public library

was in from out of town and needed to do some computer research. this is a wonderful library with an excellent tech department. the structure of the building is also appealing. the librarians who assisted me were extremely kind and helpful. luck you, Akron!

I cut the cable (internet and tv) at my house so I now go to the library when I need the internet. It is very convenient with many locations and there is usually a pc available. If it wasn't for the library I would not have been able to save the money I was spending to be "connected".

The Main branch of the Summit County Library has a vast collection in it's Children's Room! The children are able to sign up for activities, select reading materials, enjoy interactive computer games and play at the puppet theatre. Great DVD's and audio selection.

user friendly, teacher resource room, genealogy classes, great elevator and revolving door... sculpture within...gotta love it!

I have reason to echo and repeat or expand what so many others have said about this local library system because it has a resource of enormous quality for covering many subjects. Connections with the surrounding community are most important. Information about community events are there for browsing and learning what the community has to offer people. It has become a center for doing research for people with out access to the local university libraries. So there is an academic side to the collection at all branches, but especially at the main center downtown. I have visited and used resources at the North Hill and West Hill branch as well at the McDowell branch - I believe is it's name. There is a newly opened branch on Shatto Avenue. It is located on what appears to be an information campus of sorts on the near west side. The people there treated me very well on three occasions. I like the out of town newspapers. I do not know if there are foreign language newspapers or access to them at the branches. I wish there would be some way to gain access to these foreign language publications. I have been impressed with its collection of recorded music and videos and films and DVD's - foreign films especially. Many people at the main down town branch have helped me get copies of lectures done by visitors. Films available viewing at the large auditorium are a major reason for me to go to the down town branch. I mean films other than the regular series of films shown in the evening - these are the films that are part of programs sponsored by the Akron Art Museum or even the Cleveland Art Museum or the international film festival. For adults seeking a college degree or a reason to finish a high school degree here is a large resource to be tapped regularly for this purpose. The location near the downtown art museum or close to the center of Akron near the library and art center with its connection to the university is an advantage for the entire community. Parking lot for cars at the North Hill branch is a bit tricky getting into and leaving safely but it can be donut. I do not know about he collection of books suitable children at the branches. I have explored that part of the circulating collection, I do not know how user friendly the branches are for children and teen agers. Maybe there should be a separate room for noisy teenagers and a teen librarian with dally communication with school personnel for completing homework assignments. I think so! The atmosphere is peaceful and people are helpful. Libraries are clean. The library branch near West Portage Path and West Market is also a good place for me and others and should not be torn down. These branches are like grocery stores for neighborhoods. More abundant publicity about community event especially those taking place at the main center down town is needed in places other than the libraries. This is so for out of town authorities brought in to speak about certain topics and are visiting the main libraries to give lectures. Sometimes I think that some of the branches are becoming too small in space and need to see their floor plans redesigned. This is ever more apparent for the McDowell branch where the noise from children does interfere with people using the computers or reading magazines and books. Do the branches have basements for public use and collections of material for circulation? More floor space is needed soon.

We stopped at the Akron Main Library to do genealogy research and were delighted to find all of the old Akron City directories, from the early 1900s, the old Akron Beacon Journals on microfiche and other documents available. Wonderful research section.

We went to the North Hill Branch, the children section is wonderful. There are plenty of books although it could use more of the character books such as barbie, Tinkerbell, transformers or National geographic for kids just name a couple. Stage 2 and 3 need more books. The internet signal gets slower with each device that logs on. This means if you cant get on a computer and bring your on it might be a long visit for the adults.

Peaceful,historical,informative,relaxing and enjoyable. What more can I say. I always go back. And the people who work there are always willing to help you. :)