Amanda McAvoy

Review of Flagstaff Public Library

My kids have always loved coming here but being fr...

My kids have always loved coming here but being from an area in Texas where they are updating their libraries to look nice and have lots of incentives for kids to read (especially in the summer), I'm disappointed in the Flagstaff libraries. 1. Both libraries are a magnet for the homeless. It's hard to enjoy a nice picnic at Wheeler park since the homeless will end up asking you for food. 2. I'm just wondering why the youth section clutters the top of their shelves with old stuffed animals, old paper mache projects and other random projects. The ceilings could use a serious makeover since it's still popcorn style. The carpet is who know how old. The mural is very outdated.The stuffed lion and bear are sooooo old and gross!!! The fireplace needs a facelift. The furniture could be replaced with more modern furniture. And the thing that gets me is that there are always people smoking right outside of the entrance. 3. The only perk to this place is they just got a new book drop with a good view for the kids to see the books and DVDs get organized. 4. This place has a few programs for kids during the week that are free but I'd like to see more incentives for kids to READ more. Like a treasure chest for every so many books they read, they can pick out a prize, a really good summer reading program with big prizes for so many books or minutes read. The big prizes could be from local businesses or Phoenix attractions. This place just seems stuck in doing things the same old way from the 80's. Today's smell in the main library was wet laundry, dirty socks and B.O. Overall, this place is a place of reading and learning but needs serious work on the interior design of it all....