DON'T GO HERE if you think silence should be golden in libraries - especially on book sale days. It's like one huge MEET AND GREET with children running around and shrieking MAMA at the tops of their voice. Library staff seem to be reluctant to provide the parenting skills that are so obviously missing from the real parents. BTW, if your child is too young to walk, it is too young to be expected to appreciate a library. One star is generous read more

Amazing. Studying for school and looked for a library space that was clean, not overcrowded; quiet and beautiful in my area. Out of 20, this one is definitely it. Got me a library card and became a member and I do not regret it. Librarians are amazing and so sweet and helpful. Felt so welcomed and I loved every minute of studying here. Beautiful calming atmosphere with a nice fall view of trees with leaves changing. After a hectic week and day, perfect way to relax and unwind. Will be here at least once a week and build from there. read more

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I've been a fool for not taking advantage of this marvelous place sooner. Better late than never though! The Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams branch of the DeKalb County Public Library system was built about five years ago, so the building is still newish. The window-heavy design lets in lots of sun and provides terrific views of the woods around the library. Mason Mill Park is just a hop away too so you can piggyback a library excursion onto a park trip. The librarian who helped get us our library cards was incredibly kind and welcoming. The other employees are pretty nice too. Anyway, I elected to get the limited edition card which reads "Proud Card-Carrying Know-It-All" which I find hilarious. If you're not a know-it-all, you can opt for the classic card with the library's dogwood logo. This isn't the biggest library ever, but I have yet to leave empty-handed. The CD and DVD areas usually turn up something I want to listen to or view. I'm so behind on TV shows so I was excited to spot series that I wanted to check out. Also, you have the entire library system at your disposal so if this branch doesn't currently have what you're looking for, it can be sent over from another branch. You can return items to any DeKalb library location. If Avis G. Williams is closed, there's a drop located to the left of the entrance. Books and CDs can be checked out for three weeks, DVDs for one week. Minor criticisms: the place isn't open on Sunday, hours a bit limited during the week, the ebooks selection could be larger. I love ebooks...no more dealing with clunky ten pound hardcovers. Technology is amazing. Great local resource for the whole family! read more

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Found this place on a walk on the way to Mason Mills/ Peachtree Path. The ladies at the checkout desk were nice, friendly, and informative. I was able to obtain a library card and change my address for voting. They have neat programs for kiddies and ways to obtain free passes to educational activities around Atlanta like the zoo and puppetry museum. The children's collection was nice and I was especially appreciative of there collection of African American books. The books we checked out are in good condition. The library is nice, clean, and quiet. Definitely worth the stop. read more

Toco Hill - Avis G. Williams Library - Libraries Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

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I actually stumbled on the Toco Hill - Avis G. Williams Library branch. I was finishing up a walk with a friend at Mason Mill park, and I noticed this branch. I came back a few days later with book in hand for study purposes, and I didn't realize that this was a newer library. Everthing inside just looked new, clean, up to date and it clearly was a community favorite, because the library was VERY full. There are several computer stations, with even several stations for little kids and a glass case enclosed study area in the center of the library for teens. Finally there's a general laptop area. Not the largest library, and this is why Toco Hill doesn't get 5 stars from me. Notice all those computer stations/areas I was going on and on about? Well, they take up space, and I was looking for a little study cubicle to plop down on. There was a small corner filled with a few of them, and that was it. There are tables spread about, but sadly, as I walked around the library looking for a seat/table to go to, there just weren't any. I supposed getting here early is a way to snag a seat. I got here around 3pm on a weekday, so maybe i'll come back at 10am and seating will be a little easier to find. There's a private parking lot here, with plenty of spaces, as well as an outdoor book return. As this branch is right next to a park, there are lots of trees around, which is a good thing. I'd definitely come back because I enjoyed this library. I do wish there were more tables for studying, but the early bird gets the worm. Keep that in mind as you pay them a visit! read more

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I don't know why I didn't seek this place out, before. This public library is quite the resource. It's big, with plenty of print and digital media, access to databases, and all the wifi you can handle for whatever research is in front of you. This library is bright (wall to ceiling windows), clean, and they've got plenty of tables and workstations. Staff is friendly and helpful. I love it. I love it because I can focus and so my work there. Because I can go look up stuff if I need to. Because everything about this place is everything I want in a library. read more

Great public library! Very spacious with plenty of computers, study areas, and I'm sure books (though I use it exclusively to study). Fairly quiet with giant glass windows for natural light so it doesn't feel too stuffy. You must ask for the wifi password but I believe it is the same for all Dekalb branches so you can automatically connect after that. Friendly staff, enough free parking, and a clean bathroom. read more

Aesthetically, this library is beautiful. It's almost certainly the prettiest DeKalb library I've been to. It has bright, airy, features; modern design and decor; and the floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a peaceful, green expanse of trees. It's also conveniently located next to Mason Mill Park, which has an awesome playground and is adjacent to miles of wooded walking paths. This area is a great place to learn, explore, and get a taste of the best that DeKalb has to offer. As far as the library itself, it has a lot going for it and a few things that aren't an ideal fit for me. They have a pretty decent, not huge, collection of books (again, one of the biggest in the DeKalb system), so it's a good library for browsing. You won't get lost in the stacks, but it's a far better selection than many other DeKalb Library locations. If you're not aware, it's easy to reserve books online and have them transferred over from any location, so I use that option quite a bit. The system will send a text or email when the item is available, and it is shelved by last name. It's easy to pop in and grab an item off the reservation shelf. The openness and the soaring ceilings are gorgeous but lend themselves to some issues. Sound travels quickly and echoes are common. If you're sensitive to noise or need a really quiet environment when you're in the library, I think the noise level could be problematic. I have the opposite problem: while I have the highest level of respect for the atmosphere of any library and teach my children to do the same, it does take time for them to develop skills such as modulating their voices, and even their "quiet voices" can be disruptive to other patrons because the acoustics amplify any noise. Therefore, it's hard for me to relax and allow my children to enjoy the space. I often feel on edge and that it's just not the most welcoming environment for kids. For that reason, we usually prefer the Tucker branch for browsing and hanging out. read more

This library is great! It is nice a bright with wall to ceiling windows. There is ample parking too. Most people do not realize that they have parking around the back. I am not sure if they have an elevator though if you park down there so you may need to take the steps. The temperature inside is pleasant and not overly cold (I hate going into places that are freezing!). Everyone is so helpful. My 7 year old asked the librarian for suggestions of books to read that have chapters. Not only did she ask my daughter what type of topics does she like, but she really helped narrow down the books that she really thought that she would enjoy. Then, instead of directing her or me to the area to find them, she actually took my daughter to the area and pulled some books off of the shelf and read the back of the books to her to see if they sounded interesting or not. I really appreciate this type of service. My daughter left with two books and she has already finished one of the books within 48 hours. She has already started the next one so it looks like we will be making weekly visits to the library. read more

This is a terrific library. I like it so much I joined its Friends group, erroneously checking the box that said I wanted to be an active volunteer. That seems not to be true, so far. But it's not for lack of love. It's a perfect, Goldilocks size, not too big, not too small, just right. It's on one generous floor and flooded with beautiful, natural light. The whole eastern wall is windows, and they look into trees and sky. Yet no matter where I sit, I have not had direct light interfere with my reading. Good design. Kindly, efficient staff, no library dragons ( I can say that because I am one) and speedy stable wifi, enough books. Those that are not there arrive swiftly enough via the holds system. Oodles of magazines if that's your weakness. Love the green, sustainable, appealing landscaping. Love the diverse clientele, though I do wish I could always find a table by the window. The ease of parking and choice of underneath, covered parking for hot days is good. Nice that they have a bench out front for people to wait for rides or enjoy the weather. Nice that you can go down a woodland path with native azaleas into the park straight from the library. It's next to a park and hiking path I use often, feel lucky to live here. Unlike one of my alma mater libraries, it is not afflicted with unwell, malodorous, troubled users. Feel safe here. read more

The staff is friendly and helpful, which makes for a warm and welcoming ambiance in this branch. They have a great selection of mysteries and thrillers. Ample parking. read more

Public libraries are awesome, and I feel lucky to live so close to this branch of the Dekalb County Library. It's a brand new building with a decent amount of books and super helpful and friendly staff. And they have a self checkout line! Brilliant. I usually order my books online and have them sent to this branch to pick up, never have to wait in line for them. A great library! read more

Toco Hill - Avis G. Williams Library - Libraries Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

I feel foolish that I've lived in the area for a few years now and just stepped foot in this library. It is so clean and modern, and the views of the woods are serene. This is in the same area as the Mason Mill park, so we played on the playground, then walked over to the library to get a library card and check out some books. They have great spots tucked all over for kids to read, play with some puzzles and toys they have available, and they even have a small table with computers for kids older than mine to play games or do research. This will definitely become a new regular spot - my daughter loved pulling out and looking at all the books. read more

I love the modern, comfortable atmosphere with the beautiful wood and walls of glass looking out to the trees. It is a beautiful facility located in a safe and accessible area. The woman who helped me was simply a joy. She made me smile and walked me through all of the things I wanted to know but didn't know to ask about. It is quite you to date with the tech and you can check out up to 75 items at a time, including 15 DVDs. Nice!! I also like the link for all of the other branches I the area. I got a text when my requested book was ready, and there it was. Easy! read more

As a neighborhood public library goes, this place rocks! Just constructed in the past few years it has all the modern amenities you'd expect. Separate kids area with small theater, community meetings rooms, and small study or breakout rooms. Book collection isn't overwhelmingly large, but I usually reserve what I'm looking for and have it sent to this location. Also, next to Mason Mill Park and reachable via PATH trail from Medlock Park. A hidden gem of a library! read more

This library is wonderful. Plenty of free parking. Nestled off the beaten path, surrounded by trees. The building has plenty of windows! There is a hummingbird that I've seen quite a few times, while reading, right outside one of those windows- fascinating! Never had seen one up close like that before. Great selection of books. Friendly and professional staff. Working WIFI. Variety of seating choices. This is my go to place for studying, or just browsing. Reminds me of the clean, quiet sanctuaries I remember from my childhood. read more

This library is a really nice one. It's quiet and spacious. My only complaint is that the Wi-Fi isn't very fast.

Great library. Requesting books online from other branches is quick, and they email you when the book is in. Has saved money. A lot of the books are older and outdated editions though. Would like to see more modern books there. Often times they don't have the books I'm looking for in their catalog. I think you can request them, but figuring the process would take a while I go to Amazon if Dekalb Library doesn't have them. I'll try requesting a newer book that they don't have in any of the branches and post an update sometime. read more

Very good neighborhood library. The building has huge windows and located is in a wooded area so it's very serene. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Good WiFi and space in the back to do a little work when you need a quiet space for a while. Been working my way through a TV series and the reserve DVD system works great. Can't really comment on the reference materials though... I do wish they were open half day on Sundays. read more

I've been coming here since I was very small. Now thanks to the Mason Mill connector trail I can walk here from my house!!!

Nice environment, very clean, story time for toddlers, quiet place in a good neighborhood !

Such a fancy library! Beautiful scenery since it's surrounded by trees. People are quiet and staffs are friendly. A really nice place to go for a bit reading and studying. read more

Not sure how useful a library is with the hours of 10-5 and also closed Sunday. I got there a little after 5 and was surprised it was closed after living in multiple cities with libraries which have evening hours. read more