Marlborough Public Library

These librarians do anything to avoid eye contact. There was three there yesterday and no one could even toss a smile or a hello. Come on now.
The layout of the library is alright upstairs. Some nice sitting areas and plenty of space but downstairs is a whole different story. It’s crowded, dark and not very warm or fuzzy. Mind you this is the children’s area.
A little goes a long way librarians… a smile uses less muscles than a frown.
I will stick to more friendlier facilities in the future.

N/​A

I’ll give them a two: they’ve got decent resources. Others have complained that Marlborough is not part of the MInuteman network. It’s not their region. They are part of a comparable network called C/​W Mars, which covers central and western communities. At the far western border of MIddlesex County, it makes sense for Marlborough to be in C/​W Mars, which is actually quite a good system.
Friendly? Hardly. As others have mentioned, the librarians never even look at you as you walk by. The last time I went, some staff member was listening to her iPod (or whatever), and I had trouble getting her attention to ask a question.
But here’s the big thing — an amazing thing I’ve never encountered at any other library, ever. And I have frequented many, many, in different systems. They are fanatical, hysterical about actually leaving their workplace exactly at closing time. They flash the lights starting half an hour before posted closing time. They kill all computers and card catalogues at least fifteen minutes before posted closing time. If you want to find anything, you literally have to go to the desk and ask them to look it up.
And there they are, all standing around, at the front desk. Horrified that you might even just come close to that deadline. As if it would just kill them to stay to 5.05 instead of actually being in their cars at 5.00. Essentially, as I mention to a staffer, closing time for all practical purposes is 4.45, not 5.00. If they’re going to act this way, they should post that time.
This attitude is completely unacceptable for a public service. I had not been to this library in some time, and forgotten the martinets who run the place. I needed to pick up a book on a serious disease — at 4.45 — and I can’t even look it up! All the card catalogues — all of them, not just some — are already shut down. I felt like shaking them: «Will you wake up? Is it going to kill you if someone takes until 5.02 to finish? We pay for this service, you know!»
And, for those wondering: no, they don’t start their closing activities after they lock the doors — as many of us have, at various shops, gas stations, etc. They do them before. You will seem them walking to their cars at 5.00 exactly — not having served patrons in any meaningful way for close to half an hour.
Thankfully, for both them and me, one young man at the front desk was quite willing to help. Perhaps the topic of the book I was looking for played a part in that; I don’t know. While several staff members watched, he checked me out, and I left at 4.52. Two more people were coming in at that time, and the anxiety was palpable. «Will we be able to get rid of them *before* 5?»
If I ever go back there again, it won’t be within hours of closing time. Take my advice and to likewise.

I live in Marlborough. Would it kill the staff to give a friendly hello when I enter? I pay your salary with my taxes. ACT LIKE IT.
Always, two people behind the front counter with there eyes stuck on a computer.
I am not invisible; stop treating me like I am.
If this does not change I will let the mayor know how rude you are. Obviously, you don’t appreciate the easy job you have. I’ve worked for libraries. I know what I’m talking about. Get over yourselves.

The Marlborough library has been a book paradise for me. I’ve checked out several books and dvds from here and the staff has been very friendly. Now, having moved to a different city, I have truly started valuing this library even more.

Like all things, the quality of a library is relative. And, so, I am writing this review with a distinct bias for the Boston Public Library in Copley and the smaller, neighboring public library in Hudson.
Marlborough just doesn’t compare to either. And, I know why: it’s trying to be a city library with the full array of services (like Boston) while trying to maintain the warm, personal feel of a small-​town library (like Hudson). You would think they’d be better off if they just picked one and stuck to it.
But, I revealed the conclusion before the analysis. Here’s more explanation:
The good:
–Full array of services including museum passes (for all the major art museums in Central MA and Boston, including some on the North Shore).
–Great, big audiovisual department.
–Ever-​growing fiction and non-​fiction sections. Each time I check for a recent release, Marlborough has it. I’ve never had to search elsewhere in the Central MA library database or go back to BPL.
The bad:
–Rude staff. I know the librarians used to be nice here (I used to come as a child). But, with the library’s growth came at the loss of customer service at the front desk.
–Not part of the Minuteman Network. For a library that straddles the divide between Central and MetroWest Massachusetts, you would think they would be part of both networks to extend coverage and borrowing capabilities.
–Lack of parking. Always have to wait until someone pulls out.
–Uncomfortable atmosphere. The library needs an interior update. The exterior, however, is pretty as always.

I came in to sign up for a library card. The whole process took about 5 minutes. The librarian was friendly and informative. She gave me 5 sheets of info!
OK, I’m not a book head. I really got the membership so that I can use the museum passes. Too bad they are not part of the Minuteman Network! Now I have to carry 2 library cards with me.
I borrowed a museum pass while I was there. She explained to me on how it works and the hefty fines if I don’t return it on time. Very elaborate!