Worcester Public Library - Worcester, Massachusetts

Ramon M.

Pretty good u can get what u need and the kids have games,computers, play place and a teen center. Problem is one of the ladies in the play place has an ego problem along with warden mentality. So play place with a lady that has an issue with kids playing. He was building a tower it fell and she felt that to be rough housing. Since then extremely rude. Went to check out she came in with attitude. I asked for another librarian and she lost her mind calling for security and manager. I asked her why she was yelling I just asked for another librarian. She said that's rude and hurtful. I told her she was yelling for no reason. I should be able to ask for another librarian without you losing ur mind. Reminder she's yelling in a kids area. Teen area is nice and had summer reading ready for the kids. Books were free to take home for summer reading. Adult area to many homeless and people high on drugs sleeping and hanging out in the bathrooms. Bathrooms not safe for kids.

Kataleya A.

The Worcester Public Library has a lot of great things going for it. One of the highlights for me was their manga collection – it’s honestly awesome and I really enjoyed spending time reading through it. I also appreciate that they have a teen/young adult room. It’s nice to see a space dedicated to younger readers and students.

However, I did have a negative experience with two of the staff librarians who were unfortunately quite rude. Their behavior made me feel very uncomfortable, which was disappointing. As someone who just wanted to enjoy the library and its resources, it didn’t feel fair to be treated that way.

I hope that if the library staff sees this review, they’ll take some action or reflect on how they interact with visitors. Libraries should be welcoming, safe, and inclusive spaces for everyone. I really want to love this place fully, and I hope my next visit feels better.

Virginia L. B.

Library updated 2021-2022:
Brand new look. See my photos and then look at the other review photos and compare
This place is awesome.
The sign outside is colorful.
Pictures: The inside from Franklin St side to the parking lot side.
Magazines and newspapers section, Digitizing Room, a table with a puzzle to put together in the middle of the floor, the stand up computers that are 15 minutes sessions now have tall chairs, the Young Adult 11-17 area changed into an Innovation Room (Sewing and crafts) and the Young Adult area moved down a little ways, the DVD and video games section to borrow them has turned into a huge Young Adult room since the last Young Adult room that was next door to where it is now was too small, the DVD and video games section was too small so it got put across the room where the old side door was and the side door got put on at Franklin St side of the building, the Store moved next to the DVD area, the second floor remains the same, the 3rd floor remains the same in the front except the back if the room changed into a children’s center with activity on the touchscreen wall and a room off to the right side that is for art and crafts.

Michael M.

I visited the children’s room this afternoon with my 5 year old grandson. What a wonderful space to spend a couple of hours. More books than you can imagine, hands on activities and so much more. A beautiful, bright and colorful atmosphere. It’s definitely worth a visit.

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Been going here for years, since I was a kid. In the past, you would walk in and be greeted by the pleasant scent of books and paper. Now it smells of marijuana and or a strong stench of urine. Sometimes even upstairs where the children are!! I would visit daily if it wasn't for this factor.

The library has truly become a homeless shelter and it's overall just grimy. It's never been spotless, but the cleanliness has taken a dive in the past 6 or so years, especially recently. The main floor, the 2nd and 3rd floors, the BATHROOMS, the study areas, the computers and such, they're all always dirty.

It's absolutely disgusting and I feel so sorry for the poor librarians and staff who have to spend hours and hours in this revolting environment, to the point of having to wear face masks to deal with the all too frequent homeless patrons who can be relied upon to cough or sneeze in your face or have an overwhelmingly powerful stench.

Can the city fix this issue? The number of regular patrons coming here will continue to decrease otherwise until it's fully just a library for the homeless.

Kelly C.

Beautiful library! Friendly and helpful librarians.

Eric Z.

So many things to do. The active programming for teens and adults is amazing. Staff are helpful and compassionate. Love the maker/innovation space, and the delightfully inspired space children's room. The space is well lit, well maintained, and a delightful space to relax for a few hours and learn something!

David W.

Safe and policed! The three uniformed officers in front make the place super welcoming to people who are more comfortable with cops. Hopefully it doesn't scare away vulnerable populations that need the library but may have traumatic experiences with police

Virginia L. B.

Library updated 2021-2022:
Brand new look. See my photos and then look at the other review photos and compare
This place is awesome.
The sign outside is colorful.
Pictures: The inside from Franklin St side to the parking lot side.
Magazines and newspapers section, Digitizing Room, a table with a puzzle to put together in the middle of the floor, the stand up computers that are 15 minutes sessions now have tall chairs, the Young Adult 11-17 area changed into an Innovation Room (Sewing and crafts) and the Young Adult area moved down a little ways, the DVD and video games section to borrow them has turned into a huge Young Adult room since the last Young Adult room that was next door to where it is now was too small, the DVD and video games section was too small so it got put across the room where the old side door was and the side door got put on at Franklin St side of the building, the Store moved next to the DVD area, the second floor remains the same, the 3rd floor remains the same in the front except the back if the room changed into a children’s center with activity on the touchscreen wall and a room off to the right side that is for art and crafts.

Ramon M.

Pretty good u can get what u need and the kids have games,computers, play place and a teen center. Problem is one of the ladies in the play place has an ego problem along with warden mentality. So play place with a lady that has an issue with kids playing. He was building a tower it fell and she felt that to be rough housing. Since then extremely rude. Went to check out she came in with attitude. I asked for another librarian and she lost her mind calling for security and manager. I asked her why she was yelling I just asked for another librarian. She said that's rude and hurtful. I told her she was yelling for no reason. I should be able to ask for another librarian without you losing ur mind. Reminder she's yelling in a kids area. Teen area is nice and had summer reading ready for the kids. Books were free to take home for summer reading. Adult area to many homeless and people high on drugs sleeping and hanging out in the bathrooms. Bathrooms not safe for kids.

Kataleya A.

The Worcester Public Library has a lot of great things going for it. One of the highlights for me was their manga collection – it’s honestly awesome and I really enjoyed spending time reading through it. I also appreciate that they have a teen/young adult room. It’s nice to see a space dedicated to younger readers and students.

However, I did have a negative experience with two of the staff librarians who were unfortunately quite rude. Their behavior made me feel very uncomfortable, which was disappointing. As someone who just wanted to enjoy the library and its resources, it didn’t feel fair to be treated that way.

I hope that if the library staff sees this review, they’ll take some action or reflect on how they interact with visitors. Libraries should be welcoming, safe, and inclusive spaces for everyone. I really want to love this place fully, and I hope my next visit feels better.

Robert R.

Great place your public library is the best deal in every town!! IGet my tv series and movie dvds through the consortium love it great resource in Worcester!

Eric Z.

So many things to do. The active programming for teens and adults is amazing. Staff are helpful and compassionate. Love the maker/innovation space, and the delightfully inspired space children's room. The space is well lit, well maintained, and a delightful space to relax for a few hours and learn something!