- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Ann Arbor District Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
343 S 5th AveAnn Arbor, MI 48104
Neighborhood: Downtown Ann Arbor
(734) 327-4200
- Hours:
Mon 10 am - 9 pm
Tue-Fri 9 am - 9 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
24 reviews for Ann Arbor District Library
24 reviews in English
-
Review from Becky S.
12/11/2011 11 Check-ins Here
Perhaps it is a little nerdy to review a library, but this one is really a cut above. During the summer they offer museum tickets for Detroit, they have framed art to rent and a huge modern music collection. They are open late and you can generally find a quiet place to read. Requests come quickly because the whole library system here is one of the best I have seen. They will often purchase books they don't have.
I won't dock a star for it, but the volunteers/low paid workers can be a little bit over zealous about their responsibilities. Fall asleep in your calculus book? You'll quickly have a volunteer making some smart ass comment about sleeping. Have a handful of books without a basket? You'll get a stupid comment about how you should use a basket for the book's sake. So on and so forth they get a little excited. There are two in particular that are borderline assholes but that's not the library's fault and I guess they keep the peace. -
Review from Elle D.
Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI
1/27/2012
Fantastic!
You can search for books/music/movies on their website, request them, and wait for an email that says they are ready for you to pick up. When you arrive, you find your name, pick up your reserved selections, either scan yourself out or visit the desk, and then you are on your way. Renewals also available online when available!
The selection is tremendous between all the branches. The staff is very helpful and friendly. The hours of operation are pretty good (closes way too early on the weekends). They offer so much with their events schedule that it is astounding. -
Review from Guillermo K.
Ann Arbor, MI
12/1/2011
One of my favorite places in A2.
-
Review from Jen S.
11/7/2011
Ah, I love this library. They have such a great selection of books, movies, newspapers, magazines, CD's, and even art to bring home and show off on your wall for a few weeks. They have a great inter-library loan system where you can borrow an item from almost any library in Michigan so you can pretty much always get what you need/want. And they're website is great -- you can do so much on there and they sometimes have really interesting events. I'm a big supporter of this place and you should be too!
-
Review from Julie J.
Ann Arbor, MI
12/29/2009 ROTD 1/28/2010
Ann Arbor's library system is excellent. If you don't have an AADL card, you're missing out.
One of the things I'm most impressed by is the relatively short wait time for popular items, even when there are hundreds of holds. I heard a rumor that the staff orders one copy of an item for every seventh hold that is placed. Quite impressive.
The staff are receptive to title suggestions. You can request new titles (as well as make other suggestions) through a form on the AADL website. Many of my suggestions have appeared immediately in the catalog.
Make sure to check out the Friends of the Library book sales. The Friends shop, which is located in the basement of the library, is open almost every weekend. I visited one weekend and found some popular DVDs for only $3 (and they played!) The real fun, however, is the big blowout sale that is held every summer. Prices get progressively cheaper as the sale winds down. A friend and I had a blast picking through the books on the last day. We walked away with giant sacks of books for only $1 each. Not a bad way to spend a summer afternoon.
If you're interested in scoring free admission to attractions in the Detroit metro area, make sure to ask a staff member about the Museum Adventure Passes. You can "check out" a pass that is good for about two weeks and will allow you two or four free admissions (depending on the venue). You can view the list of participating institutions at: http://www.detroitadve.... It's a great deal for families!Listed in: My "Refuge From Misery" Or,…
-
Review from mariah c.
Ann Arbor, MI
1/29/2009
One of my favorite spots around. Seriously! I haven't been out to the new Traverwood branch, or the Pittsfield branch (where I hear they have a.... fireplace! Oooohhh!), but this location is less than a 10 minute walk from me. I should be so lucky to always live so dang close to a great library like this.
The staff's really helpful, the collection is vast, and inter-library loan works like a charm. You can put a book on reserve, use the self-check-out, and even renewing my library card was lightening-fast and painless.
They have wonderful programming- both for kids and adults, too. As someone who has a several points considered going back to school to become a librarian, I think the example that this place sets is a big part of what keeps me excited about libraries.
Libraries aren't just places to store books anymore, by any means. They are an equal access space, a place for community dialogue and events, and this one, particularly, feels like a home away from home.
It's a bit sad they had to put the plans for the new facility on hold due to the economy, but at least it'll give me some more cozy time to hang out in this location, which has been near and dear to my heart (and mind, I guess!) for many years. -
Review from A N.
Ann Arbor, MI
2/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Excellent resource
-
Review from Andrea B.
Ann Arbor, MI
1/20/2009
CONVENIENT, CLEAN, CONTEMPORARY.
Overall, this library is booming, and in an age of electronica, the library here is still valid, and alive.
What I love the most is that you can reserve books, DVD's, etc. and be emailed as soon as you have come up on the waitlist to receive the item(s).
I agree with another reviewer in that this is a great way to check out something that you want to get on http://Amazon.com, and personally, I think it's a great place to find newly released DVD's to see if you actually want to purchase them later or not.
They do have a large amount of computers upstairs if you need computer access. Also they have quite spacious rooms downstairs for meetings, presentations, etc. (I attended a public event there recently that was packed to the max.)
There are also art installations in various areas, and a great area for children. There is definitely something for everyone at the library. It is centrally located, accessible by bus, walking, and if you drive parking is convenient, as there is on-street or a lot next door (and also across the street). The bus station is right across the street.
MY PERSONAL LIKES:
*I like that whatever you have "Waitlisted" is pulled for you and ready right up front when you get there.
*Checking out is electronic if you want to use the self-checkouts (there are 4-5 of those), or a very helpful, nice library employee will assist.
*Also, as I mentioned, you are emailed when your item is ready for pickup if you registered online for notifications.Listed in: Regular Haunts
-
Review from Theresa T.
Ann Arbor, MI
3/25/2009
This is the greatest Library EVER! Did you know that you can access Rosetta Stone online for FREE!!!!! Wow.
The staff is wonderful and so very helpful. Great location and such a lovely place for children. -
Review from Liz H.
Dayton, OH
2/19/2010
Downtown has a great library. One of my favorites free places in ann arbor to kill some time. Great movie selection pretty much always, and the website is really use-friendly to request titles. It is also spacious. Even though it is a downtown building, i don't much get a cramped feel from it.
I wouldn't mind more independent places to study, but most of the time the 3rd floor is pretty quiet even if there aren't any rooms available.
I support them so often through late fees that i should have donor status, but instead I have probably just really inconvenienced someone reading this review. The staff never judges though. They just politely collect. I appreciate that. -
Review from Mae S.
Ann Arbor, MI
10/11/2006
A great library for many purposes. Here's what I do:
-- watch for interesting books listed on blogs, in reviews, etc.
-- add them to an http://amazon.com wish list
-- when I want something to read: look up from wish list to online library catalog (I use the Ann Arbor Dist. Library and also the University of Mich. library catalog for this).
While I'm at the library I can read newspapers and magazines (in real paper copies, instead of online like I do at home), I can look at new and browsing books (conveniently arranged), I can look at the library sale books (when the store of donated books is open), I can donate my old books, I can look through cookbooks (shelved together), travel books, lots of books. I could also check encyclopedias, reference books, etc. if that were on my agenda. The librarians are knowledgeable and helpful also.
A recent article about the demise of small and independent bookstores noted that if you want a big selection of nicely arranged books with knowledgeable guidance for reading or research, you should forget bookstores and go to the library. BINGO!
The library: where I get value for my taxes. -
Review from Lane M.
Ann Arbor, MI
3/25/2009
I can't say I've ever been to a more complete, friendly, and inviting library in my life.
I am constantly surprised by what the carry there...graphic novel, music, and movie wise. It's truly amazing.
Also, I can easily browse there and find books I'd want to read that I'd never find on Amazon or elsewhere.
Don't have it on the shelf? Just request a hold.
I babysit from time to time and I always enjoy bringing the little one to the children's section. We can read there, play puzzles, or maybe just play with some toy cars and airplanes.
A great place to chill out, relax, and read for hours on end. -
Review from Amy W.
Ann Arbor, MI
10/9/2010
This library system is amazing. They have a huge collection of books, dvds, cds, and magazines.
They have a great selection of movies including foreign films and television series. You can actually borrow everything from episodes of Cheers to episodes of Alias, Star Trek, or even Friends.
I also use the library for borrowing magazines. Whenever I fly, I stop by the library to pick up a few magazines to read during the flight. They let you borrow magazines for a week so this is great for short trips.
Perhaps the best part about the library is the online catalog and emails they send. You can search for items online and have them delivered to any of the branches you'd like. When things are about to be due, you get a friendly email warning you and then you can easily renew items online too. SOOO user friendly!
The library has free wifi and lots of computers too so it makes for a nice place to study or just get work done. They also offer read along and sing along events for little kids as well as events for teens and adults. They really work on making a community.
I will be sad when I leave Ann Arbor and have to leave behind the best library system I've ever seen. -
Review from Sarah W.
Brooklyn, NY
5/2/2008
This is a really good city library. Good selection of books, I can always find some to check out here. Also the DVD selection is pretty good and you can't beat free rentals! I love how you can rent and request things at home online from here.
The library is also pretty nice and large. If you go up the second floor you can use the internet. They have all the latest magazines and newspapers. There are also private rooms you can study in as well as plenty of tables to study at. There are plenty of special events here so you should check out the library website.
Every year things just get better here. Always improved a bit. It's amazing to see how small it was before and how it keeps growing. -
Review from Lily P.
11/8/2009
Its a great library! there are tons of movies and blue ray versions of them. You can borrow them for a week with no charge and always review them. The staff is very helpful. There are a ton of cds, magazines, and also books that just got released.
The booksale is a lot of fun to go to since some of the titles are pretty new there. Also they also have dvds selling there for dirt cheap. THe hours are pretty good and its easy to go in and out due to the self check out. I like to order a lot of movies online and even if its really popular subject there will be books either at the library, short hold list, or can get it from other branches. -
Review from Athena K.
11/25/2010
The staff are amazing. If they don't have, they will find it and let you know when it's in so you can come get it. The reading/study spots are all comfortable. The bathrooms are clean. What more could anyone ask for?
Listed in: Comfy places to study in Ann…
-
Review from Lisa W.
Flint, MI
6/7/2008
This is probably one of the hottest libraries around these parts. You walk in and you don't know where to go, there's so many possibilities right in front of you! Right away you are hit with the free rentals (don't be fooled, though, because you will pay dearly if you are late). Fiction is off to the side... oh, but then children's -- gotta check that out.
Speaking of chlidren's stuff, I was at their booth with my family during the Taste of Ann Arbor (I had to get a plastic yellow hardhat for my son), and they were telling me about an awesome summer program they are having. The Reading Program awards the readers with a brand new book after reading ten books. They have special events involving Egyptian medicine, chess!, dancing babies, yoga, science, playgroups... and... Lowrider Car Expo??? -
Review from Clarence C.
San Lorenzo, CA
4/12/2008 1 photo
The downtown branch of the library has more than books.
Check out movies, music magazines and other media on your library card. Use library computers to do research on the Internet or to access electronic databases. Request books on loan from other libraries.
Check out the events schedule regularly. Interesting speakers and authors are scheduled every week, and they're all free.
The art gallery rotates through several shows a year. Works are on display in the basement and on the third floor.
The Friends of the Library operate a used book shop in the basement. Check out their separate review on this site.
For more information, check out the library's Web site above. You can access the catalog through the website. If you have a library card, you can set up an online account and use it to reserve or renew your books.
Open Sundays from Noon to 6 p.m. Every Sunday there is free parking on the city lot next door. Sundays only.
The new self-checks are very fast and easy to use. Unlike the ones at Home Depot. You scan your card and then the book. Then you push one button, the one that says "finished," and then you're done.
Do not park in the staff parking lot. You will be towed, even if you happen to be on the staff. You have been warned. Leaving your four-way flashers on does not actually provide any kind off legal protection against having your vehicle towed
P.S. I'm a paid employee of the library, so my five-star rating comes with a little bias. -
Review from Stacy W.
Ann Arbor, MI
1/2/2010
Love this library, particularly the Pittsfield branch! Their online system is wonderful, makes it really easy to search for a book and have it held at a branch, or be put on a wait list if it's not currently available. Also, the system emails you when your books are due...so helpful!
The staff has been helpful every time I'm needing any help, and the library always seems clean and well organized. -
Review from Dharma A.
8/18/2009 ROTD 4/11/2010
I hope Ann Arborites appreciate just how lucky we are to have such a fantastic public library system. The AADL has a great collection of materials, including DVDs, CDs, really good magazines, and graphic novels. Their website is outta-sight! On top of that they have a constant stream of events--invited speakers, cheese tastings, and workshops. All for free?! If you live in Ann Arbor and don't have a library card yet, shame on you!
-
Review from Patti S.
Ann Arbor, MI
4/13/2010
The library system rocks. It was a great day when I realized that I could order a book from the downtown branch and pick it up at the Malletts Creek branch near my house. Perfect for lazy people like me :)
-
Review from Adelais T.
Ann Arbor, MI
1/18/2009
This library is awesome. They have a huge, and very complete, collection of books. You can put things on hold and pick them up without having to go to the circulation desk, which makes things much easier. Also, their self-checkout system makes checking things out a much speedier process.
-
Review from Sara P.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2010
My Mom grew up in Ann Arbor and this was "her library" as she says. This past weekend I was in Ann Arbor for a family reunion and got to check it out. This library is huge and I assume that means lots of books that you wouldn't normally find in other libraries. My review is solely based on the 3rd floor. The selection of language books was surprising. Since I'm trying to brush up on my French, Spanish, Mandarin and learn Italian I had plenty of material to look while waiting for my family to show up to view the photography exhibit, my Grandpa's work. Free parking across the street on Sundays too!
-
Review from PJ M.
Redondo Beach, CA
4/26/2009
They never have the book (from classic literature to travel guides to current bestsellers) or DVD I want, they once chastised me for putting my head down on the table. (school plus work makes a person tired). They let a group of teenagers continue to be loud while I was trying to study. They are basically closed on the weekend and Fri nite when I could have used them the most,some of their fines are excessive, I couldn't afford it... All of this was a while back, but i gave up on them a long time ago....maybe things are better, i dunno, I didn't have time to figure out the online crap either, so......the reference desk was always super cool....
