Lexington Public Library, Tates Creek Branch

I use this library almost exclusively for my young son since their children’s section is much better than the downtown libraries. I like the set up and love that I can request books from any other branches and pick them up here (usually 1 – 2 days after requesting them online). Most of the staff is friendly and helpful. The one thing that I don’t like is that their children’s story times are pretty weak. I brought my son almost every week for over a year, hoping it would become a good thing for him, but he was always bored. One of the children’s librarians spends a lot of story time talking about herself or speaking somewhat condescendingly to parents. I really wish they would hire somebody with stronger knowledge and abilities with kids to lead the story times. So, for story times, I can’t recommend this library, but for everything else, it is very good.

Great selection. Clean building. Well staffed.

I love my library. The librarians are so helpful. If there’s a book I’m interested in reading, I just call and ask if they have it, and they leave it on the reserved shelf. Last year I was searching for a particular book, which they claimed was not available in the system. Ten minutes later, I received a call that they had found one and would hold it for me. Keep your Kindle! There’s something about holding a book and turning the pages.. .. .

I cannot live without a library. It’s where I go for unlimited books, movies, CDs, magazines, computer usage, and exploration… for free. I used to go to the library 2 – 3 times a week. The librarians got to know me really well and that place felt like home. Then… I moved out here to a rural town with a tiny library that just couldn’t meet my needs. What was I to do? How could I live?!?
The Lexington libraries saved me.
I heard that if I had a card to a different county library, I could still get one for Lexington and access all their libraries and services. Upon hearing this, I went to Tates Creek as soon as I found myself in Lexington… and got a library card! Woo-​hoo! So happy! Within Lexington, I can go to any of the branches to get anything I want at no charge! The books have a three or four week loan period, which is perfect because I’m only in town two or three times a month. I can even check out ebooks from home. I am complete again. Hehe.
The Tates Creek Branch library is one of my favorites in Lexington. It’s not the biggest library in town, nor does it have the biggest book selection (I can’t figure out at this point which location has the most books — maybe they’re all equal?), but they do have a good, small selection with enough new titles to interest me. If a title I want is at another branch, I can request it or just drive out there. This branch is pretty spacious and modern though; the back of the library has two walls of computers for patrons to use (hour-​long sessions) and many tables with lamps in the middle for people who need to study. It’s very quiet (almost too quiet), which is perfect for someone who needs to concentrate — unless you’re like me and the silence itself is actually the distraction. The librarians are also very helpful, and the self-​checkouts are nice. No complaints. Happy, happy, happy… with a big stack of books!