Central Library/Library System HQ — Attraction in Atlanta

Earlier this week I had an encounter with the librarian manning the front desk that left me feeling disrespected and confused.

I went to this location at around 6pm to return some books. I normally use the drop off box out front, but there were a handful of suspicious looking people loitering around it. I did not feel safe approaching the box so I went into the building. At a previous visit a librarian told me it was acceptable to return books to the front desk directly and that is what I intended to do.

When I arrived at the front desk I asked if I could return books there. I was told yes. I handed the librarian the books, thanked him, and walked off. As I am walking away the librarian calls me back and says in a very condescending tone “It is wise to watch the person return the books, since you are already here.” Now I find myself standing at the front desk for longer than anticipated watching this person do his job.

This interaction leaves me with a series of questions. Is it now the responsibility of library guests to watch librarians perform basic job duties? If that’s true, what does that say about the level of training received by librarians at the front desk? It is unclear to me why supervision by one unfamiliar with the Fulton County Library’s computer system would be necessary considering hundred of books are checked in and out each day. I also question if I would have even been called back to the front desk like a child had I not been a young, adult woman.

I have used this library for years now and never experienced anything like this before. I would like to keep using this location, but will now consider...

Went here a few months ago. The building is beautiful and the Fulton county library system has a massive selection of e-books, so well worth getting a card for it. The person at the front desk who helped me get my library card was very kind and helpful. This would be a great library if there were any books to fill up the high ceilings, and if the atmosphere wasn’t so stressful to be in.

About that- There’s security at the front door, security guards walking around, and you are also not allowed to go up to the top floor where the children’s section is unless you have a child (which I discovered after trying to make a fun day of it and explore the whole library. I missed the sign saying you can’t go up there (if there is one?) and was not expecting a confrontation that day. Nice chairs to cry in while overwhelmed, though the high ceilings and lack of books surrounding you make it kinda more stressful. I am autistic and maybe it wasn’t as terrible as I’m making it sound, but going somewhere new alone + messing up unknown social rules + the uncomfortably bright lighting was not a fun combo that day. I also think the teen's section is on that floor? Interesting that I, as a teen, can’t go see it).

Overall, a very welcoming public place.(/s) I (...kind of??) understand the reasons for all the security, but it certainly doesn’t make it a place I’d want to spend much time in. Dreading the day I have to go back and renew my library card, but I won’t try to go upstairs next time. There are barely any books up there anyways, so it’s no great loss.

Tl;dr: lots of great e-books in this library system, so get a...

I was a traveler from out of state visiting this library, and I have to say, as an employee of my own local library in my hometown, I wasn't impressed by the Atlanta Central Public Library.

I was traveling and, having checked out of my hotel, had nowhere to charge my cell phone or plug in my laptop. I assumed the public library would be the perfect place to park for a couple hours to do those things. Unfortunately, this library doesn't seem to be charging- and wifi-user-friendly place. All the outlets in the general areas are covered in duct tape with warning signs against charging electronics, and there was virtually no open space for sitting to use personal laptop computers. Also, the number of general-use library computers obviously fell short of the need. Finally, there were particular tables and research areas where using the library's wifi was "prohibited" (a rule which I disregarded, given that the limited wifi-allowed areas were full). Public libraries are supposed to suit the needs of their patrons, within the confines of the law. It's clear this library isn't interested in doing that.

For people who have a problem with homeless people frequenting the library? GET OVER IT. You're in downtown Atlanta! Being homeless isn't against the law. Public libraries are open spaces that are supposed to accommodate the needs of patrons. If that means charging stations and more seating, do it. This library's high-and-mighty attitude towards 21st century library patrons is ridiculous, and won't sustain the library in...