Albright Memorial Library

I just received the following e-​mail from the Albright Memorial Library:
«60% increases in Netflix fees…
Borders is closing its doors…
In times like these, the library never looked better!
Borrowing at the Albright Memorial Library is still free 7 days a week!
Select from over 16,000 DVDs, 1,000 Blu-​Rays, thousands of books, magazines and talking books…you get the picture!
To be able to borrow any of these items, all you need is a library card and that’s free!
So don’t hesitate! Take advantage of the library’s doorbuster pricing everyday, on every item!»
I have long felt that libraries are an underutilized — and occasionally even forgotten — resource in communities across the country. Though they frequently operate on shoestring budgets that seem to constantly shrink, they provide invaluable access to centuries of media. While I’m still on my soapbox, there are even some libraries that allow patrons to borrow from a collection of paintings and sculptures!
So, despite the gimmicky enticement of the email, it’s spot-​on. Why pay for media to which you most likely already have access? The average property in this county contributes — on average and on an annual basis! — a library tax that is likely equivalent to the cost of a sandwich and a couple drinks.
Because this is part of a library system, content is shared and circulated throughout the county’s nine libraries. There is also a mobile library (the Bookmobile) as well as several additional non-​circulating collections (no additional charge for access): the Everhart Museum, Commonwealth Medical College, Lackawanna Historical Society and the Lackawanna County Law Library.
I’m definitely a fan of this library, and libraries in general, so why only four stars? Well, three reasons.
Although the Albright is a gorgeous building, it’s simply ill-​sized to handle the volume of. well, volumes, as well as the amount of foot traffic it gets. There have been proposals to build a large new library on the other side of the downtown area, but I imagine it is unlikely that will ever happen. Parts of the Albright feel like I would imagine the service quarters of an old ship: a metal skeleton of shelves, low ceilings, narrow pathways, tiny doors and spiral stairs, like a structure-​within-​a-​structure. That’s not the building’s fault, of course, but it certainly has the potential to impact your experience.
They could use some air purifiers. I realize it’s difficult to retrofit climate control in older structures, but sometimes it feels like the same stale air has been hanging around in there since 1964. Yes, I know it’s a library and they all have that «library smell.» This is different.
And finally, the current hours for Friday through Sunday are probably reflective of how busy the downtown area is during that time period. That is unfortunate, but I have to wonder why it closes so early (5:30p) on Fridays. Why bother opening for just three hours on Sundays?
Go. Support your local library.

Growing up in Scranton in a low income immigrant family, this was a weekly treasure cove for us seeking entertainment and reading materials.
The library has a huge selection of books, comics, VHS, DVDs, and CDs.
The staff are super friendly as well.
I don’t know how I would’ve done my high school history and english reports without this library and the help of the staff.

Fantastic library! Great architecture, wonderful assortment of books, magazines, newspapers, movies, music, and a lot of computers for people who need that service. The customer service is always fast and excellent, and the staff is very, very helpful. We also enjoy their annual fundraising trips– two years ago they had a bus trip to the Fingerlakes Wine Region, and last year the bus trip was to the Mark Twain house and Harriet Beecher Stowe house in CT. We can’t wait to see where this years trip will be to. Both trips that we attended were amazingly good times. There is plenty of on street meter parking, and the children’s library, located directly behind the Abright libary, is equally impressive. The library also offers many classes and groups for free. A calendar of events can be accessed on their website or by picking up an events calendar from the check-​out desk.