Anderson Public Library — Attraction in Anderson

I’ve come back to edit my review. It has really gone down since allowing soooo many unhoused people to sleep inside and loitering/smoking at the entrances. There are no smoking signs on the entrance doors. The smell in the small cafe area is very bad BO and there are literally people sleeping with their bags and things everywhere. I used to come with my kids all the time, but we can’t stand it any longer. I understand there can be a place where they hang out, but it’s not being used properly by most. I can’t take my kids near the cafe area or the primary lobby/computer area. All the employees wear masks because of it. They really need to crack down on procedures/rules for the homeless. Another issue: I was there helping my son with work in the teen room (because it’s a cool area and it’s away from the rest of the smelly areas) and they told me to leave because it’s teens only - out of all the things they should be monitoring and they told ME to leave my son? We had left our laptop at home and wanted to use the computers. It was our first time ever exploring that room and I now understand their rule for it, but I was there homeschooling my son and we were the only ones there. And yet there’s barefoot people sleeping in multiple places and people constantly smoking at the doors???! I’m telling you, the smell is horrendous and I can’t believe they allow all that. We won’t be back unfortunately. We will stick to the wonderful Pendleton Community Library!

My original review: Love coming here with or without my kids. One of the better, nicer places to visit in Anderson, with a wonderful...

I went to the childrens area one day. My 1 year old did not have shoes on. A librarian in the childrens area told me next time she needed to have shoes on. I agreed. Then, another librarian told me she needed shoes. I told her that someone else had already informed me of this and that I had agreed to put shoes on her next time, BUT that we didnt typically put our babies in shoes. We believe that it is best for them to walk without restricting the natural movement of thier feet. She began to harass me, argue with me, and question my parenting choices. She (rudely) asked me if I put shoes on her to go to the grocery store. I answered. Then the continued to ask me about other specific places in public and whether we put shoes on her. When I told her that what we did outside of the library was none of her concern she basically told me to leave. I told her (again) another staff was aware that she didnt have shoes on and we had agreed that the next time I would have shoes on her. She continued to belittle my parenting style and choices. She said I was endangering my...

I enjoy going to the library when I can and am glad they finally expanded the parking. The inside is clean and well organized. They have wonderful children's programs and a great playroom for the little ones. I do wish during story hour they would allow the children a bit more free playtime before transitioning into the story; or allow the children with a small attention span to continue playing. I also feel that for the downstairs area to be prohibited concerning drinks other than the small snack area in the entrance is a bit much. Though I understand it from a cleanliness perspective, I think most libraries are relaxing the rules on this. I truly appreciate the fact that there are so many downloadable resources; Rosetta Stone language software in particular...