Cherry Hill Public Library — Attraction in Cherry Hill Township

Cherry Hill Public Library, what happened to you?! I moved away about a year ago and I was visiting a friend with two children the same age as my two children (6 y/o and 3 y/o). The children’s area was all but deserted, on a day where many schools are not in session. Our kids were understandably excited to see each other. Even as my friend was reining them in, the librarian came to chastise them. Then, I noticed all the signs (they were everywhere), imploring caregivers to be in complete control of their children at all times. No disruptive or loud behavior in the children’s area. Why even have a children’s area if you expect the children to act like adults? Furthermore, if you read any parenting book on your shelves (I’ve read several), you will find that trying to keep your child in constant check is not only a fool’s errand, but extremely harmful for their development. No wonder no one was at the library. We left quickly. In a world where more and more content is moving to digital and audio formats, the library should offer something essential: community. Cherry Hill Public Library has taken a great big step back from this mission. There are several other libraries in the area that are child-friendly, such as Moorestown, Evesham, Maple Shade,...

There is a huge selection of books, suitable for every age. My 9 year old daughter has been a reluctant reader, but she loves going to this library! She loves picking out books about bugs and snakes, and she has finally gotten into longer books like Goosebumps and Percy Jackson! They always have the books she's looking for, and I usually let her pick out a game to rent, too. It's $2 for 2 weeks if I remember correctly.

There are reading nooks, a puzzle set up, vending machines, and plenty of staff of you have questions. There is access to a 3d printer, newspaper archives, an art gallery, and way more. There is an elevator if needed to navigate the 3 floors.

Along with your membership, you get access to 3 online libraries. In addition to those, on the Cherry Hill Library site, you can look up availability of physical books, place books on hold, and...

This library is probably one of the loudest libraries I have ever visited. There is one room to the left upon entering that is considered to be the 'quiet room' but it is far from quiet. No one whispers, including the library staff, and the tall ceilings do not help in the acoustics from traveling/echoing. Also, people will take zoom calls on their computer and speak as if they are in a cafe! What is bizarre to me is that this library has AMPLE areas to take phone calls or conference meetings outside the 'quiet room' like in the cafe, by the tables in the front lobby, or the outside tables, but people choose to use the quiet room! I've been coming to this library since I was young and I remember how quiet it used to be back in the old building; I just wish the similar rules were...