Wow has it been years since I've stepped into a physical library!!! After igniting my love for reading again, I found I needed a more sustainable place to cycle through books instead of hitting up B&N every week or so. Columbia public library made it easy to register for a free library card all online! I could even start checking out books before my card was shipped to me. We decided to check out the place in person and what a beautiful safe haven! There's lots of quiet spots to sit and read or study. Checking a book out was also so simple using their little kiosks located all around the library. Can't wait to come back! read more

Columbia Public Library - Checkout kiosk - Libraries Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

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Very friendly people. The small cafe was very nice. It was very accessible as well, as a person with disabilities this was a big deal to me

Lots of great space to sit and work quietly here! I really like the 3 levels with various seating, and had no problem finding a place to plug my computer in. The real gem is the quiet reading room on the third floor! Huge windows with lots of light. Very comfortable temperature for sitting and working quietly for a few hours with all the sun coming in. read more

Columbia Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

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This library is really beautiful. The first floor has children's books and CDs and DVDs, and the second floor has the adult fiction that I tend to gravitate toward. But my favorite was the third floor. It's the coziest spot in the library and I felt like I could sit and read for hours. One of the coolest features is the local author sticker - it's a fun way of distinguishing authors who are from the area. They even had a local authors display, and I actually know one of the authors they featured. It was super cool seeing the face of someone I know! They also have meeting rooms and study rooms, and the view of downtown from the upper levels is unbeatable. read more

Honestly one of the nicest public libraries I've been to - especially for a city of 100,000. The city/county poured the dollars into this, I can tell. Comfy armchairs, a caf on the first floor, and interesting architecture - inside, with lots of airy space and exposed beams; and outside with a modernist sculpture. If you prefer classic architecture, however, this will not be your bag - but you can still come for the books. There's also classroom and meeting space for clubs and groups to take advantage of, which they do. They're always getting new books, and as Michelle points out, they have a decent selection of DVDs (along with CDs) to check out for free. read more

BEST LIBRARY EVER! No late fees. Friendly librarians. Great kids area. I can't say enough good things about this library. read more

Columbia Public Library - Children's section - Libraries Near Me - Columbia, Missouri

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Columbia Public Library receives five stars for doing things that a library should do correctly and then expanding to cover areas that many would never consider a library capable of doing. For the sake of simplicity, I'll number off my favorite things about this magnificent place that I feel are noteworthy. 1. Music Library: A massive collection of music is at your fingertips. We're not talking about just the mainstream garbage. They have that, sure. What impresses me about their collection is that it includes indie, alternative, pop - you name it. The library will even get new releases fairly soon after said release. Just make sure you put a hold on it, otherwise you'll find yourself in a long line once it goes into circulation. 2. Books: Pretty much. Yeah, it's a library. They have them. Chances are you will find what you are looking for when perusing the catalog of this library. If it's not available, simply put a hold on it and the library will contact you when it becomes available. I have always been pleased with their selection of all things paper-ey and book-ey. Fiction, NF, tax stuff, maps, reference materials, etc. Lots of good stuff. 3. Friendly Staff: This library's staff is composed of intelligent, smiling, friendly people. I enjoy coming here partly because they create such a great atmosphere. 4. Cafe: A small cafe is located near the entrance for your caffeine fix and dopamine inducers. 5. Book sales: Every once in a while, a book sale is held. Do yourself a major favor and attend one. 6. Center Aisle Cinema: They show excellent docs. See one. Usually a film previously shown at Ragtag. Free. 7. Seating/Levels/Space: There is plenty of seating in this place. Go to the top floor if you're really looking for some quiet space to get some work done. Okay, looks like I came up with seven things I like most about the place. There are plenty more reasons to be a regular here. I probably even forgot some major ones. With that, I'll speak of the only downfall I've noticed so far about the library, and it really isn't the library itself. It's the people who congregate at the computers on the second floor. Avoid. Otherwise, Columbia Library deserves some praise. Check it. read more

What a lovely library. It's easily the nicest public library I've ever been to, and even with Ellis Library on the Mizzou campus at my fingertips I sometimes just wanted to hang out at the Columbia Public Library (aka Daniel Boone Regional Library). The library is gorgeous architecturally and features a modern sculpture right at its entrance. The inside features well laid-out collections and a nice top floor with a huge magazine selection, spacious tables, and comfortable armchairs overlooking the rest of the library below. They have a large enough collection that you're not constantly having to order and wait for the book you're looking for, and they also have a neat CD collection that you can check out. So put your nose in a book and go! read more

The library is a fantastic place. Of course there are books galore, but there is a great kids area for children to play and explore. There are self checkouts, as well as the standard checkouts. Great place to unwind and read a good book. read more

This is one of the busiest places in town. The parking lot is almost always packed, and the library is busy no matter what time you go there. I didn't take my computer on a recent trip, so needed to go to the library to use the internet. You can get a free pass of an hour of internet use daily. If you have your own computer, there is free wifi. They also have study rooms which we used for a business meeting. There are always groups and activities going on all the time. Unique perhaps to this library is the open entry way with a coffee/snack area in the lobby. read more

Love this library! It is clean and bright and always has the books I want, or at least they are available for me to put on hold. Every single interaction I have had with someone who works here has been pleasant and positive. Love that they have a little coffee and pastry shop right at the entrance! read more

A nice library with a decent selection. They have easy-to-use online services and an app you can download. My only complaints are the hours (they close really early if you're looking to study or go after work) and the noise level - it can get loud in the children's section, and all floors are open to the bottom, so it travels. The coffee cart thing needs to keep better hours, too. Otherwise, a nice library. read more

I really enjoy this library. It is so comforting when you walk in. They always have the books I am looking for and have very friendly staff to help me. Recently I did the Read One program and loved it. I am finding more and more programs that are of interest through the library. read more

The best library I've ever used as an adult. (My childhood library holds a special place, but obviously it's a different experience!) They have a good selection of books on hand, as well as inter-library loan. But they go one further: you can request that they purchase a book so that you can rent it! Music selection is good, though it's sometimes hard to find what you want because not everything ends up exactly where it should be. I find it's often easier to request a hold and pick it up when they find it. They have small book sales quite often in their lobby, and I don't ever find anything. However, the big, big sales they do (maybe twice a year) are amazing and definitely worth hitting. It's really easy to find great books in great condition, and for cheap. I like the layout and the atmosphere of the building. The staff I've interacted with are friendly and helpful. read more

This library was recently renovated and the building is BEAUTIFUL. They really outdid themselves. their collections are still great, and you check out movies for free - all types. We loved coming here when we lived in town. read more

Great programming and tons of books/CDs/DVDs (and more) to check out in one of the most architecturally interesting buildings in Columbia.