Orem Public Library — Attraction in Orem

Stay away from this library. These people are rude and nit picky, not to mention way too uptight about their books. We’ve been heavy users of 6 other libraries we’ve lived by in other states and always had wonderful experiences. We do our best to care for the books and have never had to replace a book except when we outright lost one.

The Orem library has made us replace about 6 books for the year we’ve used it for slight blemishes or spots. These are kids books so of course they don’t treat the books like holy relics! These people keep calling to tell us how they found a slight water spot on the back cover or something like that. Then they make us pay to replace a book that is 100% readable. This is not only absurd but wasteful as the books are usable. I could understand it better if we had to pay a few dollars for the damage. No four-year-old child is going to be upset if they are reading a paw patrol book and there is a slight water stain on one page. At this point, I feel like our family is targeted.

To you Orem library employees reading this (or better yet, city leaders), why are we making using the library such a miserable experience? Are these books endangered species or living beings that need to be protected and coddled? Are these books only for display or do you actually want people to read them? If we’re going to treat each one like a Van Gogh, let’s call this an art museum and stop pretending that this...

I only give two stars because in the end I achieved what id fundamentaly arrived to do. I have enjoyed libraries all my life, and they have been something of a saving grace for me many times. In all, I have been able to do what I need with relative ease. However, not here. If you're someone like me who just moved to the Orem area, dont even think about getting a card; they wont let you. This is the only library where I've seen their obnoxious rule of needing several different documents to prove you live here and thus be eligible for a card. I found the attendants particularly apathetic to my situation. I did find out that you can still use their computer for free, but I then discovered what a wreck their operating systems are. I came to, ironically, type a book I'm writing, and after getting several pages in, found out that I had no way on the computer to transfer my file to my jump drive. In my attempt, it would seem that my file was deleted (if you happen to find it, enjoy the opening words of my story, I suppose). I have never had such a disheartening experience in a library, neither here nor in other countries I've been to. The upside to this library is they have a great selection of books in a nice setting (if you can Check them out) and great events that happen often. Go there for those, not to use their public services. You'll find yourself more culturally enriched, not...

They nickel and dime you! More expensive than a monthly subscription.

Reply to owner: I think it’s excessive to have your policy be that all your books must be new and unused looking.

The point of a library is to provide books to the public free of charge. If I had any say in the matter, I would let the public contribute in useful ways other than funds. I try very hard to keep library books safe and to teach my children to do likewise. Extremely rigid library policies regarding tears and very light water spills make me feel like I have to be a perfect person and parent.

Rather than fix the book myself or provide a “used, excellent condition” book replacement from eBay for $5 I have to pay you $20 so you can purchase from your special vendor. Since the point of public libraries is to provide learning and educational experiences to those who can’t afford a huge private library, I’m convinced that should be accomplished through appropriately maintained books. Not pristine books with brand name...