Covington Library — Attraction in Covington

I've been going here... practically since I was an infant, actually. From toddler years all the way up til I was probably about fourteen, my mom took me and my brother here once a week, every week, like clockwork - because I was a voracious reader, and it was good for me and my brother to get out more, and as a family with no access to decent internet, the computers were a huge help to my mother.

It's always been a safe place; I've come there when I needed a quiet place to work on novels, or just to unwind or rest after something stressful. I forged close connections with many of the librarians as a kid since I was there so often and while most of them have moved on since then, a few are still there (shoutout to Renee, love you lots!) and still as kind and helpful as always.

I can't recommend this library enough. It's not too big, or too small, it's in a good location, and there's never any shortage of things going on - events, or meetings, or reading programmes. I went to my first NaNoWriMo meets here. I love it dearly.

The only reason I didn't give it five stars was there has been a lot of renovations/changes in the last few years and while I understand the reasoning for the most part, it's been a bit jarring and I feel like a step in the wrong direction in some cases (the print-outs you can get used to be a decent number but it's been lowered considerably; and the online website/features seem to have gotten more confusing and not easier).

I will say - if you want dead silence, go elsewhere. This is a community place first and foremost so yes, sometimes there are rowdy children. It never gets too bad, but I've seen so many people here in the reviews complaining. So yes, there's oftentimes background noise. If you can't handle that, a public place may not be for you.

But besides those minor things, like I said, I can't sing this library's praises enough. I love it here and when I moved away for a spell, it was one of the things I missed the most. I hope to keep going here for a...

Gorgeous library. I was young before the remodel but it was very similar to the Kent library by Kent Station- dark, musty, not super inviting. The Covington library has been remodeled to provide a fresh aesthetic. I feel welcome walking in, whether my trip be to pick up a book, meet with a study group, find a tutor, conduct a meeting in one of the meeting rooms, return a book (automated returns outside are a lifesaver!), use a computer or printer in a pinch, or just relax and read. If you head straight into the library and walk to the back, there is a gorgeous room surrounded with floor to ceiling windows and a fireplace- the best place to de-stress with a book. The librarians ask that you don't eat a very smelly lunch, but don't mind if you bring a sandwich or something, which is understandable. Again, very kind people. This is one of my favorite places to go...

I am grateful for this library space, but have to agree with other reviews re: librarians being awfully fussy about not letting folks use a study room that is clearly open. One librarian with RBF was particularly off putting to deal with, speaking with an air of superiority when I asked her to direct me to the Study Room 1. She made it seem like it was a hassle to her and the way she looked at me in digust, you would have thought she was dressing down a homeless person. I was dressed in a gray turtle neck and khakis with a backpack slung over my shoulder - containing my macbook that I hoped to use for Zoom meetings. I chose to book a meeting room so I need not bother others around me with my conversation. It's a wonder she was chosen to be a librarian when it makes her feel so indignant to have to deal with those patronizing this...