Cherry Hill Free Public Library, Cherry Hill

This building was designed to provide a modern yet tranquil atmosphere and I believe both were accomplished. The enormously high ceiling is similiar to those found in comtempory homes, and may not be everyone's cup of tea but I think it's breathtaking and far from "wasted space". The large lobby houses a gift shop and visitors desk and provides ample room for those wishing to use their cell-phone. A few steps to the left you'll enter what appears to be the "normal" section, housing most of the books, reference and computers. This section also holds several quiet areas or private rooms which may be reserved for meetings. The second floor is the children's section. I've been there three times and never found it to be noisy. I'm certain the librarian would have addressed any problem if asked. As far as selection I do wish they had a larger selection of books on tape and I do miss membership to the county library, but I can easily live without that. Next to the cafe there is a reading area which is sometimes confused as a conversation pit but that's easily remedied by mentioning that the conversation area is on the lower level in between the history, computer and meeting rooms. By the way, bringing children? Don't forget the camera - They love to sit out front with our lifelike bronze, pretending to read the newspaper! Perhaps you can research the talented artist during your visit!

The library has tons of wasted open space. We are lacking books (many times we looking for books that they don't have or there is only one copy and it's out) yet they are raising funds to "Save the Statue" that we don't need. Extremely noisy on the second level as apparantly workers are no longer allowed to tell children to be quiet in a library and parents sure don't bother. We have even seen kids running around with no adult in sight or if an adult is there they will not correct their own children. On the plus side the staff is much friendlier then at the old library.

A very comfortable place to relaxing, reading and having fun. It has an easy access to the Internet for those who want do researching. I spent four hours inside it without feeling any boring...