Boston Public Library – West Roxbury Branch

There are theives in this library, beware. I was charging my phone via usb and someone stole my charger and turned my phone in to the front desk upon realizing its password protected. Testament to the lows of present day man.
As for the library itself, its decent enough to do some work in a quiet cubby, just an occasional conversationalist.

I have been coming here FOREVER and I love it! The top reasons I like it:
1. It’s 5 mins. from my house-​quite convenient.
2. The Fiction section is stellar.
3. Longer hours Monday and Thursday are nice.
4^th and final: I can walk from the CVS next door.
Can’t beat these perks, can ya?

The library and its friends are critical resources for this community. Literacy is the only effective antidote to ignorance and intolerance. The branch has effectively served thousands of residents fro decades. It has been a place where the intellects of out children have been nourished and, as we have matured, our lives have been continually enriched.

Oh thank goodness. Since I moved from JP to Roslindale, I was having a serious library crisis. I’m not kidding, the library is a big of a part of my life (dork alert) and I need a branch library that is convenient, presentable and employs quality staffers. It is a well-​established fact that no branch will ever live up to the glory that is the JP branch, but West Roxbury is my new branch since it is on my way home from work and is not the Roslindale pit of despair branch.
The WR branch is larger than many neighborhood branches, but it’s still a branch so don’t expect Copley. I have no idea why people are saying this branch is small, it most definitely is not. For a neighborhood branch, it is very substantial. I usually just pick up my holds here, but it’s worth taking a look at the dvds and new books, if you’re into that, since they have a pretty good selection and the dvds are actually sort of organized. I can imagine studying here, since the place isn’t a zoo like Rosi, and is fairly peaceful. The fact that there are ~3 floors (does the mezzanine count?) helps, because the louder kiddos usually congregate in one spot and you can avoid them. The staff is excellent as well. Friendly and helpful, usually. Every once in a while they get a little harried, but I think that might be due to the size of the branch and the circulation volume they probably deal with. Even then, they aren’t rude (or straight up mean like those jerks at the Rosi branch), they just might hurry you along without chatting. I’m thrilled that I decided to check out WR after my terrible experiences with the Roslindale branch. I can now carry on my library addiction in nerdy bliss!

This branch is small but serves it’s purpose. It’s quiet, there is a ton of reading/​studying place, and there are nice views from the HUGE windows.
Decent sized collection though I will admit my journey to the library is always more about getting some peace and quiet than taking anything out.
Free wifi — though it seriously effed up my laptop when I returned home and tried to connect, ugh.
Another downside is the hours, they are kind of weird in my opinion.

I’ll admit I’m a bit prejudiced about this little library, mainly because it’s the first one I ever visited when I was a kid. I’ve probably spent more time in here than any others, with the exceptions of those where I’ve worked. Years ago I liked it because it was friendly and had a great variety of titles. It’s kept up that level of service and selection and in some cases has gotten even better.
There’s an excellent nonfiction section that features an excellent variety of old timeless books and newer titles. Its American history section is useful for everyone from high school kids through undergraduates and adults. Although overseas subjects can’t be covered comprehensively in a local branch library West Roxbury does pretty well and manages to keep up on newer offerings. Business titles are well supplemented by the library’s online resources and periodicals which cover a wider span of subjects than in many other branches.
As a librarian with a background in reference work I won’t say much about the reference section, for I have thoughts about it that may not be relevant to non-​professionals. Suffice to say West Roxbury’s reference section is very good, yet no reference desk is perfect. While I don’t have much of a children’s library background I can say that the section devoted to young readers rivals that of any branch library I’ve visited in Massachusetts. Absolutely top notch.
The biggest criticism I’ve always had about the West Roxbury branch library is its fiction section — not that I’m a big fiction reader or specialist in that area. Keeping up with the latest releases has always been a challenge here and sometimes it takes a few days to get certain books delivered. Nevertheless the staff is very friendly and knowledgable and handles a demanding patron base well.

The West Roxbury branch of the Boston Public Library is an important resource in the neighborhood. There is a group of local residents called «The Friends of the West Roxbury Library» who put in a lot of effort to support the branch so that it can do things above and beyond its public library budget.
In addition to the donated books always on sale at the library as described in Unilocalster Adzna Z’s previous review, the «Friends» conducts a huge annual book sale to raise funds for the library.
This year will be the 30^th annual sale! It will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 from 10AM — 6PM., Wednesday, June 11,2008 from 10AM — 6PM, on Thursday, June 12 2008 from 10AM to 8PM, and on Friday, June 13, 2008 from 9AM — 3PM. The book sale includes both newer and older books, cookbooks, children’s books, audio books, CDs & videos, romances, poetry, art & crafts, how-​to books, biographies, mysteries, humor, history, science fiction, and more.
Paperbacks are priced at 50-​cents up and hard cover books start at $ 1.00.
(The Friends of the West Roxbury Library is citizens’ group seeks to foster an appreciation for the value of learning; promote a love of books and reading; and support access to educational, cultural and social opportunities for the members of the West Roxbury community, through the West Roxbury branch of the Boston Public Library. In cooperation with library staff, the Friends implement adult and children’s programming at the library; raise funds to support their own and the library’s programming; promote awareness of library programs and services; enhance the physical space and gardens of the library; and cooperate with other community organizations to enhance the quality of life in West Roxbury.)
I