Walker Memorial Library — Attraction in Westbrook

I live a stones throw away from this Library, so it is extremely convenient for me and my son, however... they are everything less than helpful. Small back story- when I first moved to town in 2010 I became a member of this library. At the time I did not have kids but I did enjoy the fact that I could rent DVDs that I otherwise would have to buy in order to watch. I borrow two DVDs from the library and I was excited to watch them. I could keep them out for 2 weeks! During all of this the apartment I was renting was occupied by a male roommate and a female roommate, the male room mate was packing his belongings and was about ready the move out. Some how the DVDs that I had borrowed had gotten shuffled in with the male roommates belongings and before I knew it, I couldn’t find the books anywhere, and they soon became “out of sight, out of Mind.” Fast forward to 2013, at this point I was still in the same apartment, and I had a baby whom I was excited to raise to be an avid reader like myself. In 2015 when my son was almost 3 I decided it was time to make a trip to the library part of our weekly routine. One day with my son in tow, we walked to Walker Memorial Library. We were created by a friendly older lady who was more than happy to assist us in obtaining a NEW library card of our very own. The lady explained all the rules and regulations and since it had been 5 years since I stepped into the library; things had changed. I filled out a small application, provided a CMP bill to prove that I was a resident, and she began to process the application. She came back to me with unexpected news “ ma’am our records show that you have 2 DVDS checked out from 2010 and until you either return the items, or pay 50.00 to replace them, I am unable to process your application for a new card.” Ok... fair enough. I had completely forgotten about the DVDs. Since I didn’t have 50.00 I opted to wait and search for the DVDs at home. I was irritated that after 5 years they were unable to “forgive” the debt, but they are running a business; I get it. After searching for what felt like weeks, I gave up and decided to use my mother’s Address in a different town to start a library card there that my son and I could use. We were members of a different town’s library when one day in 2018 my 5 year old son and I were going through some boxes that one of my old roommates had left behind YEARS before, and we found two pristine library DVDs, hiding at the bottom of the box. I was so excited that we had found this DVDs and I had no idea that they had been thrown in this box of the old roommates belongings that he had left behind. My son and I eagerly walked to the Walker Memorial Library and explained to the lady at the desk what had happened. She took the DVDs and looked them over and then said “ well, it’s too late now, I can take the DVDs back, but you won’t be able to get a library card until you pay the fee. We had to buy new copies of the DVD to replace these, so technically these are yours.” I shook my head and said “ so you’re telling me that you went out and bought new DVDs to replace the ones I couldn’t find and you charged me for it, and now you want my money, not the DVD’s?” She nodded and haphazardly apologized. I was furious. I didn’t have that money, but I had two WILDLY UNPOPULAR DVDs that no one would ever really think to rent, and she wouldn’t take them back in lieu of the money- for a library card. Here I was 8 years later- and still no forgiveness. I left the library with a devastated child and decided it wasn’t worth the 50 bucks they wanted to fight for access when my son and I could go to the library in a different town or his school. Now... in 2020 my son asks me daily why he can’t go to the library “ closest to our house”. I figured I would try one last time- I am a single mom- I can’t afford to pay even 50 bucks for a library card, especially when I have the items in my possession that they are charging me 50 bucks for! 10 years later- still denied a card without paying the fee.... BS! Thank God...

I do not go to the library often but what I observed is that the staff and some of the patrons talk loud enough to be noticed. It is distracting when one is trying to concentrate. I missed the times when a man used to work there. He’s soft spoken just like the pleasant lady in the lobby who checks the items out. She is helpful, nice and greets everybody with a smile. I have to commend the efforts in updating the furniture and rearranging the computer tables. The place is clean...

Great staff, friendly and helpful. Hours though are very limiting for a city of this size.

I've done a lot of travelling and libraries have been a second home to me for decades, especially when I was homeless, I'm so accustomed to libraries being open 7am to 9pm or at least 7am to 7pm, that the hours here just leave me...