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Roanoke Public Library

4.0· 23 reviews
Average ratingGreat
4.0/ 5

Based on 23 reviews

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What reviewers say about Roanoke Public Library

Generated with AI from 23 reviews on Trustburn · updated today

Customers generally describe the library as a friendly and welcoming place with helpful staff and good resources. Reviewers appreciate the free WiFi, the variety of media, and the library's role as a safe haven for the homeless and a venue for community activities like yoga.
What does Roanoke Public Library do?

Roanoke Public Library is located in downtown Roanoke, which is described as a preferred place to work, live, and play. It offers resources such as books, movies, and free WiFi, and hosts community events like yoga and storytelling.

Are there any complaints about Roanoke Public Library?

According to the critical reviewers, complaints include cramped computer areas with small desks, difficulty concentrating due to noise, outdated website information regarding closures, and poor communication about event venue changes.

What do people say about Roanoke Public Library outside Trustburn?

Outside of Trustburn, discussions mention that downtownroanoke.org offers a free weekly newsletter covering current events, live music, and upcoming activities in Roanoke. Additionally, the Downtown Roanoke Inc. is seeking a part-time market clerk for the farmers market.

AI-generated from reviews on this page. Verify anything important with the company directly.

Matthew Shaughnessy
Reviews 1

Good library system but the book selection isn't great. Pretty good movie collection though, but it can be difficult to just browse through. The best thing to do is lookup on whatever you are looking for on the online catalog before going in. If it's not at this location they can send it over if you place a hold.

Elizabeth Witz
Reviews 1

I love the library. The kids have a great time and the so called nasty/smelly homeless have a warm/cool place to go and also look for work. I'm proud to be a part of a library who welcomes the homeless. So Marc Rom, a bad attitude towards people is worse than being homeless. I Hope You Never Become HOMELESS And People Don't TREAT You The Way That You Treat HOMELESS now. God bless. I'm sorry, but your attitude is nasty and stinky. Go roanoke for being a safe haven for those in need:)

Elizabeth Booth
Reviews 1

I have mixed reviews about this library. While it s a great place to bring children and the staff is very friendly and helpful, it s not really a library that caters to adults. I came to this library excited to get away from the house for a little while and get some work done, but when I got to the library to set up my laptop, they only really had one area - a communal bar set up against the wall with chairs that permitted no personal space. There were no separate tables or desks for study groups or anything of that nature. Typically I have no problem being around people, but when I m trying to do work on my laptop, it makes me really uncomfortable to know that there are people basically on top of me who can see everything that I m doing. Not to mention the bar was full of people charging and talking on their cell phones. The only other option would have been something in the teen section, but, being in my twenties, I didn t really feel like that was an option. All in all, if you have a child or teen I say bring them here. But if you re a college student or young adult looking for a few quiet research hours, skip this library and move on to the next because you ll be very disappointed.

Sana Hasan
Reviews 1

This library is the worst compared to Roanoke county and Raleigh court library.The computer set up should be reset and have bigger desks!!! there's no room for anything you can't even layout your notebook! They make it very comfortable for people to talk to very hard to concentrate on work there!!! Compared to other Libraries!!

Christy Phoenix
Reviews 1

I walked all the way 2 the downtown branch, & it was POSTED that they should be closed(via 'Net pg.), @ 8:00 Virus, or no, if u know ur gonna be closed... Ur professional site--- in my mind--- should b up 2 date. Sorry 2 have 2 post this, but I'm in the makings of becoming an advocate of the U.S. rights, & I could--- unlikely, but true--- have been an ancient person, of limited means. Best wishes, Christy

dan stepel
Reviews 1

This is a beautiful space. Grab a book and find a seat outside. The staff here is the best. They really go the extra bit to help you. You will find a ton of homeless upstairs along window. In front by the bike, racks you will find two time capsules buried in the ground. How cool is that!!

Scott Foster
Reviews 1

Located in Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke. Nice views and a relaxing environment makes for a nice place to study, use a computer, or simply read a book. If you have never been in this library it is definitely a spot you should drop by and check out for yourself one day.

Sandra Fulton
Reviews 1

This evening, my sister and I had prepared, with great anticipation, to have an adventure in the Roanoke City Library listening to tales of old...re: Moonshiners.
Upon wading through the usual afternoon downtown traffic, in 28 degree weather with a stiff tail wind pushing us down Jefferson Street, we promptly arrived at 4:45pm to the front door of our City Library to find a small notice on the front door stating the much anticipated event was being held at the Jackson Center...
There were about 15 people who were on the way up the walk to go to the same function , and of course they also had had no prior notice to a change in venue.

I am sorry to say this has caused me much concern in questions of my future visits to the Library.. Why was there no public notice made via the broadcasting system that the event had been changed,,?

Isn't there a way to advise the masses of a change in plans in future dates?

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About Roanoke Public Library

Downtown Roanoke is the preferred place to work, live and play.

Roanoke Public Library: A Hub of Knowledge and Learning in Downtown Roanoke

Downtown Roanoke is the preferred place to work, live, and play. And at the heart of this vibrant community lies the Roanoke Public Library – a hub of knowledge and learning that has been serving the people of Roanoke for over a century.

The library was established in 1884 as a small reading room with just a few hundred books. Over time, it grew into a full-fledged public library with an extensive collection of books, periodicals, audio-visual materials, and digital resources. Today, it is one of the most popular destinations in downtown Roanoke for people seeking information, education or entertainment.

The library's mission is to provide free access to information and ideas that enrich lives and strengthen communities. It achieves this by offering a wide range of services and programs that cater to all age groups and interests. Whether you are looking for books on history or science fiction; movies or music; children's storytime or adult book clubs – you will find it all at the Roanoke Public Library.

One of the unique features of this library is its commitment to technology. The library has embraced digital media as an essential tool for learning and communication. It offers free Wi-Fi access throughout its premises so that patrons can connect their devices to high-speed internet anytime they want. Moreover, it provides access to online databases such as Ancestry.com, Consumer Reports Online, Mango Languages among others which are available 24/7 from anywhere with an internet connection.

Another highlight is its Maker Space - where patrons can explore their creativity through various tools like 3D printers & scanners; laser cutters & engravers; vinyl cutters & heat presses among others which are available on-site at no cost! This space encourages innovation by providing hands-on experience with new technologies while also fostering collaboration between individuals from different backgrounds who share similar interests.

Apart from these services mentioned above there are many other programs offered by RPL like Summer Reading Program (for kids), Adulting 101 (for young adults), Job Seekers' Workshop (for job seekers) etc., which help patrons develop new skills while having fun!

In addition to being an excellent resource center for knowledge-seekers in downtown Roanoke area - RPL also serves as a community gathering place where people come together for events such as author talks/signings; art exhibits; concerts etc., making it more than just another public building but rather an integral part of life here!

Overall if you're looking for quality resources coupled with friendly staff who go out their way make sure your needs met then look no further than The Roanoke Public Library!