Russell Library — Attraction in Middletown

I would give this library ten stars if I could! As a Middletown resident I feel extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful library in my community. Though I have lived in Middletown for 5+ years, I didn’t get a library card until last year. To say it has enriched my life would be an understatement.

I have never been a big reader, and I started with audiobooks in the Libby app. In recent months, I’ve begun downloading ebooks through Libby and Hoopla. I’ve been reading enough to justify purchasing my first Kindle, and I now spend many hours per week reading ebooks from Russell Library.

The selection is phenomenal! I have acquired non-resident library cards and none of them hold a candle to the selection at Russell. What I can’t find online, I’ve been able to find physical copies. The staff is always friendly and helpful, too!

Further, they offer many services, ranging from employment assistance to digitizing outdated media (such as home movies). They also offer museum passes which my husband and I have utilized. They host many community events as well.

As some have commented, parking can be a challenge. This is a known issue anywhere you go in Middletown, unfortunately. With that said, given that the library is funded with tax dollars and donations, I would rather the library continue using its funds on its bountiful selection of books and services. I will gladly continue to shell out the $1 an hour to visit our library!

I can’t say enough about what a blessing this library is to our community. Thank you to Russell Library staff, and those who contribute to keeping our...

I had a really great experience with Denise in the Reference area and I can't say enough great things about how she helped me. My family lived in Middletown many years ago and there was a tragedy that impacted them in the 1930s.. I just discovered that the local newspaper had written a big story about those events. The challenge for me was that I don't live nearby and would never have had a chance to get to the library to review the microfilm. Not a problem, since Denise was able to assist me through email. They have a really nice index of local newspaper articles which she helped me review to find several other articles about my family. Once we identified the articles, she scanned them and emailed back to me. Now my family has a written record of events from our history that no one knew about. Amazing service, thank...

So today I was just trying to return some books and this ladie from kids section told me that I can't return it there she give me a terrible attitude and told me to go to the front even though I always returned my book and stuff animals there it was the first time that I heard that , I was with two girls and I'm pregnant then I went to the front and it was an other nasty ladie I wanted to know what else i need to bring back bc I don't remember it again she give me an attitude ,I'm like I don't need you guys attitude I come here bc I'm allowed to and bc I need my daughters to read and spend some time here ,don't need that energy please be more careful how u treat people ,this was today May 20/2025 at...