Bessemer Public Library

I didn’t walk through this library. I had to make some copies. The employees were very helpful here. I love a library. I have loved libraries since I was six years old and got my first library card. When I walk into a library, I always feel a sense of peace. It’s like coming home for me. So even though I didn’t walk through this library, I know exactly what it looks like and smells like. I know how all the books are categorized and where the movies are. I had a good time in the Bessemer Public Library.

I love this library . The only issue that I have is I would like for them to extend their hours of operation and they should offer more ways to repay fines. They use to have a can food drive at least once a year but, other options for repayment would be awesome. (Ex. A Back to School Drive - paper, pencils,crayons, sanitizer etc. or Thanksgiving Can Good Drive, or 1 hour of Resume writing - 1hr=$5.00 off one's fine). The library should be a place where people go to better themselves. A four year old fine for not turning in "The Color Purple or Harry Potter" late could hinder a person's progress. All in all The Bessemer Library is one of my favorite spots in Bessemer.

I used to have nothing but great things to say about this library... I am currently editing my old review of 5 Stars from a couple of years ago to 1. The past 3x I trie to visit this library they were closed. Each time was within their supposed hours of operation. Today was at 2pm on a Wednesday. The doors were locked with a lady at a table just inside the doors who told me they were closed. Am I missing something here? The parking lot had 20 or more cars in it. I won’t be back. All I ask is that they be open when google says they are going to be... if the hours of operation change I completely understand it please change it with google maps to be accurate. I have suspicion that they didn’t change though. For such a large public library to be closed on a Wednesday at 2pm would be strange.

Today was there 3rd and last time I will attempt at this library. I am a student who would like friendly access to a local library during business hours. During my first visit this last month I could not even read a book because the staff was talking so loudly to each other. The second time my daughter and I was rushed to check out because they needed to count down their registers keep in mind I was paying a late fee but I’m being rushed out the door how ironic. This last time I went 8 minutes til 4 on a Saturday and she tells me their computers are shut down and they can’t assist me. I will never revisit this library again. As a Bessemer citizen I try to stay in our community but I will not stand to be mistreated I will go where I have access to resources, quietness, and smiling helpful faces. The ladies who work there are mean hateful and do not fit the face of an librarian.

There is a vast selection of books, and the staff are friendly and welcoming.

Attended a festival with my daughter. Everything seemed OK and everyone seemed nice, however, I asked my 19month old of she was hungry. She said yes. So I waited until the food table opened. when the food station opened, I got in line. The line wasn't long. I asked for a hamburger. When I got to the 2nd person, she made the hamburger. The cart (small hotdog plate that they used) touched my hand, and was taken away. I was informed that I needed a ticket. I'm 4 months pregnant, was walking around, had my daughter. I just left , went home and made burgers. 1) there is NO way that I could have been in the line twice because the food was station opened for 2min(including my time in line) 2.) There should have been someone guarding the entrance telling people to sign in. Instead, they were just sitting there talking. Or there should have been a sign AT the food table. 3. )the burger was for my baby. (She basically took food away from my daughter who already saw it ) 4.)That was an embarrassment. I advise others to not attend any festivities at this location.

My son and I come here to work while we are in town helping my mother in law, who lives in Bessemer. We always find friendly and helpful librarians. I like the used book room too.

They are forcing people to wear masks. I'm not going to be forced to wear a mask. It's not a law, and most other places aren't making people wear them.