Memorial Library — Attraction in Madison

This review is strictly based on staff customer service. I made the mistake on Monday, May 19th, of following my daughter into the library because I stupidly thought that it is like most libraries where one does not need a pass to enter. Well, you most certainly do! Instead of kindly/professionally stopping me to relay the policy, the woman at the desk felt it necessary to say "WAITWAITWAITWAITWAIT!!!" and scold me like a five year old. I stopped in surprise and stood to wait for my daughter to return. The staff member then continued in an unnecessary tone to tell me that my child would not be coming back to that location and that I needed to leave and go back through the door via which I had come and yadda yadda yadda at which point I cut her off and told her I'd just go outside. My daughter told me that nearly everyone who works in the library acts in this condescending manner. This is the first time I've experienced such rudeness on campus. It's so off putting and especially when parents, such as myself, are paying what we pay to send our kids there.

Please give your staff (and especially this woman) some lessons in appropriate...

A very special library. There are a lot of books, which are very old and very valuable for reading and research purposes. It’s also free for anyone who can provide the real ID for 1 day pass. It’s quiet and plenty of seat to sit and read. The rooms are comfortable and clean. The only problem is the parking, there is no free parking between 8am to 6pm nearby, even paid parking lots are not easy to find. The final point is that is staff are very nice...

I came here as a tourist and was able to get a one day guest pass using only my drivers license. The front desk staff (students!) were professional and helpful, and I found a wide selection of periodicals in the second floor reading room. If I were to visit again, I would try to visit on a weekday during business hours to visit the rare books...