. The Museum I give 5 stars. Reasons for this is simply for the fact I’ve had to go the library three times for help with internet access and printing. Each time I’ve been met with at least two library staff members that are seriously lacking customer interaction and support skills! And down right rude!! On Monday 11th August I needed help to print some texts/photos from my email that I needed for proof to give the police of some harassment I’ve been getting from a ex partner. But to add to my stresses They like to think it’s ok to belittle and speak down to members of the public! Raised this issue and had no communication from their manager. So he/she obviously thinks it’s not a problem or concern for them to speak to people like as if they was something that was on the underside of their shoe! But in fact am a person that was brought up to say please, thank you and excuse me ! by the likes of a father that served as an officer the British army in Basra! But apparently am rude?

Any member of staff that reads this you know who I am and was in on Monday the 11th of August. I’d hope you’d contact me but obviously have no interest in contacting me, I’d love to be proven wrong!

As someone who is dyslexic who expects alittle empathy and consideration you need to retrain you’re staff and remind them to be more approachable and customer focused! I shan’t go to your library ever again and will tell other people not to bother ether! And may take this further!

I’d recommend you’re staff take pointers from the volunteer librarians at Armthorpe who all though are only have it open at less convenient times, are a damn sight more respectful of the public! ...

The museum is now tiny compared to the grand old building it replaced across the street. We looked at the exhibits in about 15 minutes. It was really disappointing to see a collection I have enjoyed seeing since I was a kid reduced to this.

Also, with cabinet space limited, I was surprised to see a couple of displays given over to recent controversial political issues that have little to do with the vast majority of Doncaster history.

The main problem with the new building is that it is on 4 floors and it feels cramped. Getting around is a chore. We spent more time in lifts or waiting for lifts than we did in the museum. The one way system is also confusing and you are forced to double back a fair few times.

The staff are very helpful but more interested in making sure you go through the correct door than supporting the exhibits.

The selection of books is poor in both the adults and children's library. I was dismayed to see a row of ipads on the wall in there, which were fully occupied with children playing games and none reading.

To finish with some positives, the art gallery on the top floor is a nice space, with a mix of interesting pieces. Parking is not a problem with a car park adjacent to the site, which is easily accessible by road but a bit of a trek from the...

Wow, what an absolute gem of a building! Converted from a girls school and sympathetically developed, it retains lots of original features such as the green tiles and staircases but is bright and light. Set over 4 floors it includes a lovely library, museum, art gallery, coffee shop and in the lower level there is a Railway Heritage Centre and the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Regimental Museum. I started at the top with a visit to the Art Gallery which featured sculpture and paintings, a new exhibition of the work of Janet Samson plus work by local groups. The next floor down was the local history section with a new exhibition about the miners strike. On the ground floor there’s the library with a very impressive display of lamps on the wall; there’s also a very busy cafe plus work area. Down the final flight of steps and you are presented with 2 train engines and lots of railway memorabilia. Tucked away in the corner is the entry to the military museum. There are friendly members of staff on each floor. I will definitely be making a return visit! PS And...