Russell Library

Pretty good library. I like to come here sometimes to do work-​study or grad school assignments. There are plenty of places on the second floor to set up your laptop and do some work. There are also a lot of public computers for use as well.
A good selection of DVDs to check out. Hubs likes to rent movies now and then, and sometimes would need to request a movie from another library if Russell doesn’t carry it. All free of charge.
There are some public parking lots within walking distance to the library. If you are broke like me, there is a public lot behind Kid City that has some free parking spaces.
I think the library also hosts some community courses and events as well, and the same goes for kids events too. The only thing is that you will encounter is some patrons who are not afraid to truly express themselves… and loudly, too. Easier to just ignore the commotions that arise once in a while.
Other than that, a nice small library to do some work, check out a few books or DVDs, or take part in a class or event.

I really like this library. Getting a card is very easy, as long as you have a state ID with your Middletown address on it. I find the book selection good but not great, however you can get access to other books via interlibrary loan. I don’t bother because I am in Wesleyan, so I can usually find what I need there. They also have an excellent movie collection, as well as book sales!

CDs, movies, and every type of book,
I could stay here for hours and just and look.
I always find an unexpected hidden treasure,
And enjoy the next few weeks of reading pleasure.
I love my local library! Just signed up for a membership last week, and it could not have been easier. During the enrollment process I was also given the opportunity to register to vote. At the library?! Cool! You bet your boots I registered!
My girlfriend and I recently decided we wanted to start working our way through all of the «Best Pictures of the Year» for the past few decades. We can usually find the perfect movie to watch, including some newer stuff. Sometimes they don’t have exactly what we are looking for, but we can always find a decent substitute. I’m a big music buff, and I have started doing a «CD of the Week» program for my long car rides thanks to the Russell Library. Book selection is also very good, which includes a section for New Releases.
The staff is absolutely phenomenal. They are always affable and very helpful, no matter who I deal with. The place also has all kinds of special events in the large adjacent hall, including concerts, arts & crafts, and book sales.
I come here weekly, and it will continue to be that way for as long as I am a Middletown resident.

Old
colorful
and
new
The Russell Library is really two libraries in one. The first part was built with money donated by Frances Russell in honor of her hubby Sam Russell. It opened as a library in 1875 but the building was actually built in 1834 and was originally used by a church. Mrs Russell had the building extensively renovated into a sort of Roman Gothic style.
The building had a lot of changes over the years but in 1983 a huge addition was added and the library suddenly became a whole lot larger. The architects did a great job in blending everything together and the building is lovely indeed.
The inside has all kinds of very colorful and cool stained glass windows and lovely staircases and doors. A modern library but one that still retains the charm of it’s past.
The library is large enough to have a fine selection of books, both new and old as well as the usual computers and wifi. Lots of cool programs are always going on all year long for both kids and adults.
A very cool library for a lot of reasons. A great place to get a book, admire the old building or perhaps even meet someone very special.

Great library to borrow books, copy and fax documents, even rent movies, and read the most up to date newspapers and magazines. It’s like an all in one store! It’s also a great place to study or read with lots of private rooms (which must be reserved in advance) and lots of private corners! Staff are always friendly, willing to help, and courteous!

This place is more than just a pretty building.
You can rent movies here, and yes they have new ones!
You can read any magazine you want here, *sit back and reads selection of trashy magazines I’m too proud to get a subscription to (US weekly, I’m lookin at you)*
Book sales, monthly.
Rockin kids area, already there.
Amazing selection of cookbooks, don’t mind if I do.
Interlibrary loan, quicker than you can say
.
Oh yes, and it’s all FREE.

The collection at this library is not too bad. However, most of the times I have checked out audiobooks and DVDs there is a lot of difficulty getting them to play. The patrons at this library are very hard on materials. Even the foreign DVDS which are usually in better shape don’t fair all that well at this library.
The library itself is busy no matter what time you go. The patrons tend to be on the loud side, at least on the main level. If you go up to the second floor (where reference is) it is much quieter.
Reference service itself is very disappointing. The service itself is good. They will help you as best they can, but I’ve come to realize that the librarians are not actually reading – or even keeping abreast of what titles are out there today. I don’t know how many times I’ve asked about books that have won multiple literature awards and it was clear that the librarian had never even heard of the title.
But, overall, it’s a moderately useful library with some hiccups.

I like it here. :) This is my town library, and I end up here at least once a week. I find what I need 80% of the time, and when I can’t, they can get it for me. The librarians have always been very helpful, and I really enjoy the Friends book sale they have once a month.
I usually walk in with a couple of titles in mind, but end up roaming around the new arrivals and fiction sections and picking up more than I expected to. That’s the best thing about libraries, in my opinion. You never know what you didn’t know or what you need to learn until you find a book that fits right into that empty spot. :)