Wells Branch Community Library

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I think this place is really comfortable. There's no shushing (except for cell phones) and folks seem really happy to be there. They have incredible programs and no fees (unless you're late, then watch out!). The DVD selection has really improved recently and the New York Times bestseller display is great.

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User Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

I don't usually rate a library as "awful." But this one is terrible. I usually leave feeling angry and frustrated with the staff, who's first answer to most questions is "no you can't," or "no, we don't have that." Checking out books is a harrowing experience -- if you use the self-check process, the computers usually will freeze or simply not recognize your account. Then you have to wait for the staff to finish what she/he is doing before getting them to glance up at you to respond to your need to check out. Returned items will mysteriously show up as "checked out" or "late" -- sometimes even a year later. One helpful staff member did admit to me that there is something wrong with their computer system, so that DVDs in particular have a problem being checked back in. Items that are actually on the shelf will randomly show back up on the last person's account as still checked out. At this point (if I continue to use that library), I plan to ask staff to check in my items in front of me (no more leaving it in the drop box or on the counter), and I plan to ask for a receipt for every item that they check back in. However, based on their usual response, I'm sure I will get a "no, we can't do that." If there is an open computer for checking the library catalog, be sure you ASK the staff librarian first, "can I use this?" Otherwise you might get scolded for using the wrong computer; though no one else is using them, one type must be "checked out" while the one next to it is "free for catalog use only." The library is smaller than my child's elementary school library -- books and materials are woefully old and out of date, and I rarely find a needed item at this branch. Check out periods are shorter -- audio items are due back in 1 week (standard), but books are due back in 2 weeks (usually you are given 3 weeks in public libraries). I have started using the Austin Public Libraries more, even though it is a more inconvenient drive. The services are far better, and I feel like I'm actually welcome in the libraries.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous community library: great programs, free computers, very helpful friendly staff

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