St Louis Public Library - Schlafly Library — Attraction in St. Louis

I really like this library, but space planning is the biggest challenge here.

Staffing and customer service: I have had nothing but pleasant interactions with staff here. I read about 2-3 books per week and usually put them on hold for myself. I always check out with staff instead of self checkout, and I've interacted with about 10 ish staff members. All have been kind and helpful for this simple task. Once, I couldn't find a book, and a member of staff saw me struggling and came out of their way to help me. Also, hiring here promotes diversity, especially in gender expression, and that personally makes me feel like it's a safe and welcoming place.

Selection: Not so great in this library, which is why I use the hold system. That way, books I want get delivered to this branch. Excitingly, they have a book request system, and I asked them to purchase a book I wanted to read, which they did! It took about 4 weeks total for this process.

Computers: lots of computers, always had one or two free. I don't use them, so I can't comment.

Vibes: Unfortunately, this is where schlafly struggles. Basically, it's one huge room with hard floors, so you can hear everyone walking around. The tables and seating are arranged mostly in clusters in the middle, so there are no cozy nooks to tuck into. I feel kind of exposed in this library compared to other libraries I've loved, so I usually take my book and leave.

Cleanliness: It's really excellent. Everything is always tidy, and the bathrooms have...

To the manager of the library, Ill tell you exactly where you can put the 7 day library ban, right up your ..... Well nevermind that's not appropriate for a public site that kids can read .

If you like to be treated equal to others this is not.the place to go . Seems they discriminate and hold.certain individuals to higher standards. Theyll allow some to bring in every possession they own in multiple.baga suitcases trash bags etc and leave it laying around in there all day .they'll allow some to basically.shower in the restrooms , but let ya fall asleep and they read you your rights as if you just killed someone .nevermind the fact that I watched an 80+ year old woman fall asleep while reading a book and multiple staff members walked by not saying a word . Another elderly gentlemen I converse with falls asleep there daily , never do they wake him up , but I can assure you he is asleep for the duration of his visit as I usually wake him up to chat. The manager is the rudest individual I have ever met , seems she is.miserae with her life and just wants to take it.out on people...

This is a great library. Its big. You're not on top of each othet. The books are separated. It doesn't appear that they have alot of books. But, enough to address needs. The staff is so helpful & nice. They also have librarians stationed right by the computers for any help. You can also check out DVDs, BluRays, Xbox and Playstation games for FREE. The bathrooms are clean. They even offer some free things. The day I went there was day old bread, an it looked like some hand sanitizer. Then St Louis City libraries let you get $5 a month in free copies. The black/white copies are 10cents apiece. Then they can always get the book you want. You can even ask them to buy it if its not already available in another library. The SLPL ( Saint Louis public library) website is great! Very user friendly. We have come a long ways since you had the card catalog typed out on little cards n long drawers (IYKYK). I enjoy the library. Nothing better than FREE...always be kind to staff, cause I've never ran into a rude librarian at this location. I interacted with 4 of them...