A secondary branch to the main Gaston County Library, the Union Road Branch is much smaller…read more They may not have as vast a selection of the main library, but they still have a good amount of books. I almost like this one better because you can actually browse pretty much every book on every shelf. Plus, it's not nearly as crowded so you have a lot of space to yourself without worrying about the other people around you. It's nothing large, but they do carry a good amount of books. And with the quaintness & quietness, this place can be a welcomed change from the hustle & bustle of the main county library.

We attend the toddler time here with our kids on occasion and while this location may be smaller…read morethey seem a lot more organized and put on a great show for the kids! My son loves chasing the bubbles afterwards!

They are so nice and amazing here! A quality library for our small town:…read more They are so nice and amazing here! A quality library for our small town:

I've been coming here with my daughter to receive her private tutoring two times a week. There are…read moreplenty of other kids that receive tutoring here as well. The library is clean and well-stocked. The only problem I have is that it is loud at times. The people visiting and the workers, both are loud. I guess since it's a neighborhood library, people tend to know one another a lot of times. It's close to the house and an easy drive from my daughter's school, so convenience is the key. I just wish they would maintain people's voice levels to a whisper.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg library district offers a number of very nice regional and special…read morelibrary settings: the South Park Regional, South County Regional, and the library collaboration with the Children's Theatre of Charlotte ... ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center on Seventh Street downtown to name just three. Each has specialties that make them individuals. The South Park Regional had a fair collection of books and materials for the younger set, but really excelled at games and toys for engaging kids ... they even had a little cabin the kids could go in. The library itself was newish, clean and easy to get to, with available free parking ... although it is oftentimes full. Unlike some other libraries in the district, this one had more library things for kids to play with, but fewer library materials (books and puzzles). Still and all, nice library and recommended.

This library has so much potential. It is huge, and the children's section takes up a very large…read moreportion of the downstairs. There are tons of children's books, toys, activities, and interactive areas for kids, which is wonderful. The rest of the library also looked very nice, organized, and well maintained. Unfortunately, the cleanliness of the children's area was extremely disappointing. The carpets were visibly dirty and stained in multiple places, and the entire children's section felt like it was overdue for a serious deep cleaning. I completely understand that an area used by young children gets a lot of traffic and will naturally have more wear and tear, but this seemed well beyond what I would consider normal. What made it even more surprising is that I've been to other Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations, and I have not seen their children's areas looking like this. The difference in cleanliness was very noticeable. For a space specifically designed for babies and young children who are sitting, crawling, touching toys, and playing directly on the floor I really feel like cleanliness should be one of the highest priorities. It's especially unfortunate because the rest of this library looked very nice and well cared for. Since the children's area makes up such a large portion of the downstairs, I really hope more attention is given to routinely deep cleaning the carpets, floors, toys, and play areas. This could easily be an amazing library for families, but the condition and lack of cleanliness in the children's section made me uncomfortable letting a child play freely there.

I love this library- They have an awesome selection of books and other resources, the staff is very…read morekind, the library itself is a very cool building- lots of character and fun. I think Kings Mountain is very lucky to have such a great resource. And the library puts on so many great events for the community, it is always fun to see what they have planned next! We have 3 daughters, 7,5,1, and they have loved every activity they've been able to attend. We can't wait for the summer activities that are just getting started!

Why am I taking the time to review a public library? You can't eat books right? Well, I guess…read moretechnically your brain can ingest them. I'm reviewing this place because of their awesome children's programs. Christy, the children's librarian does an incredible job. Tuesdays at 10 AM is Story Time for ages 3-5, with guest readers. On Superhero Day, the children had to go through an obstacle course and perform heroic tasks, like lifting boulders and saving a baby from lava (of course it was make believe).Recently, Bright Star Children's Theater put on a production of The Ugly Duckling; it was highly interactive- they asked the kids how they felt and what they would have done in the story. The same week, a professional children's musician, Miss Lynn, came and performed a concert; her music was silly and fun with infectious melodies. It was really awesome. We bought the CD. Yeah, this library is pretty cool.

I appreciate being able to reserve and pick up books. The area where they are kept keeps expanding…read moreas others also use this perk. The library also seems to be busy which is great as so many use digital books now, but there is just something about holding an actual book in your hand that cannot be surpassed. Love everything about the library. Great job.

We are regular library users and normally attend the Rock Hill branch, where staff are welcoming,…read moresupportive, and wonderful with families and young children. Unfortunately, since that branch is temporarily closed, our experiences at the Fort Mill branch have been the complete opposite. I am a pregnant mother of three young children (ages 4, 2, and 1) and visit alone. I make every effort to maintain appropriate library behavior, but anyone with toddlers understands they require constant supervision. On our most recent visit, a staff member named Tom H. approached me at the self-checkout without greeting or offering help and told me to "keep the volume down." When I explained I was trying my best and was actively checking out to leave, he repeated himself and walked away. At the same time, another family with loud, running children was present and not addressed at all. Afterward, I observed Tom H. discussing my family with other staff members. At no point did he ask if I needed assistance, despite clearly seeing I was managing young children alone. This interaction was upsetting and left me feeling judged, singled out, and unwelcome. Based on repeated visits, this branch does not feel like a supportive or inclusive environment for mothers with young children. Libraries should encourage early literacy and family engagement--this location does not. I hope management takes this feedback seriously so no other parent leaves feeling discouraged from bringing their children into a library.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg library district offers a number of very nice regional and special…read morelibrary settings: the South Park Regional, South County Regional, and the library collaboration with the Children's Theatre of Charlotte ... ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center on Seventh Street downtown to name just three. Each has specialties that make them individuals. The ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center collaboration between the library district and the Children's Theatre is a hands down wonder. While some libraries specialize in library things (games and toys) to engage kids and others specialize in library materials (books and puzzles), ImaginOn has it all ... including plays and story times. The library itself is free to enter, multi-story, newish, clean and easy to get to, with available parking that is free for 90 minutes with a stamped ticket. This facility absolutely had everything to stimulate kids of all ages ... probably 2 to 12 being the sweet spot. Do make a point of finding your way here for a visit someday ... you'll be glad you did. Highly recommended.

Great place for children. Lots of books and activities and it's all free…read more Very clean and spacious.

Lowell Branch is the "craft center" branch in Gastonia. It's a small library with a variety of odds…read moreand ends inside, including lots of kid-friendly stations. You'll find everything from your basic: book, DVD, computers and electronic resources. But, if you walk to the back of the library, you'll also discover a light board along with craft books, art supplies and even a handful of children's toys. Lowell branch also offers an multimedia room where they host activities for all ages, this summer I stuck around to watch kiddos making ice cream with cream, sugar, vanilla, ice and rock salt. However, as far a libraries go, Lowell is a very low-key, country branch. The librarians are friendly but it's very basic. You won't find a lot of space to study, but they do offer 2-3 round tables that might sit two if you don't both have a lot of things and outlets can be round in the floor. Hours are also limited for this local branch but if you have an electronic vehicle, you'll be in luck. They offer a electronic wifi charing station and of course free wifi.

Cool library/tech center for kids. I know it doesn't make sense to most but this place has a bunch…read moreof tech gadgets and creative centers for kids to explore and create artwork to take home. Very cool twist on a normal library.

I use the library often to do business work when my grandchildren are visiting and something…read moreimportant comes up that needs my attention. I know this sounds bad but there are times you need to find a quite place to focus so about 6 or 7 times per year I go to the Florence S. Shanklin library near my house. Their wifi is fast enough and I have found the place to be very quiet. Not sure when the other reviewer was there but a noisy place has not been my experience. All I can tell my friends and neighbors is go try the place, especially in the spring and fall, the have a beautiful green park surrounding the facility. Great for listening to the birds and relax. Then go in and check out some books, they have a good selection books and staff is very courteous and helpful.

I come here mainly to use the wifi and pickup/checkout books. If you are looking for a quiet place…read moreto read, study, or surf the web, this is DEFINITELY. NOT. IT. Seriously, this is the loudest library I have ever been in, in my entire life. Screaming, unruly children (I thought I just picked a bad time, but this has been an issue every single time I visit), a loud interactive computer in the children's area, adults chatting animatedly on their cell phones while using the computers or browsing the shelves, random people (who are evidently library "celebrities") hovering over my computer/space trying to small talk despite my clearly non-inviting headphones and aversion to eye contact (I'm sure their intentions are good, but I really just want to be left alone), and even the staff chatting incredibly loudly with patrons about their personal lives. It's a small library. And sound travels, I get it. But NO ONE is considerate and evidently "quiet" is a foreign concept. That being said - the selection of books is decent considering it's size, and it is super easy to have books shuttled in from one of the other branch libraries using the online request system. Be aware that the internet DOES have site restrictions - certain sites like YouTube are blocked, which is a major bummer because I do a lot of film/TV research for my job. Their DVD collection has some interesting choices, not a whole lot of new titles at this branch or seemingly at any of the branches. The circulation desk staff are nice and helpful, though there is one who I have witnessed be particularly sassy (on the verge of rude) to select patrons. It's bright and clean. Books? YES Wifi? YES Thinking/Reading/Reflecting/Anything Potentially Calming or Relaxing? NO

The Dallas Branch Library is a very underrated spot to hang out, chill, and get some work done. The…read morepeople who work here are super friendly and respectful. When I went, I had not been in several years, and did not have any sort of account. They said that I did not need to have one. I was able to use their computer for free, and they helped me with printing out a piece of paper that I was able to use on a letter I was mailing out. The printing was also free! They have plenty of books on the shelves that you will be able to check out. The inside is very cozy and makes you feel at ease. It smells nice inside and is very cleanly.