An impressive-looking building on the outside. The inside was heavy on meeting rooms, with some very slow elevators traversing the few floors. There were some library items and places to sit. As a community center, it would be a nice place to hold a meeting, and there was more than one going on during the evening I dropped by. It wasn't a tough place to get to either. The amount of stuff to do if you're not having an event there was not huge, but it served as a quiet (and air-conditioned) brief stop for me. read more

Aiken County Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Aiken, South Carolina

My heart is BROKEN! This building is an important historical piece of Aiken and it once meant so much to so many of us. I recently returned to visit after being away for over a decade, and I was stunned to see what they called a "modernization" from 2021. This library held such a special place in my heart growing up. Walking through its doors again should've felt like coming home but instead, it felt like a stranger had moved in and redecorated with no sense of what made the place beloved. Sadly, the renovations have taken away much of its character. The ceilings have been lowered, the lighting is harsh and uninviting, and the carpet is distracting and ugly. The once beautiful staircase is now sad and stripped of its former charm--though it still creaks, a small comfort. And perhaps most shocking of all: there are so few books and bookshelves. How can you call it a library when there are so few bookshelves? My heart truly aches for the community, especially for the kids today who won't get to experience the magic this place once held. Even the bathrooms were untouched during the renovation, which makes the whole effort feel hollow and misdirected. It's sad it's not even open on Sundays. It's doing the community a disservice. Whoever approved these changes clearly didn't understand - or worse, didn't care - about what this place meant to the town. They should be ashamed. The only reason for my 3 stars is that the staff was friendly, knowledgeable and knowledge is power - go support your local library. Other than that, Aiken, get your act together. This was the biggest waste of money I've ever seen in my life. I'm glad I don't live here anymore. read more

If a child asks you to go to the library, there's no way you can say 'No!' What kind of a parent would you be?! So, my son asked me if I could take him to the library. It was a late evening but they were still open. Got in a few minutes before closing. My son brought his own library card & ended up checking out about 3 or 4 books. My other son found a book that he liked and I found one for me too! Although I'm more of an audiobook guy, it was cool to find a tangible book to check out. #readingisFUNdamental read more

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ACPL has a good collection of new and older books, audiobooks, book on cd, videos and periodicals. They have a hold and pick up system that I've used regularly for years. Also, if there is a book that you want but they do not have, the request process is pretty simple. Having access to the entire network of libraries is great too. In the last few years it seems to be a more deliberate effort to purchase a more diverse selection of books from African American, Latino, LGBT, and international authors. I really appreciate this! read more

A BUILDING WORTH SAVING! As I was reviewing different sites in Aiken, I came across a photo of this library and knew that I had to see it in person. It is a beautiful historic building built in 1891 while the wing that houses the library was added to the main building in 1913. The building was used as an elementary school as recently as 1986, (this is evident by the super low toilets which are like raised holes in the floor). The library became a part of the building in 1990. It has great architectural detail and I am so glad that someone thought that it was worth preserving. As you enter the library their is a very large desk area with a raised counter. Off to the left and around the corner, you will find designated areas for teens and kids. Adult collections and research materials are upstairs, which is where my husband needed to go. I decided to hang out in the room across from the check-out area. This is where the periodicals are displayed. It was nice to see that there are a couple of Aiken magazines that give a glimpse of life in this small town. It was a nice relaxing visit. A great place for kids! read more

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This library is in an amazing building. Sadly the library itself is only in one of four wings... It felt like a new town library, few books really. They are connected to a pretty good network of other libraries, which kinda makes up for it read more

Very cute library. It had a real small town feel. The staff was very friendly. There are plenty of neat little nooks to sit and read, including some actual study rooms. Some of the equipment could use upgrading, which is more of a county issue than a library issue. The collection is impressive, they also have interlibrary loans for stuff that you can't find. They are also part of a larger multi-county system which shares resources. There are neat children's programs, and lots of adult programs too. They have cool classes like art programs. The building is really cool! read more

PARENT BEWARE!! As a new resident of Aiken with a toddler I recently went to the Aiken County Public Library and have to say I will NOT be returning. The exterior of the building is beautiful but not the easiest to access due to the steep stairs. Upon entry I went straight to the desk and explained that I was new to the area and needed to know where the children's section was. A very unenthusiastic lady told me it was around the corner so away we went. I entered the "children's" area (a few puzzles and a few dirty stuffed animals/puppets and let my child explore and play while I looked for some books to check out. After playing for a bit it was time to go so I again went to the front desk and this time dealt with a very pleasant woman who helped me acquire my library card and sign my child up for the 1000 book club. After obtaining the library card we went back for one more look and than decided it was time to leave. We went to the self check out and the machine was having "issues" that required the use of both my hands so I could not hold on to my 2 year olds hand and he went off running back to the children's area. I could hear him and he was away from me less than 1 minute however the ?librarian? in the children's section that had been glaring at me our entire visit explained to me that I need to wrangle my child better and that his behavior was not acceptable. I explained that I was having an issue with the check out system and asked if he had pulled any books off and she said no he is just running back and forth (mind you in the children's area) I apologized but she said just don't let it happen again. She absolutely embarrassed me and totally "momshamed" me in front of several other people all whom had children and didn't look that disturbed. I am so mortified at the way I was spoken too and that in a public space and one that supposedly welcomes everyone how unwelcoming I was treated. The library is funded by the tax payers and if the tax payers do not feel welcomed in a space they pay for something needs to change! I was really looking forward to attending different programs at the library not only for my toddler but myself as well but sadly we will have to explore something else. read more

We love this library! Very kid friendly and the staff is friendly and helpful. They have a large selection of books and a lot of special programs that go on. They also have a self serve checkout which is quick and easy. You can even pay your fines using it. read more

This library is not handicapped accessible. The elevator has been out of service for over 6 months. To enter the library you must climb a flight of stairs. To access books you must climb another flight of stairs. This is the only library in the city of Aiken. I don't know how a public building can disregard the law regarding accessibility. This is totally unacceptable. read more

During the month of JUNE 2017 is a outstanding display of the full spectrum of Amateur Radio, HAM Radio. The display is on the 2nd floor. Covers what HAM Radio is, what it is doing in Aiken Public Schools, the coming annual Field Day at the Aiken County Complex the 4th weekend in June, and how to obtain an easy radio license. There are over 500 HAMs in Aiken County, 9,000 in SC and over 740,000 and growing in the USA. Radio Amateurs from the Aiken area provide emergency communications for Aiken County Emergency Management, provide backup communications for ARMC, and statewide for the SC SCHEART network. read more