Irving Public Library

Great library system. Great selection. Great website. Vapid, bored librarians uninterested in helping patrons and quite adept at looking past people whilst pointing to the self-​checkout terminals and saying things like «you can look it up over there.» Th City of Irving could save hella dough by making the libraries fully automated for all the help the humans there are. And for goodness sakes, don’t forget your library card. These people are absolute slaves to the system. Even if they’ve seen you in the library once a week for fifteen years and you are a known researcher, they haven’t a clue nor the authority to override their electronic master and let you check out a book. And if you’d like a human to check you out, they’ll grudgingly huff their way to the terminal as if you asked them to help you move. So yeah. Beautiful well-​stocked libraries. Lazy, not helpful librarians. And Phillip D., I just read your review and you are spot on. I don’t want entertainment, I want service now and then. Good old-​fashioned help from someone nice, like Alternate Mary from «It’s a Wonderful Life.» Not quite sure what you mean by «safe» staff, but if by that you mean the librarians like to stay in back behind the wall and not interact with patrons, you are correct. So go go go and use the Irving Public Library! It’s your tax dollars at work. Just don’t expect help. And don’t forget your library card, because something tells me that even if you’re (egads!) married to one of the library ladies, ain’t nobody gonna have time to check your arse out. I am a fan of the IPL, but it’s all about the books and the looks not the peeps. And lest ye think I am merely peeved because of a single visit, this comes from averaging my library visits over an almost 15-​year history.

This is a (Central) library not an entertainment center or the comic club. If you want relationships go to Starbucks, but of course they don’t have books only free internet. I have gone to business training here and done research that typically is not customized online. Quiet, safe, staff is informed and helpful. Different places to study or concentrate. No whining or race card pulling here just trained professionals.
I like the free parking in a covered garage. Sweet!
Wish they would let me plug in my USB for recharge since I did not bring my outlet. My mistake.
And you don’t have to tip the employees when they help you, they have real jobs.

I always enjoy visiting Irving’s Central Library. It is well stocked, but not so large that you must spend hours walking about to find what you need. The City of Irving usually has monthly displays in the entryway cases that address the history and diversity of the city. I encourage people to take part in the programs and events the library has to offer – educational, and most always, free.

Ok, so let me be honest and say that I was kind of terrified about coming to this library after reading previous reviews («Rude employees!!») and tips («Racists everywhere!») but I put on my brave-​girl panties today and just told myself, «Don’t ask for help and don’t make eye contact with the employees. You pretty much sound like a white girl, anyway. Librarians are normally old/​blind and hopefully can’t tell you’re Asian.»
Well, I spent over 5 hours in here today and I’m alive. There were no people in white hooded robes and I didn’t see any burning crosses either. But who knows, today was probably their day off.
This library looks stank from the outside considering it’s Valley freaking Ranch but go inside and you’ll be amazed at how big-​ish it is. Mind you, it’s not anything like the Frisco Library but it serves its purpose. There’s a quiet study section in the back so you don’t have to listen to those rude kids wailing to their mothers about their dirty diapers, a bunch of computers for those too cheap to get Internet at home, a section (that’s enclosed in, what I’m hoping is, sound-​proof glass as I imagine it would be incredibly loud) solely for children’s books, comfortable seating throughout, and large tables to spread your assortment of textbooks on.
Also, there is a cute little coffee shop that’s connected to the library where you can sit outside on their balcony on a nice spring/​summer day. Take THAT Frisco Library!
I haven’t had the chance to peruse the selection the library has and I haven’t had the chance to interact with a librarian yet but I am sure that day will come and when it does, stand by for another review as I am sure it will be an interesting experience.
Oh, and btw, the address is 401 Cimarron Trail. Foolishly, I followed the address that Unilocal published and ended up somewhere else (like a true Asian, always getting lost, right?).

I didn’t make it past the front desk… and this is my review of my experience.
The front desk clerk (I’m talking to you, Mrs. Yellow shirted, «I Love My Library Card» lady) was the most emotionless, bored, uninterested, monotonous, person I have ever seen as a customer service public servant.
She offered no greeting, but did ask if she could help me. What I needed help with required a manager and she was more than eager to get one for me.
While I waited for the manager, she made eye contact once, while continuously scanning what was going on behind me and continued with small talk about the weather. I asked if she was a volunteer, to which she answered directly, «Nope». I then asked how long she had been working at the library… her response? «27 years».
Good. Lawd. She needed to obviously retire. She showed no excitement or interest in her job.
Even Richard Simmons would have gotten depressed.

This is a great library! Lots of space, tons of selection and events are going on regularly. Next time I stop there I’m going to rent some movies since it’s cheaper than RedBox ;)

The librarians are very helpful

Nice, neat, and quiet– just as a library should be.