Gladstone Public Library — Attraction in Gladstone

I used to like going to Gladstone library, but on my recent experience I felt unwelcome by the staff. I was able to use the computers there but was limited to a 3 hour limit. That is not enough time if you are a student or someone applying for jobs and have limited resources. Libraries are supposed to help those that have less resources as well. But felt the staff lacked empathy since the library was very empty and their best response was to send me to the other nearest libraries to use their computers. I understand there are rules but they are there for logical reasons such as giving everyone enough time to use them. But when the place is empty and someone really needs to use it. And sending them somewhere else affects their economy it does not give a welcoming community feeling. Especially when you yourself are a tax payer and respectful of the library. On the contrary the staff also failed to provide a quiet setting. It was super noisy making it hard to concentrate on work or reading. The staff talked a lot in the background about their life. I will also add they failed to even say bye as I exited. Even though I looked at them to say bye, but I felt they avoided contact, and took it personal. They really made me feel unwelcome as if I were a homeless person or something. I would recommend them to work on their service to the people that go to the library. Many of us go because we lack resources, but we shouldn't be judged because of it. And maybe give a little more community support rather than send us far away to...

We loved the old library, so warm and welcoming. My kids loved story time and we’ve been coming for years. The new library has new story times that aren’t convenient for lots of kids and families. The toys in the kids section takes away the library aspect. My kid used to be excited for books and now she just wants to play with the toys. All the sudden she could care less about books when she’s loved them her whole life. 😭 So disappointed in the new library. It seems disorganized and very lackluster. To have such a big project and anticipation for the city and it is very below average, in my opinion. Nothing about it seems unique or special. We will search around for another library to frequent, which is sad because this is our neighborhood. And they aren’t open Sundays anymore. The hours are not good for young children, opening later in the mornings. Most young kids need somewhere to go earlier in the mornings. Very disappointing. Also, why make a new building and put like 6 parking spots? And they’re the tiniest parking spots. So silly and not well thought out. The librarians are still...

As a parent with two young children, I am so so thankful for the new library. They have a play area in the children's section which has a lot of toys aimed for toddlers and preschoolers. The bathrooms are single stall, accessible to even a double wide stroller, and there are changing tables in some.

I do wish they had picture books in sections like "transportation", "bedtime", "classics" etc as browsing them is hard. But I recognize that they have a smaller collection and it's a smaller space. Plus with the toys browsing for books is easier as the kids are occupied!

I also love the...