Manheim Township Public Library — Attraction in Manheim Township

I love the Lancaster County Library system and consider myself fortunate to live in an area with such a great system. A library is by far the best bargain available to everyone. My love for the library started as a kid frequenting the downtown branch. I embraced my love of reading early on and loved that a book can take me to a faraway place and new adventures.

Over the years I've tried to keep my membership active. Whether it be using their computers when I didn't have my own, borrowing a free movie, or taking my kids to one of their special events. I 've also been to a few of their book sales which are massive. A must go if you love to purchase books.

I've been to several of the locations over the years but recently the newly constructed Manheim Township branch has become my favorite. While I don't get the opportunity to read and rarely check out adult materials myself, the kids area is a great resource for parents/kids alike.

This branch has a kids area that is above and beyond the others. Aside from age appropriate reading materials for all ages they have puzzles, lounging beds to cozy up on, computers geared towards toddlers and younger children, a play kitchen, dress up clothes, and a few other free play materials. They also have free programs for all age groups and special events. You can even cozy up in one of their recliners and watch a movie there.

Yesterday we were lucky enough to score a drop in opening in toddler time after stumbling upon it unexpectedly. The librarian was happy to include my granddaughter even though she wasn't pre-registered. The class was energetic and fun. We sang songs, did exercise, read a book, learned some sign language, made a craft, played an instrument and watched a story come to life on a felt board. And they even had a mouth jar; a jar just for toys or items that came in contact with a youngsters mouth so they could be washed. I loved that!

What I didn't like is how the "teacher" gently reprimanded me for not pre-registering than mentioned it several more times. I thought that was a bit overkill but I learned my lesson and will register in advance next time. Aside from all the fun the toddlers had this class was completely free!

On the way out we grabbed a few Disney dvd's to watch at home. Four to be exact. It was unfortunate that only 2 played completely well, with one not working at all. But they do have a little card inside the case to fill out in case to alert them of problems. I'm not sure how often they check that though as the one that didn't play already had a card inside saying so. Hit or miss but still, they're free and the selection is decent.

The Overlook complex surrounding the library is also newly constructed. There's a cafe in the library with other eateries nearby, as well as a golf course, walking trails, a skating rink, and a park. I personally feel if visiting the library that it's easier to use the entrance on Fruitville Pike. Entering from Lititz Pike means you have to drive thru the entire complex, which is somewhat confusing.

Highly...

Lovely building in a pretty setting. The collection and the staff, like so much of Lancaster County, befuddle this recent-comer.

Staff contained behind glass - perhaps an artifact of Covid's worst days? They try to help, when asked; there seems to be some invisible Controller limiting interaction beyond pleasantries.

No clear sense of how the books are organized - I know, Dewey Decimal, but I mean the physical location of fiction, subject areas (many readers have non-DD minds) - and many of the subject areas are limited.

Poetry is scant and predictable popular favorites; I know I can request more Mary Oliver, or Elizabeth Bishop, Billy Collinss or small-press literary-press literary-magazine volumes - but in an area that had a vigorous printing industry, it feels anemic.

Non-fiction information about antique and handmade objects lean heavily toward quilting, crafts, crochet and woodworking. Genealogy abounds.

Fiction alternately disappoints me and pisses me off. Lots of thrillers, detective stories, Mennonite romances. I have often found the Margaret Drabble or Carol Shields, Penelope Lively, Rachel Ingalls, McEwan, Toibin, Amis, Mukherjee I take home with me in the resale shop at the entrance.

The children's space is charming and darling. My grandkids tell me there is plenty to read, but I see more trade paperbacks than YA classics in their book bags.

The adult spaces feel to me to be spare, bare, limited and un-cozy. Orderly without a sense of abundance...

I love this library, it is wonderful. The selection of books in both the children and adult areas of the library is phenomenal. There are programs for the kids, and interesting events for adults. I love the small art exhibits in the front- the kids I nanny love checking them out each time we come. There are plenty of computers.

As a nanny this library has been a godsend and I recommend it to all the parents I talk to. I can get books, movies, books on tape and even tablets for the kids to use. I used my card to sign up with Hoopla and get audiobook and movie downloads for free.

I can't say enough good things about this library! It is a gift to...