Berkley Public Library

Is it a terrible quality to judge communities on the quality of their library? Libraries display a commitment to learning and imagination. They serve as a community hub, like the fabulous Ferndale library and its many concerts or lectures, and a wonderful resource. Berkley owns a handsome slice of real estate on Coolidge Highway near Twelve Mile, a large and easily accessible building laid out into a children’s area and the adult collection.
I cannot speak much to the children’s section because my son isn’t old enough to sit up, let alone read, but I appreciate having a separate room for children. Everything is colourful and laid out on their level.
DVDs and CDs are self-​contained in an audio/​visual room. Selection is quite good and laid out thoughtfully, thereby making it much easier for bomb in to see whether that missing season of «Breaking Bad» or «Archer» happens to be in. Unlike Netflix, you can rent entire series in one go (yes!) for a modest fee. I think Berkley charges a buck per DVD set for the new series.
Books, books, and more books occupy the real floor space. It’s funny, but every time I wanted a book from Ferndale, it seems Berkley had a copy. Now every time I look for a book in Berkley, Royal Oak has the one available copy. I am apparently beset by some strange bibliophile treasure hunting disease. On the positive side, BPL participates in the superb Michi-​Card program and interlibrary loans between all the major and minor facilities from here to the Thumb and back. Need an obscure biography on Augustus Caesar? It’s yours, a week or less.
Their programs open doors for residents to explore new topics or places. Unfortunately few of those programs happen at convenient hours for me, but I appreciate they organize outreach. Several activities for seniors, children, and the public are advertised on their front boards.
The library falls short in a few areas, especially compared to the Ferndale and comparatively sized systems:
— No self checkout. Essential for renewals and quick processing.
— No drive-​up book dropoff. Hey, in the winter, it’s cold.
— Holds behind counter. I would like to be able to review/​grab them myself. Inconvenient for ducking in and out.
— Would like more displays for new material.

Library + old book smell + people who don’t really know how to use computers = feeling like I’m at grandma’s.
The library is awesome, and I’d never stop going… you can’t beat endless entertainment (for free, mind you) of an interconnected network of libraries in the metro Detroit area. But come on! Why do old books have to smell like grandma’s house?
This place is pretty chill, I like that the computers are out in the open floor, and they’ve got a big selection of books… generally when my Royal Oak library doesn’t have what I want, they’ve got it here.
I originally requested Royal Oak to have a book sent over to them (all done online, btw) but I couldn’t wait! And so I braved the extra couple miles to pick up part 2 of George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, it was calling for me from the quiet comfort of the Berkley Library.
Plus, they’ve got a fireplace that you can sit next to and read!
Although laying on the floor under a blanket in my underwear might have been overdoing it a bit… what can I say? Loves me a good fireplace.