The Bartholomew County Library is another amazing functional architectural structure in Columbus,…read moreIndiana. The building was designed by I. M. Pei in 1969 with an addition by James Paris in 1987. What I noticed first was an incredible sculpture that stands in the Library plaza. The sculpture, known as Large Arch, was created by Henry Moore in 1971. Inside the library are high ceilings with a modern and spacious feel. There are large sections of adult books on the first and second floor. On the first floor are public computers, newspapers and other resources. There is a large teen area with skylights and comfy seating. In the basement are conference and a class room and an incredible children's library, complete with play areas and a puppet show stage. There is an outdoor patio off of the children's section. On the second floor is a indoor garden atrium that brings in natural light. The staff is helpful. There is a space where they sell excess and used books. There were several oil paintings by notable Hoosier artists. There is also a small veteran tribute near the front entrance. There is free parking on the west and back sides of the facility. I would put this library at the top of the Indiana libraries that I have visited.

Very nice, well kept, clean, and organized library. Lots of books and free use computers. Friendly…read moreand helpful staff can help you find what you seek. Cool large piece of artwork on the grounds. Nice place to find a real book versus an online book, for those who prefer the old fashion way of reading, ha. Plenty of relaxing and comfy private seating along with nice tables for multi book researching. Located downtown and walking distance to many other businesses.

https://www.facebook.com/SeymourOktoberfest/…read more https://www.seymouroktoberfest.com/ Seymour, Indiana, just celebrated its 45th annual downtown Oktoberfest (2017) complete with tons of food and craft vendors, fair rides, a Biergarten, music on several stages and much more. As a local, I have attended about 35 years of Seymour Oktoberfest, and truly, it just keeps getting better each year. Parking is not a problem since the event is so large (most of downtown) and there's a shuttle that takes people back / forth from the Seymour High School parking lot to the library (next to the Biergarten). The shuttle is tractor drawn, so that's fun to do anyway. On the 5 separate stages of the event are all sorts of music including a German-style 7-member band (made up mostly of local area teachers), cloggers, bluegrass, local rock bands, etc. I really like how soloists (or duets) will just be randomly placed throughout the event playing music (ie. accordion players, banjo/string bass duets, etc.). The parade starts at 1:30 every year and is huge! 5 area high school marching bands perform along the route, tons of church and non-profit floats, way too many people walking with politicians and candy is given out by many. Grab a seat somewhere away from the corner of Walnut and 2nd St. (by the library / Biergarten) since that can be a little crowded. Regarding what food to eat, ugh, that's tough to say. There's so much good from which to choose. The Sati-babi is always a crowd favorite (hunks of flame-grilled pork on a stick) along with the apple dumpling (which usually sells out). If you go away hungry, you weren't trying hard enough. Finally, the Biergarten. The logistics are pretty good with coming in and leaving, but they could have a little more room at the line to get your beer. I could have just gone at a time when they were doing contests (ie. stein holding, etc.) and that caused a bit of a bottleneck. The choices are pretty good with plenty of the mass-produced watered-down stuff (Bud Light, etc.) but they have a nice selection of German-style and local beers (ie. Spaten, Salt Creek Brewery (Bedford, IN), etc.). Hats off to the organizers and all the volunteers. So much of the event proceeds go to local non-profits. What a fun way to support good causes.

The MCPL definitely deserves 5 stars and has always served as a B-town staple. I love that there's…read morea drive through during normal times. It makes navigating multiple kids, nap time, and everyday chaos so much easier. Currently the drive through is closed bc our COVID numbers are dangerous. The MCPL has found an easy way to protect their staff and customers by creating an appointment based pickup system. It's easy - 1) you place your items on hold 2) you'll get an email when your hold requests become available 3) you book an appointment at a day/time of your convenience 4) park your car in the lot and enter the lobby through there. The holds are placed alphabetically and you take your items only (they ask you not to touch anything that's not for you). Masks are required and they have disposable ones in ziplock baggies if you need. I love that they've found a way to keep books and other library items accessible through it all. They have some of the best selection I've seen (for kids and adults alike), along with always stellar customer service. They even have crafting kits you can request! And toys you can get on loan (not sure if that one's possible during COVID but it sure is great during normal times). Super love this library and very thankful for it.

I Love That Library It Has All Kinds Of Books, Movies,…read moreGames, And Music! I Would Love Go To Back Sometimes And Borrow More 9/10

Big disclaimer. Libraries are for people, and university libraries are really for students, and I…read morewandered in with no intention of studying or getting information -- only to gawk and admire a showy display of botanical books as I kicked around campus. Given that the Lilly Library is set aside for rare books and special collections, it's probably not the favorite of most students. But this little place is a beaut, and we waltzed in, were greeted with nothing but smiles, and I just stumbled right across the room and there was that Gutenberg Bible staring right back at me, flanked by John Ford's Oscars and lovely Audubon prints and plenty of other nice items set out to tickle my fancy. Libraries should be publicly funded, not propped up by endowments from pharmaceutical companies, and that includes showy little libraries. But there are worse things you can do with a big pile of pharma money than to build a little palace for the people.

What an incredible collection! Free, and a true campus gem.read more

This place is the best! The librarians are so nice but take library cards without telling you.read more

I am constantly pleased to live in a county with such a good library and to have a branch as fine…read moreas Ellettsville. Staff are always so gracious and pleasant. Loans or transfers come from the main library so efficiently that my requests online take only a couple of days and I do not need to go downtown. Parking is usually (but not always) available without hassle. Inside is clean and fresh an open. We should all have an annual, appreciate your library day. People just do not realize what a huge thing this is if they have always enjoyed these benefits! They have also had the easy check out for years, buzz your card, press your pin, pop down your book and hey presto, you are out the door. I love to speak to the librarians but when they are busy or I am ni a hurry this is terrific.

This library has a small town feel with a big sense of community…read more As with most public libraries in Indiana, the Shelby County Public Library's roots were enabled by a $20,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie in 1901. The original Neo-Classical building opened June 1903 in Shelbyville and bears Carnegie's name. The limestone facility has undergone several renovations and expansions resulting in today's library complex, which includes the main building and annex. The main building houses adult books, dvd's, and other reading materials. There are a few tables and comfy chairs to study or read. The older Carnegie portion houses large print books and retains some of the original woodwork and leaded-glass doors. The lower level of the library houses the Children's library collection with play, learning areas and publicly available computers. The area has a recently added sensory wall. During my visit, the area was packed with boisterous children and parents for a summer event. There was a distinct energy in the space. To the east of the main building, the annex houses genealogy and history resources. The staff is busy helping patrons throughout the complex. The sprawling, busy library has a campus feel. Patrons come to socialize as well as find reading material. There is a lovely courtyard behind the main building with dedicated parking. Additional free street parking is available in front of the buildings.

This library is easy to find and located close to a CVS, not far from Walmart or fast food…read moreestablishments. The computer room is across the street which is highly inconvenient. There are several tables but, they lack a lot of outlets for those with laptops. They are unaware of hope to operate the scanning machine. They are nice to talk with and very willing to assist you but, they lack a lot of knowledge when it comes to higher levels of technological needs.

The Selection Of Movies Was Jam Packed! The Service Was Good…read moreAnd The Value Was Great And Cheap 10/10 If You Want To Buy Some Movies That Is Not Goodwill, I Recommend This Place!

Great store with lots of selection. They have some cool vintage items and lots of older books. The…read moredeals are great and you can get most items for $4 or less in my experience. Also, they do lots of incredible sales!

Love love love this library! We are frequent patrons of this library. Our family has a great time…read morehere. Our son has read over 1000 books over 4 years n is thirsty for more great reading experiences. We love abundant resources for learning and information. We also love their movies DVD rentals options. Love it!

Excellent library. Everything you could want and apparently overcoming our government's war on…read moreeducation.

The main branch of the Louisville library located at 4th and York is in a beautiful building,…read morewhich, according to a plaque, was built between 1905 and 1908 and donated as a gift from Andrew Carnegie. While a gorgeous building, I can't properly rate it as I haven't used the library as a patron -- I haven't borrowed a book or spent time in there studying, so I don't really know how good a library it is. But as a tourist passing by, it was a good place to stop in for a look at the architecture and to use their washroom and fill up our water bottles, which was very much needed on such a hot day. [Yelp collections: Louisville/Indianapolis 2023; Louisville, KY 2023; Libraries and Bookstores; Pee for free!]