Love this library! Also, after reading a couple reviews talking about homeless people at the public library, I thought it important at this point to give people a little information about what the Pioneer Public Library offers and who all is allowed/not allowed to be there. So, here goes: First of all, the City of Norman has a non-profit mileage reimbursement program. This program is designed to provide free transportation to individuals and families in Norman who are currently, or who have recently experienced homelessness. The East Norman Pioneer Public Library is one of the participating agencies of this program. So, the public library is qualified and has been approved to be one of the prominent transportation pick-up/drop-locations for those needing such services. Also, the presence of homeless people in libraries is not a problem. The way some of these patrons have spoken about homeless people (and have also given the library a poor rating for allowing open access to everyone) is unacceptable in general, let alone having the confidence to write about ppl experiencing homelessness, which is a dangerous, uncomfortable, and alienating experience, is bewildering. No one is entitled to use the public library more than anyone else. The rules of behavior remain the same for everyone, and anyone can be asked to leave if causing disruption or harm. Public libraries are there to facilitate public access to information... If someone smells, if they talk to themselves, if they have lots of bags with them, etc. - none of these things render someone a non-person or an illegitimate library user. So, either have a one-on-one conversation with the City and Library Director or find somewhere else? And may your surroundings rise to meet your standards... eventually... read more

Norman Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

"Having fun's not hard when you've got a library card!" - Arthur I recently had a chance to check out the new library since it moved. I was very impressed, the front staff was very welcoming and enthusiastic about everything the library has to offer. Downstairs is the friends of the library bookstore, the computer lab and various workspaces for those who need internet or a printer/scan/fax. It also houses the children's section, audiobooks and all new fiction. By new, I mean NEW fiction. Stuff I was surprised to see no one had checked out yet. The second level is dedicated to adult fiction and YA fiction. Plus it also has a 3-D printer that can be used by any member and some other gadgets.There was a glass enclosed conference room that looks like anyone could reserve it and the third level is Adult Fiction LARGE print books and Non-fiction. There are so many architecturally interesting details despite it being very modern and there were plenty of areas to study or use your own electronic devices such as a kindle or a laptop. My only gripe is the non-fiction section is lacking. This isn't a library suited for a research paper or academic assignment even for a high school or middle school kid. read more

Norman Public Library - Art Installation "For Our Dear Friend, Cylinda Richardson-Martin, still taking wing" - Libraries Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

WOW! This may be a bit of an unfair review since I haven't been to a public library for some time, but man how things have changed! The Main Norman Public Library is very current, especially in tech and convenience. Near the front entrance, you have the automated book drop-off that uses scanners and conveyor belts to handle your returns - it's like magic. When you want to check-out, you have very similar magic where you don't even have to scan each book individually. You simply place them down on a platform and enter your card info and it scans all of your items and once and applies it to your account. Grocery stores are just now trying some of these ideas out and the Public Library are the experts! The way the area are organized is very clean and easy to navigate. It really feels like one of the name brand bookstores, all they need is a cappuccino bar. There are sections just for the kids - very awesome with tons of activity centers that consist of puzzles, games, legos, etc. The staff is extremely friendly and everything is so neatly organized. I have been missing out for some time and I'll definitely be coming back more often. read more

Norman Public Library - Large Chess Set in the Children's Section - Libraries Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

The homeless people congregated at the front door is uncomfortable especially when you have small children with you or your 83 year old mother. . I know homeless people are a thing but still is uncomfortable read more

Amazing facility, three floors of bibliophile goodness! Glass walls and an expansive view of Norman. Study rooms. Sitting areas. Genealogy on third floor has an impressive collection. read more

WOWOWOW! I AM IMPRESSED! I am always and forever looking for new places to mix it up and study and boy oh boy do I feel like I hit the jackpot with this one. It is new, beautiful, and full of cool little details all over the place. They really took their time and hit it out of the park when bringing this whole project together. I love that there are plenty of options for seating and lots of natural light. The few times I have been there are always a few open nooks to hide out in that aren't too loud, but I did notice there are also a few private study rooms on the second floor. I didn't have any problems finding comfortable seating near outlets either - because anyone hunkering down for a study marathon knows an outlet is key. 10/10 do recommend you check them out if your in the need of a new quiet spot to work! read more

This is a cautionary tale for anyone thinking of donating a book to the Pioneer Library System. After reading their submission guidelines, I felt my book met "several" of the required criterion for acceptance and mailed PLS a brand-new book just out of the box. After seven months of waiting for a response, I inquired as to whether any decision had been made and was told that the "selector" would be getting back to me shortly. The book arrived a few days later in a bubble wrapped package, but to my astonishment upon opening the envelope the book had several deep gouges in its hard cover and a ripped dust jacket. There was no note. As the book was out of print, I had hoped to use this copy to fill another order, but this was no longer possible. A $65 book basically ruined. Contacting the Pioneer Library System, I was told the book was undamaged when they put it in the envelope. This seems to be an alternative fact to the condition of the mailing envelope, which showed no signs of damage. The "selector" then proceeded to tell me that the book had been declined due to the lack of professional reviews. This is fine, but why cannot this be stated as a definite requirement in their policy guidelines, rather than stating the book must meet "several" of their criterion? If the guidelines had been written in a more concise manner, the submission would never have been made, and the needless waste of a perfectly good book been avoided. John G. read more

Welcome to the future of libraries. There is so much technology in this library, I didn't know what to think. Automated book return that scans and conveys books away immediately. Self checkouts. Green receipts to your email. WOW! We need something like this back at home. The library was a hopping place on a Monday afternoon. It always makes me happy to see so many people reading.. BOOKS. Because for all the technology and e-books and advancement, I still like a good solid real book in my hands. read more

They don't ever have any newer books in stock. It's like they have 1 copy which is out and also reserved by 10 others in line. Just silly. The whole place stinks of cigarettes and foul body odor. They host classes there which is great, only there are like 15 people with small children who are literally yelling and screaming and running around while their parents do nothing at all. Needless to say, I would never go there for a computer class lol. The computers are taken up by people playing online slot games. Like really?! I've been to many libraries and this is the first one the second I walked in, I wanted OUT. read more

We checked out this library at first for rhythm babies. And I am so glad that we did. We have since gone for baby storytime also. I highly recommend both rhythm babies and baby story time. I started taking McKinley when she was around 4 months old, and I wasn't sure that she was taking anything in, but I still do things that I learned with her now, and she just laughs. She loves it. Storytimes are such a great outing for a new mom. The staff are also very nice and helpful. read more

The staff here are so wonderful. They'll help you sign up, give a quick tour, and put a smile on your face! I love the HEALTHY vending machines they have. It's so great that they care about the community who visits them. I also like the bulletin board posted to find out what else is going on in Norman. read more

Great for children! My daughter and i enjoyed a visit there for about an hour. She was 20 months at the time and enjoyed the books and actives available read more

The staff is so kind and helpful at this library. It's clean and easy to find what you're looking for. Everything is labeled clearly. They are moving to a bigger new 3 story location summer 2019!! The Pioneer Library System is actually really cool. You check out and return books at any of their libraries in Moore and Norman. AND you can rent digital books on your phone/tablet/etc. read more

Great library. Lots of programs for the kids. Staff is awesome. Chairs in kids area is super comfortable for parents. Fantastic book selection. In the summer, they have a great section of programs for kids from reading time to music. During school, they have lots of after school programs as well. I'm a fan of comics. There is a great selection here. They also get new novels very fast. Love bringing my son here. read more

Norman Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

The library is gorgeous and has great places to study; however, I do not think the staff realizes that the vast majority of people come here for a QUIET place to read/study. This is the loudest library I have ever been in and the staff does not contribute to decreasing the noise. It has so much potential to be great, but everyone I talk to says the same thing, "It is nice but so loud I cannot concentrate." Ironic. it would be great if you guys could please put quiet signs or at least areas designated for reading/studying in peace. read more

I go here all the time! This library is very big and open and has a lot of activities for people of all ages to participate in every month. The staff is all very friendly and helpful. However, I would not feel safe going here alone in the evening because a lot of kinda iffy people tend to hang out outside on the benches and sometimes inside which can be unsettling in the dark when alone. Also the women bathroom ALWAYS smells like rotting meat and is not always the cleanest at times and will often have iffy people just hanging out inside. read more

Summer means summer reading program! I wish this library was in walking distance of our house so we could be there every hour of every day. The children's dept is the very best of everything you could wish for. Things to play with, smart librarians who help the girls find what they like, fun librarians who pull out hissing cockroaches on demand... what's not to love??? Libraries are one of the best things about this country - and the Norman Library is one of the best things about Norman. read more

This is more than "just a library", it's a vital, central part of the community. From free classes and seminars, fun events, meeting boards that are open for the public to post notices about their events and various meeting rooms that you can reserve, there's something useful for everyone. That's on top of the great selection of books, DVD/Blu-Ray, and other media for you to check out and enjoy. And as a part of the Pioneer Library System, you're not just limited to what's stored in this location; if you need something that another branch has, they'll transfer it for you free of charge. This is a great library, and with ground being broken on what will be the new Norman Central Library, the future is even brighter. read more

Great place for people of all ages. The way that they utilize technology has no equal.

I have been going to the Norman Public Library since I was a toddler. This is the best library if you have kids. Been to other libraries in Metro especially downtown. I get that the library is "quiet", but look I got kids... Kids who I am trying to raise to be readers. Kids who will hopefully grow up thinking that books are just as awesome as LEGOs...and yes, one day...one fine glorious day be as quiet as mice for the entire time they are in a library. But until then, there is NPL that has devoted like 1/2 its space to a children's library. The help desk in the children's section is ALWAYS kind and excited about their job...and the kids. Other libraries seem to hire either people who are bored (and disinterested) or angry. Few get excited to see kids walk into their library. read more

I love my library. Easy self-checkouts and a very helpful staff. They have lots of programs, great activities for kids, and they are constantly updating things. I couldn't be happier with this place. read more

The Great Discussions group meets weekly, and encourages the branching out of thinking into other off beat topics. It seems like it's going to be a great discussion group! What a fun and interactive thing to have for local adults! read more

Ok aside from the bed bug drama the library has been amazing. They will special order books or get transfers sent to your local library if they don't have what you're looking for. read more