Glendale Branch Library

Really like this library. Once you get past the odd elevator ride to get inside they have everything you could ever need and the ability to order books from other branches and pick them up there is awesome.
One odd quirk: the staff really doesn’t seem to like kids very much. Still, it’s a great resource and its location between Target & Lowe’s means you can fill your mind, your toolbox, and your pantry at the same time.

This review is solely about the children’s area of the library, which is the only section we visited.
The children’s area is fine but neglected. The puzzles are missing pieces, the toys look worn and the carpet in the area smells like Chuck E. Cheese: like little kids’ feet and dirt, and like it needs to be shampooed.
There are lots of children’s books, but they’re all shelved away. Which is like, duh, right? But young kids need to see books out and facing them — they need to see the pictures and the bright covers. They’re more likely to pick up a book and read/​look at it if it’s right in front of them. It would be nice to have some books on display.
This library has computers for kids, and you don’t need to sign up to use them: just sit right down and start playing.
I talked to a grandmother while I was here who raved about the toddler storytime, so that might be something to check out one day.
The parking is very unique, and somewhat confusing. The library is near Glendale Mall, but you need to go down to where Staples and Weight Watchers is and park there. Then you take an elevator up to the second floor. The library is on the second floor, down a long hallway. As far as I know, the only way to get in and out of the library is via an elevator. But I’m sure there are stairs somewhere, too.

Given what a small space this is, I am really surprised by the sheer variety of books, DVDs, and music available at this library. It’s a small space, and it’s tucked away — you have to go past the golden penguin statues (Wynkin, Blynkin & Nod) and either take the elevator or the stairs up to the second floor and go down a hallway, but I suppose it’s better that it’s tucked away in a quieter spot rather than being in a noisier spot in the shopping center (this branch is tucked between a Staples and a Target).
The layout encourages browsing — the hallway leading to the entrance includes signs of community goings-​on, and the aisles in the library itself include classic novels and recent releases. The fiction is arranged along the back wall and the shelves are clearly labelled (though they were a little off on my last visit — I think they’re reshelving!). Lots of seating around.
And of course, whatever books, DVDs, or music they don’t have can be easily requested online. I’ve ordered books online several times and had it delivered here to my local library at Glendale, and the books get here fairly quickly.
Giving this four stars only because the staff seemed to assume my first time there that I knew how to check myself out (they use electronic checkout) and I had to ask someone to come walk me through the basics. Otherwise, the busy librarians tend to keep their heads down. They’re friendly but you have to seek them out :)

This is a very convenient location if you live in the Broadripple area. And they have a great feature where you can of course get any book you want sent to that location for pick up. But I will warn you the library is not playing around, I had a $ 26 late fee bill the other day apparently it is $.25 a day per book it’s late so that can add up really quick. Especially when you’re getting your five-​year-​old 10 books at a time

I’m glad the branch is here in a convenient area where I’m often able to stop while doing other things. The staff is helpful and friendly too. In the large main area, I don’t think the layout or environment stresses quiet, so I’m often distracted by people in extended conversations, people coming and going, people using equipment, or children. After visiting some other branches recently, I think that’s normal for libraries these days. Glendale has a quiet room back in the corner if you need it. Next to the Central Library, it’s the best branch I’ve found here.

Glendale Library is a reuse of what’s left of the original mall. Kudos for that. I thought when it opened, they’d eventually figure out a better entrance. But years later, you still have to park, walk, wait, go up in the slow elevator, then navigate down & around a long hallway. Or haul yourself + books up & down a serious set of steps. Otherwise, they have a nice selection of books, reference material, music & movies. They have a cozy quiet room with an unused fireplace. So quiet in fact, somebody was napping on one of the couches last time I was there. Homeless perhaps? I love libraries; they’re our greatest public treasure. All-​you-​can-​read free books? Hoorah! If only they’d do something about their accessibility. It’s frustrating to me.

Can a library double as a cooking school? When every book you can imagine is available, often in print and e-​book version, yes, it can.
I’m touting the entire Indianapolis Public Library system when I say how proud I am to be a patron of such a wide collection. It was at the Glendale library, my local hub, where I found Modernist Cuisine on the lower oversized shelf, it’s white, simple cover begging me to pick it up. This book changed by culinary focus entirely. From there, I realized the potential of the inter library loan system as I began to max out my allotted limit.
What I love most about the Glendale library is not the comfy chairs or the paws to read dog — it’s the fact that it is always, ALWAYS busy. There is never a time when less than 50 people are using the computers, browsing the reference material or checking out DVD’s. It’s a community resource that so kindly welcomes everyone to stop by and hang out for a few. And with two large rows filled with cookbooks and cooking related books, you know you’ll find me there for quite a while.

Clean, organized, spacious. A great place to era a classic or a new release and a place where kids can explore on their own.

This is a nice library. The librarians are helpful and there’s plenty of parking. The lot is also patrolled by the mall security guys. There’s an eating area with vending machines and I guess if you’re really hungry you can walk to the many restaurants around the Glendale Mall. The librarians are generally helpful. Don’t let the fact that it’s on the 2^nd floor throw you. Be sure to have a look at the cute penguins (Nod is my favorite) before you leave. The meeting rooms are spacious. There are lots of good movies there, and plenty of computers too.

This is a small, cozy library with 2 to 3 sections where you could just plugged in your laptop and start working. They have two rows of public computers you can use too.
What I like about this library: not too crowded, people here are actually either doing their stuff or kids + parents are spending quality book reading time. And its exceptionally quiet for some reasons. The best thing is the location, since it’s situated next to Target, Staples, Panera… if you’re tired or decided you need a break, you can easily find yourself wandering to these places for a change of environment.

I love this library. It’s within walking distance for me, and although it doesn’t seem too spacious, I’m surprised to find they almost always have what I need. The library website is invaluable, like a Netflix for books. The staff are friendly and helpful, the self-​checkout couldn’t be easier, and the library itself is easy to navigate.

This branch needs signage! I went here for the first time to pick up a book I’d located in the online catalog and was a little confused by the lack of directions in the sterile, downstairs lobby of this mall branch. I got in the elevator (still no sign) and pushed 2, hoping I’d wind up at the library instead of some employees-​only area of Staples. When the doors opened on the second floor, there was finally a sign directing visitors around the corner to the entrance. The lack of signs up to that point seemed weird for a library – it’s not like it’s a speakeasy!
That said, the branch was warm and inviting once I got inside. I thought the fiction section seemed a little heavy on the chick lit and crime novels, but I ended up finding two other books to take with the one I originally came for anyway. I checked myself out, but one librarian gave me a friendly «Have a good night!» on my way out. So, overall, thumbs up.

I have no complaints about the Glendale branch. I like the set-​up, with the reserved books front and center close to the check-​out and an octagonal-​ish arrangement of bookcases devoted to hot new stuff. I like that it has self check-​out, and it’s also pretty cool that it’s in a mall.
Though it obviously doesn’t have anything as grandiose as the Clowes Auditorium in the downtown branch, Glendale has a fair amount of space for community events. This branch is home to the As I Recall Storytelling Guild, a group primarily for elderly people (though anyone is welcome!) that focuses on sharing stories and building storytelling skills. The guild is sponsored by Storytelling Arts of Indiana, which also hosts free performances by local and national storytellers in this library and others. Check the library website for a complete listing of community events here.