Athens-Clarke County Library — Attraction in Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

The staff is great and the library itself is absolutely gorgeous and feels homey! However, it's unfortunate that I have to give two stars because of the kind of "customers" you run into! The library is just in a bad location of mischevious and VERY creepy people! EVERY SINGLE TIME I have gone there, something has happened that has made me feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or resulted in calling the police. The first incident, I was 36 weeks pregnant when I went to the library to vote and someone one stole my phone. The staff was very nice and called the police for me to make a report (Three weeks later, I luckily got my phone back just two days before going into labor). The second incident, I went back to the library with my laptop and sat alone minding my own business (still pregnant), when a couple close to their 30's sitting at the table next to me decided to come over and tell me their lives story. The woman looked me dead in the eyes and said, "My fiance is trying to get me pregnant. Can I touch your belly so I know what it feels like?" I of course said, "No," and asked them to please give me some privacy. They then proceeded to walk behind me and read the words on my shirt OUT LOUD, started drawing pictures, and then asked me what I thought about them! These same people sadly recognized me with my husband again at Wal-Mart, and asked to hold my baby just a few short months later..... (HELL NO!) On the third incident, I hadn't return since what had happened last time. And by then, I had my baby. I needed to use the computer to print one piece of paper out for my taxes. So I just asked my husband to stay in the car with our daughter and I gave him my phone so I wouldn't lose it or have it stolen again.... As I was walking in, this black guy with an accent and a camping backpack in his 20's approached me, asking if he could talk to me in a corner outside. I couldn't quite understand everything he was saying, but I told him I was in a hurry. I was in the library for ten minutes. I had an eerie feeling, but I walked out thinking there was no way he would still be out there waiting for me. And sure enough, he was. I tried to run, but a car almost ran over me. So he caught up to me, asking me questions about my life like, "How long have you lived in Athens? Are you a student at UGA?" I proceeded to tell him I'm married and I'm just trying to get to my daughter. He would then ask, "Let me help you to your car and open the door for you! How long have you been married? How old is your daughter?" I was so terrified... By that time I was two feet from my car, so I ran, opened the driver side door and locked it. He still proceeded to my window to try to talk to me until he noticed my husband was in the back seat with our daughter. My husband and I waited for the guy to leave the premises, so we could report him to management. At the front desk, I was directed to the security guard who then called management and took my report. They said they knew who I was talking about and that they would handle it. I was stupid for not calling the police because I assumed they would automatically do that. Instead, I went home and the directer of the library personally called me to apologize, and told me that they banned the guy from the library permanently. I told her I appreciate it, and told her about all the other incidents that had happened; and how I was upset about it all because as I said before, the library itself is awesome! She said she was stunned and asked me to please not be afraid to come back; and that they appreciate my business and want all their guest to feel safe and comfortable. I suggested that they hire more security or have the police come more often; but, she said they had just recently hired more security there. I, respectfully, told her that it's obviously not enough. So all that being said, I am never going back unless my husband is directly by my side to protect me. Which is just really and utterly sad. Maybe if the Athens community supports their library more, we can make it a safer place...

First off, I am impressed! This is one of the better designed and staffed libraries that I've been to. It may even rival some small country college libraries as well. Along with a staff that is super kind to everyone, their professionalism is unrivaled (even with some rowdier patrons), the library offers free charging stations with all the plugs for all your devices. The upstairs has private rooms, for both individuals and groups that need to study and a tech center with enough computers that they rarely fill up.

The atmosphere is like a library should be, quiet, clean and well organized. They even have a passport station upstairs, for any up and coming international travelers that might stop by for a renewal or a first time passport.

Did I say the staff were good, I mean really good, I listened to a couple get passport information once and I dare anyone at a consulate to dispense such accurate and spot on advice!

I highly recommend stopping in just to peruse the brand new books as you enter the lobby, right in the front or go upstairs and catch up on current events. You won't be...

Waited to make a post until I got my passport in hand. But I went a few weeks ago to file for one, and was politely and professionally helped by multiple library employees. When I called they were very kind and walked me through the process and what all I would need...fees, paperwork, what to expect etc. They also managed to work me in within a few days for an appointment. Much much faster than any postal office, plus they have an on-site photo taker that is calibrated to be passport accepted.

At the appointment, one employee made sure I got my photo taken and had the paperwork, and then the official passport servicer came out and handled the filing process. Nobody made a fuss about my identity/sex marker difference, and filed my stuff with what seemed like the same energy someone with a normal filing would have had. I am thankful for that interaction. I received my passport a few days ago, correct marker, correct information and everything was sent back appropriately as well.

Thank yall for your work and being open-minded about everyone that comes in...