Winter Haven Public Library — Attraction in Winter Haven

I've had to use the library twice in the last two weeks. Before this, one of my kids may ask to go once or twice a year. Both of my visits in the last two weeks were terrible! When I was there last week there was a lady in the back by the computers being loud, cussing, and talking to the people around her and it was very distracting! There was no library staff in this back area to see what was happening. My daughter was with me and the library is the last place I would expect to hear so much profanity! The fact that no one was paying attention or addressed it with her is disturbing. Today, there were two ladies at the front desk. The young girl with black hair has great customer service and I know that for a fact because I heard every word she said to all the customers she dealt with while I was there because she talks so loud!!! People at the library don't even turn the column down on their phones anymore! One older lady answered her phone and put it on speakerphone so that she could talk to whoever called her on while she's wandering around looking for a book. A library staff member walked right by her and didn't say anything to her so with that I got up and took a little 10 minute break outside of the library because I had really had enough! What happened to the good old days when libraries were a quiet place that you could work, do research,and study??? This library is more like a circus! Then, when I went very frustrated to the counter and talked with Barbara about my concerns, I was informed of a quiet room in the back and was told I could sign up for two hour timeslots per room. I was so excited so that's what I did! After I signed up for two different time slots in two different rooms, I went back to Barbara at the front counter and thanked her for her help and let her know what I had done. I let her know I would be in a quiet room until 4:30 and that was exactly what I needed!!! She sweetly smiled and said I'm so glad we could help you today sweetie. After 2 1/2 hrs at the library, I was finally beginning to get started on my paper. I was in the 3rd room for an hour and 40 minutes when Barbara came in and told me she had given me bad information. Again, I was distracted from my work. Intead of honoring what she had told me, I was kicked out of my study room. I did not even get the 2 interrupted hours I signed up for! She said she didn't know the rules because she didn't work back there. So my question is, wouldn't that have been something she found out before she told me it was okay??? Don't these people get training??? I know she's not a new employee... I've seen her several times before. All I can say about this library is that it substandard to other ones. Use at your own risk!!! Don't count on the staff for proper information, leave your cell phones on people, because that's OK at this library! It's more like social hour then study hour since people don't even try and be quiet this library!!! Not impressed with the management or the staff at all!!! I...

This is a great library, packed with wonderful features and in the middle of the central avenue shopping area and park. Not only is it beautiful, with nice decor and the usual library amenities you expect like the ability to check out books, movies, etc., use computers, and make copies, but it also has a nice large bathroom, hall for sitting, a used bookstore (that closes at four), and Richard's Coffee shop (which also sells good sandwiches and pastries). If you don't feel like grabbing a bite there- which is always a good choice- there are several other restaurants within walking distance, including Tropical Smoothie Cafe- and a smoothie is always great in the Florida heat. If you want to make a day in the area, the central park is lovely and shows off some wonderful art, as do buildings in the area. Shopping around central park and down central avenue is a lot of fun. If you have kids, the playground is only a couple blocks away and it even has a splash area to cool off...

Awesome and modern library! Very helpful staff. Everything is on the computer you can look up very easily. Or if you’re not computer savvy just walk up to the front desk and the young ladies there are very eager and willing to help you!

They have a children’s section as well as the adult section with computers that you can use for free for school work or for every day use.

A very large selection of not only hard books but CDs and E-books!!

All of this digital and paper back information at your fingertips for free!

Attached to the library is a coffee shop where you can grab a quick snack and a cup of Joe to relax indoors or outside near the library.

There is a park attached to the library where various artists display their work.

Really great place to spend an afternoon and gain all the knowledge that you...