This is the second time I had gone to this library in Ocala. This time I went and payed close attention to everything and really enjoyed my visit thoroughly.I will be going back more often. Everyone was delightful and the atmosphere was pleasant leaving you with a very positive vibe. There were people of all ages doing their thing from toddlers with their parents enjoying the children's room. Some going into the meeting room for a conference and there was a room where they sold books for a a dollar or two or even less! There was a table with little baby plants to take one for free. There is a computer room, and private rooms that I think you can call and reserve and sit in complete quite. There is a genealogy room, a room for young adults and so much more. They have a monthly calendar with activities and events. You can take out 100 books at a time and keep them for 3 weeks. If you want to keep something longer and it is not needed by someone else you can sometimes keep it longer just call or request it online. You can also go online and request books from other libraries and they will see what they can do to try and find a book for you. They have a seed program to help you grow plants indoors if you need. They have a blood pressure monitor program that you can ask about too. This library and its programs care about the community and you. If you need a motorized scooter these they have a few for you to use while there. Marion County library is a wonderful library and makes you feel at home you should visit them soon. Amenities: 1)Computer room with printers 2)Fax 3)WiFi 4)Meeting Room 5)Study Rooms 6)Notary- Call Ahead *** 7)Microform readers 8)Proctoring -Call Ahead 9)Mobile/Wireless printing 10)B/W Photocopiers 11)B/W Printers Phone: (352)671-8551 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wheelchair Accessible *** read more

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Belinda (Balinda?) was the MOST helpful providing important library card renewal info which will help me stay on top of maintaining my library card annually. I was away from Ocala on a cabin trip and was able to reestablish my Libby account over the phone. I had no signal this whole trip so I was nervous calling. Belinda saved my trip! Highly recommend! Amazing, helpful people work here read more

This place is great! It's so clean and comfy and the staff is so friendly, and their variety is great they have such a wonderful selection of books. It's also a great place for the community to connect read more

As an applicant there, this organization makes you go out of your way to take tests, do presentations and write essays just to even try to be considered for an interview, where the leadership will be condescending to you. I had to rearrange my work schedule many, many times to show up for these people only to be treated like I wasn't good enough every single time despite my degree and experience for introductory positions. They should re-look at their hiring process and consider the time people have to magically make during their work day to do these ridiculous assessments, especially if they are a repeat applicant. Bureaucracy is failing candidates here, and the library system is missing out on good workers due to the circus-like hoops they make applicants jump through for low wage jobs in an apparently hostile environment. read more

Some of the people working there should never work in the library. I spoke with a Leah a few months ago on the phone and she was rude and wanted our conversation to end even when I was asking about stuff for my mother. I complained to there website and I got an apology from someone else not the person who was rude to me. The library should respect the public, our taxes pay for their wage. I will tell my congressman about this. This is unacceptable. read more

Their books are a bit dated. Have to be careful which non-fiction books I select for my kid. A lot of the information is dated and no longer applicable. Largo Library where I'm from had a MUCH larger selection of general books, books on CD, etc. I mean they don't have a complete Nancy Drew series on CD. Would have thought every library had that by now. Otherwise it's fairly clean and staff are friendly. read more

A library to be proud of . Always clean, designed for many activities and all the associates and volunteers are welcome if and helpfulness.

The Marion County Public Library is absolutely amazing. The library is humongous and always is refreshing its stock of books. There are also ample amounts of tables and computers available for public use, which is perfect for any student wishing to do work in a quiet, knowledge-oriented area. The staff of this library are always pleasant and extremely helpful, they've helped me countless times with finding books and other media, and are always willing to share their personal suggestions. The library staff is always willing to put books on hold for you and add you to a waiting list if there is one for the book you want. They are also able to request books from other libraries within the Marion County Public Library system, which is a huge plus! read more

Absolutely beautiful building, both inside and out, with art mixed in amid the books and on the outside walls. Abundant parking, good service, acceptably clean bathrooms, but terrible WiFi. It moves from slow to fast, and drops often, then starts off slow again. A plus for the many stations to connect to power, although outlets outside the stations are lacking. Hoping they can improve the Internet, because everything else here gets high marks. read more

Marion County Public Library - Ocala Library Lobby - Libraries Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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Ok, maybe it's because I tend to have lived in the suburbs. Outside of the main hustle and bustle of a place. And when we moved to Ocala, we moved close into town. (when you come from a big city, if you're not close in town in Ocala, you are out in the country!) But, I digress... Maybe it's my lack of experience in a smaller town... But MAN, I do love Marion County's main library!!! Ok, it's a great size! But, what I love MOST about it is it's childrens area! They have their own room! It's got nifty little paintings. Play areas. And they even have story time! Where you can take your little one in and listen to stories. They either have family story time, where everyone can go and enjoy... Or they have it broken down by ages. And what a wonderful way to allow parents to get out of the house, spend some quality time with their munchin, and socialize. Everyone has been marvelously friendly and helpful. Cheers to happy government workers who don't act like you are the bane of their existence! read more

I am writing this review of the Freedom Branch which is located at the other end of Ocala, not in Downtown. I have visited Freedom for about ten plus years since my parents have moved to Fl. and probably since they first opened this branch. I love this library. I am always treated like a welcome guest. Although Phoenix has an extensive and impressive library system with more services, I like this smaller branch better. I go out of my way to visit it when I am in town. I have seen the expansion of their video section and computer technology room. However, to be honest, I mostly visit for the staff and wonderful service they provide. Okay, here is this small town service summed up by my last experience. Enough said. Me- "Hello, David. Do you have a copy of, "The Great Gatsby" I can check out? I need to catch up before the movie comes out." (Non rushed conversation ensues about the upcoming movie) David- "No I don't have a copy you can reserve right now but I have my own copy in the back you can borrow. Just return it when you are done." My jaw took several minutes before it rehinged and removed itself from the library carpeted floor. LOL, gotta love it! That would never ever happen in a million years in Phoenix. No worries either. I finished it quickly and returned it just before stepping on the airplane to come back home. Thank you David. Now if you could only correct the casting issues I foresee with the movie. The reread has left me with doubts. read more

I love the selection offered. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They have an amazing educational did selection for children.

Gigantic imposing structure here on a slight upgrade, the covered driveway entrance shields us from storms. Their huge parking lot is across from a military memorial park that should also be paid a visit to honor the fallen patriots. The plastic multi-colored horse in the lobby is a unique item, great idea. On the bus line. Pleasant helpful attendant in computer room asks me if I needed any help, she gets a medal for that. She also enforces a strict quiet policy that's really appreciated. Money well-spent here. read more

This is the friendliest library I have enjoyed in my seventy-odd years on earth. I moved here in 1988 and have brought my children for many years and now my children bring their children. I never leave without having enjoyed friendly smiles and conversations. read more