Beautiful library the way it's set up. It's roomy and cozy. The children's section is relaxing and fun. They have many books to enjoy. The adult section is spacious and arranged nicely. This is a relaxing library and nicely maintained. read more

Chapel Hill Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

This is my favorite hidden place to study when I need to get off of campus and escape the competitive student atmosphere. The library is full of tall windows that allow natural bright light in. It also has plenty of big tables with chairs, however I would definitely recommend going earlier in the morning on weekends if you want a guaranteed table as they fill up pretty quickly. However they also have lots of couches with side tables that I sometimes use as a desk when tables aren't available (sometimes I prefer that since I am a comfy studier). At the entrance, they have a small coffee shop that I have yet to try. On the sides, they have a few conference/group rooms (which tend to be booked anytime I go) and downstairs, they have additional tables. They also have ample parking near the upper and lower entrances. read more

Chapel Hill Public Library - View from a study table - Libraries Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Extremely helpful, friendly staff. Everyone was taking proper mask precautions. Clean and organized. Grateful to the helpful employee who was assisted me with finding more information about a paper I was writing too. read more

This library is a gem. I hesitate to write about how much I love it here, because it's crowded enough as is and I kind of want other people to stay away, but I also feel obligated to share my enthusiasm and appreciation for this wonderful space. It's one of the most peaceful places to study off campus. There's floor to ceiling windows overlooking trees and tons of natural light. Wifi is free (too slow to stream lecture capture at peak hours, but very reliable). During less intense studying times, I like the ability to reserve books online and grab them straight from the hold shelf. There's also a Gray Squirrel kiosk in the lobby, which is my favorite coffee place in Carrboro. Seriously, the only downside is that it can be difficult to find a place to sit on the weekends. read more

Chapel Hill Public Library - A quiet morning at the public library - Libraries Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Pretty sure this is the best library we have had the privilege of being patrons of...and we have lived in a lot of places! What's not to love? Huge sunlit spaces, plentiful study nooks, enormous dedicated children's areas and programming, summer classes and programming, family movie nights, bookclubs, helpful friendly staff, coffee shop, outdoor shaded deck for picnicking, stone statues surrounded by magical woods... Oh, hold on, maybe I'm not describing my favourite library but actually describing utopia?? I love this library so much. Also, THANK YOU for offering curbside pickup during the pandemic. I can't wait for you to re-open soon. read more

For my 1,000th review, I figured it was best to write about a place that's near and dear to my heart: The Chapel Hill Public Library. I've come here to study for class, learn new things, borrow books and be peacefully surrounded by people. It's been a haven for me this last year, a true source of light during dark times. The space: This gorgeous, 2-floor building has everything you could ever want in a spot you need to spend a lot of time in. Bathrooms are plentiful and clean, furniture is everywhere, and there are floor-to-ceiling windows on the outer edge of the building. The view outside is of a lovely forest, which softens the blow if you need to study on a beautiful day. High ceilings upstairs give it a cerebral feel, and it's cozy without being cramped in the basement area. The resources: Wonderful. Staff are kind and helpful. There are complimentary computers and study rooms. The pay printers are cheap and easy. Kids will love the children's area, and I've seen many a tot watching the cool book return "robot." And there are vending machines and a fancy coffee bar if you're hungry/thirsty! How awesome is that?! They even have a little used bookshop manned by a loyal crew of sweet volunteers. Some downsides: It gets crowded on weekends. It's only open until 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday. And you need to sign up early for study rooms (they open about 4 weeks in advance). Parking can be tough when it's crowded. But for the most part, those are minor inconveniences to what is my favorite public space in the Triangle. Thank you, Chapel Hill, for this amazing community resource. We're so lucky to have it available to us! read more

This review is for the library sale that they have a couple of times a year. I went for the first time last month on the $10/bag day and the selection was great! You can bring your own bag and put as many books as will fit inside. I was really impressed by the selection and condition of the books they had. I got so many great finds that looked practically new. I think I will definitely be back for this library sale later in the year! read more

This is a pretty large, really nice library. The librarians are all extremely friendly and helpful with any question I have ever had and the collection is huge! There are also plenty of work spaces and rooms that you can reserve, plus the library has a little coffee shop at the entrance (I haven't tried it, but it's the first time I've seen a coffeehouse in a library). The outside area is also really nice, with paths and sculptures. When you come, don't forget to check out the Unbound digital art installation by the check out area. read more

Chapel Hill Public Library - So many books! - Libraries Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

I'm sitting on a comfortable chair in the Chapel Hill Library right now with an excellent connection to the wifi. My laptop and phone are both plugged in and charging from outlets on the floor. I wouldn't have gone out to this library if it hadn't been for a power outage at my apartment... but I'm now I'm kind of grateful the outage made me go out and find this library. This is a gorgeous library! It's enormous, asthetically beautiful, there are a ton of seats and it's full of light because of the floor to ceiling windows facing the park setting. I'm not a library member yet because I moved into town days ago. Even without membship status, I can still benefit from the wifi, power and seating. I couldn't have found a better spot to do some work while I waited for my power to be restored. read more

See all

I hesitate to let even more people know about how underrated and amazing this place is. I love it here. It's such an improvement over the old CH Public Library growing up. The staff here are all kind and show you how to check out books if you've never used their self checkout machines before. Trust me, they are dope. You're welcome. The crowd is always locals, which I love. It's the perfect place to do work, bring your kids to appreciate reading, borrow that book you've wanted to read, and more. There are study rooms and conference rooms that you can reserve. Please leave them clean if you use them though, so everyone can enjoy them! You can even borrow e-books using the library's system by the way. It's also super convenient if that's your speed! read more

If you do not love this library with a fiery and burning passion normally reserved for little old ladies reading smut on the sly, you're doing it wrong. Luckily, Aunty Ashley is here to help you get the most of your library experience. 1. They get new stuff ALL THE TIME. But, you say to yourself, the new books shelf has been the same for AGES. That is true! But there's a secret library, just like in the books themselves. I'd estimate about half of their really cool stuff lives through holds before it ever hits bookshelves. Get a librarian to teach you about them, so that you can be cool(?) like me. I get movies at the same time Redbox releases them (or before!) and books on the day they came out (Harry Potter anyone?). 2. If they don't have something you want, they really might order it for you and put it in your holds. I asked for something I thought, "No way they'll order it for me!" But THEY DID. They're adult Santas. 3. They don't just have awesome books. They have really recent DVDs that live on holds. Check the just ordered list. read more

There is a genuine problem with this "library".. It sounds like a playground /mall inside. When you can hear the librarians tell their life story from across the entire upper floor, hear cell phone conversations, witness little kids running and shrieking and only yesterday, someone on a SPEAKER phone, it is no longer a library in the traditional sense. I honestly can not hear myself think in there sometimes. What the hell ever happened to "shush"? read more

I would give the CHPL a five star review but the books I desire are often checked out and I have to sit on a waiting list for weeks. I guess this tells you how much the Chapel Hill residents like to read. As far as the actually building, it is amazing. There are, at least, 30 comfortable chairs to sit and read. Many of these overlook the walkway as well. There are several private rooms but they are often busy. One complaint I do have is that the library closes at 6 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I enjoy reading later in the evening and I cannot do that with the library closing so early. read more

Chapel Hill Public Library - An overlook from the upstairs reading area. - Libraries Near Me - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Nice library because it has lots of natural light flowing in from the windows and ceilings. It's only one floor, packed at all times, and has a pretty good selection of book for a small town. In order to apply, you just need ID and some document with your name and address on it (like a lease). Take like 10minutes total. ps. I felt totally old browing through juvenile fiction. don't judge, I like my Tamora Pierce and Garth Nix, ok?? read more

As a student at UNC, I was tired of the same libraries and coffee shops. The Chapel Hill public library gave that different feel! There's lots of seating and outdoor scenery on the second floor. The wifi is a little slow, but the atmosphere is a great place to study if you're looking for a new place to study. If you love places with natural lighting to study, then the Chapel Hill Public library is your place! read more

I live in walking distance from the public library and it's nice to have this in my backyard. I will usually come here to get some work done outside of my office or my home. The employees are always helpful and this place is super clean! Everything is easy to find in this location. My only feedback is that there isn't a lot of parking, so try to walk there instead of drive. read more

This is such a great library and an awesome spot to have in Chapel Hill. It's especially a breath of fresh air when you compare it to Davis and the UL. CHPL went through a big renovation a few years ago, and it's now a wonderful space to work or study in. The library is filled with natural light--sometimes to a detriment because of glare; however, its so much better to work in a bright, natural space than a dimly lit one. There are plenty of study spaces--from small tables to larger workstations to study rooms, you can come alone or with a group and find a space. During exam week at UNC, they open up one of the meeting rooms to students. I'd also recommend making a D!BS reservation for a study room. The staff is super friendly and will help you find whatever you need. The library has a nice collection of books, and the checkout system is very easy. Definitely my favorite study spot in Chapel Hill. read more

A wonderful library with so many book options and caring staff! Always an enjoyable experience. It's a beautiful space (both inside and outside)! I come here 2-3x a week and have never had an unenjoyable experience. I especially love grabbing coffee by the coffee stand at the front door. read more

Nice place to have a tutoring session in one of the glass rooms. I was told their prices for renting a room as far as birthdays reservations are quite high here so an alternative to get a room for a special occasion at a cheaper rate is at the Chapel Hill Community Center. read more

I'm a big fan of this library. Very close to the heart of Chapel Hill but tucked away in its own little area. It has nice walking paths that approach it from multiple sides. Inside it is, spacious and beautifully designed. Some parts are open enough for conversation while some are silent and good for studying. There is a section with large glass walls that overlook the beautiful scenery outside. It's worth checking out if you need a good place to get some work done! read more

I'm visiting from out of town, so I was really impressed with this library when I came here for a meeting. Ample parking, clean facilities, friendly people... Chapel Hill has it good. Should I emphasize the Creative Lab where you can create your own podcast and sorts? Or access to Lynda? All of these are certainly not available to the typical library in Georgia. I really wish I had a library like this near me. I'd definitely go more often. read more

This is one of the country's best libraries. It has been a haven for me since I moved to NC last May and needed a place for writing. The staff is super-helpful. They even have tech help! I enjoy the beautiful lighting in the building, and the displays in the hallways. The DVD collection is quite good. The CDs are a bit lacking, but I guess that's not a priority. CHPL is a community space. Even has Grey Squirrel coffee! read more

I really like this Library. The setting off Estes is wooded and peaceful. There is ample parking. Inside the layout is nice and the shelves are well stocked. For a small town this is an outstanding Library. read more

Best public library I've ever been in. Plenty of computers that you don't have to login to (which means you won't get booted out and lose files during a certain period of time). Amazing customer service practices - employees are always helpful and upbeat. read more

We are so lucky to have this library in town. It is a boon for all ages. They have a terrific collection for a single-location library. The only reason that I did not give it 5 stars is that there are some small gaps in their collection for my tastes, most notably in my personal searches is that they do not carry the Southern Reach Trilogy (a popular literary sci-fi-ish series released in 2014) and they are missing many later volumes of popular Manga series. They are, however, up to date on The Walking Dead books! They would have access to a broader collection and even more purchasing power if they were part of a broader library system, but their stand-alone nature also adds to its charm and makes it feel like 'our' library. This is very spacious, modern library with lots of natural light and many different areas to sit and read or study. Their children's section is phenomenal; they have a picture book collection that is beyond compare. There is a fantastic tree sculpture 'growing' in the middle of the reading area that kids can sit inside to read or hide. I have not ventured into their teen room yet, but it is a good size and provides separation from the rest of the library for this demographic. Library staff has always been helpful and professional; they have helped us find excellent age-appropriate children's books related to our kid's current interests very quickly. Their thematic highlight shelves in the children's area are updated frequently. I have found some truly fantastic volumes that I have loved reading to my little one over and over (and over) simply by browsing these shelves. They are state-of-the art with their self check-out kiosks too. No more having to scan each item, just stack them all on the pad and they all get checked out simultaneously (RFID?) so you can zip out with ease. The website is pretty current and lets you post comments and reviews of books, keep lists for yourself e.g. 'To read later' to keep track of wanted books that you don't have time for yet, and 'Returned' books so you can remember what you've already borrowed. They have as good an e-book and e-audiobook collection as most public libraries these days; why e-book collections are always overrun with romance novels always irks me because they clutter up pages when searching for 'real' books (sorry, romance readers!). I worked in a library as a teen and know that fans of romance fluff will check out dozens of them at a time, and repeat this weekly, so I guess the e-book collection is driven by the same rate of consumption. Library programming is diverse and abundant, including activities for all ages, author readings, and book clubs. I have not been 'wowed' by any of the children's story-time readers, unfortunately, but I am keen to bring the kids to many other activities as they reach the appropriate age. Free movies in the summer! (Guardians of the Galaxy was one of the picks this year). Nice clean spaces for community groups. Podcast studio! The outdoor environs are equally nice. There is ample parking, including electric/hybrid reserved parking in the loop by the entrance. They have a nice drive-up book drop. There are art installations around the building, and it is surrounded by forest with lovely, easy hiking paths, and a gentle slope to a creek that is good for kids to explore. Easy bicycle access too. Great central location in town while remaining tucked away in nature. There is a lower floor with the adult non-fiction collection, many rooms that have yet to find a purpose (lots of room to expand!), and the 'Friends of the Library' book sale room, which I have not chanced to find open at the times that I usually go to the library. I would go here with the family every week if I could, and if I had as much time to read as I would like. When shopping for a house in Chapel Hill it was a high priority to me to live within bicycle distance of the library. That's how great a resource it is! read more

This is an incredibly nice public library. Great for studying-wifi, ample plugs and seating, Very quiet with beautiful windows and ceilings. I haven't used the collections but they seem extensive and get a lot of traffic. It has pretty good hours for a public library but isn't open past 8, so college students should be aware. read more

Beautifully built library. A great free place to study or work and look out at the trees. Some of the CH trails will even take you right to it! Sometimes it feels a little too quiet, but it's still really cozy...and free! read more

Beautiful, spacious library. Great children's area and nice programs for kids.

Very disappointed. I walked into the library today (I work long hours during the working week) and asked if I could donate 3 boxes of beautiful books I had brought with me that my kids had outgrown. I was very happy to carry the boxes in and put them wherever hey wanted me to, but was told by the librarian that if it was more than a couple of books, they could not take them inside the library and I would have to come back during the working week before noon and leave them at the loading dock. I asked that if I couldn't drop them off within the library (which was open and remains open till 6 p.m. today), could I please leave them at the loading dock today? Answer was: no, because if it rains, they will just recycle them. I would have though if people are going though the trouble to come all the way and donate books in great condiction, they would find a way to take them during the weekend particularly since the library is open. I'm now headed to the Goodwill Store to give the books to them. I would have liked several kids to benefit and read them for free at their library but the silly bureaucracy got in the way! read more