Jacksonville Public Library Downtown (Children Dept Review

A pleasant surprise and definitely worthy of showing off to visitors! Be sure to spend a few minutes in the map room and plan check out the local eateries for lunch. The downside is paid parking lots or meters.

Love this library. Nice place and wonderful people work there.

A great library, I LOVE how they are adding fun things to do all the time. They've got so many different classes from computer to guitar and ukulele to sewing and painting. And you can make crafts or create poetry. It's real cute how they have stuff set up. Just a hint but It would really be nice if you had 2D and 3D animation classes. And I really wish they had a cafe or coffee shop too. I know they used to have one a few years back that they turned into the Hemming Park office but I wish they would open another up again. It sure would be nice. I just love a place where I can read and drink my coffee.

I did not like this library, I was so happy to go because of all the good comments I read on google about it, but It came out to be the opposite of what I read. This library is full of homeless people, smells like homeless people, scare you would be robbed, and in the study or quiet area there would be people playing music aloud, or talking and no one would say anything about it. The building itself is nice and pretty, but what makes a place is the people.....

This is definitely one of the most forward-thinking libraries I've visited. It was cool seeing the art gallery, maker-space, and main entry.

A very nice library with extremely large selection of books. I enjoy the reading spaces and the rooftop courtyard and fountain for outdoor reading.

The staff at the library is pitiful the only thing they seemed to be skilled at is following patrons around until they get a chance to say something about a mask not being worn correctly meanwhile I got some idiot lunging at me on my way out

Very quiet and relaxing place with a lot of security. Immaculately clean with great bathrooms and little nooks and crannies to hang out in. They have convenient self check-out kiosks and four floors of books and exhibits to explore. A Jacksonville must see!

Love it but it needs longer hours. I am in school and work full time, I need more access to it after work.

In an artsy part of downtown. Loved the kids area and the teen room.

I was actually Surprised what excellent customer service I received on the phone from the Jax Public Library. Had a problem getting Hoopla (their Ebook reader) to work. talked to Raelyn and she provide excellent Customer Service. She was professional, friendly, patient and extremely knowledgeable.

Nice building in the middle of downtown. It has rotation of various displays so there is always something new to see.

Fantastic facility! Super friendly, experience customer service, this lady at front desk helped me with returning if couple of books. She didn t want her name to be mentioned, very knowledgeable, patient and considerate.

Nice and quiet place with all kinds of books and vast variety of allsubjects, but not many people. It's like in this city with such structure and investment no one is interested in reading. There were many homeless people just to seat and sleep.

Beautiful weddings here, great public meeting space as well. Beautiful! Hope to see you soon! My daughter loved going while in Jax and a must for kids. Great service!

We just had our sons wedding reception here at the downtown library. Will and his staff where right on point. the whole thing was a hit and we loved it.

Allan Wainwright

It s a shame what happened to this beautiful library. Got overtaken by the homeless people who claim their usual spots and push out non-regulars, who mind you, pay taxes to also utilize this space. The spaces don t seem to be cleaned like they should according to CDC and COVID-19 guidelines. I wiped my table and chair with alcohol wipes and they had dirt residue. Found a toe nail under the table. Bathrooms are filled with the homeless washing up, etc. Felt extremely uncomfortable being there

lots of great space beautiful comfortable library. brand new. lots of places to charge phone.

My favorite library I have ever been too. The art everywhere is amazing and fun to look at. Their selection is really good as well. Very clean and very well kept.

The building is beautiful and so is the garden. Nice art. Yup there are homeless just like in any large city library regular libary goers know what i mean. Not as many books as you would think and for a city it is a smaller library building than other cities. It's really sleek and clean looking with lots of areas to charge your electronics. Staff is VERY nice and helpful. Only reason I don't give a 5 star rating is for hours and not a huge book collection like in other metro area/city libraries (it's a library and books are what people come for).

I could live in this library (but other people already do) . It s so beautiful. Love the smell of old books and coffee shops. The reading clubs they have for kids look so fun. I just wonder why the city allows for the homeless to take these places over like they do. This is really a beautiful library.

The kids section is particularly nice, also the maps room. Great collection of local music and zines.

This is the answer to the last question of the survey "was I able to complete what I came in for". I put NO. When I tried to put why it wouldn't let me. The reason I couldn't is because I just got there & just started.

For a main library in a major city, I was pretty disappointed. The selection, while respectable, certainly is not what I would consider large compared to other main libraries and there's very little directional signage to quickly find the right section and subsection. In addition, I found the presentation of the collection, besides in the children's section, to be lacking. I could not find any sort of "staff picks" and the new releases are just sitting on shelves on the ground floor with few on display. Most other libraries I've been in, including here in Jacksonville, have a good number of new releases and books relevant to current events on display in the main area to catch attention. All in all, there's some significant design research that needs to be done by the library to better present their collection. As someone who LOVES to read, but does not have much time to physically look for books, this is a difficult place for me to navigate and find the right book.

Enjoy the place fully !! I will say it is the first library with the most strangest hours !! Plus the fact that people are having wedding here which is just as strange and out of place. BUT they have pretty good WiFi internet and security guards walking around all the time to keep everyone save inside and outside . Just only wished they had normal hours like other library in the USA. Like 9:00 am to 9:00 PM is so hard to do ???

I love this library. Its located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville and has some of the most marvelous views. The book selection here is unbelievable. It's is kept clean and tidy and staff is more than welcoming. The library scene has been in limbo for a while, considering new technologies but, it seems this location has a huge following andany people love to just hang out share information and read manga.

Wow, what a library! Mind blown, had no idea this gem was so close

This is a super Library with plenty of excellent programs and research material available. I've been to some great libraries, but I've lived here the longest and never found a need to go anywhere else.

Great place go quite,has everything to read or to study write books,art classes,invent tech games or programming.The librarians are pleasant and informitive.mary d kinney 1235 elm st meadville pa 16335.

I love it. You can use the computers for free all the time you need.

Even with sections closed due to the virus, still a great library... Lots of computers & connections to hook up your computer, pretty good wifi too!

Great for kids, teens and adults. Very nice employees. It's an all around great place to go!

I love this library and it's amenities, the staff is always helpful polite and down to earth. Yes it's filled with the homeless and at times there's an offensive odor, however that is no reflection on the hardworking employees that tirelessly work there. If you don't like being around the elements of a greater metropolitan area I suggest you go to a library that's to more your liking and more accommodating, say Orange Park, Mandarin or San Marco area.

Haven't been to the library in a while. Yes, wear a mask, your temperature is checked by infrared technology. Limited staff so 3rd floor not open.

Not sure if it's the weariness of Covid or what, but much of the staff are just holding down a position.

All in all, I was glad to be able to go. Will wait til all floors are accessible.

We've never been Library members. I was skeptical of the idea because we live near the airport. We decided to become members to have more books to read at home without having to buy them. I misread the rent time. I thought it was three months when in actuality it was three weeks. Now they are charging me (orginally $470 without returning)$110 even with returning the books. I called to explain the mistake and they will not forgive the first late fee we've had. Very frustrating. Absolutely ridiculous price for a first offense. Also, there are always homeless and sketchy people outside and inside. People play their music and aren't considerate of others inside the library. It feels like you could be robbed or attacked at any moment.

Very nice library! The employess were very helpful and pleasant.

Amazing library. One of the gems of downtown Jacksonville.

Very well organized and managed. Staff is really nice, friendly and helpful.childern's library is really beautiful and well structured.

This is the best library in Jax by far. I wish it weren't so far, but every time I make the drive it's worth it. They have a rotating art exhibit and tons of events going on almost every day, so even if you're just passing through Jax it's worth a stop.

I absolutely love this place and the staff, sadly people are so inconsiderate that they bring pillows and blankets, take off their shoes lay on the floor taking over the children's area for play and turning it into a homeless shelter. These same people change their babies diapers right there, knowing there is a perfectly good clean bathroom with diaper changing station for their convenience.

The library itself is BEAUTIFUL. I wanted to look around so bad but I couldn t even make it ten minutes in there I was so scared. As a young girl, it was scary being alone with so many homeless men. Two homeless men followed me around the library until I basically ran to the exit and proceeded to follow me out until somebody off the street stopped them. Every aisle I turned on there was somebody I had to avoid. I ended up getting so anxious that I left without even looking at the whole library/checking out a book. I ve been looking forward to this beautiful library for a while now so it really was a shame that I had this expirience.

Its is quite spacious and tables and chairs spaced with compulsory face mask wearing

Helpful, friendly staff. Fast internet access via Wi-fi. Also, very convenient location.

I love this downtown library. A beautiful modern space, nice staff, lots of light and wonderful resources. A community treasure.

Main library open. Awesome. Most areas of facility are available including computers on fourth floor. I think the word inspirational describes this building.
These are shots of the rooftop.

I love this library. It is large with a great contemporary design and three floors of books.
Of course it full of homeless people, it's a library in the downtown of a major city! I, for one, think it's a good place for them to spend the day.
I have found a lot of obscure and old books all around the library, all mixed in with the collection.

Best place to go for families in downtown if you're looking for free stuff to do. Great teen and children's section!

The bottom level they should put more chairs on the bottom level with plug-ins

Bad publicly harrassed cause sleeping bag just got off greyhound 1:40pm

The map room on the top floor is really impressive. What an amazing display of all of these old Florida maps.
Really neat look into history of Florida and how maps were made.

The city spent a lot of money to build the main library downtown. It is well done. Besides regular books, they also have a good selection of audio books and even DVD's. You also get WiFi throughout the building.

As one of Jacksonville's landmarks the main library was my favorite place to visit. But for the past few years I avoid going there unless I must. I visited today. I was stunned how badly the library was infested with homeless people. The stench of urine and human sweat was everywhere. Out of 50 people I saw 49 were homeless. There was no police or security presence other than a security guard at the front desk, who was chewing on her gum. She didn't seem like to care who's going in and out.
It would be nice if city will provide homeless shelters. This heavy homeless people presence definitely plays a role if other people will visit.

Great place to go for a quiet night. Staff is very friendly.

Not really their fault, but the downtown library sure isn't what it used to be! Looks like a ghost town in there.

Atmosphere was lively during Art Walk. Quality Exhibits.

Lots of homeless people sitting around doing absolutely nothing. I love the idea of keeping your mask on but they need to also clean the tables and chairs after someone has used it. The bathroom upstairs needs to have soup and sanitizer at all times.

Seeing the audio workstation and the green screen that is available to the public was very refreshing. My city is embracing and SUPPORTING the arts. #DLR904 #imfromduval #talkintrees #yourfavoriteuncle #iamunclenard #ilovejax #igersjax #publiclibrary

This place is absolutely amazing! Art gallery, ENDLESS books, a whole floor of genealogy & historical records, a beautiful patio to sit on, all kinds of activities for families, kids, & adults. They even show movies with audio descriptions for people with special needs. Every city needs to copy this library!

Rather quiet got on computer did what I needed & used card catalog 2 find book Im interested in

I love this library. I have been here many many times. Just a little upset about the budget cuts affecting the hours and staff.

It's a great library in general but also a great hangout for crazy/homeless people too. It has a very large inventory and staff is very resourceful. I volunteer sometimes and I really enjoy the work and the employees are nice. The thing is, I don't mind the homeless being there, it gives them something to do and takes their minds off things. I'm talking about the crazy people. I Miss the good days when they used to have computers on Every floor and you could avoid the top floor where most of the crazy/disruptive/dirty people are. Yet I am forced to use a public computer next to a woman who curses and swears and picks fight with those around her. And threatened a guy she was going to beat his' While the librarian just stands and watches her. Another guy who constantly clears his throat so loud it vibrates around the room. Everyday. It just drives me crazy. And its not a breathing/ medical condition because I seen him quiet for 10 or 20 minutes. What I don't understand is how staff will do nothing for people playing music and talking to invisible people. Or using profanity and picking fights and threatening people. But they will jump all over two people at one computer. Especially when that person is trying to teach them how to use the computer. Thats just Not right. If they haven't crammed 100 computers in one room then it would have made it easier for people not to be, "Disruptive." And I think they really need to worry about those who actually are.

As a personal tour guide for my belga, I took him to this library. It happened to have a mini art expo featuring art work from students, absolutely stunning pieces were there. We even had an opportunity to make some shamrocks. There are always happenings here, from ESL classes to crochet. More things are available here than just books.

Three floors of books, nice views, great place to stop and read. Many old hard to find books. Nice selection.

Beautiful building. Massive collection. A wide variety of offerings beyond simple books. Think DVD, CD, audio books, maps, and more. Separate sections for kids and teens. Unfortunately, the increasing presence of homeless people takes its toll on the restrooms. Expect the occasional rank odor or scary coughing fit to interrupt your intellectual reverie.

Very good and accurate information provided about its most important things

You get FIFTY times the amount of knowledge from this library. ABSOLUTELY FREE!!

Great place. Staff is amazing and always plenty of computers to use and it s a very well kept building.