Royal Oak Public Library Review

Great wifi, easy to get a place to sit and work quietly by yourself, privacy, clean, comfortable. The kids section is downstairs, i think. Only drawback has nothing to do with the library but with the parking outside. Good luck trying to find a spot and not shelling out tons of money!

The employee s here are the best at there job. It is really quiet in there it was very easy to to find my favorite books. The parking was kinda easy to get
a parking spot. I can t wait to go back!!! I would really recommend this library.

Good collections. You can also lend from any other libray online and pick up here

Worst Wifi Connection ever - great library actually but they are still in their '90s

New comments:
I've been moving to Royal oak for 3 months, and this library is the closet one in the riding distance. After visiting for 10 times, I think I have to complain something, just about the self-study environment, not about checking out books and library staffs:
Firstly, if you're finding a quiet, easily to be focused place to get your work done, here is not your option at all.
For the computer-free area, it fulls of Unconscious as well shabby people with snoring, intermittent weird laughing(watching cartoons???), and phone ringing. What more ridiculous is even though the regulators of this area ignore all those inopportune sounds and pretend not to worry about that. This is the most unrespectable, distracting, and horrible working experience I've ever had. Besides, you can hear the librarian walking with loud talking and introducing all the time, mixed with kids' Yelling,continuously.
Secondly, sitting experience is uncomfortable, either.
The bench is so hard and cold, just as solid as Starbucks, which could be considered as a sign like "Here is not welcoming long-time readers". It can cost you stiff back and tension shoulder very easily.
Above all, there is no need to go there anymore if you just want to find a place and staring concentrating work. But the wifi is good, fast and efficient. Book selection is great, too. So the best way to utilize this library is just walking in, visit, check out some books and run.
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I didn't find the parking lot for the visitors, just a few paid public parking lot but occupied half by the police cars. Because of this I didn't step into the lib. I heard of it was good, but it doesn't give me the chance to take a look. I just want to get neutral so it's enough to rate 3 stars.

Nice library . Parking is eh unless u go early. Ok my biggest problem is this. I ve never been to a library where you can t use your own printing paper. I thought the library was for that? I really needed to print copies of my resume and cover letter and was told no by the man that works at the help desk he was zero help I should of asked for a manager . I m not from the area but that right there was garbage.

I like coming here after school, there needs to be more computers in the teen area though

This has been my favorite library since 1980, and I can't see that ever changing. Great selection, great staff, great programs, great location: what's not to love?

Ive been a patron, a volunteer, and an employee and this library has been there for me every step. Good people, good books, lost in an island of construction.

One of the best libraries in this area. The staff is great and always helpful. This is currently my go-to library.

I love my library! The kids section is awesome and well laid out. The adult areas are clean and well maintained. All staff is friendly and professional. The new parking structure is an added bonus. Free parking on Sundays and first 2 hours free means I never have to pay and can always find a spot!

This library does not feel welcoming. If you are middle eastern, do not even bother coming in there. You will feel judged and stared at as soon as you walk in.

Great librarians here, wonderful children's programs.

Honestly one of my favorite libraries. Lots of books, great architecture, and there's art everywhere. Look for the two floating naked people made of metal.

When I grew up in Berkley I always was jealous of the Royal Oak library. now that I have a Royal Oak address I am content

This library is situated at the center of N Main street. The most happening place in Royal Oak so many times finding a parking is bit of a problem. Also the parking meters outside the library, will extend only for 3 hours. If you want to study for a day without worrying about the parking meter then you might face this problem.

The library has a nice collection of books, the librarians are very cool and helpful. I feel that the seating could have been improved more, they aren't very comfortable. But overall I like this library, however Ferndale public library located within 1 mile from here is my personal favorite.

ROPL is by far the best In Oakland Co. especially when it comes foe young children.
They do a lot of good for kids. Very spacious and fun for kids

Good selection of new books. Parking is limited, which drives the rating down.

I love this Library but with the Parking situation and the fact you have to pay just about everywhere is Ridiculous, I don't see how this city is Struggling to be honest. And Giving people Tickets just to be giving people tickets is harassment

Have been here multiple times. Most of the staff is rude, snarky, looks unhappy to work there. I ve encountered two librarians that usually work in the kid section who are extremely nice.

Today, I asked to use a study room in the adult section (mostly because i was telecommuting and needed to hop onto several conference calls without disturbing anyone and not being at noisy Starbucks). This was the first time I ve ever inquired. The librarian snipped and asked well do you have more than 1 person? The tone was super unfriendly and implied that i should know not to even ask. She explained the rules (completely fine) but suggested i go downstairs to the kids section and those rooms could be used for single occupants. That was in fact false. But the kids librarian was nice enough to let me in so i could hop on a conference call. After the conference call, i unfortunately revived bad news. Another individual that worked at the library (male) barged in with two teens, saw me crying at the desk, didn t address me at all, and told the teens to go in since I wasn t supposed to be there. It was complete disregard for a human who would have had no problem packing up and moving out (which i did immediately). There was zero attempt to address me even with a hi i understand they let you in quickly but we have someone else with a group. Could you vacate in the next 5 minutes. I hope you are okay.

At the end of the day, it s a library. There are books there. It s a small but decent space. I honestly have never been treated so rudely and will never take my kids there again since that s the energy and environment the institution breeds.

Summer Reading is goods for the kids even my 9 month old can something. I always ha be too get a behold n a book I want to read tho half the time.

It can get loud with lots of ppl moving around but the worst thing about it is the chairs they make your back hurt with support only going half way then the bottom of the seat is completely flat which makes your bottom go numb and it starts cramping really hard as you walk away... This place is more family friendly instead of study friendly.

Use to be awesome, but there's no parking anymore, as a disabled person it makes me no longer want to use the R.O. Library anymore! The City of Royal Oak has become a rat infested garbage dump, THE WORST.

Librarybewduses to assist me by phone today because I could not provide my card #. Refused to look me up by name. I have a book on hold. Who else would know that except me? It s a library book not. Pot of gold. U need better policies.

I love the Royal Oak Library. Great environment and many wonderful events.

Beautiful building with helpful librarians and an enormous selection of books.

Great downtown old school library enjoyed the free music by Leonardo blues historian and well versed musician

By far the dirtiest kids area I've ever seen! Almost all the toys are broken too. We won't be back.
Bloomfield hills, Troy, Southfield, ferndale and west bloomfield are much much better