Blount County Public Library Reviews

Really friendly staff, plenty of parking, open 7 days a week, not to mention the selection of movies free! Better still there is a park connecting to the library!

Everyone that works there are the nicest and most helpful people I've ever delt with!!

Always a nice excursion to the library and this one is good one! Lots of services, great children s programs and they are so cordial and help when requesting out of area books.

Absolutely wonderful library. I'm so proud to call it my local library!

Lovely location. Good selection. Be sure to check the 'temporary' shelves. The most popular/newest books are usually there.

The facility is beautiful, the collection of books is expansive, and the staff is helpful. There's even a small cafe inside the library itself. The computers/internet are much better than I would have expected for a library. There are also a lot of events/classes/programs the library holds on a regular basis. Computer classes, chess club, Shakespeare on the lawn, and musical performances are just a few. I've been going to this library for years and it's honestly one of the best things Blount County has to offer.

I was very disappointed in my Blount County Library as I attempted to utilize their service and check out a book for each of my 3 grandchildren who were visiting with me from Texas. I was told I could only pick 2 books!!! For real??? So who do I choose NOT to receive a book??? This was my first visit to this library and I understand that rules are rules... but they would have my address, phone number, drivers license number, PLUS proof of my residency!!! I can fly on a major airline with only my ID!!! I feel this rule is antiquated and demeaning especially considering the city AND county taxes I pay to enjoy such a service!!! Oh, but I was told I could check out the 2 allowed books and return them later that day and then proceed to check out as many as I needed!?!?! So what would that prove? I m not a thief? Not likely!!! I suppose I am supposed to believe that this library NEVER has an overdue book and certainly not one that simply doesn t make its way back to its proper slot!!! Good luck with that rule!! Library committee needs to reconvene!! How about at least one book per child?? How would YOU like to be that child that didn t get a book???????
A disappointed avid reader

A nice clean library with an extensive video/audio book room as well as a large children s area. Has several computers to use for library card holders. There s always some meeting or event going on here and even a dnd group that meets on Tuesday afternoons. Not the quietest library I ve been too but there are several nice, quiet, corners to get away from the chatter in the main area.

I live in sevier county and have total library envy. This library is large, beautiful and well taken care of. A book lovers haven. Lots of places to sit and read. A cafe. A nice view of the park. Love it.

Super cute, clean, and nice! There is plenty of seating, even with COVID19 limits. Sit along a window and see a beautiful park and water fountain. Tables in the center of the building have built in outlets for long hours of homework. Parking is easy and free. I would definitely recommend going on a Saturday for the book sale (check in at the book store office inside to get to the sale) because they have a huge selection of nice books for cheap. It's definitely the best library sale I've ever been to. Also, if you are there Monday-Friday, the coffee shop inside is open and delicious! I just wish they were open on weekends. I drive miles out of my way just to do homework here since it is so pretty, clean, and there is coffee!

COVID19 concerns: They take temperatures at the door which makes me feel so safe being there! It is also easy to be far away from people with how spacious it is.

Always a great place to bring kids. Libraries are a treasure that not enough people use.

Amazing library! They have a great selection of books and videos. Also feature some cool programs such as the chess club.

My 2 year olds favorite place. Very nice Children's area with Events every month. All around clean and nicely located beside the greenway with lots to explore outside. One of the nicest libraries Iv ever been in. Coffee shop inside and easy application to get a card. We visit frequently

First time to the library since moving to Maryville recently. The library is well organized, well kept, and well staffed. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The library has a great selection and a kids section I took my toddler too, where they have different toys and activities they can utilize.

A library sets the mood for me. The expression of the culture and personality in a city. I move frequently and have resided in many states, uniquely diverse in each community. Blount County library is simply, perfect! Marvelous architecture, friendly staff, enormous selection and a coffee bar! What could be better? This library sets the mood for a comfortable balance and enjoyable place to live.

Would give no stars if I could. Completely rude, my 4 year old wanted to check out a book with my mother since and I was at work. They told her she couldn't get my daughter a card and the lady working there actually told my daughter ( who was talking to my mom) to be quiet while she was talking. She had a piece of mail with my mothers name and her name on it with a local address. They act like a library card is an important document. and OBVIOUSLY don't encourage reading with children at all.

Beautiful building comfy chairs and internet access all good. Most of the Staff are helpful and courteous. The book selection is massive.. Not so much with the audio book selection. There are a few that must have a hand phobia. It REALLY UPSETS me when the staff will not hand my card to me after I place it in their hand.. Why can't anyone in the library help with One Click digital or Overdrive access?

This library is 5 star for sure!
It is clean, staffed with wonderful people, and a very happening place. They host book signings, concerts, and went out of their way to work with the non profit group I am involved with, accomodating us to use their meeting rooms. They have multiple rooms to book for a gathering place and even have a special non profit rate. This library is a wonderful asset to the community .

This is a wonderful library with an amazing selection, however it seems to lack a friendly staff. Almost every time I've gone I've been dealt with someone who couldn't muster a smile or a single polite phrase. Despite this, the selection is fantastic. The DVD selection is a little less than great but still good. They also offer plenty of classes and gatherings such as chess and computer classes. It is all around a great place to be.

The facility is lovely and clean but the employees are SO LOUD!!! I've never been in a library where the employees talk in full volume or call to each other or on the phone within feet of the "quiet area". The conference rooms are open at the top so all that noise is radiating and people sit around talking at tables, selling insurance, etc.. I have to leave most of the time despite wanting to simply enjoy the delights of a library. If the staff was young, you might think it is a generational issue, nope, most are 60's plus! come grab a book and leave!

I agree with other posts, the facility is awesome but some of the staff is beyond RUDE. The DVD selection leaves a lot to be desired. But, those that are helpful are SUPER helpful! Book selection is wonderful. I could stay in there all day if I only avoid the staff that is less than nice.

The facilities are beautiful and the selection is good. But the electronic changes are the absolute pits! I have been unable to renew materials on line nor have I even been able to review what we have due. The old system was very easy to use.

I ve loved coming here for years. Great Library with a very large selection.

We love the DVD selection. The computers for kids has been a wonderful blessing!

Why is it so cold in here and why must the air conditioning be running when it is 37 degrees outside?? Turn the heat on!! WAY too cold in library!!

This is a great library with a great selection. The facility is nice and clean and large. There is a cafe with great coffee and food.

BCPL has so much going on, it has really become a community center. Make sure you check out our used book sales, held quarterly, with over 50,000 books form sale!

My family is thankful for our beautiful library. It is a blessing to our community, and an asset to our present and future generations. Now, more than ever, we must give thanks and show our support, especially after the closing of our only local bookstore in Oct. 2016: Hastings. Thank you to the intelligent and helpful staff as well! They are phenomenal, kind, and helpful. Have a blessed day. I hope the collection of books at this location with expand in the years to come.

While we love to visit the childrens area. We have had bad experiance checking out Hotspots. Comunication is not a priority amoung staff.

Great place for community help!!! They should get 10 stars!

This library is great with a huge selection of books and movies.

Great place to study. Coffee bar only makes it that much sweeter.

This is my favorite library I've ever been to. The book selection is great, the kids section is great, they have lots of audiobooks, and there is a cafe in the library that has really good food and drinks!

Horrible online and on the phone experience , library is below average, usually don't have the book I need.

It is a beautiful library with a great selection, however the Some of the staff could be a bit friendlier

Best library in TN!!! There are quiet places and other places where exciting things are happening almost all the time. They have fantastic online learning programs and superb community involvement. The nerd group is great too. Saturdays at 2:45 in the boardroom. It is a blast!

the Genealogy ladies very nice but the lady at the back desk every hateful to you here it was my very first time ever here and I probably won't be back because of her so if you go the stay away from the reference deck in the back and from the old chubby lady with glasses she will be very hateful to you

If you need to use anything considered technically advanced (scanning, printing, etc) you have to wait in line for assistance because patrons are only allowed to use the copiers. Way too behind for such a nice building.

A splendid royal gift of a public library! If everyone only knew, there would be a packed house continually. All it lacks is a whisky bar. Maybe that s best, come to think of it. Wonderful building, wonderful staff, wonderful books! My favorite place!

Was so impressed with the Toddler/ Parent lap read. Great information about early literacy skills, warm, inviting, and relaxed atmosphere!

I love the library, and I have never had anyone be rude to me, I was there on Saturday, October 11, 2014, trying to find info about getting a card, the lady was extremely helpful, and also in the reference department, the lady there tried to help me best she could, and direct me where to find something, and also refer me to something coming up. So thank you staff for reaching out to people who are not as familiar with your library but who would like to be.

A big THANK YOU to ALL of the employees at our library! They have done so much to help their patrons during this Covid crisis! Finally opened their doors again to the public yesterday. I visited there today and was extremely impressed with the new layout, the self checkout, the cleanliness and the employees stepping up to take patrons temps before going in and then helping patrons with the self checkout. WELL DONE!

What an asset to our community! I love our Blount County Public Library. Wonderful physical assets and fantastic digital assets, too.

Fantastic library, helpful staff, great coffee and soft chairs make this a destination our family enjoys going to every time. Whether you're 3 or 83, this place has something for everyone.

I had to find a place to study for several hours while traveling, and was so amazed by this library! Large windows, scenic views, tons of desk space and charging space, and even a coffee shop inside! I wish all libraries were built and maintained like this one.

The people are very friendly and always willing to help if you need it.

Staff is very rude & uptight. Don't recommend this library.

This library is so pretty. The staff always goes above and beyond helping my child find books that are on his AR level for school and part of the correct genres for his list! We love visiting the library. They are always having fun kids activities and local events too!

Our library has had a long history of support from the community through many decades that have seen at least four locations. Each move brought growth and more services. From a bookshelf shared by a ladies social group, to the Harper Memorial Library building, to the Blount County Public Library on McGhee Street, to the beautiful library building we now enjoy, the library has grown with our community and the needs of the patrons. There have been many changes through the decades that were offered and supported by numerous visionary leaders. The ever present purpose of service to the community's needs has always been priority. Many faces have come and gone from both sides of the desks. They have weathered many changes, advancements, and services. A library always must grow and change with it's community to be a positive force for the people it serves. Some who have reviewed and commented have been critical of changes and staff. Some changes may be difficult at first but are part of the process of moving ahead. As for the disposition of staff, I say look to staff, patrons, and yourself. I have found that you will find what you look for 90% of the time, and be surprised by the other 10%. If we would all put a heartfelt smile on our face when meeting someone, we will see a mirror image of it shining back, no matter which side of the desk we stand. We've all been through many changes, hardships, joys, and the good day/bad day. Let's start making a difference with ourselves. Bring back the smiles.

Since I moved to Blount Co. 45 years ago there have been 3 libraries. I think it is wonderful that the library fills such an important part of our community that it keeps needing more space. I am thankful for the beautiful location we have now and the knowledgeable staff working there.

From the professional staff to the varied educational training classes, the Blount County Library leads the way for how a library should serve modern communities.

It's a great place to be! Every staff member is awesome! The cafe is fantastic, the book selection is great and centralized, and the overall experience is just awesome!! Come out and enjoy many of the great activities, especially in the Kids' Area!!

This public library is the best library. I really enjoyed checking out movies and books plus I can bring my laptop and relax and enjoyed the day. I even enjoyed the cafe in public library.... I really have it at best experience public library and the workers are very nice..

The selection is okay but the staff is not very friendly. Also if you want to have something placed on hold you have to pay a fee. This is one of the most ridiculous practices ever. I have lived in NC, SC, and OR in addition to TN and not one of the other states does anything like that. Because of this I mostly just use the ebook website overdrive.

It is a shame that the building is so beautiful, yet the staff is so rude. Each time I go in there, the people at the front desk are so hateful. They speak in a condescending tone. Also, to get a library card you basically have to give them your ID, your passport, your SS card, some mail, a strand of hair, your license plate #, blood type, medical history and your mother's maiden name (exaggeration, but not by much). Then they act hateful when you question them about it. Why do you need all this information?! I mean c'mon people. I was checking out a book today and they made me verify all my information, AND I even had my card. It's the library, we shouldn't have to have a background check to borrow books.

I love this library! Clean, modern, friendly and knowledgable staff. Great kids section. Nice coffee and snack shop. Good activities for adults, the elderly, and kids. A real anchor of Maryville, it makes me proud to be a local.

Nice layout and right next to the water so its great for studying and staying focused if thats what you need. Best staff ever, great cafe, and an awesome kids section.