The Southfield Public Library is fantastic! It's a gathering space with FREE rooms to meet for small groups in addition to having Video Conference rooms for Zoom meetings(for one person). There's three floors with a separate section for children, teens and adults along with the traditional categories. They hold book readings, used book sales and author talks. I love that the library is centrally located. Clean restrooms and the library very well organized. They even have a mobile app! Decor is nice with plenty of space and artwork. The staff is pleasant and helpful. The library is very well used and busy and that's a good thing! read more

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Southfield Public Library is not only a great asset to the Southfield community. It is also a tourist attraction for the Metropolitan Detroit area. It is acclaimed to be one of the finest libraries in the country. It is wonderful to have a third generation of my family enjoying and discovering all that the library has to offer. My granddaughter loves the children's room. Her imagination gets to run with the kitchen play area, doll house, puzzles, puppets and the books. This puts me in the mind of the Dr. Seuss book, Oh The Places You Will Go! The library has plenty of room and space for the whole family. Parents please note: You MUST keep your children with you at all times. You also can not drop your children off and leave them unattended for their safety. read more

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I love this library! It's so beautiful! Such a relaxing atmosphere and it makes me happy to be here. I love all the art, sculptures, and decor. The lobby is so bright and I enjoy all the windows. Multiple levels and so many areas to explore. They even have one person conference rooms. Sometimes I go there just to write. Library cards expire ever year on your birthday. It's easy to renew. Very friendly staff. Located in the municipal complex, you'll find all the city departments here, police station, recreation centers, and more. Plenty of free parking in the large parking lot. Underground parking too. read more

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I went today 11/19/2025 and was help by a fantastic young lady on the 3rd floor. her name was Ana Kara, I needed her help a numerous of times. Each time she was polite like it was my first. read more

Southfield Public Library is a beautiful place to read, relax, learn or meet. It is a beautiful, peaceful work of art. The staff is nice and the children's area is comfortable. I highly recommend it as a place to visit weekly, with kids or just for your own learning enrichment time. read more

We were going to go to the jewelry show at the nearby civic center but decided to pay a visit to the library instead. At 57 I'm still a bit of a bookworm and love visiting libraries. This was one huge, beautiful library! I gave it a one star ding because the Friends of the Library bookstore wasn't open on a Saturday and they didn't have a vending machine where you could buy snacks or a cup of coffee. I loved that there were plenty of conference rooms, luxurious seating by beautiful fireplaces, option to sit outside, there was even a huge puzzle that you could sit down and participate in putting the puzzle together. There was plenty of places where you could sit and plug in your device to work. There was a large book area dedicated to children on the first floor. Of course there was an extensive collection of books, magazines, dvd's, cd's, etc... This is the perfect place to relax and study. read more

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A very impressive library that is clean, modern, well stocked, well organized and well staffed. Just wow. Computers, books, media, lots of staff, lots of low lighting, seats everywhere. Just a super library! read more

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Simply heavenly! What Do I love about this library??? *Three floors with a magnificent children's area on the first floor *Many nice events offered at this library on a regular basis including book sales, jazz, readings... *gorgeous outdoor seating areas during warm months *automatic shades on windows (once I was sitting near a window and the sunlight was really getting to me to the point I was about to move. Then suddenly the shade started to lower. I'm not sure if it was per someone else's request or if a staff member saw me uncomfortable, but a very nice feature) *regal ladies rooms (can't speak for the gents, but probably just as nice ;-) *awesome DVD media *ample quiet study/group rooms *wireless printing from your own device *helpful staff *it's huge *it's beautiful This place is a must-see! read more

This library is one of the best libraries I have ever been to. It's huge and the architect is beautiful. The people here are nice as well. I will be coming here a lot for peace. read more

I love this library. They have everything I need. Meeting rooms, books, tapes, videos, dvds, free wifi. The only downside is that they allow people to use the meeting rooms as long as they want. Also, the tennis next door is great with lit courts...people love them...they are ALWAYS full at night read more

I've been a patron since I was a kid. It's one of the most beautiful modern libraries in the metro Detroit area. Great programs, children's library, reference section, music and movie collection and light, airy study rooms upstairs. A fireplace and area to play outside. It's gorgeous and the librarians are awesome. Self checkout, book drop-off drive-thru, a coffee shop... everything you want in a library. read more

Beautiful place but terrible service due with many rudiest workers from up front library front desk,, at sine point, other department seems really cool Around media....... Nothing left fro children I find it so sad.. it's worthless to coem and put up oth nasty librarians read more

The behemoth Southfield Public Library on Evergreen Rd south of I-696 and is magnificent in every aspect of the word. The first thing you will notice as you walk in is the cleanliness and elegance. The first level is mostly dedicated to kids and features various exhibits like the storybook castle, dragon's den and reader's tree house and fire place. There is a set of spiraling stairs that take you to the 2nd and 3rd floors which house the conference rooms, copy rooms, books, computer area, DVDs, music, games and not to mention some squeaky clean hotel-esk restrooms. The staff are extremely friendly and are always willing to help. I would definitely recommend this library to anyone and a BIG KUDOS to the staff. read more

The library is the best part of living in Southfield. I always smile when I have trouble finding parking because it means it is being used by that many people. It alwasys has what you are looking for. Its also ridiculously user friendly, you can pick up and return books from your car, a great thing when the weather is bad. read more

Arugably the best library in Oakland County, the Southfield Public Library boasts computer labs, a cafe, and private meeting rooms for your study group. For kids, there is a beautiful, interactive tree house. There's also a cellar where monthly book sales take place. Take your family to the Southfield Public Library today!! read more

This place is great. I mean most libraries are but this place has a great staff and awesome book sales regularly. I go out of my way to visit the Southfield Library. read more

What a fabulous library! After having a minivan attempt to merge directly into my car (hey, buddy!) on 696, I was in need of a respite -- a peaceful place to do some work as well as calm down a bit. I was going to head to a coffee shop, but spotted the giant Southfield Public Library first. I'd heard great things about it, so decided this would be a much better place (sans steamer noises and chatter) to catch my breath and catch up on work. The library is huge, and their catalog seems vast. This alone doesn't make for a great library in my book, but the added features -- wonderful light, helpful/friendly staff, and an absolutely enchanting children's area and cool looking teen section had me sold (and hoping I could come back with a friend's child to have an excuse to explore those sections more)! The library is open until 9pm on weekdays, which is convenient, and though a lot of people upstairs (like me) were typing away on laptops and using the library as a sort of office, everyone was pretty quiet and respectful. The only surprising thing for me were the downstairs bathroom -- they were really pretty trashed. They were nicely set up and decorated, but were just really dirty/messy -- more like what I'd expect from a movie theater bathroom and not a library. But, still, that really couldn't tarnish my love of the space, the feeling, and my sense that this is truly an impressive, unique library! read more

Southfield's library is pretty close to perfect. It's business, video, music, and children's collections are in a league all their own in Michigan. Maybe the PLs in Boston or New York can compare, but none in Michigan. Some useful tidbits: Open Mon-Sat. Sundays as well during the school year. Bring photo ID and proof of residency to obtain your library card. If you are a member of another Oakland County library, bring that card as well. The coffee shop is inconsistent on it's best days. Biggby Coffee is kitty corner on Evergreen Road and little Timmy Horton's further south still. You can bring covered food and beverages into the SPL. I support the Friends of Southfield Library through their book sale-I just can't do the coffee shop any more. read more

Study Group Time! Okay, so it's time for us to get together for our final clss project. Since school is right down the street we decided to go here. I have heard about how nice this library is but until you go here you have to see it for yourself. We arrived early on a Saturday morning and wanted to get a meeting room. They are first come first serve. No reservations. Fortunately they had plenty. Dry erase board, plenty of outlets for our laptops. The people incharge on every floor were very helpful. Even though we had our own laptops I n oticed that there were plenty of computers for public and oh ya, books too! read more

This library is an A+ in my book. It's gigantic and has just about anything a person could want. Lots of table space, rows and rows of books, several private study rooms, several unique, interactive children's spaces, a cafe with decent offerings, balconies, fireplaces, nice bathrooms, free parking, and friendly staff. I've only had the opportunity to study here (and it is wonderful!!), but I look forward to browsing the books, audiobooks, movies, and magazines when school gives me my life back in 1.5 years. Great for relaxing with a book for a little while or having a marathon study session. Plus, Chipotle and Potbelly are across the street if you need a lunch break. read more

When I first walked into the children's wing of the SPL I was enchanted (they actually have an enchanted garden there). I was working as a teacher but had just received my Master's in Library Information Science and just knew that I had to work there. A short time later I got a job as a substitute librarian. Jobs and volunteer spots are hard to come by because that place is just sooo cool, everyone wants to be there! The only downfall was that the teenagers would sometimes get too rowdy, but the security (plainclothes and friendly yet stern when need be) handled them well. The youth librarian staff were young and a little "alternative"...not at all like you would expect librarians to be (and I'm not saying this just because I am a librarian). The youth wing can be a little loud, but I love to see kids excited about learning and technology, so its cool. The computers get taken quickly, so it is best, if you can, to bring your own and use the wireless. I have not been back in a few years, but I look forward to spending some time there working on my dissertation...the adult section is quieter and more appropriate for that type of work. read more

Okay, so I've been coming to this library for years having grown up in Southfield. I was actually a little girl when the library first opened and I remember how impressive it was (and still is!). This is a top notch library, like none I've ever seen. When family comes from out of town I show off the library because it really is a gem. There are always pretty cool art exhibits on the second floor and all sorts of community events going on, which is a great way to meet people from the community. SPL is clean, quiet and has plenty of space for quiet study. My friends and I loved to go to the library after school and spend time doing what teens do, luckily it is a great place for all ages as evidence from their unique children's section. One thing I will say is that security is pretty strict and they make their presence known, so rowdiness is nipped in the bud pretty quickly. I'm always able to find what I'm looking for and they have an amazing selection of books, movies, music and other media. The librarians are usually pretty friendly, every now and then they are a little sullen but they usually are able to assist as well. Overall though, the library does seem to be going down hill in some ways, an example is that there used to be an outer space section of the children's section that was really cool, but closed down permanently for some reason. There are other small changes that I've noticed, though they really don't detract from the overall wonder that this library is. Honestly I would have to say this is a big asset to the community. read more

This is an architectural marvel. Totally gorgeous inside and out. And did I mention huge?? For a suburban library, it's immense. Well organized, and the staff at the circulation desk was helpful the 2 times I used them. The only downside is their online selection of e-books is woefully small. So many books not available. Looks like they host a lot of events, too, like poetry readings, jazz concerts, book signings, skill learning.... very multi cultural, which I love to see. An excellent library which is really fun to visit. read more

Southfield has a newer, up to date library with an extensive movie and music collection, group study rooms, WiFi, sufficient staff, plenty of computers and seating. They have also have a cafe, which was already closed by 3pm (odd). Their hours are kind of funky. Some days they close at 5:30pm, others 9pm. I was just in between meetings and needed a place to do work on my laptop. This place did the trick. It's a bit bigger than I'd like (I like the Novi and Farmington Hills better), but this has everything you need. Oh unique touches I appreciated: Blinds go down during the sunnier parts of the day (helpful against the glare) and they have a tucked in outdoor area. It's small, but could be nice during the summer months. read more

This library is so vibrant and valued by the community that people often line up outside before it opens. The spacious study rooms, including white boards, make for great group study options, and the children's section makes reading and learning fun! I'm not going to lie, the sculpture in the lobby is awesome and probably one of my favorite parts of the building. Downside: ALWAYS check hours before you go, as their hours are kind of erratic, and I've seen them closed without really giving notice, especially around holidays. read more

The southfield public library started a trend around here about a library being more than a place that rents books. It's more a place to relax and unwind a have a multimedia experience. This library is great to get lost it. I never have a hard time finding a book, DVD or CD that I'm looking for. They also have abundant computers for internet access, a lot of private study/meeting rooms, and they really cater to the needs of kids and teens. My favorite part of the kids room is the tree house where you can curl up (literally) with a good book. If you live in Oakland County you can use any library in the library network. However make sure you bring your old library card, and proof that you live in Oakland county. Once I had to go get my car registration as proof. They are also one of the few libraries that has Sunday hours year-round. read more

Love love love this place. So clean and quiet. Everyone is respectful. Oh and the friends book sale is a steal! I bought my students 20 reading books for 7 dollars! That's amazing and I feel pretty good about helping the library out. Great clean quiet environment. read more

I travel all the way from Detroit to come to this Library it is soooo much better than any library in Detroit. It is even better than the main library in Detroit. I have had several private meetings in the meeting rooms inside of the library. The book selections is wonderful and the parking is great! They are even open on Sunday's during the school year. Thank God, because all of the library's in Detroit suck big time! read more

Holy Cow this place is great! Everyone is very friendly here and so helpful when you need assistance finding something. Extensive media available for checkout, and a convenient drive through for easy returns. read more

This is a nice spacious and open library. It's a beautiful building with 3 floors inside. The first floor is for kids and the upper 2 are for adults. These 2 upper floors have a variety of seating/desk arrangements you can choose from to work at + rooms to work in as well. The library is at a good volume enough for you to keep focused. There are also plenty of outlets! I definitely recommend this library :) read more

Now, you need a guest pass to use the computers. This is probably due to folks in the past being on the computer all day long, making it nearly impossible for others to have access to computers. I've had some pleasant and not so pleasant experiences with the employees at the front desk, some are okay and others have a bit of a tude. It's an ok place but I've experienced better read more

This is one of the best libraries in the area. The library offers a wide variety of activities and group meetings. My kids love it! The Southfield Public Library was one of the only libraries in the area that offered to carry my first published book. read more

The city of Southfield recently renovated the city's library and I must admit this is an awesome library! It has three floors. The first floor is the libraries section for the kids. It also houses the computer lab that offers internet access and microsoft office. You can print, scan or save to a flash drive in this lab. The second and third floors offer private rooms for study groups along with more computers and desk. You can pick up free passes for the local musuems and check the calendar for events such as work shops, plays and training classes. I save alot of money picking up my son's DVD's from here compared to the local video store. FREE is me! There is a coffee shop inside as well as a large meeting room where city officials often meet. The ONLY downside is the wait to use the computers in the lab. Other than that this is an awesome place to spend time with the kids. read more

Southfield Public Library - Southfield Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Southfield, Michigan

Of all of the libraries I've visited this is by far one of the bests. Comfortable seating, ample electrical outlets, not to mention they actually HAVE books! The Internet is the greatest but it'll connect you and keep you connected while you're here. But most of all? IT'S QUIET. It was awesome to come here and write and not need my headphones in order to drown out all of the loud and obnoxious kids running around like it's summer camp. Will DEFINITELY return to spend the entire day read more

I have been here on numerous occasions and this place is great. Great atmosphere to study and research, a much needed upgrade from the previous library Southfield had. read more

Some of my friends called the Southfield library my second home! I love this place. The variety of programs provide something for all ages and interests. I would rather study here than study at home, fewer distractions! Great for group study or one on one tutoring. Clean, safe and secure. read more

Great renovations done to this library. I used to come here a lot as a high-school student because it was much closer (and better) than the Detroit Public Libraries. Much cleaner, neater, organized and spacious for sure. Lots of meeting rooms here if you wanted to get together with a few people. The staff is friendly and attentive, which can be a great bonus when you are in a rush to grab some material. Overall, I'm very happy with this library. read more

Southfield Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Southfield, Michigan

Great asset to the people of Southfield, or those that work in the area.

New Facility 2002 - Over 300 Free-Use Computers available on 3 Levels for all ages, Child protected program (Locks out Games and other non-adult programs) on all computers except computers in computer lab - Most computers are used so arrive early. One problem here is kids arrive after school and place their bookbags at a computer and then walk away from them for hours at time, If you listen to music bring your own set of headphones for the computer since the library won't provide them. When others could be using it. Staff are aware of the problem but don't want to do anything about it. Several Free Wifi Stations - Very clean restroom on every level. very spaceous library. Coffee Lounge on lower level, 100% Handicapped Accessible. Elevator. Playground, City Civic Center, Tennis courts, Restaurants within walking distance. read more

My family and I visit the library at least twice per week and the staff is always nice and helpful. I have friends and family in other cities who say they love this library as well. The hours are great and the selection of materials are great also. read more