A Gem for All Ages -- 5-Star Experience at Daytona Beach Public Library…read more This library is a true local treasure. From its impressive size to the thoughtful, hands-on amenities, it's easily one of the most welcoming and resource-rich public spaces we've encountered. As a parent of a toddler, I especially appreciate the expansive kids' area. It's filled with engaging materials, from early reader books to sensory toys, pretend play stations, and a generously sized indoor play zone. My child loves building with large Legos, exploring the dollhouses and kitchenette, and tinkering with pretend tools at the workbenches. The wooden train tracks are fun too -- though you'll have to bring your own train engine! The variety here is outstanding, making every visit feel fresh and exciting. The library's offerings go far beyond children's resources. There's a remarkable adult STEM innovation area housed in a dedicated space donated by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. It features sewing machines, a 3D printer, vinyl cutter, and more. Most equipment requires appointments (often booked up about a week in advance), but once you're in, the possibilities are inspiring. One of the staff members gave us an incredibly thorough 30-minute tour -- the best I've ever had at any library -- marked by passion, knowledge, and genuine hospitality. Much of this wonder is made possible by generous donors like the Robinson family, Embry Riddle, Friends of the Library, and many others who've helped shape this space into what it is today. Whether you're a curious adult, a creative teen, or a parent looking to enrich your child's day, the Daytona Beach Public Library has something for you. Highly recommend. Five stars without hesitation.

you SUCK! I'm in a remote area & have to go to a certain spot to get service. you are not…read moreallowing me access without verification. I gave it to you. you said I have to contact a branch. I have contacted 7 in volusia county, each over the past 3 hours. I am assuming instructions are to never answer the phone as all I got, over 21 tries, over 7 libraries were a voice mail. who are you paying & for what, if all of them ignore the phone? what good is my library card???? I do NOT owe you any money& return all books as soon as they are finished..... what's wrong with your help???

This is a wonderful space. I am so baffled by the lack of any welcoming art work especially in the…read morechildren's entrance. The building walls are white, pavement dirty, nothing to draw children into the wonderful world that awaits them. Even after you enter, the walls are completely blah! The employees are friendly and this place could be transformed into an enticing haven for all ages. Libraries are my favorite places, but in my 75 years, I have not seen one less inviting. I beg you, engage a team , whether paid or volunteer, and make your library stellar!

Enforce the "whisper rule". I have been in there on a computer 20 times in 3 months, it's NEVER…read morebeen quiet. The workers are loud as hell, people replacing books on the metal shelves are careless and loud. May as well hit the damn thing with a hammer. Sad really. What happened to manners, being considerate and aware?

Love this library and very helpful staff. It is clean and accessible.Easy to order books for pick…read moreup as well as drop off for bookeeturn

A roving reference…read more The regional library at New Smyrna Beach is a large building with many of the usual amenities you would find in a library this size. Lots of books, periodicals, computers and even some very cool art and pictures. Definitely a nicely designed and very pleasant place. The library is usually crowded but since it is open and spacious that usually isn't a problem unless a group ends up standing where you happen to want to be. The parking lot is large and even though it is frequently pretty filled up you can usually find a spot. The library has lots of programs and events including book clubs, poetry readings, kid's stuff, yoga, tax advice and even some music. Definitely a very community conscious facility and not just a place for books. Because of it's large size and the amount of people running in and out, the library can't possibly have all the ambiance and warm welcoming feeling of smaller buildings. However it does have two very cool things most other libraries don't have. The first is an ocean. All right the ocean is a few miles away but it still is cool to be able to go get a book or whatever and then go down to the beach to read. The second thing is something called a roving reference. A while back a paralibrarian named Linda Dahlquist decided that some people, especially older folks and kids, might be intimidated going to a reference desk. So she got a cart, put her laptop on it and goes around asking people if they need help. A very cool idea and one of the reasons she won the 2012 paralibrarian of the year award. New Smyrna is a large very and popular library. Not much history or anything special about the architecture. However they do everything in their power to make sure every person that comes in here feels special.

The Port Orange library is, unfortunately, the noisiest library I have ever visited. What should be…read morea quiet and welcoming space for reading, studying, and reflection has instead become disruptive and distracting. After raising my concerns with staff, I was told. 'That's the way it is now". For a public library, and institution meant to foster learning and concentration, this response was disappointing. Libraries should uphold their role as sanctuaries of peace and focus, not places where noise is normalized. I hope leadership will reconsider how the environment is managed so that patrons can once again enjoy the quiet, respectful atmosphere that a library is meant to provide.

I really enjoy this library; it is easy to access, they have very comfortable hours, and it is very…read morewell run. It is also very quiet and pleasant inside. The staff is very capable and always ready to help you. It has always been this way as far as I know, and I have been a Volusia County Library patron since 1983.

Been wanting to come here for sometime now but I always forget about coming. I was looking for a…read morespot to read and that's when I remembered the library. Upon arriving, there was parking all around the building. After I parked, I noticed there was a round about to walk around outside and a couple spots by the ponds to read! I went inside the library, and it was very organized. Spots around downstairs and upstairs to study or read. There were private rooms for rent. For the most part, I was able to read and concentrate. However, towards the end, there were kids upstairs that were being loud and I couldn't concentrate anymore. I didn't know this library was different than the Orange County library. I thought it was the same, but thankfully, getting a new library card was simple. I found the 2 books I was looking for! There's book returns both inside and outside of the library! My favorite thing about this spot is the architecture outside!

We were actually here to attend their annual "Books & Boots" event. I love this library so much…read more This library is huge. There are so many books and I love the layout. Because of the unique architecture, there are several floors and it feels like a magical maze inside. There are small areas throught to read, explore and use your computer. There's even a little multimedia section! There is also a special events center next door, connected by a little patio area. The staff here are so helpful and friendly! The location is so bright and clean that you can't help but feel happy the moment you walk in! Happy adventures to you!!

Nice place but why are they doing construction noise when it's finals?…read more Also Marlene Lugo has to be the laziest and slowest janitor at a school library I've ever seen. Stop talking on the phone (it's finals, no one wants to hear you) and do your job. (And why don't this job later at night?)

What an amazing library at UCF! I wish my library was this comfortable and beautiful. There are…read moretons of places to sit and study or check out the special collections! Tons of outlets to plug in your devices wherever you want to sit. There is also a gallery space and other displays throughout the library with artwork. Also, one of the most interesting automated storage and retrieval facility systems I've ever seen. It is super tall and stores over 12,000 bins holding numerous boxed items in a temperature controlled environment to protect the items.

I was a library kid. I spent most of my adolescence in the library…read more Checking out books for fun, using the computers when the internet was out at home. Studying for school. Research projects and papers. In my last few years of high school, I volunteered after school for scholarships. It's sad to see libraries don't seem to get there level of love they used to as a public service. Thank you for the childhood memories! I'm no longer in Orange County, but you'll always have a place in my heart!

Less than a block away from Lake Eola is the downtown library. Aside from just books and movies…read morethis location has the most to offer as far as services and activities. From balloon animal courses, fiber arts, Renaissance events, resume help, or language learning, this location has it all! Plus, the staff has always been super kind and helpful. I've personally taken a couple of foamsmithing classes where you make props for cosplay. In Foamsmithing I we made Deathstroke masks. In II we made pokeballs. Both classes were a blast and I can't wait for the next one!

Beautiful library in Palm Coast. They have a free books section and a small book store as well. The…read morelibrary is very large and has many resources for studying and getting work done. They also have passport application and photo services. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.

This is a wonderful library. Wednesday morning pre school story time is a treat, and was a favorite…read morepast time. The librarians / staff are kind and helpful, and the children's section has a huge selection of books, as well as stem activities like legos, puzzles, and even little tablets with games.

Very easy on the…read moreeyes Lake Helen is a small town, it doesn't even have a traffic light. It does have lots of cool old buildings, some unusual stuff and some cool new things like an impressive library. The library was built about ten years ago but looks like it has been here for a long, long time. Just kind of blends in so well with the surrounding area and is ascetically so pleasant to look at. The cool design, architecture and porch has a very small town welcoming feel that is completely different from the usual recently built, functional, but ascetically boring libraries that are so typical in this part of Florida. This library looks like it would be quite at home in some small New England town or island. The inside of the library is comfy but certainly not roomy. It does manage to fit all the modern conveniences like computers, periodicals, DVDs and of course a nice collection of books. Definitely has a pragmatic side to it's wonderful aesthetics. Best of all it has a huge bulletin board that lists all the local events and programs. A great place to keep track of what's going on in this quirky little town. The librarians I met were patient, friendly and sweet, every though the library was crowded and they were probably wondering why the hell I was asking all these stupid questions. One of them took the time to tell me the story about how all the books were moved from the old library next door. They just formed a human chain and handed the books, one by one, to the new building. Something that would have been very cool to watch. The Lake Helen library is certainly not the largest or most useful library around. However it definitely one of the coolest and welcoming.

Its hard to review a library because they are provided using a template of sorts and it takes work…read moreto make each modern library distinctive. Lake Helen Library is distinctive. The exterior looks like a fresh renovation of an old house and inside there are modern lighting and window touches. The library operationally functions well. Books selections are a little light but take advantage of the county wide borrwing policies to flesh out any missing items. Digital options are many starting with Overdrive, Axis360 and Freading for books and a really nice addition via the Zinio app to read a large selection of digital magazines that normally have to be paid for. After inspection, this is a great library that packs a lot of punch in a small package. Wise use of space and providing media that people will actually use instead of accumulating junk helps this library thrive.