Fantastic library! Heavy on children's selections. Seems like they've got a lot of great programming for children, too. It's a beautiful, clean, well-kept building with an easy parking lot. There's some great study tables upstairs. Spots to sit alone, collaborative tables, some couches/chairs, and even some separate rooms you can rent out. I'm unsure if you have to reserve these ahead of time, but I saw several people using them, primarily to take video calls. read more

See all

Beautiful library with a lot of programs for all ages. Very nice and helpful librarians.

The O'Neal Library in Mountain Brook is definitely one of the nicest libraries I have been to. It is a great size. Not too big nor small. It is two floors. I took part in their mini haunted house craft event and their open makerspace craft labs lately and loved them! The have a button maker, 3D printer, and all kinds of other craft supplies. read more

See all

This spot has become my go-to to get my work done. It's nice and clean and just went under an extensive remodel. I'm glad they are open again. The staff is nice and friendly. I look forward to future visits. read more

O'Neal Library - View from the 2nd floor study room - Libraries Near Me - Mountain Brook, Alabama

This is my go-to library. Librarians are great. And the study/work rooms are a terrific resource for those who need to get off-site to work. There are a zillion activities with librarians who are super-passionate about getting kids to read. The WiFi is fantastic. They even have free coffee on the second floor, making them aces in my book. There are two things that keep this from being a great library, however: 1) The noise. The architect was a bonehead, I have to say. The second floor is open to the first floor, so you hear every single extraneous noise when people walk into the place. Every conversation, every toddler's scream, whatever, comes filtering up to the second floor. And, during the summer time, it sounds like Chuck-e-Cheese with all the kids coming in for activities and the whatnot. Good luck trying to concentrate in all that. At the same time, the grownups don't seem to be any better-behaved. Mind you, I'm not one of those officious library Nazis who come unglued at every little noise. I'm talking about grownups having non-stop conversations in normal speaking voices. It's especially bad in the periodicals department where the same group of old men sit around, read newspapers, and bitch about the government nonstop like a really grumpy Greek chorus. You mention this to the librarians and they roll their eyes in agreement, but seem powerless to stop it. 2) The selection. Gotta say it. The Emmet O'Neal Library is thin on the classics, but has the world's biggest selection of beach books. Every potboiler from the year 1970 onward is on the shelves, but try to find a good classic. One of my reading projects has been to work my way through the Modern Library's Top 100 novels. Mind you, these are the most important books of the past century. Yet it's really hit-and-miss on whether they'll be found on the shelves. But they have every syllable Andrew Greeley or Jackie Collins has ever typed. read more

Probably one of the most impressive libraries I've visited before! I haven't been to a library in a while, but we bring the daughter here for story time! She enjoys it! On Saturday a guy plays the guitar and sings stories to the kids. This library has a lot to choose from and is located in a good spot! This library encourages me to come more because of the amenities they offer unlike most. read more

O'Neal Library - Libraries Near Me - Mountain Brook, Alabama

See all

I have taken a group of teenagers to this library multiple times and every time they have been able to find their books quickly and have walked out with several interesting books that I never would have thought they would have picked out! I love the layout of the place, with all of the books teenagers would really be interested in being on the second floor so that I can easily keep an eye on them all while they browse to the books. The staff has always been really helpful and I even notice that there is free coffee offered in the afternoon. What a wonderful touch. read more

Very nice library, if you need a place to study, read, or just chill out this is the place for you. They serve free coffee on the second floor if your into that and have one of the biggest collections of books I have ever seen. They also have sound proof rooms for you to study with a tutor, work on your computer, read, or have a meeting. There are many tables and comfy armchairs for you to read, study, or work. They have a floor for Childrens books, appropriate DVDs and movies, audiobooks, games, and story time on some days. My only complaint is that sometimes, if there isa loud noise downstairs, you can hear it since there is a large stairwell that leads to the top floor.but overall, it is a great library and great for all purposes no matter if you are a kid or a adult. read more

Chris's review has a lot of the same concerns that mine would have. Way too much noise, child bedlam, ineffective parents, people talking in any area no matter who is trying to concentrate and bad architectural design although it is pretty. Recently I had to move from one area in the Wi-Fi area section because someone across the table from me brought her lunch and finally the crunching and crumbs was just too much. That said, I will say the staff is very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. They will go out of their way to help you find a book or resource. They can only do so much to reign people in to be quiet and thoughtful. This library has become more of a community center than a library which is a shame. read more

This is the best library I have ever used. The staff is consistently friendly and helpful. They love books and are happy to share their knowledge. If they don't have a book available, they will order it for you and send you an email when it arrives. I especially enjoy browsing the new books shelves and frequently try new authors from there. The building is lovely, with many different areas for seating,from carrels to couches. Restrooms are always spotless. When I leave Birmingham, this will be the place I miss the most. Thanks to the director and staff for providing such a great library! read more

I am very impressed with this community resource. Booked the community conference room for some talks with my staff this weekend and couldn't have asked for more from the minimal booking fee. The space itself is fabulous and most accommodating for the gathering of a large staff of 70-100 employees. The technology and equipment was all working properly and easily accessible. I must also mention that the staff was on point! I had no trouble getting my questions answered and the reservation process was online and simple. Librarians are knowledgeable, friendly, and welcoming. I will be recommending this space to my colleagues and fellow entrepreneurs in need of a large meeting space. read more