The feel of this library is nice, big, roomy, and mostly inviting. The children's area is nice for…read morethe little ones to read books and play. It would be nice to have an event calendar state what is the story time themes are, not just the time. My biggest complaint is by the front door. There were 5-7 gentleman loitering outside, almost blocking the doors. We were inside for about an hour and they were still there when we were leaving. 14.06.2024

One thing I love about Manatee county and its public institutions is the commitment to the…read morecommunity and social awareness. Nothing short of that was the event I attended at Central Library on 4/21/18. The library hosted a fashion show that featured area students that designed dresses made from trash & other found / discarded items. What these young people came up with was absolutely miraculous, and the juxtaposition of those beautiful creations over the fact that we have a massive waste crisis on out hands in this world was really moving. One dress was made entirely of green soda bottles curled and extruded to create a flowing, bouncing ensemble mirrored by a hairdo of similar curl and body donned by the model. Another outfit top was made almost exclusively with a young lady's grandfathers old ties. Very creative! This is why I live in this part of Florida, and why I will continue to support the community and events they offer for many years to come.

I often bring our grandson here and he absolutely loves it. I love watching him get excited about…read morebooks. All of the Manatee County Libraries have been amazing. I've heard they are going to be revamping this branch and changing up the children's area so I am excited for that!

Very friendly staff here and it is easy to request books from other branches. Funny to say out loud…read morebut this branch seems to offer more large print books than normal size font books. I experienced that mistake once and learned my lesson! Yikes, knock wood, not ready for that option yet.... Appreciate that you can drop off food donations for the Manatee food bank and donate books for the library book sale. Last weekend, there were plenty of kiddos enjoying a Saturday morning activity which was fun to see their enjoyment. This branch seems to offer many community activities, posted on their outdoor marquee, which is appreciated.

Always on the lookout for something for the child and I do, I stumbled upon an Origami Festival…read morehappening here. We walked in and a large room up front had four tables set up with ladies showing groups how to make fun things with paper. It was such a wonderful way to spend the morning. If the baby hadn't started to get antsy, then the child and I would have spent all day there. Judy showed us how to make a few things and was patient with my son going through all the steps. As for the library, we had never been to this location. It was so clean. Not just tidy, but clean. Everything looked like it belong in that spot with no clutter. The kid's area was great for an antsy 2 year old to play and let off some energy. I tried to look for a book, but she wasn't having it so must of my time was in that space.

The mural on the building was done with vivid colors and beautifully done. The library was neatly…read morearranged with tons of reading materials. The children that were visiting were having loads of fun and considerate to other visitors

The Selby public library in Sarasota is centrally located in downtown with it own parking lot which…read moreallows up to 2 hours of free parking for patrons. The library is an architectural landmark and a nice space to work in, though it can also feel a bit utilitarian. They have a range of books and audio collections to browse and borrow. A lot of people come to use the computer stations or work on their laptops. The ground floor has more of a social atmosphere where some people play board games and there's a store that sells used books. During tax season they have help with that if you need it.

The huge pillars & interesting done make it look more like a stadium or auditorium than a library…read more This Selby Library is the flagship branch of the Sarasota County Library System, located in downtown Sarasota. This is the county's first library, established in 1907. It offers a wide range of resources, including books, digital materials & computer classes. It is known for its vibrant space, including a children's area with an aquarium arch. The library is supported by a permanent endowment from the Selby Foundation.

This is my favorite place to hang out on campus. Great hours (better than any other building this…read moreside of campus). Great selection (harness the power of ILL and UBorrow). Great staff. As a student, I found it useful for both academic and recreational purposes. While construction work has hindered its use somewhat recently, the staff have been very accommodating.

This is one top notch library! Open late for those intense study sessions. The staff is…read moreremarkably knowledgeable and friendly though in one corner of the library there is a very loud guy who always sounds like he's screaming. Just stay in the other areas and it's nice and quiet. Also - the thesis room is an amazing place to read up on an incredibly wide variety of subjects. I highly recommend going in there, grabbing a random thesis and sitting down for a quick read! Great way to get some knowledge crammed into your head. There is some sort of deep seated passion and intrigue mixed with fear and angst in every one of them! All in all a really fantastic library.

It was a sad experience it was closed. But the outside seating it alright. Solid d+ overall give it…read more2 stars because there's no trash can and it's closed.

Who knew there was so much to do at the library?? Not me!!…read more Of course there are books to check out, but on top of that there are games, puzzles, and so many events they hold. There are also resources like printing and other computer-based activities. Check out your local library for all of the details. My only wish is that they opened before 10am.

The Palmetto Library branch for the Manatee County Library system is a tremendous resource for all…read moreages. It is well organized and offers an abundance of acticities for the community. I am so happy I am a member.

Today 2/26/25 I watched as Aydrien comes over to a deaf (disabled) person and tells her to tone it…read moredown. (The woman was video calling on the computer with someone and deaf people make sounds). But she wasn't being any louder than the tutoring happening in the library or any conversations happening at the tables in that library. So I stood up for disabled woman. Went to the desk to ask Aydrian her name and she refused to give it to me. Proceeds to lose her mind and get loud when I walked over to the desk grabbed a piece of paper quietly and professionally. Long story short, Aydrian is a miserable person who hates helping people, her job, and her life. She is unprofessional and it shows. Because I DO come in very often I live walking distance to the library and grew up in public libraries in Los Angeles. She lost all her sense when I told her I was reporting her for being rude to the disabled woman. Then threatens to call her boss on me which is exactly what I want you to do when I ask for your name and you refuse to give it to me. Then yelling about how I come in everyday. And I will. Come in EVERYDAY with my own laptop right in my bag. As many times as I feel like. It's a public library. Stop making excuses for being crappy at customer service. Just stay in the back and be the ackward librarian with no tolerance or social skills Aydrian. She keeps announcing very loudly how she only has one more week up front. She needs to be removed and I will be reporting her to Hal Harmon because I see the supervisor job advertised, so complaints will go nowhere unless you escalate them elsewhere. To the Director and the County.