Middleton Public Library — Attraction in Middleton

Love Midleton Library! They were part of helping my son become an avid reader. I use the computer lab several times a week, at least 3 hrs. at a time; observing what goes on. Most individuals want a quiet area to work. The quiet lab behind the lower front desk is now down to one computer. Why? Many adults either walk in or call in requesting quiet rooms, but understandably, none are available. Most leave or stay just a short time. Meanwhile, some in the lab area are making or taking phone calls, not muting, visiting with others or desk staff, tutoring, doing business or group meetings on the floor. Ideas: phone calls in upstair foyer or outside, bank of computers upstairs for those content with less quiet atmosphere, lowering voices, group meetings, and tutoring upstairs, moving children's area or additional computer space to the other lower level open more space, returning additional computers to the quiet lab behind lower desk or easiest of all, placing "Quite Area", standing sign-board with a courtesy reminder list at bottom of stairs. Most adults will understand and would agree that studying quietly at the library is a tradition. Thank you,...

Positive: Wonderful collection and fun children’s area. Nice fireplace seating and the library is clean and well maintained.

Negative: Last Sunday I was working at this library as I often do. There are extremely loud announcements when the library is close to closing for the day— at 30 minutes, 10 minutes and 5 minutes. At the time of the 5 minute announcement I was finishing up my work and a staff member rudely approached me and said “we’re closed!” — I said don’t we have 5 minutes? And she rolled her eyes at me and walked away. Not your friendly neighborhood library — and I definitely can understand wanting to be done with the work day, but then why announce on the loud speaking that the library is closing in 5 min? And at least be nice or profession about it. On top of that, nothing was said to address multiple screaming children — yelling and crying for nearly an hour. Will not be back...

2/5/24 Today I came in to take a proctored exam I went to the front desk to a woman on her cellphone and asked her if I could take a room for my exam she said yes and that they were down the stairs.

I took my exam and was interrupted by a library employee. He told me I had to reserve the room I told him I was taking a proctored exam and I would be done shortly.

After I left he saw me in passing and said “are you done?” I nodded then he scolded me for using the room and to not do it again. I explained how his coworker told me I could use the rooms down the stairs. He was visibly agitated and upset and started to argue so I left.

This was my first time coming to the Middleton library from out of town and I...