Southwick Public Library

Fully sanitized as far as they say seemed to me as such and everyone was practicing and seemed to be using social distancing measures. Thank you. Stay safe

As a Southwick resident, I have used the library over the years. The other reviews here are rave, but the reality if more ordinary than the reviews would indicate. The library has a decent collection but I prefer to use the Agawam library instead, even though it is a longer drive for me. The reasons are that the staff is more knowledgeable and more friendly. As a frequent patron, Agawam will not charge me if I am a day late, but Southwick will. If I need help finding something difficult, Agawam has more knowledge and more willingness to help. It isn't as if Southwick is bad, but they are just not as good. I do use Southwick when it is convenient and I go there and browse at times, but I find myself making the trip to Agawam when I think of going to a library. Southwick has improved over the years. They have joined the CMARS system after holding out for a long time. But they have always been unfriendly to local artists displaying their work there , and when they do, they set all kinds of unnecessary restrictions. Agawam is quite the opposite. The people at Agawam are also competent in their jobs. Some of them are elderly but they have jobs that they can handle and do well at. In Southwick there is someone who is clearly impaired. It is very positive that they have given her a job, but it is beyond her capabilities and this only results in frustration for the patrons and a loss for the person in question. I would not discourage you from going there, There is much of value In the Southwick Library and there are a lot of good intentions in the staff. But I would also encourage Southwick to up its game a bit, It was a big step for them to join CMARS; now is the time for another big step in professionalism and outreach to local artists.

I have a soft spot for public libraries in small towns. This particular instance is a well-stocked & well-let space with an informed & amiable staff. Part of CWMARS regional library system.

I go here regularly with my children. Very friendly staff. Quaint library.

Small town library with a nice atmosphere.