John and Judy Gay Public Library — Attraction in McKinney

I usually have positive experiences at this library, but unfortunately, today was my first truly unpleasant one.

I waited in line patiently for about 10 minutes while Justin, a staff member, assisted a Caucasian patron. Although I wasn’t acknowledged during the wait, I didn’t take offense. When it was finally my turn to print, I followed the instructions given by another worker upon entering—that I should notify staff when ready so they could program the copier to accept my payment method.

As I turned to get someone’s attention (there were three workers visible), all of them walked away with another patron and eventually went out of sight. When they returned, Justin asked if I would allow the man behind me (who was of a different race than mine—I’m African American) to go ahead of me. I politely explained that I didn’t have much to print and was in a rush.

After finishing my first print job, I needed assistance again for a second copy. It was difficult to get help, but eventually Justin returned—only to ask once more if I’d let another man (again, of a different race) go ahead of me due to the line, which consisted of just two people.

I let Justin know that I had waited my turn just like everyone else, and I didn’t understand why the people behind me couldn’t do the same. What stood out was that I took significantly less time than the gentleman before me, yet I was not extended the same patience or courtesy.

I left feeling dismissed and uncomfortable. I hope this feedback helps encourage better consistency and fairness in how all patrons are treated, regardless of race or...

Great library! Vast resources and good availability when you place something on hold. It is a bit noisier as others have mentioned so if you need quiet space book one of the private rooms or bring noise cancelling headphones.

I want to also commend JJG for acknowledging and celebrating Pride month so that future generations can be more educated on (and less ignorant to) the history of Pride month and ways to support people in that community.

Would love to see this type of education that JJG is providing allow future generations to be more embracing of diverse communities (such as LGBT and others). It’s important for kids and adults alike to be educated on and celebrate those who are different than them, or maybe even like themselves or someone they love! What better place to do that than a library, a place to “learn and explore”.

Kids ARE being kids when they are learning, growing, and being empowered to explore their curiosity in many different areas. Thank you JJG for helping kids (and adults alike) learn about, support, and lift up those in their community - and the world at large! The world will be a better place for it. Keep up the...

This library does not close at 5 on Sunday. It closes at 4:50 at the latest. If you are trying to wrap up some work in the last few minutes, think again. They're going to blare banal elevator music and City of McKinney ads at you so you can't focus. God forbid the staff leave at 5:05 instead of 5:00 on the dot. This is a public amenity. It should be open during the hours posted on the door. It has always been too loud in there. They have always had a rather limited selection of books, which I thought would have improved when then did a multi-million dollar renovation a while back, but they seem to have upgraded everything except the books. They just spaced their books out with bigger shelves and added more babysitting programs, which contribute to the noise. It's more like a rec center with books than a...