Full disclosure, I've been a docent with Jacksonville Public Library for a couple of years now, and I'm a raving fan! If you're not already plugged in, subscribe to their emails! Every week, special events happen at branches all over the city. From author presentations like "Lit Chats" (ranging from local authors to James Patterson, yes, the James Patterson!) to special events like the Candlelight Concert series, there's something for everyone. PRO TIP: The $1M Memory Lab on the 4th floor of the Main Library downtown is FREE to use with a JPL card. Ask the Special Collections librarians for help, bring a thumb drive for downloads, and you're all set! read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - The Grand Reading Room on the 4th floor of the Main Library Downtown - look up to see Artist Al Held's last public work! - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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I love this venue... the place is always accommodating to this awesome event for Yelp. Parking is easy and affordable. The venue, the entertainment the amount of people who came spectacular is always. #YelpEvents #great job #asianstreetfoodfest#Asianfoodinjacksonville read more

Attended Candlelight concert entitled The Music Of Queen and More. We had easy street parking near the rear entrance of the library, which is the entrance for the concert. No meter fees since it was 6:00. Parking Lots aren't free. The concert began at 6:45, a bit after the scheduled 6:30. The website insists no late arrivals will be admitted, so beware. We really enjoyed this event. The tickets are reasonably priced. We sat in Zone A but any seat in the house would have yielded the same experience, imo. We arrived shortly after 6. With seating first come first served, we were seated center, second row aisle. The seats are roomy and reasonably comfortable for this hour long event. The venue was absolutely beautiful with all the candles. The string quartet played a mix of Queen (all the popular faves) and works from Mozart and Puccini as well as a few others. I'm very much looking forward to taking in another of these concerts. If you are interested there is another Queen offering upcoming so check out their website as they are offering many others here and other Jacksonville venues. Feverup.com. I'm eyeing the Valentine's Day concert on February 13, 2026, but I'm trying Zone C this time. read more

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This free event was an incredible last-minute find on Instagram! I always love the local events that @Cre8jax shares--big thanks to him for spotlighting fun things to do in and around Jacksonville. It was my first time back at the Jacksonville Public Library since visiting with our wonderful Community Manager Rachel back in April, and it did not disappoint! The Naturally Art exhibition was such a unique experience. It featured light snacks, juice, local honey tastings, a live flutist, an interactive game to enhance your art exploration, and thoughtful souvenirs to take home. One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to share your favorite Jacksonville park, which earned you a packet of flower seeds to plant during your next visit--a fantastic way to give back to nature! Everyone working the event was incredibly friendly and welcoming. With the library just six minutes from my house, attending this was a true delight. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more free events like this! read more

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We love Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library. The staff is welcoming and always ready to help. The selection includes not just a wide range of books, but also a children's library, teen spaces, an art gallery, and community programs. The amount of resources and experiences available at no cost makes this place an amazing value. It's a space we keep coming back to. read more

I use the Jax library app so I rarely go to the building but I saw they were having a popcon and I had to go! I didn't know what to expect but it began outside of the library when I ran into a cute cosplayer. Why I didn't expect people to dress out I don't know. There were so many vendors and things for all ages to participate in. After walking through the vendors I headed downstairs and watched D&D play, they didn't mind explaining the play to me either. I went into another room and they had comics and anime books to cut out and make your own pin! I chose Sailor Moon and it came out great! I then went into the electronic game room where kids were able to play varied games, needless to say the room was full of gamers. I then sat in a kids story time that was pretty cool. It was for the under 5 group but I just sat in the back and listened. I like KPop so I hung out until 3pm to see the KPop dance group performance. Let me just say the library did an awesome job. The last time I came to the building was last year to use their VCR to thumb drive machine. Yea, I was able to digitize my old VCR tapes for free, it's time consuming but it's also free! It's all free too! read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Love the Jacksonville Main Library . Great location ! Lovely arts exhibit on the main floor next to the awesome teen center that my son loves so much . The spaces are huge and welcoming . We also love the atrium area upstairs it's a nice outdoor area and great for having lunch. It's my favorite library in the city ! read more

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This library is beautiful! My favorite room is the 3rd floor map room. I came here to find some copies of old city docs and the librarians were super helpful! Everyone is kind here and the place is clean. They have a small art gallery on the first floor. There are two paid parking garages nearby and street parking, so it's fairly easy to find a spot. Lots of food places nearby as well. read more

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I came to the Jacksonville Public Library for the Jax Book Fest 2020 at the Main Library. To say I was impressed was an understatement. First the building is so impressive from the outside and grand. I love the large owls on the building. When I stepped into the main library with my mom and little nugget, we were greeted by a bunch of different vendors (WJCT, local news affiliates, library staff). The lobby had about 10 different vendors, and to the side, there was a local bookstore selling books. Of course we couldn't pass up purchasing a dinosaur popup for the nugget. Then we walked into the main level of the library, where there were dozens of authors selling their books. To say this made my heart happy is an understatement. I love books and I always have such fond memories of growing up in grade school having authors come to our school, read their books, and then signing the said books for us. We got up close and personal interactions with some very talented authors at this event. We purchased books from the following authors: Becky Cummings (such a lovely author) and made sure to write three separate personal messages to nugget in each of the three books we purchased, Jessie Miller, who wrote a book about her adopted pup, Winnie and we got to meet Winnie, Nancy Raines Day, who was just lovely and wrote nugget a special message, and our new favorite book "Tinx just stinks and Charlie Doesn't" by Jason Woods. The author, Jason Woods took the time to read almost the whole book to nugget, and was so animated. He was super awesome! There was a full two floors of authors. It was such a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Pros: -Great space for the event -So great to see so many authors -Ability to have up close and personal time with authors, who would also sign their book for you Cons: -Parking can be a bit of a nightmare downtown Tips: Put this festival on your calendar for next year, what a fantastic way to support authors and a love of reading! read more

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A stunning venue filled with life, knowledge and community mindset. Contrary to the libraries of yesteryear, the Jacksonville Public Library is much more than a place to pick up the Great American Novel. The possibilities are endless! From community events to informative classes for children and adults, to exquisite art exhibits to a free wifi hub or even a remote getaway from the real world, there are hundreds of things to do here. Apparently, it's even become a wedding destination! I've scheduled meetings, moseyed around the courtyard on a beautiful day, and even camped out in a comfy chair with a good read for hours. The versatility here is quite remarkable. Plus, any employee I've ever encountered has been incredibly helpful to my requests. If you haven't been to a library in awhile, I encourage you to visit the Downtown location. The architecture, artwork, and cleanliness of the facility alone allow for a humble stroll or change of scenery. read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Art exhibition - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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Our local library is always a good idea and its beautiful inside. I have been bringing my son to this library for years and its ways been an adventure. I was blessed recently to come for a Yelp Event to benefit the local library. Please invest in our local libraries so that we can keep them open and thriving. read more

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Wow! Just Beautiful!! This library is HUGE!! They offer so much! Books, computers, board games, events, Art displays, beautiful outdoor space for weddings or meetings. They also have a whole space for arts and craft classes, for kids and adults. Wonderful public facilities! read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Making a "Grace" scarf with Rethreaded...very cool event and free! - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville is so lucky to have such a wonderful library like this magnificent one. It's three stories high. They have plenty of computers available for people to use. We had a Yelp Event here and we were able to donate/contribute around $7000.00 to help the library. If you have not visited this library, then you should. read more

I attended a two day project management conference hosted by the PMI North East Florida Chapter at the Main Library Conference Center on Main Street. The facility was very nice offering several conference rooms so you could have multiple siminars going on at one time. It was clean and inviting. Although the rooms were a little cooler than my preference but at least they weren't too warm so as to put us all to sleep. The restrooms were clean and smelled fresh. The second day there was only one soap dispenser with soap and the handicap restroom had a sink and dryer but no soap dispenser. Catering, which I do not believe was associated with the library, was good both days. With snacks being offered between breakfast and lunch and after lunch. There is a parking garage accoss the street which makes parking very convenient! I would attend another conference here as well as suggest using the library for your conference needs. read more

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More people should read. Reading whatever is on your screen is cool. But every so often (like once every other week) you should make it a habit of getting a book from your local library and reading it. FOR FREE! Make it a group/family event. Create a book club off whatever you like - ask the librarians! They are great resoures to help you set it up. And there are plenty of awesome space to host in the library. This location is ideal because there are plenty of food options before or after a visit near by. And it freaking beautiful architecture and artwork throughout. Even a rainy day is sweet here. I love the reading room on the top floor. Complete isolation surround by plenty of people. Being antisocial has it's moments. Ideal study space or hidden shelter to just get lost in your thoughts while writing in your journal or into the story of a good book. Budgets continue to shrink and hours are becoming more limited. Prove that our libraries deserves to remain open by taking full advantage while they are still here. read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

The downtown library is more than your neighborhood book depot. Located downtown in the same square as the courthouse, the museum of contemporary art, hemming park and the elevated rail line. Multiple floors and an endless number of books as well as audio and visual media They frequently have exhibits such as the current photo exhibit. There are children's areas with interactive exhibits. The building is beautiful with marble and stone work. So beautiful that it is often used as a wedding venue as well as to host other events. I love browsing the endless rows of books when I'm around. read more

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Such a beautiful library! There was a huge selection of books on 4 different floors and it was so awesome to just walk around. It's very clean, and well-kept too. I think there was going to be a wedding and wedding reception there on the stairs of the 3rd floor, which is a pretty neat idea. read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

As we have been coming here weekly for almost 10 years I felt it was time to write a review. First off, my family loves to read so of course you have to visit a library frequently. Also the Jax library system has terrific classes for adults, teens and kids. My daughter has been coming to art and dramarama for many years and is a familiar face to all the staff in the children's department. The staff are all very helpful and friendly. There are so many resources available via their website as well. You can check out e-books, audiobooks, and movies for your electronic devices read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - New books!!! - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

Great place for kids. This is September's Activities Calendar. All second floor is for kids. They have Story time, Arts creation, Family craft. My kids loved it read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

This library is awesome! It's definitely a place you and the family can hangout for hours because they have so much to offer. The library is huge and has 4 floors with books, interactive activities for people of all ages, artist displays, chess/ card tables, a map room, and an outside patio where you can catch some sun rays while you read and it can be rented out for events. I particularly liked the 3D display of the affected areas of the Jacksonville Fire from the early 1900s. Pree I even picked up a book and learned how to make an Origami heart on the spot! Gotta love it.. but don't take my word for it, go check it out for yourself.. Stay Yelping my friends! read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Origami.....one of the many things you can learn at the library - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I am a huge bookworm, and I always enjoy coming to the library for a new book, whether it is for my book club or just for fun. This is one of the oldest libraries in Jacksonville, and the most convenient location where I can place a hold and walk during my lunch break to pick up the book. There is always someone working at the front desk so that I don't have to drop off the book in the book return and can simply hand to them. Although some of the homeless come in and take naps or hang out, the majority of them are quiet and actually are reading books. There's always a special event going on, so make sure to sign up for the newsletter. There are about four different floors divided up between different genres, and you can get to them by stairs or elevators. The library is available for weddings and receptions, which I think would be the coolest wedding ever! read more

This is a wonderful library that everyone needs to go to at least once. Five floors, an outside patio with a fountain, skylights, windows with great views, lots of comfortable seating and books, books and more books. The elevators and bathrooms are always clean and maintained. The librarians are cheerful, polite, and seem like they have their dream job. There is always some sort of display/exhibit going on, scattered on different floors. read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - The Honor Garden at the Main Library, for patrons to add family service members. - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

One word: BEAUTIFUL. Even though it has obviously been restored, there is still that subtle old and cozy library smell hanging around. The courtyard on the 2nd floor is so quiet and shady and peaceful (except of course for the sound of the fountain, but it's pleasant background noise)...matter of fact, the whole library just has the kind of atmosphere that forces you to whisper. I know that is typical of a library, but the acoustics in this grand building are so on point that if you raise your voice even slightly, it feels like everyone can hear you (I found that out the hard way lol). The staff is so polite; I ended up having a pleasant political and history of Jacksonville convo with one of the librarians and come to find out she was also the librarian of the small town in NC that I grew up in! Used to read to me in the children's groups and everything! It's a small world after all :-) The children's section is so cozy and more kid friendly then I thought it would be...there were plenty of crumb snatchers around but I tell ya, there is something about the library that forces a hush over everyone...if I walked in with my eyes closed, I would never have known there were any children in there! There were parents tucked away in cozy corners reading to their children as well, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy (I desire a large family of my own!)...it was such a peaceful sight to see. There is a Children's Theater as well, with a Mother Owl that reads to the kids and tells stories...not a real owl folks, she's animatronic :-) There is also a lot of art and history everywhere, and the friendly librarian told me about how they are a big factor in the Art Walk (which I am going to miss because I work late!! *sad face*), so I can only imagine how festive it becomes. Even better is that once you leave there and are in an artsy mood, you can satisfy that craving for culture right next door at the Art Museum. I also found out that because of lack of funding, they will be losing librarians which spelled out to me that if they are in danger of losing staff, we are at risk of losing this beautiful old building. I am sure there are ways to donate for the cause; I for one am going to find out how and get involved...I haven't been down here in Jax long, but I can already see that we can't afford to lose this library....think of the children! lol read more

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I hate the hours for the downtown library and the parking is horrendous, but this is my favorite library!! Since it's so big, of course they have computers that will usually accommodate whoever comes in... Unless it's packed. There's a place where you can eat on the third floor I believe, it's outside and it almost feels like a small town in a foreign country... So pack a lunch and bring a date!! The employees are usually cheerful and it stays clean for the most part so it's a winner for me! Hours change throughout the week, so keep up with that and check out some books! read more

I travel to the Main Street Library WEEKLY! Free books (and air conditioning) on a Saturday morning are my recipe for a good time. I love walking by the colorful Yarn-bombed Hemming Plaza and looking up at the GIANT golden owl sculpture towering above before I enter. The interior is a book-lover's haven, complete with an Italian fountain on the second floor with bistro tables, palm trees, and a not-so-stunning view from the second story. The Children's Section has a dynamic DRAGON snaked around the open floor with plush seats inviting you to read a book to your little one. The Children's Section is also vibrantly decorated with long stalks of grass mounted on the sides of each book row along with toadstool seats! I specifically want to write about my experience LAST Saturday in the Children's Section. My baby has finally reached the important pinnacle of LIKING it when we read to her! Besides Dr. Seuss, what kind of books are interesting for both the baby AND the parents? I was at a loss so I asked the librarian, Marie, for some advice. Marie's eyes sparkled and I clearly saw the ignited fire of a librarian on a mission! She quickly grabbed books left and right, passionately describing how humorous each one was and how we'd enjoy them even if the baby couldn't understand them yet. Our favorites that Marie recommended was, Falling for Rapunzel by Leah Wilcox and Tadpole's Promises by Jeanne Willis. [If you want to read something REALLY funny, go read the reviews on Tadpole's Promise on Amazon after you're through with the book!] In Falling for Rapunzel, Rapunzel has a hearing problem and hilarity ensues. Marie was SO helpful that I have decided to come to her on a regular basis so she can load me up with more entertaining children's books! I was dazzled by her knowledge and passion. She even took a family photo of "baby's first library trip!" Not only is the library lovely to visit in person, but you can also go online and choose what books you are interested in. Once the book is chosen, you select which library location you want those books sent to. In less than a week (sometimes longer if there's a queue for the book) you will receive an email notifying it's ready at your library of choice for a pick up! Easy Peasy! [Insiders Tip: There IS a Book Drop Off section at the Main Street Library. Go AROUND the corner from MOCA and you'll see a wooden awning. The drop off is under the awning.] I'll see you at the library! read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Baby's first library trip! - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I wish you were in a safe neighborhood but I pick my battles. You make up for it with the amazing kids section!!! I love the entrance to the children's area because it's a huge garden grass area with little hide and seek areas my baby loves to play in. Amazing and passionate librarians that offer puppets and puzzles for kids to play and learn. read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Kids section seating area - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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This is one of the coolest libraries around. There are so many interesting spaces, architectural features, displays, reading areas, and friendly librarians. The old map collection displayed on the fourth floor is cool. The grand stairwell and its murals are pretty stunning. The reading room with table lamps in long rows is funky. The second floor deck area with pool/fountain and palms is terrific. There is also a balcony higher up. The library is huge and well worth exploring.They also host lots of events. Enjoy this downtown gem!!! And there's a nice indie clothing store, kettle popcorn store and bookstore/ cafe next door read more

Love love love the new children's section! Came here on a field trip with my youngest daughter and loved the new children's wing. It is a nature themed area with a large grass field that you walk through upon entering. You hear crickets and the breeze and it makes you feel like a tiny bug in the grass. Inside there is a big boat couch that allows for children to sit and pretend they are pirates. There are dolphins and whales and waves on the bookshelves. It is a gorgeous building with an outdoor fountain as well. I am imagining a beautiful wedding among those books and that fountain. It is just a dream to me. Definitely want to go back and exprlerience it more. read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Main entrance of the library - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

I love this library! It's so modern but yet so historical, I went by today to get a new library card and I saw them taking down this beautiful gallery! Definitely can't wait to see the next one, great artist. read more

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Love the downtown library. Went there today for a little exercise for mom . Look in the books with mom. Beautiful building lots of resources and I hope I get to go to the yelp party there! read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

There are not many places that can offer as much as a good public library! Knowledge, knowledge and more knowledge. Plus lots of cool exhibits, presentations, art, performances and more. Learn a language, travel to the far reaches of the planet or explore the solar system. read more

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This library is amazing. Wonderful departmentalized layout. Always a good idea to check out the children's section since it's so cute! Wonder through the different floors for art from area schools and competitions they have. Wonderful events as well, so sign up for their emails! They support local authors, art and more. Plus, the librarians are pretty stellar and there to help. read more

This library is so neat. Fountains, art work. neat theaters for book readings, activities taking place, friendly and helpful staff, and lots and lots of books and other media. Went today with my 20 month old to the Jax Book Fest. Tons of authors, panels, activities for kids of all ages. Neat event. I feel like it wasnt advertised very well because there were not as many people there as you would expect for such a large event. It made me feel bad for the authors which covered every floor. Will return! read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Outside the main entrance - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

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So, I wasn't here for a scholarly pursuit, but for a wedding. Also ashamed to confess, this was my first time in the downtown library, but hey, we all have to start somewhere, right? The actual wedding was held outside at the courtyard, and it was absolutely beautiful. From the palm trees, to the long, rectangular fountain in the middle, this was an amazing venue... and the weather on this October evening was perfect. They held part of the reception on the second floor, which was pretty cool as well. You got to look over the first floor, while sipping on your drink and the marble staircases are brilliant. I'm not sure if the security officers came with the library or not, but a few of them were pretty rude, but I might have been too, working on a Saturday night and trying to herd the festive drunks. While my inner Yelper is screaming, this isn't the normal consumer experience, my inner event planner is screaming.... talk to someone at the library about booking that courtyard today! read more

I LOVE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. And owls. So when I read in Jibreel's review that the downtown Jacksonville public library had a giant owl outside- well, I just had to make a quick trip downtown to check it out it for myself. First things first, this library is humongous and was obviously recently remodeled. Although I do love that musty smell that comes with a library that's rich in history and has been there forever, I also can appreciate the newness of a brand new knowledge center. Everything is sparkling clean, immaculately organized, and user friendly. There's even a used nonprofit bookstore inside as well as a cafe that I did not try but it looked good. So back to my search for the giant owl... I walked in a large circle outside the building looking for my wise friend and when I became too frustrated to look any further I spotted the handy dandy information desk in the center of the first floor. A nice older gentleman was more than happy to guide me to the perfect spot for a viewing of the owl (kitty corner from the library on Monroe and N Laura). Not only is it a giant owl but there's also a large big book and an old fashioned giant key behind him. Since I also happen to have a love for keys, I was even more excited about this discovery. If you haven't been to this library, all I can say is, what are you waiting for? Free book borrowing, DVD/CD rentals, in our economy? It's a no brainer! Furthermore, we need to continue to support these free to the public establishments at all costs (or none as it may be!). They are under funded and I hate to think of a day when they may not be around anymore. read more

My grandson and I when to the Library to use there computer to print out paper work he needed they have so many other things you can use or check out like books, exercise tapes, they even have a sewing class during the day so check them out at the main Library downtown on Laura St. read more

Very cool library. Clean, modern, spacious, striking interior and courtyard, and nice and quiet throughout. Arts and crafts exhibits on the landing included sections of the AIDS Quilt. It's not my local branch and I've already got too much stuff checked out from the Pablo Creek branch, so I didn't go hunting for books or media, but I can tell you that some other city libraries I've visited could sure learn a thing or two from this one. I also got a kick out of how many of the PC stations were tuned into YouTube, online games or solitaire -- rough estimate would be 56%. Oh, and in the gift shop, we found a LIFE magazine from 1939 selling for only $15. It featured all those goofy old-timey ads as well as stories that were real eye-openers, like the photo of the newly elected KKK leader and a piece about a German consul visiting San Francisco and giving a speech behind a lectern with a swastika on it, not to mention some by-the-by news about Hitler. In 1939. In LIFE magazine. Wow. read more

I would have given 5 stars by wifi is spotty through out. But this is one my places to visit as far as libraries I only Like New York and Miami better (as far of look). read more

Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Jacksonville, Florida

A public building I like to linger in for hours. The light that streams in the reading room is beautiful and my children love the Media specialists in the kids section second floor. The children's programs on the 2nd floor are amazing (Ms. Marie is the best) and the teen area always interests my teen because basically adults loitering here are frowned upon (unless you're Ms. Mia) which, let's face it, is always a bonus for teens. Adult free zone. I know there are critics of the architecture of this library but I'm thrilled the Main Library lives on Laura Street downtown. The 2nd floor courtyard is a great place to enjoy being outdoors when the weather is perfect and when it's not, the cool of the indoors is always a welcome respite. read more

There are always bums in our nice new downtown main library. I guess they come in to sleep, use the bathrooms, read Faust or maybe check their myspace pages. At least they stay tucked away in corners and don't ak for money. At any rate, this is a good library. Four floors of books, an awesome children's section, dvd's and music, a neat cartography hall, an outdoor courtyard and solid wifi connection. There's also a bookstore (in the library?!), a coffee shop and a giant stone owl reading a book at the front entrance. Oh, and sometimes they screen movies in the lower level - I caught Ziggy Stardust there a few months back. read more