Westerly Public Library

The library itself is very nice and has many books and movies. There is lots of workspace if you want to read or set up a laptop. It is fine as long as you don’t have to use the computers because this library attracts rude people and no one does anything about it. My laptop crashed and I briefly had to rely on the library to get some things done. Every single day people playing music or videos with no earphones, phones ringing, talking loudly on the phone or to other people, talking to themselves, and basically just being rude and causing a constant disturbance. The library staff does NOTHING about this. In my entire life I have never witnessed such things. Libraries have always been intended as a quiet place and I have never had an issue with this at any other library. They need a good mean librarian asap. This is completely the fault of the library staff for letting this go on. I still witness it often when I go to check out books.

I’m there once a week with my son to visit the newly renovated children’s room in the lower level. For basically being in the basement, it’s so well lit. They have tons of puzzles to keep my son occupied plus an abundance of space. And books! They have a pretty good selection of books & DVDs of course.
The place is very welcoming & well laid out. It seems like all the computers are always occupied. I haven’t tried it yet but they have a filtered water fountain for those of us who don’t like tap water.
Since I canceled my Netflix subscription I’ve used the library instead. From their website you can request DVDs (or books) from other libraries in the state & pick them up here. The selection isn’t as vast as Netflix but I haven’t been disappointed yet & the wait isn’t that long depending on what you’re looking for.

Westerly Public library is the nicest part of downtown Westerly. It is a beautiful old building with lots of history surrounded by a beautiful park. What is not to love?
I’ve been going to the library for years, they have a children’s floor with toys and comfortable reading areas if you have kiddies. They have a great inter library loan program with fast shipping and large section of DVDs for those of you who don’t love reading.
If you live in the town and don’t have a card, shame on you!

A
grand
old
library
Westerly Public Library was opened way back in 1894 to commemorate the volunteers that fought in the civil war. It was built on land donated by Stephen Wilcox and originally held about 5,000 books. Actually a pretty large number for the time.
Since then it has changed and grew and doubled in size with the additions in 1992. It now has 170,000 items including audio books, cd’s and of course computers. However, even with all the modern additions and conveniences, it has never lost the cool, old feel and ambiance.
The outside of the library is impressive. Like some grand old Victorian home or mansion. I have heard that when the library first opened it held a bowling alley and gymnasium. They are now long gone but it’s easy to see how they could have fit because this library is huge, with all kinds of spaces, hallways and cool little study and meeting rooms.
The library is a very efficient place to work and the librarians are helpful and friendly. However the real charm of the library is the building itself. Such a cool place just to walk around and look at the architecture and cool décor. Lots of places to sit by yourself and read of just look out a window. If you get tired of being inside you can stroll around the grounds or sit outside on a bench and admire the grand old building from the outside.
There are lots of libraries in the world. Most are friendly and efficient places to work or get information. However few I have seen have the impressive grandeur and sense of history of the Westerly Public Library. It would be a very cool place even without the books and computers.