This library was not what I expected. I really underestimated the library and it's offering. We visited this library because my bonus daughter was receiving an art award. Before the awards, we were able to venture around the library that has its own museum, connected cafe with limited hours, conference rooms, a bookstore, a study area where you can rent laptop and a vending machine area. Their bookstore had great surprise book packs and dvd packs. The detail in what was included as well as the wrapping made it enticing and so reasonably priced. The activities they had during the event were so fun. Button making, art contests, balloon animals, and bracelet marking. I really enjoyed this library and all it had to offer. read more

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Watch out for Greg Gaul the library cop. The Beatles and John Lennon's estate called Topeka. They want their royalties for ripping off their submarine idea. read more

Very good! Everything is clean, the staff is friendly. Sometimes things are misshelved or lost and I haven't tried the café but feel the menu could use something. Look forward to coming here after quarantine. read more

Well, I moved to Topeka 30 years ago, and this library is one of the very best things about Topeka. The meeting rooms and the food area are very welcoming. The whole design and atmosphere is top notch. Today I noticed this article which confirms that this library is being honored as the very best in the United States http://cjonline.com/news/2016-06-07/topeka-and-shawnee-county-public-library-named-library-year-highest-honor-us-and read more

So I figured Topeka is a small city so they'll have a small library. I was wrong. This library is big and their staff is incredibly friendly! That's a rarity when you go to the Chicago Public Libraries. They made using the internet incredibly easy for visitors. Wifi is free on your own computer. They even have small meeting rooms available for people who don't have a residential library card - talk about flexible and accommodating. The facility itself is very pretty, with a large atrium in the middle. I was surprised that there weren't multiple entrances/exits, but that's a very small setback considering all that they were able to offer. read more

This library was my family's saving grace when we lived in Topeka. I was a law student there and we were short on funds and my kids needed places to go and things to do. This library was the place! The selection of both new and old books is amazing. Even though Topeka is the capital, it's still a smaller town and you'd expect the same from the library. This is not so. There is a wide selection of media available in every format. I know this will sound weird for a library but the movie selection is amazing! All kinds of genres, and titles, and televisions series. They saved us tons of money not buying films and cutting cable back. They also have new releases and video games for rent in a "redbox" style machine that was easily accessible and you could rent from your computer to come pick up. I found the library to be amazingly clean and inviting. I know there was a gift shop and cafe that we never used but it looked good. One of the best features was the large children's area. There were some toys in the back, but the amount of inviting space for kids to read was amazing. My kids always hopped in the boat there and had a pile of books. If you've been there, you'll know what I mean. I can't recommend this place enough. Support your local libraries and hopefully we can all have access to places as great at this. read more

Easily the NICEST library I've ever been to. I just moved to Topeka and was happy that this library is near my home. The staff was friendly, clean environment and fantastic selection of books, movies, music and much more. read more

We are so blessed to have a library building and services. This library is one of the best in the country. Today Topeka Metro is holding an early morning planning workshop. The library has a variety of free meeting rooms for groups of 10 to several hundred. As much as I like the building, the digital services are what I use most often. Three great different systems to download audio books and other audio and video assets. read more

The city of Topeka is very lucky to have such an amazing library. A very nice place to stop with lots of amenities to offer patrons. The staff has gone above and beyond to help meet my needs before when I needed it. read more

Weird I am reviewing a library.. But here it goes. Solid selection and website. In the "new age", it provides a pretty darn good atmosphere for all age ranges. There is plenty to do. The facility is updated and interesting, and the staff is friendly. 4 stars because it is a bit small... (But hey, it's Topeka) read more

Simply the best there is. A great library with all kinds of additional perks, like a museum, a gift shop, a coffee shop, free wi-fi.... and a great staff. read more

This is one of the best libraries I've been to in the US. Fairly new building, good place to study, great digital and books collection. The patrons are decent enough to maintain silence in study rooms. An overall great atmosphere read more

I have traveled to many states over the years and Topeka has one of the nicest libraries I have ever been too. They have many resources available for adults and children. Great cafe, movie selection and a ton of computers for the public to use. read more

Wonderful library! I've watched it grow through the years and it is truly great. SGreat restaurant/coffee shop, bookstore and very courteous and kind staff! Solid selection and if they don't have something, they'll gladly help you get it. One of Topeka's greats!! read more

Our library was given the prestigious National Library of the Year Award for 2016, so I feel like that should tell you a lot right there! It serves our community in so many more ways than simply as a library. There are many events from movie screenings to author visits. They hold a small farmer's marker in the parking lot during the spring and summer. They provide a safe and fun environment for teens and children. They have a massive variety of content both physical and digital - books, movies, music, etc. The library is constantly evolving and providing new services to the community. I'm so proud of our library! I let everyone know about it! read more

When I visit Topeka from California I always make a point to visit the library and eat at the cafe. The food is delicious especially the pastries. We like to spend time in the kids section of the library- so many computers and areas for little people. The art gallery is always a pleasure to make a brief stop in as well as the gift shop. The DVD collection is huge. Like the architecture too. I agree that this is one of the best libraries I have seen in the country. read more

Fresh food with high quality! Very friendly staff, but the tables are cramped. Nice atmosphere to meet friends for lunch.