I really enjoyed this library. It's quiet and clean. The staff was friendly too. They have several programs for kids which I love. I will be back soon read more

See all

Looking for a free place to get some work done? This is an option. However, in true "you get what you pay for" fashion, the Decatur Library is in need of an update. It's tidy, but not clean, and the carpet and furniture is ready for replacement. I'd be able to comfortably stop in here briefly to get something quick done, but would not be comfortable here for a full day. For context: I was seeking a place to do some work remotely while my daughter was in day camp in Decatur. This was one of the first places I tried, but I found better locations after this. I'm certain this is a great resource for the local community. There appears to be a community center next door where small children (maybe a day camp) were out playing in the "backyard" area; there was a small gathering of likely unhoused people on the front lawn of the library (likely a welcomed gathering spot for them during the day); inside the back entrance, there was a beautiful display of award-winning artwork and poetry from children across the county; there are clean restroom facilities; and there is ample parking in the rear of the building plus a rear entrance for easy access after parking. read more

I can't believe I forgot about this fantastic resource! With the advent of the Libby and Hoopla apps, the library is offering free kindle and audible books. What a great way to save money! With these digital resources, you don't even need to go to the library in person, except to get your library card. It doesn't get any easier! You can sign up for a library card online but you have to go by the library in person within 30 days to complete your registration. The librarians here are very nice and helpful. This is a pretty big library, with adequate parking. I came by on a Sunday, and there were quite a few people there, but there were still plenty of spaces available to read or work. This library itself needs some repairs, but I would expect that from a free resource that hasn't received much funding in recent years. All in all, a fantastic experience! This library exceeded my expectations. read more

Dekalb County Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

Congrats to DeKalb County Public Library for being voted in the best library's for 2018. The library in downtown Decatur is awesome, the new books are right in the front and are easy to spot, plus great collection. I love how great of a selection of books they have, and it they don't have it, you can get it from one of the connecting libraries. You can check out DVD's and passes for free things to do in ATL. The book limit is great and I felt like I would never need to buy another book again. Thanks for the best customer service, the great selection, the easy to use database, and a great location. read more

Dekalb County Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

See all

This is a very beautiful, well kept library with lots of computers and an array of books. I also like the book sculptures at the front door. I appreciate the fact that they still make everyone wear masks and have a temperature reader. Only taking away one star because one of the two women who manage the computer floor was rude. read more

Dekalb County Public Library - Book sculpture - Libraries Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

See all

I want to love you, Dekalb County Public Library...but you loud! I've been to this Decatur branch, the main branch of the Dekalb county public library system, a few times and nothing can take away from the librarly itself. It's huge, expansive, with three levels, a private lot and parking deck below the lot (free parking in decatur? Yes!). No car? They're also steps away from the Decatur Marta Station. Win! The interior of this librarly is beautiful, with nice wood finishes, several tables for sitting, several rooms filled with tables for sitting/studying, excellent as well as friendly staff, and of course books, which they have many of. In addition to book hunting, studying or whatever, you can sit in on a number of classes, which I did not attend any of, but I may be back for a few. Basically i'm saying there's lots to do here, and when you're done with the library, it's literally steps away from the popular Decatur square, if you're looking for lunch or dinner (just move your car first or they'll tow it!). So why 3 stars then? Like I alluded to at the start, this is a LOUD library. There are two entrances to the library, and each time the door is opened (especially the front entrance), you're hit with all the hustle and bustle outside. Sometimes that hustle and bustle comes inside too in the form of people using their outside voice for a few seconds inside. If you want peace and quiet, don't sit in any of the rooms near the entrances. My last visit involved two guys just sitting in the library, same room as me, talking to each other at times, talking on the phone at times, and they were so loud it was like they didn't know they were in a library. Staff told them more than once to keep it down, but they just ignored them. Sure, I could've moved, but I was almost done, and with earplugs in my ear, I could still hear every bit of their conversation. Pretty unacceptable, but pretty common. Absent the loud folks in (or passing through) the library, the Decatur branch is 5 stars all around for me. I'm certain i'll be back at some point and i'm sure they'll earn an extra star or two with ease. read more

See all

I like this library! It's conveniently located in downtown Decatur and offers two levels of free parking. Every one of the staff I've dealt with has been pleasant and helpful. The selection can be slightly limited sometimes, especially when it comes to music. However, for a library system not located in a major city, they do very well. If there's a book that only another branch has, they ship them over within three days or less of me requesting it. They also put on a number of displays and ciltural events. I'm pretty happy with this place. read more

Every time I leave the library, I always chide myself for not coming in sooner and more often. How can you not love a place that offers free [to borrow] books, CDs, and DVDs? To make a library-related pun, the Decatur branch (aka the Main Branch) of the DeKalb County Public Library system is definitely worth checking out. It's not just tomes and discs though. Are you a yogi? A crochet enthusiast? You can also attend classes, talks, ESL groups, storytimes, movie screenings, the list goes on. And courtesy of the DIGG Seed Library, you can even check out lettuce/carrot/kale seeds! Luckily you don't have to return those, haha. The building is on the old side, and more signage could be helpful. And a for lot of books I wanted to check out, I'd already been beaten to the punch. But you can place holds if this happens. Aside from the livelier main floor, there are others as well. The second floor has a lot of computer stations, and the third floor is pretty quiet and home to nonfiction books. For those who like additional exercise, note that there are no stairs available from the second to third floors. Added bonus: the free parking in the deck behind the building. In happening downtown Decatur, this is fantastic. And this branch is open Sunday afternoons. Free wifi too, snag the password from a librarian. Gotta love the library! read more

This is one of my favorite library branches in the metro area. I love that it's open every day of the week for at least a few hours: Monday - Wednesday 9am - 9pm Thursday - Saturday 9am - 6pm Sunday 1pm - 6pm I love that it's located right off Decatur Square within walking distance of MARTA, popular shops and restaurants. (I doubt it's ok to park in the library lot and walk to another destination but, trust me, the temptation is high.) I can never leave this place without finding a dozen cookbooks to explore. But I also love that it's so much more than just a place to get books. Anyone with a library card can borrow a seven day ParkPass or Historic Site. This ParkPass lets you explore any state park in Georgia without having to pay the $5 daily parking fees. The Historic Site pass is good for one free admission into any of the 18 historic sites in Georgia. The library also offers consumer education sessions where local attorneys provide counsel about debt collection lawsuits. They do screenings of classic films from the golden age of Hollywood (1940s -1960s) too. They have another resource called Learning Express. It lets you take online practice tests for things like the GED, SAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT. They also have practice tests for cosmetology, nursing, real estate, and other careers. Since the high traffic areas like the children's section and the computer terminals are on separate floors, the third floor is usually nice and quiet. That makes it a good place to study if you're the kind of person who needs a distraction-free environment. Bonus star for having a pay phone near the back entrance--the first one I've seen in almost a decade. (A great tool for explaining the world before cell phones to clueless youngsters like this one: http://forevertwentysomethings.com/2015/01/27/20-questions-i-have-for-people-who-were-in-their-20s-before-cell-phones-internet/) read more

See all

I have NOT enjoyed social distancing during the pandemic BUT this is one place where I hope they make it permanent. Before the pandemic, there were all sorts of hygienically challenged and noise challenged people at this library. The computers were crammed together, there was lots of drama and no privacy on the computers. Now it's a real library and I hope it stays that way. Thank God for social distancing at this library. PLEASE MAKE SOCIAL DISTANCING PERMANENT AT THIS LIBRARY!!!!! read more

I love this library. I've been coming here for years to get my book fix, and I've yet to be disappointed. For popular books, I'll put them on my request list and even if I'm number 87 (which I have been before), I still get the book within a few months. And if a book you'd like is not in the Dekalb County catalog, ask a librarian if it's possible to get it from a system outside of Dekalb County. This library system is linked to other library systems, so they can borrow a book from another library system for you. When I want a quiet place to read, I head to the third floor. It's the quietest floor and has chairs for reading and tables for setting up your laptop. (Free wi-fi is available here.) On the second floor is reference and where the computers and microfilm are located. I don't think I've ever seen the computer area empty but there is a time limit and a sign up process to use the computers. Popular magazines are available on the second floor as well for temporary checkout. (I'm guessing that people were walking off with Vogue.) I started volunteering here once a week about 4 months ago, and the staff are really nice people and want to make the library a positive experience for everyone. I decided to volunteer because I was already going once a week so now my book browsing has a purpose other than personal entertainment. And thanks to the Dekalb County public library system, my spending on books has gone from $100+ a month to less than $20 a month. Maybe that's bad for our consumer economy, but it's great for my budget. I'm not even going to tell the story of the guy I met here. But I will say that he was nice and read books without pictures. Gotta love that. And they have a parking deck with 2 floors. And plenty of free parking is awesome. Just awesome. (But you have to come early if there's a festival in downtown Decatur because the festival goers will take it!) read more

I like this place for homework and for quietly playing computer games. Reasonable printing and copying prices, very quiet and the staff are very quick to quiet down loud patrons. I'm just putting one star less because their computer management software malfunctions from time to time, but usually gets the job done and the staff will reset it if it's not working right. read more

I love libraries. And this DeKalb public library is a good one. Sure, they've got tons of books. Sure, it's a comfortable place to read and do some research. But the thing that really impresses me about this library is the high level of community involvement. There are seminars. All sorts of educational endeavors. And space for events. Plus, they have wifi, and that always makes me happy. Bonus: it's walking distance from MARTA. read more

UPDATE: My last experience was terrible... I first gave them a 5 star now it's down to a 3.. punk kids are back in school, from my last review, and they don't understand that even with headphones on, if the music is loud, it means I can hear it..internet was down, people were going nutts. Great place, extremely quiet and full of seats available for those that need a quiet refuge to study. If you get tired from cranking your head in the books, you can walk down the Ponce de Leon street where there are shops ( alittle funky hippy old school/granola) but it's still fun to look. You can grab a bite to eat at the various shops.. around the downtown. The librarians are very nice, but they all look bored... the security guy has nothing to do, cause I place my foot on the chair which was under a desk, and he walked up to me and asked me to not place my feet on the chairs.. very strange, but still I guess the guy was just doing his job. read more

Lots and lots of books! Some of the best hours that I have seen at any library over the years. It is open until 9pm Monday through Thursday, so you can easily stop by after work. They also routinely will put books aside for you or you can request a hold on books online. There is a large area where you just find your name and your books are there ready to be checked out. So, if you do your homework and put books on hold, you can just run in and pick them up in under 5 minutes. Located right in central downtown Decatur with a large 2-level parking lot, so very convenient. Also a nice CD and DVD selection! And there are a bunch of computers on the second level if you need. Plus, cubicles if you want to bring your own computer. And there are machines for self checkout, just like at the supermarket. Here is a link to the Decatur branch: http://www.dekalblibrary.org/branches/decatur.html Now go read! read more

DeKalb County's library system is a good one. It may not be the prettiest space around, but this library branch is large, well-staffed, and well-stocked. This branch hosts numerous events, has plenty of space for studying, and has a fair number of public computers. Free and fast Wi-Fi as well. As with most public libraries, you can have books from any branch in DeKalb put on hold and delivered to this local branch. Overall, it's a fantastic public library. Highly recommended. read more

I absolutely love the "self-check out" option! It's great to be able to check out my own books because there isn't usually a line to do so. If you have to pay fines, you'll have to go to the normal line. I really like their variety in novels. There are study rooms in the level beneath the main level. You have to use the elevator to get to the nonfiction, reference, and computer sections. The kids' book section has lits of picture books, but not as many kids' chapter books. It isn't a problem though because you can order books you want through inter-library loan. There are little tables and chairs sized just right for kids. read more

Free parking, plenty of spots. Free wifi. Study rooms 2hrs check out. Free computer use for 2hrs. Many study areas. Kids reading area. Very close to Decatur Square and bus station. Staff are nice. My only complaint is the chair aren't very comfy. Wooden chairs with some padding. read more

See all

I second Kim D.'s review. Please let me add that you can "order" books, DVDs, CDs, etc. online from anywhere. All you need is the Internet. You login to their website search for the titles you want, reserve the ones that are in stock, queue the ones that are not--and then wait for the email from the library saying your stuff is in. You don't even have to go looking for them b/c the library has a special area right by the check out desk where reserved materials are held. Who knew? No more icky expensive bookstores. No more spending too much on "discounted" stuff on Amazon. The DeKalb Public Library is your tax dollars hard at work. True the selection is not that great, and sometimes it's crowded with high school students--again this is your tax dollars at work. How about doing the library a solid and donate those books you bought ages ago in the vain attempt at letting your friends and dates know that you were really *intellectual and cultured*. Login and get yourself something you're really interested in reading. read more

I'm heading into the last week of spring semester and I realize somehow neglected to purchase to book I needed for the last class meeting. I phoned my college book store which, of course, had already sent the copies back. I checked a local online bookseller to find a copy, but it could take up to 6 days to make its way to me. I'm beginning to worry a bit. My sister was kind enough to search, and surely enough, the Decatur library had a copy. I was pretty shocked as the text I needed is rather dry and academic, not what I would expect to find at a public library. I went and checked out the book with no problem. Definitely a great find. read more

So, I don't live in DeKalb County, and DeKalb County Library also isn't part of the PINES library network. Therefore, I would have to pay $45 a year for a library card, so I can't comment on book selection or circulation policies. That being said, the 3rd floor is pretty great for studying. I recently spent a fair bit of time there getting ready for my MATs, and it was consistently quiet and everyone was respectful of each others' space. The tables and chairs are well-laid-out and comfortable. Restrooms were not too bad, considering. Wi-fi speed was decent. I approve. read more

I LOVE my local Decatur library. LOVE. love. LoVe! Why?! Because they not only allow - but encourage lazy readers like me. When I want a book - I request it online and they email me when it comes in. I run over, pick it up from a designated area - and check it out. Takes all of 5 minutes. I mean, don't get me wrong, perusing the shelves is also fun - and they generally have a good selection of oldies-but-goodies DVDs... but for all you busy ladies and gents who want to find a good read and don't want the disappointment of showing up and seeing it's already checked out -- request online first. read more

We made an impromptu stop by here after having lunch at a restaurant nearby. Hubby has frequented this library having grown up in the area. Having lived in and visited various establishments in the area since we've been married, I'm not sure how I'd never been here. It's obviously quiet, but is also very well kept. The staff is nice and helpful. We ended up spending an hour or so of our afternoon here, and it was so lovely. We wandered through the rows skimming pages of history books, planning our next trip while scouring travel guides, and sat down to search for meal ideas while reading through cookbooks and find some humor in old comics. Definitely an inviting place to spend a cozy and quiet afternoon in the midst of a vibrant city center. read more

This is a real library. Plenty of books, the DeKalb system can order you just about any book you might want. There is also a very good selection of CDs and DVDs. You can get on the wait list for new items, it might take a while to get but again, it's your public library so the more you support it the more you get out of it. I like this location, it's close to home, MARTA, and many of the businesses where I am the Duke. read more

I've only been a patron of the Dekalb County Public Library for a week or so, but have had nothing but great service and experiences there. When I signed up for my library card and did my voter registration, the man I worked with was efficient and very helpful as well as the lovely ladies that helped me when I picked up some books that I reserved online. Really nice people, really nice library. read more

I used to love this library growing up. It seemed so magical and so much better than the one closer to our house on Candler Rd. Now with the adult eyes it's just a quiet (and small) library that is starting to show its age. I'm quite sure the powers that be will be renovating it soon the way the City of Decatur is turning into small town Buckhead. read more

We are new in town and we're excited to check out the library. Unfortunately- Really small kid section. I went to take my 7yo- who is an avid reader- to get her own library card. The woman behind the check out desk was the opposite of friendly. She berated us for standing at the desk and not behind the rope line at the check out (no one else was there), and glowered at the children the entire time. I asked for an application for a card and she didn't give it to us, I guess she was too busy making sure we knew the proper place to stand. What a disappointing experience. read more

This library is awesome! I just got my library card today and am so excited to use it (yes, I'm a nerd!). The library has so many events planned -- check out their website for their schedule of visiting authors and also the little exhibitions they have in the front. You can also rent cds, videos, and DVDs FOR FREE so you can cancel your Netflix membership and bring your friends out for drinks instead! The BEST part about the library? They have a Rosetta Stone subscription that you can access FROM YOUR HOME INTERNET CONNECTION! I was checking out language software online and if you wanted to the program for yourself you'd have to pay over $500! Definitely a fan! read more

Very wide selection of books and what I like most is they usually have a good number of copies if it's a popular book. I really appreciate the inter-library transfer. I can have a book transferred to my nearest library and return to any. Usually the librarians and staff are very very friendly and helpful. My favorite branches are Tucker and Clarkston. read more

I've been coming here since I was a kid and it's still an awesome place to go. Free computer access (for an hour), printing for a low fee and multiple levels. The mutiple levels and well named sections make it easy to find what you're looking for and a place for some peace. The downside.... if you go later in the evening, from 30 min to close you may as well not expect peace and quiet due to the constant intercom interruptions telling you to GATHER YOURSELF AND GET OUT! read more

I guess I don't have too high of an opinion of Dekalb public libraries after having lived in Gwinnett before that. In Dekalb, the overall book collections are not as large. When they do have a book I want, they simply don't have many copies. And the libraries themselves are more limited. The staff is friendly and their hours are great, though. read more

In terms of libraries, this one is pretty cool. I've been taking my kids there for their summer programs (WHICH ARE FREE) and my 3 children all leave excited and happy about what the library has to offer. My wallet feels the same way. The staff are also very friendly. Just a couple of days ago my daughter was really hoping to borrow an Ivy & Bean book and one of the librarians overheard us and personally came over when the only copy (that had just been turned in) and gave it to my daughter. Needless to say, she made my daughters day. read more

3rd floor is quite but feels like 75 degrees. Main floor is busy with people moving about and mothers bring their toddlers with them. Rude! Second floor is the computer which stays busy. read more

I like this library a lot but parking is horrible!! Library patrons can never find a place to park I suspect because people are using the library lot to park while they eat or shop or take MARTA. Many times I have just left frustrated after circling the lot for quite a while. Something needs to be done!! read more

The Decatur public library is right in the heart of downtown Decatur and is a popular place to check out books. Decatur is a book town and even has a popular book festival every year. The only drawback is because so many residents here read, many books are checked out frequently so the wait list can be quite long. read more