I love this library so much. It's very warm and welcoming and is definitely a true safe space for everyone. I have been here for events and also just to browse and hang out and I always enjoy it. The librarians are very friendly and truly care about their work and helping people. There are four floors and you can get help with the elevator if needed. The fourth floor is mainly for events and usually isn't accessible at least by elevator. The library as a whole is very clean, well-marked, and easy to navigate. The librarians and volunteers are also happy to help you find what you need. A lot of people complain about there being a lot of unhoused people here sitting around and using the bathrooms but honestly they don't really cause a problem. The library is a safe space for everybody, not just people who have enough money to have a roof over their heads. If you have a problem with unhoused people using the library for shelter during the day, you don't belong in a library. They don't bother anyone, they don't trash the place, they pick up after themselves, and they keep to themselves. They behave a lot better than most kids I see out in public. This library is fantastic and the people who work in it are too. Keep funding places like this, we need them. Keep borrowing books, keep talking to librarians, keep volunteering, keep donating, even just picking up a book and putting it on the cart to be reshelved helps libraries retain their funding. read more

Eugene Public Library - Main atrium by the kids section - Libraries Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

Architecturally an extraordinary space of light and height and airiness. When you first walk in there is a circular staircase leading up to a beautiful glass dome. But don't miss the gray spot on the floor directly beneath the dome which is the axis point for astonishing acoustics. Four floors. Spacious and bright. a comfortable place for reading.. but also so much more. The sitting/reading areas are filled with community members grateful for outlets to charge their phones and technology. There are puzzle tables set up on each floor and they were always occupied. Record player and LP collection. A "silent" electronic piano where someone was practicing with earphones on. Area to access assistive technology for patrons with more severe disabilities to facilitate communication. Also a braille printer. There was a teen area with comfortable chairs, free access to feminine hygiene products, computer gaming area. The proximity of the library to the bus station makes the library a welcoming space for teens who might need a break. The public library also partners with 15th Night, an intervention program that seeks to interrupt the problems leading to youth homelessness before it becomes a lifestyle. There's a snack bar in the foyer at the entrance to the library where tables permit patrons to enjoy a food and drink break. The library of things is a wonderful concept. It permits community members to borrow unusual items like metal detectors or shredder or bun pans in the shape of Harry Potter castle as well as Oregon state Park passes... And then return them when they're done. There's also a seed library that allows you to take seeds that have been brought in and take them home for planting. The children's book selection is extraordinary. And the spaces are comfortable and designed to accommodate children... including the largest enclosed outdoor space in Eugene so children don't have to feel that when they get to the library they are constrained by the requirement to be silent. The outdoor space has giant size Lincoln for building and benches for parents to sit. The area is also targeted for renovations and expansion to permit both families and classrooms to enjoy safer outdoor respite. Now easily one of my favorite places to spend time in Eugene read more

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EPL is the best thing about living in Eugene, hands down. The staff make everyone feel welcomed and the building is iconic. The children's section is a dream. I love their online offerings and the book drop at Amazon as well. This library saves me thousands of dollars every year on books, movies, music, games, seeds, and workspace. read more

When I was younger, Eugene's library was a basement and street level building that was squat and dank. And then in 2003 they built this beautiful, bright, multi-story gem three blocks north. It's prime real estate, right across from the bus station so it's super easy to get to. There's a parking lot beneath the branch, which is not free but it's not the most expensive, either. Just note that you'll need to pay before you enter the library rather than when you leave and you'll need to know your license plate number, I think. I didn't realize that, whoops. There could also be parking on the street but it's not plentiful so the garage is your best bet if you take a car. When you enter the lobby there's a coffee stand which is a nice touch, and it seemed pretty popular when we were there. Step into the atrium of the library and to the right is the children's section, to the left the teen area. I've been to this library as a resident of Eugene years ago, but this time came with my mom and baby to enjoy storytime. The storytime was ok. There were a lot of families there--20 or more--and it started with everyone introducing ourselves, our child, and their age. But the librarian... I'm not sure about. I did like the puppets that he used; that was really cute and at all the story times we've been to in Chicago and Eugene, only one other librarian has used puppets. But when he was reading, he was reading too fast. It didn't seem like it was just to vary the reading style/add interest because the entire story he read at the swift speed, and that just isn't useful for small children. I thought perhaps I was being overly critical but my mom also said the same thing before I had mentioned it to her, so I wasn't the only one that was put off by that. The original library was a Carnegie library, and was established by the Fortnightly Club of Eugene. This organization was established by the wife of one of the early university presidents and still exists today. Very cool that the work of 19th century women is what helped bring a circulating/free library (as opposed to subscription libraries, which was an early type of library) to Eugene. This is a great library for a small city like Eugene, and still looks new after 20 years. Definitely visit and check out their events. Their teen events are pretty cool--one was a paint your own umbrella, with umbrellas provided--and they have some neat adult ones like learning to knit and stuff too. read more

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When I started to tell people that I wanted to start making it a regular habit to visit the Public Library to complete a few hours of intensive, extremely focused work, I was surprised at the expressions I got. "Are you sure you wanna do that?" "Please be careful." "Never leave your items unattended." Ok, sure, there are a lot of unhoused individuals that utilize the free and open space to get out of the cold winter mornings or squelching summer afternoons. But I haven't, personally, ran into any problems. Everyone seems to just mind their own business. The most severe thing that has happened was I, unfortunately, had to relocate to a different table because the smell was unbearable. There are these tables that I like that lookout some large windows on the second floor that I have to make sure I arrive right as the library opens to ensure I get one. But as soon as I settle in, put some focus music on my earbuds, I am able to completely tune out the world around me and get so much work done. I found I prefer this kind of remote working over regularly visiting a cafe. read more

Eugene Public Library - The central spiraling staircase - Libraries Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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Great library, great staff. However, one employee told me that Hermann Hesse is a 'popular author.' I just think that's an interesting take.

Staff helpful. I enjoy the new book section on 3rd floor and videos on second floor. City budget may curtail hours open/ wait and see.

Eugene's library is incredible. It has a surprisingly large collection of books put out within the last 3-5 years, has an expansive collection, a huge facility filled with desks and reading areas, self-serve check out, a very generous policy surrounding late returns and renewals, and a coffee shop :) Their website is a little dated, and can be clunky to use at times, but the facility and process at the library itself more than makes up for it. Especially compared to a lot of the local southern California libraries that I'm used to, Eugene's library is amazing. read more

Three floors, tons of titles including music and movies, large print, books on cd, apps to access audiobooks, seed library, art gallery, two study rooms to book for up to two hours for a study session or privacy,outside play space for the kiddos,an are for teens, and an area for "tweens"(8-12).You can even check out games, unique baking pans, and instruments. Eugene is so lucky to have this library. It's always been a dream of mine to work there honestly. I found my favorite movie (the Orange thief) there over a decade ago, and a cd(Deepak Chopra, Secret to Love) that has become crucial during harder times of my life. I love this library. read more

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Large lovely place, I really enjoy coming here! Lots of great reading options. Can spend a few hours here! read more

God were the staff bad. The library was amazing. But the staff were terrible.. I was gone for literally 2 minutes to go to the bathroom and they wrote me a passive aggressive note - that I left my stuff unattended. I brought it up to the staff and she said reason was to protect against theft and bombs. Let's delve into that real quick. If it's to protect against theft: I was literally sitting right in front of them The staff were watching as I locked my computer. If it's to protect against bombs, they didn't even have a metal detector, there's a million ways people could bomb that place.. The whole conversation was odd.. She literally said "If you don't like how we do things go somewhere else. These are our policies" Again let's delve into that: 1. I pay taxes to you.. That's just plain rude. Why don't we stop paying you? 2. Again, I pay taxes to you. Your policies should be shaped by your constituents. Because I was sitting there all day, I heard countless other customers come up them. Hearing the same condescending tonality over again from staff. The tone was "I'm in power. I'm not accountable to you..." One guy had a cigarette in his procession. Not smoking it. The staff member told him to put it away. He said he wasn't smoking it. She then said "I prefer you put it away" Bingo... It wasn't whether it was a rule or not, she just made it up on the fly. And point to me with the law that you can't carry cigarettes in your possession in public places! People are tired of the government telling them what to do. The government is accountable to the people. This why people are so fed up with the government - this strict controlling and condescending attitude from people that aren't affected by the policies they create. read more

I go there to print out some documents. Friendly service. The only thing that I hate is walking in the front and sometimes it smells.

Best library in oregon. Check out the lending library of stuff and things! Baking equipment, button makers, metal detectors. It's awesome!

I am absolutely in love with this gem of a library. It's clean and warm and FULL of books, like 5 floors of them. What?!? They also offer CDs, video games, magazines, free WiFi, book clubs for a variety of ages, and other special events. Don't feel like searching for a book? Put a hold on it and one of the library employees will find it for you, bring it downstairs, slap your name on it, and then email you to let you know they've done all the hard work. Then you show up sometime over the next 3 days or so and check that puppy out. Finished your book and still feeling a touch lazy? They have a drive through book return in the back of the building. Yup, you don't even have to get out of your car. When you aren't feeling too lazy it's worth strolling around inside the building. There's a cafe and used book store downstairs. Also, the view from the upper floors is not too shabby. A great spot to sip a tea and curl up with a good book. If you haven't checked out the library recently I can guarantee you it's worth the visit! read more

Eugene Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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Good selection, but not worth visiting in person. Homeless central, with people sleeping in the chairs and nodding out in the stacks. Even pre-covid, I always wipe down the covers of library books with rubbing alcohol before reading them. People leave filthy handprints in general, but the Eugene library takes that to a whole new level of grime! Every book I borrowed from there left the sanitizing wipes stained grey. Many of the books in circulation are very worn and have stained and dog eared pages, and I've had librarians put notes in several books at checkout, documenting that they left the library in poor condition so I wouldn't have to pay for damages I didn't cause. I stopped borrowing physical books after finding a long smear of what looked like feces across the pages of one. Took it back and pointed it out to staff, they flagged it for disposal. Never again! read more

A nice library, very grateful to have it! Super-convenient for me as it is right next to the bus station. I have noticed some not-so-friendly staff too, though; certainly not all of them, and who knows what the cause of it is (internal frustrations? annoyed with the homeless? just tired of the general bustle of downtown seeping into a traditionally quiet space? not getting paid or paid enough?). Yeah, they *are* really draconian with the ID requirements; it's kinda weird and offputting. Otherwise, this library, while a bit smaller than some of my most favorite libraries, is pleasant enough to browse. Nice building too, a real highlight of downtown. On those experiencing homelessness who are visiting the library -- I may be in that situation myself unless I get really lucky; I can understand how a public establishment like this would feel like a safe haven. It's a city-wide problem that needs a real, progressive solution. read more

A very well thought out space with just about everything you'd ever want to read, the Downtown library is inviting, comfortable, and a great part of our beautiful downtown. The staff is helpful and kind, and paid special attention to make my seven year old son welcome and responsible when we went to get him his own library card. The fiction section and children's section are both very well stocked, clean, and organized. Yeah, there's a few down on their luck people sleeping in there all the time, but I'm OK with it being a safe haven for everyone. read more

Eugene Public Library - My son searching for books in the very large children's literature section. - Libraries Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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Where the hell is our taxes going. can't even use the library. folks are rude, too busy to help you and then hang up on you. it was suggested to me to use the hoopla app thru the Eugene library, but apparently everyone is too busy to offer any kind of support or help read more

I agree with Rat B. who succinctly opines that the Eugene Library is the "Best library ever." It is! I usually have a few major bones to pick with public libraries, which are as follows: 1.) You can never find the book/DVD/CD you want, because it is always out/lost/on hold/not available. 2.) The building is mysteriously sticky, in a way only libraries are. 3.) The movie selection is small, and consists primarily of unwanted donations/discards from video stores. 4.) The librarians shush you constantly :( Good thing the Eugene Library has none of these problems. This is the first library that has every book I've ever wanted to read... in stock. In stock! To top that, the hours are great (esp. considering the recession and the nationwide contraction of public services), the lending grace period is forgiving, the stacks are well-organized, the building's architecture is generously majestic, the books are well-kept, and all the rooms are light-filled and clean. I'm also very fond of the library's huge selection of foreign films, art/experimental films & documentaries. Treasures don't always come with a price tag. :) read more

Public area of downtown where no smoking/vaping/herbing signs noted. I vaped a bit on the street before entering the library, got screamed by a security lady, there's no smoking here. Can I hold it? Yes but cannot use it. Okay, i know. Then she said, dont use it then. #rude. Stepping out of the library, a lot of homeless and college students sitting just outside at the corner of the library, smoking ciggies and weed, then I vaped, walked, and soon after another lady said sir, theres no smoking in the downtown area. I said, but there are a lot of people smoking nearby the library. Lady said, they are homeless people. Nope, they are college students just sitting outside, want me to go with you? Ok, sir but there is no smoking here, I said, ok then shuddup about it. #rudeback So, it is ok for homeless and younger people to smoke weeds and ciggies right next to the library, but not okay for others (clean looking people) to vape with no ciggie butts. #noted #greatjob *sarcasm off* If we can't smoke/vape/weed whatever in general in certain areas, then it is ok, but don't tell certain people you can't do stuff like that when you are too afraid to ask certain crowds to not do that. No wonder theres lotsa homeless in the area now. read more

Although I have not yet visited the library to check out books, I did have the pleasure of accompanying my niece to baby story time. It far exceeded our expectations! + Storyteller was friendly and animated + Fellow patrons were kind and welcoming + Catered specifically to babies 0-1 year + Free of charge + Library is clean and spacious We had a fantastic time learning new songs and will definitely make this a Friday ritual! read more

Eugene Public Library - My niece loved baby story time! - Libraries Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

I have been a patron of the Eugene Public Library system for 17 years, and have been attending public libraries frequently for 35 years or more. Pros: Beautiful building at downtown branch, with a nice reading room. Good online system. Cons: Librarians range from marginally helpful to downright nasty. At the Bethel Branch, you will find a sure contender for World's Nastiest Librarian. I won't say her name, in order to keep my review from being pulled, but anyone who has been there knows who she is right away. Self-checkout system was a huge waste of money. It requires a librarian to oversee your checkout process, because of the complicated way that it works. The librarians are not nice about educating you on how to use it. Every checkout is a lesson in humiliation. read more

Great and beautiful library, a treasure! A valuable community resource I've used all my life. But I won't go, anymore, to the downtown branch, because of the bums and street people. Everyone needs a bathroom break and a warm place when its cold outside...but this makes me drive to outlying branches instead. Alas. read more

As a small town country boy, experiencing the glitz and glamour of a bustling city library is a wonderful experience! But really, I've always been impressed with the selection here, and the fancy check in/out system with its scanners and convey belts reminds me of the wonders of the modern era. It would be nice if I could return books after hours, somewhere (I don't believe that's possible), and sometimes it takes the staff a while to put my requested book in the pick up area. The staff are almost always very kind and courteous in person, though. Would recommend. read more

I spend a lot of time @ EPL. Maybe 20 hours a week or more (I am actually there right now procrastination my studying!). The building itself is beautiful. It has strong architectural features, big beautiful stained glassed windows, a cute little play area for the kiddies, every book I've ever wanted to find and for the most part a quiet setting for homework. Somedays (like today) you get trash that come in and are loud, disrespectful and rude. But what does one expect when the EPL is situated right next to the Eugene Bus Station (Nothing against LTD riders, I ride to school, but somehow a mass amount of smelly people hang out their). Besides the trash most of the time EPL is full of fellow researchers, studiers and students trying their best to cram their brains with ALL the information that the EPL holds. At noon you can hear the Catholic church bells (which is across the street) which I like. It tends to pop me out of my studying trance and reminds be that I am not a zombie. As for the parking, it is pay only. Which sucks but expected since the EPL is located in Downtown. Sometimes I'll park 3 or 4 blocks away and walk, other times if I am not on a schedule, I'll take a bus to the bus station. I really love this library. The staff are very friendly, helpful & cheerful. read more

I have mixed feelings about the Eugene Public Library. Pros: Great location Clean bathrooms Cons: Cranky librarians Hard to find stuff Really big late fees It can get pretty busy at times and it seems like courtesy is the last thing on other patrons' minds. It would be nice if there were more places to actually sit down and read. It would be even more nice if there was a place for all the weird, angsty high school kids to hang out that wasn't right by all the graphic novels I want to look through. I guess I shouldn't complain since they let me check out stuff for free and do have a good selection of books. read more

Amazing library. Super helpful staff. Free Ancestry.com. Nice layout. Lots of security. Two thumbs up! read more

This is my 100th review and an ode to pay homage to my favorite place in Eugene among many favorites. Eugene library is a very special place. Here's why: 1. Great selection of books, cds, and movies 2. Many free local events each month from readings to book sales to workshops 3. Great selection of magazines and newspapers (Note: the magazines and newspapers don't circulate yet you can read them in the library but there is a wide selection of PDF magazines you can access though the library at home) 4. Staff are super helpful and friendly 5. The graphic novels are great with truly smart and wide selection better than libraries in bigger cities of Eugene library's caliber 6. The Lucky Day books and movies are checkouts for new and popular items (always fun) 7. Great selection of New Books 8. First Fridays are extended Hours (open until 8pm instead of 6pm) 9. Eugene Skinner statue out front and near the Ken Kesey statue 10. close to Sizzle pizza for a vegan slice 11. close to Townshend Teahouse 12. Walk to the Farmer's market before or after in the warmer months 13.The list could go on and on, but ending the list here an attempt of failure at being concise with joy and vigor on the arbitrary number of 13 or 12A if you were at a hotel or apartment complex that won't use the number 13 they would say 12A, but since this isn't a hotel or apartment complex and is my 100th Yelp review than 13 it is!! read more

I love this library. In need of some pleasure reading, I came today, personal mail in hand, to get my first library card since I was 6. I had a lovely chat with the librarian helping me about the whys and whats of the library. I was so impressed upon walking in. One of the reasons I haven't had a library card, is that the public library where I grew up and from where I just moved is so dismal. This municipal library beats the socks off the entire county system I just came from. Like I said, the librarian was helpful and friendly, and I would have kept chatting with her, except unbeknownst to me, a line had formed behind me. She politely nudged me along after giving me my card and essential information and took care of the others. (If you were behind me in line, oops). I came into the place with one book in particular in mind. It was checked out, and there was a list to get it. But there seemed to be an adequate number of copies for the library. However, I did find books that I had wanted to read for a long time but hadn't quite convinced myself to purchase them. Among them, the continuing volume of an Arabic Language textbook. It wasn't just that there was a book to teach Arabic, it was the _specific_ one that I wanted. Three copies, there on the shelf. I also got curious about graphic novels, and found a couple that I had been interested in but didn't think were worth purchasing. Verdict: Selection amazing. The facilities were very clean. Shelves and sections were well labeled. In no way did the library feel stuffy, or dated. There were plenty of tables for you to park yourself for studying or such, but less in the way of armchairs. And I like armchairs. But not enough to seize a star. I've got to say, for a town this size, and furthermore a municipal library run only on the funds of the city, I'm beyond impressed. read more

The tiny infrequently open book shop in the atrium lobby is tucked behind the coffee stand. It is a great spot to catch some good deals on current edition books in great shape and support the Eugene Public Library. Space is tight so if there are more than 3 people in here you are likely to be rubbing shoulders while eyeballing the books on the shelves. I didn't even realize this was a shop run by and in support of the library at all for the first year of going to the Downtown branch. When the door is open there is usually a kindly old lady inside ready to ring you up for cheap practically new books. I can't remember taking more than 15 minutes to look at every shelf available so it is a well curated collection constantly changing. Check it out. read more

The building is aesthetically pleasing, inside and out. The stair case and central atrium provided and bright and fresh welcome to its civilians. There are reference desks staffed with helpers at every floor, the higher you go the quieter it gets. probably this is due to the first floor being a children-oriented area and most traffic is accumulated here around the coffee shop and people dropping off books. The second floor is also more packed due to the large amount of computers offered for public use. The third floor also provided computers but are fewer in numbers, but it is compensated with a lot of tables and chairs for studying. One thing I have ran into is that while the library is adequately staffed, their helpfulness is questionable. My first time I could not connect to the Internet and the assistance I received was poor: the librarian questioned the compatibility of my device, put down the computer for being a PC, and indirectly scolded the fact that Windows are terrible and it is the reason why my laptop could not connect to the wifi. The response made me feel embarrassed and I became reluctant to ask for any more assistance: I apologized to the helper instead of thanking her. My second encounter with the library staff was better. The registration process for a library card was smooth, everything was explained to me and my questions were answered thoroughly. read more

I think you could live here- there's food, coffee, movies and books if you start to feel guilty for just hanging out too long.

Been here on second floor for three hours & security has been thru once. Once. Lots of homeless people here, & that's cool, but some of their behaviors are not, & apparently that's okay in this library. If I were in charge, I'd say to them, you are welcome here, but this is not your personal space, so act accordingly, or leave. Simple. Really simple. read more

I actually give the building four stars and the reference librarians (who are smart and helpful and nice) five stars. I hope someday the location becomes nicer, but being next to the bus station doesn't bode well for that I suppose. My main gripe is the nasty attitude of the majority of the people who work on the main check-out floor. Nasty. They actually scowl! It is possible for the public to check books out at the Knight Library (at the University), so I just go there for my books. read more

Nice building. Good automation features and on -line reservations. Returning books is a snap and the fines are low. Parking is idiotic. Meter prices in the basement but have yet to pay a fine for non payment..... Best feature by far is the drop box in the basement parking where you can retire books easily. Whole personal libraries dumped here when not bookcrossing them. read more

Without a doubt the best thing in Eugene!!! I spent the majority of my time while living in Eugene either in this library or reading/watching/listening to the materials I borrowed from there. It is wonderful for hanging out. Either with a book or online or just people watching. While the building does become a magnet for the homeless and youth drifters of Eugene - thats all part of the charm. If you cant deal with the sight (or smell) of it, you shouldnt live in Eugene-ha. Great location, right next to the bus station & the Kiva. I miss it. read more

The Eugene Public Library is considered the most interesting looking building downtown, and the downtown needed sprucing up. The interior is nice also with it's spiral staircase and stain glass windows. My only complaint's are with some of the staff and policies. A majority of the staff is unfriendly, it makes me feel like my tax paying dollars are going to their entitled salaries. My biggest issue is when the unfriendly staff not only made me buy a book because it had a spot of water on it, they also charged me a $5 service charge. There are tons of books on the shelves are were in way worse condition that my book. I have heard that the library is broke and they look for ways to compensate. read more

New patrons bring your ID and proof of residency. Welcoming staff that got me all settled in with a card and an explanation of the layout of the place and its inner workings. Thanks, Gary. The self check out attendant saw I was a noob and said "never take the item off the scanner until it says 'finished' and always hit 'exit'. Remember those two things and you are golden. Golden, indeed. read more

So many books. So many activities for the kids. Excellent collection and über friendly staff. We couldn't live without our library! read more

Eugene Public Library - Building patterned towers after preschool Storytime on Wednesday. A MUST for preschoolers! - Libraries Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

Eugene Public Library: You suck. The library itself is just a standard small town library with a bunch of old, ripped up books that nobody really wants to read. And the staff is unbelievably obnoxious. Aside from all the other complaints, my beef is being charged for apparently returning a book with dirty bent pages. Whatever the hell that means. All of the library books have dirty bent pages. I guarantee my things are in nicer condition than anyone who works at this library. So for them to claim I returned a book that was unusable (as per their website) is preposterous. This sounds to me like someone on the staff ruined a book and didn't want to get in trouble for it which means I got charged 30 bucks. Which is also stupid because obviously the books here are new and purchased within the last six months (NOT). Nevermind these books are donated bringing this whole sorry claim to a level of extortion. So borrower BEWARE! Although you might be able to find something interesting to read, there is no guarantee that the poor library staff will respect your fair handling of the books returned. They might just go as far as burning the material itself just so they can get some funds from you making everyone who works there dishonest and stupid. What else would you expect? P.S. I dare anyone who works at the library to respond. I know where you work. read more