Kirkwood Public Library — Attraction in Brookside

Great public library with lots of free programs. It has a bunch of public computers, a printer ($.15 per page for B&W, $.50 for color), and a copier ($.15 per page, B&W only.) No fax machine but there is a scanner (no cost to use) to send documents via email or save via thumb drive.

Lots of room to find a quiet spot to read or study. The Great Reading Room is beautiful. There are also two study rooms that fit (a squishy) 4 people. They book up quick but you can book them upto two weeks in advance. You can use a room for up to 3 hours.

The kids library is nice. There is a spot, behind the Children's Reference Desk, that has tables with toys, a ongoing puzzle, coloring pages, and games for younger kids to play with. There are also computers for adults to use in the area, which allows the kids to be distracted but with parental supervision. There is a weekly scavenger hunt and a monthly scavenger hunt that kids great to choose prizes from prize chests. A family bathroom is also in the children's area.

The children's library has lots of free programs for kids of all ages from tots to teens.

The library only has one community room so outside group booking can be a little difficult. You must apply for approval to use it before being able to book it. Lots of library programs use the room including a 3D Printing club, monthly Craft program, Tues Book Club, and a weekly Crochet/Knitting group.

Glad to see the workers from the Newark Free Library merging with the Kirkwood staff. Everyone is so helpful...

This place was a godsend when my laptop was rendered unusable for a few days and I needed computer access to get some time sensitive work done. I also love how affordable both the black & white and colored printing/copying are, with options to send print jobs from both the library computers and remotely from your own device (though, the lack of 2-sided printing is a bummer).

If you want a good place to study, I recommend going to their glass-walled room, which is both gorgeous and probably the quietest place in the building.

The staff, while mostly friendly, can sometimes be (ironically) really loud or a bit bristly when you ask for help. However, if you're primarily in "self-help" mode, the Kirkwood Library is a...

I’ve gone a few times for myself and have had no issues. Just today I went with my 16 month old to check out the children’s area. Books were organized and a few puzzles and toys for kids. Only one lady in the from greeted me. After 15 minutes a lady came to the children’s area and seemed very annoyed . My kid was not yelling or crying, just playing with the magnets. She tried to climb on the bench and I was putting her down when lady snapped to bring her down. Not welcoming for children, I left shortly after because she did not leave the area and I didn’t feel comfortable. If you have kids I recommend the bear or...