Waco-McLennan County Library Central Library — Attraction in Waco

For the most part, I have always been ok with this location. Have never had an issue of any sort and like to take advantage of their services. Recently, though, I made a call to ask about an asvab book my son had checked out a while back. Was trying to make sure he hadn't forgotten to return it, and as a mom looking out for her sons best interest, called to check. The young lady who answered seemed pretty polite, but then as soon as I gave her a name, she proceeded to change her tone. Started making comments about my sons age. Mind you, yes I know, my son is 20 but my reason for calling instead of him was because he went off to the basic military training and wouldn't be able to take care of this himself if it slipped his mind. I let her know that yes, he was an adult but being that he is not here and me not wanting to allow my son to have added on interest for late fees, wanted to make sure it was taken care. When my son calls me, we have between 5-20 mins, if that, to talk, and a book is the farthest thing on our minds when trying to catch up on things. I didn't appreciate the comments she made to me like I was one of those nosey moms. Would just suggest that her customer service skills get a bit more of an upgrade and learn to treat each case differently depending on circumstances. If my kids' bank doesn't care that I am an authorized person on there, I doubt a measly library card account is gonna make a difference. Will be speaking to my son about canceling this account when he has his town pass with us...

Yesterday this sweet girl was denied a library card. Let me repeat a library card because she was told that I wasn't her mother.

Chloe, Kaden and I went to the Mccleann Library on Austin Ave. Chloe was so excited to received her own library card. When asked for the application a librarian asked if I was her mom which I replied yes. An older, white woman who worked there interjected that she needs her biological parent there. Here's the frustration simply because Chloe and I are of different races is why she implied I wasn't her mother. Regardless, Chloe had called me mom on several occasions. If I had walked in with a black child no one would have asked or questioned if I was her parent. My sister in law called to talk to the Director of Library Services, Este Day who simply made excuses that ranged from "our policy" to " we are a very diverse community", and my favorite one " this has nothing to do with race."  She stated it's the policy to have a custodial parent there upon a gaining a card. The librarian made the decision I wasn't her mom simply because I was white. This is sad and tragic that 2019 this is happening. Yet of course according to the Director "the policy is changing next week" that's convenient.

The most disturbing part was Chloe asked on the way to the car " so we are getting kicked out of the library because they don't think...

Rating is for service, environment, & atmosphere.

Library is very dull; especially the children’s area. No chairs to sit down.

The staff is hugely unsupported for those assigned for medical reasons unable to wear a mask; especially pregnant women. I was told by my doctor to not wear a mask because of the oxygen levels that could cause brain damage to me and my growing baby. I had my scarf available to cover my face; they were still not supported of me trying to adapt to their requirement.

I was told to leave by the staff because I let them know I am pregnant and unable to wear a mask. All I wanted to do was to sit and read with my children. My children and I are very disappointed but we understand there are some levels of priorities with certain places. And to this library, it’s not to support those who medically cannot wear masks, especially a young mom of three (one baking) wanting to care for her children.

Another side note, the first time I visited the library with the children which I walked in with my scarf over my face, the library staff were not welcoming to helpful to me and my children. We were new guests visiting. They were too busy chatting with one another. I put that aside but after this second attempt of this library; they don’t seem to care for the people...