I love our city’s library system, and my children and I use all the branches as a third space whenever we’re in a given area. The downtown library is a treat, given its expansive layout, and my kids love the kids section here. They’re always disappointed when it’s time to go from Lawson McGhee! We don’t get to go as often because of the city’s decision to make parking downtown so expensive, but the librarians hate that, too. In my book, it’s still a five-star library since the parking situation is out of their control. This location has the best hours of operation and is the only one open on Sundays.
Last I spoke with them about it, they validate parking if you park in one of the nearby garages. I’m a local, so I don’t remember the name of the nearest garage but it’s not far; be sure to call and ask which garages they validate from. Validation is only for an hour, last I checked.
Regarding the homeless population, my children and I are never uncomfortable going there. Libraries are for everyone as long as they’re exhibiting good conduct; this is true now as it was when I worked in my university’s library 20 years ago. And even further back, when I was a teenager going to this very location by myself! Feel free to let a staff member know if someone is being inappropriate AND also to remember that there but for the grace of God go you when you encounter the less fortunate existing in public.
I’m looking forward to our next visit when we’ll have the time to spend a couple hours here and get our money’s worth out of the less than $5 of street parking. Until then, we’ll keep visiting whichever library is nearest wherever we happen to be in town, all of which have ample parking, unique offerings at their respective kids’ sections, and kind, helpful staff.
