Stirling Road Branch

Beautiful trees and building. Clean and everyone is always very nice. Thank goodness our tax dollars are actually being used to make our lives richer and better!!! Thanks to the commission.

You got to keep a look out for the sign directing you to the Stirling Branch Library because you’re liable to pass it straight. After making a few winding turns, I found myself in a large parking lot where there was plenty of parking. Once entering the building, the first thing I saw was the check-​out desk. The children’s/young teens section was to the right while the reference/​adult services section was to the left. There is adequate seating throughout the library with a large selection of audio books, CDs, magazines, books, and DVDs. Reservation for computer use is optional and you get three 60-​minute sessions. With a friendly staff, I do find myself coming back here soon.

I grew up going to libraries when I had a ravenous hunger for books but not an matching bank account (being a kid of course). I don’t think people down in South Florida care for books much seeming as we have almost no bookstores down here. So this might be par for the course. I was really sad to see how derelict the surrounding yard looked when I drove up to the Stirling Branch (it is a big yard to upkeep though). When I put books on hold, they take forever to get there (much longer than I was used to in Austin). However, they do have titles that I am looking for. Overall, I’m glad we still have libraries and glad for the convenience of this location and huge parking lot, but I wish it didn’t look so ancient and was more inviting for the younger crowd to get into reading.

A friend of mine invited me to a children’s event hosted at this library — I am always interested in FREE activities to take my LO to, so I immediately accepted the invitation. When I looked at the address, I had no idea that there was a public library so close to my house! The last time I went to the library was in Hollywood Circle– and while it is not that far from my house, this one is much closer, it is easier to get to, and has more available parking.
This library is a hidden gem — it is off Stirling road, and not easily visible from the street. When you turn into the library from the road, you take a short drive along a winding road to reach the parking area. The front of the library has an overhang which is perfect for dropping off books in the rain! Or of course if you are travelling with anyone old or young in the rain. When you first walk into the building– on the left side are meeting rooms– this is where the event was held. There was plenty of room and seating inside the room. I’ve never been inside a meeting room at a public library, and this was a very pleasant experience. The presentation was wonderful and my little one really enjoyed the hour.
After the event was over, I decided that to take a look around the library– I was there anyway. The library is beautifully decorated. It is small, but utilizes every bit of space efficiently.
The children’s section is AMAZING! There are tons and tons of books all over the place. The space is clean, bright, and is equipped with age appropriate toys and activities as well. There are also computers available for use for homework or research, as well as a room exclusively dedicated to teens. The couches and tables are comfortable and spaced out.
The adult section begins with books on tape, and DVDs. I didn’t get to take a look at the adult’s section of books because I got caught up looking for some audio books to take on our family road trip. They have quite a wide selection of audio books– and I easily chose 3 for the ride.
I’m really glad I found out about this library!