This is a massive library. It has so much for kids and adults that you could stay all day . My kids did a scavenger hunt and even got prizes. read more

Selby Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

The huge pillars & interesting done make it look more like a stadium or auditorium than a library. This Selby Library is the flagship branch of the Sarasota County Library System, located in downtown Sarasota. This is the county's first library, established in 1907. It offers a wide range of resources, including books, digital materials & computer classes. It is known for its vibrant space, including a children's area with an aquarium arch. The library is supported by a permanent endowment from the Selby Foundation. read more

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The Selby public library in Sarasota is centrally located in downtown with it own parking lot which allows up to 2 hours of free parking for patrons. The library is an architectural landmark and a nice space to work in, though it can also feel a bit utilitarian. They have a range of books and audio collections to browse and borrow. A lot of people come to use the computer stations or work on their laptops. The ground floor has more of a social atmosphere where some people play board games and there's a store that sells used books. During tax season they have help with that if you need it. read more

Selby Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

My family love Selby Library. Huge selection of books. A lot of new books. They fo weekly classes for kids and adults.And everything is free. read more

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One of my favorite libraries in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. Great ambience for studying and reading. The only downside is the 2 hour parking limit. read more

It is a beautiful library. Enjoy the artsy mobiles. Enjoy the local artwork of the Rosetta spoonbill. Enjoy the origami cranes hanging. Have you seen the fish? Yes! The aquarium over the entry to the children's section is gorgeous. Watch the shark and what not swim around for a few minutes and feel a moment of zen. Upstairs there are a fair number of elderly people that came to get out of the sun and talk loudly on their cell phones. Come on. Read a book people! And hush (by ALL means.) I guess your allowed to talk loudly in libraries. My how the times have changed! read more

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Beautiful library -- unique, really. And I spent, in the past, hours working there on a book project. Love it!

Seriously one of the worst libraries I've ever been to. I asked if they have a section for the deaf or hearing-impaired. This clueless woman behind the counter said, we have books with large print. She also mentioned that they have audio books. I explained that deaf people have no trouble seeing. Being deaf means you can't hear. She said, yes but I thought maybe they would want to read books with bigger print. the problem isn't that they don't have a section for this. The problem is that anyone working in a library would be so ignorant as to make such a statement. read more

This is a fine clean, quiet library with helpful staff. Been here a few times, finally got a library card. They seem to have a very nice array of on line services. read more

Sarasota libraries are fantastic. They even won best library system this year. It's well deserved. The classes they offer for adults but especially children are some of the best I've seen. Forty Carrots even offers free classes there. The Selby one has an especially nice space with a large youth section. The arch aquarium is a treat for the kids too. read more

Selby Public Library - Inside. Two levels. Fish tank arch at youth section. - Libraries Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

The inside is beautiful. The fish aquarium is wonderful, great sections for kids and teens. But some of the "security guards " do not make me feel welcome. Almost makes it so one would not want to return read more

Plenty of parking and books. Perfect location. Art work and design spectacular. Knowledgeable staff

Beautiful architecture, great location. Books? Do libraries still have books? Seriously, even if you don't read you should come and look at this place. It's amazing. read more

The library is OK, but the guards patrolling the premises behave like they are from the Soviet Union. One cannot sit outside without them bothering you. read more

So, the library itself is beautiful and the book selections are adequate. Another great point is that this is one of the few libraries around that is still quiet. Many other local libraries are overrun with disrespectful patrons. The bad news, parking is limited and restricted to 2 hours only. If you plan to spend an afternoon or day at the Selby Library think twice about using their parking facilities. The second negative aspect is the number of homeless vagrants that are littered outside the library begging for handouts. These individuals more often than not manage to enter the library to beat the heat. This is perfectly fine, however many of these individuals will approach library patrons inside and panhandle for money. Lastly, this library has no vending facility. If you would like to have a snack or even a bottled water you'll have to leave the library and visit the nearby Starbucks or Whole Foods which is a few blocks away. read more