Richland Library Main

I’ve been living in Columbia for about a year and just made it over to the public library, and wow was I impressed! Maybe it’s just been awhile since I’ve been to a library, but everything was so state-​of-​the-​art, automated, and they even rent movies from a DVD kiosk! There were a couple gentlemen hanging out playing chess, and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.

This place is okay as far as libraries go. It has a decent children’s selection and it seems like it has plenty of resources and seminars for whatever your tastes may be… from debating gun control to job resources. It’s a decent size and the workers are friendly and always willing to help.
The things I don’t like is its not very serene and well, quiet. I’ve come here before to try and get work done and just can’t. There’s no places to sit where you can have privacy or just get comfortable and read. Even the cubicles have short sides so you can see the person sitting next to you. There’s no comfy chairs located throughout the library to get away from everyone and just relax. All the seating is condensed and this place can get really crowded. I love that there are a lot of resources here to help people get back on their feet or even that this can be a place for people to come in and use the computers but sometimes you just want to get work done in peace or even just sit and read (in a library, surprising) and there’s no where to do that.
Also, I think their teacher’s program is really flawed and sucks. I live in Columbia and teach at the school on the military base. Because I’m not in a Richland I or II school I can’t be a part of their teacher’s program. This is one of the only places I’ve lived or been to where this is the rule. Most places actually want children and teachers to have access to resources and programs they may not usually be able to use or afford. Plus its a good source of revenue for the library.
So this gets three stars because it’s a library and the workers are really great but I“m not a huge fan of everything else.

Wow, where to start.. . free check outs of books, magazines, CD’s, DVDs, Blu-​rays, audiobooks and more. Always helpful employees available to assit you and point you in the right direction. Love that I get access to e-​books, mp3 downloads of music (6 songs a week), and FREE Digital Magazines including ESPN and Business Week. I am spoiled to have this location a block from where I work, and to see its positive impact on our community.

Great place to visit. Branch libraraies are awesome too. Great service, great collection of books and eBooks. I love being a part of this library.

I’ve never been to this library, since I always used the one at USC. I am so glad I decided to come here. I came in and went to the Library Card desk. It was very easy to sign up and I had immediate access to the library. The lady at the desk even gave me an intro on what the library has to offer. I got a map of the library too. After signing up, I wandered to the 2^nd floor, where a reference librarian greeted me and gave me another nice introduction to the library. The librarians are really nice and helpful here!
The library is very modern and spacious. There are at least three levels (maybe 4). Tons of books. A huge section of periodicals which probably has every magazine subscription in the US. The third level is dedicated to a History room and a Career Center. All three floors have computers, and there are a lot of people using them. Sometimes there is a wait. The first floor has a 20-​minute limit and the top floors have a 3-​hour limit on computers (all HP I think).
The library offers tons of programs/​talks from career-​related, sewing, book club, history, music, and more. They have lots of stuff for children too.
I docked one star because:
Most of the tables were taken by others, so I had to wander around a bit to find an open spot. The computers are also kind of limited because there are a lot of people using them. Also, I did feel a little uncomfortable, because there were some homeless-​looking people hanging out at tables not reading or doing anything. (After living in LA, I’m just weird about that.) There are a lot of people hanging out outside the library too. (Pretty sure I saw a drug deal. Ironic that the police department is a few blocks away.)

Even though I am not a resident of Richland County, I have been utilizing their career center the past few weeks. I am currently unemployed, and they have a section devoted to anything career related. I have taken advantage of the free interview practice the past couple of weeks, since I am not good at interviewing. They also have a slew of other things you can take advantage of relating to your career search (seminar wise). I am meeting later this week with one of the career coaches, in hopes that she can help me with some other things I need help with as well.

The main library, located on Main Street is fine, as far as libraries go. The people are helpful, and they have a nice facility, and good inventory. They even have some nice programs that they run. Unfortunately I won’t set foot in this place again for quite some time.
They are completely overrun with homeless people. A few months ago, my wife was there doing some research for her thesis, and a homeless man walked over to her table, took out his «privates» and proceeded to pleasure himself right in front of her. She had the man arrested. The next day, I was telling some coworkers what had happened, and found out that 2 other coworkers had the same thing happen to their wives at the library.
Until they do something about the problem of so many homeless people running rampant in the library, it is simply not a place that I would feel comfortable letting anyone that I care about go to, especially if they are female!

Welcome to «Where the Wild Things Are». Say hello to the Cat in a Hat, Winnie the Pooh and Horton. Kids have fun reading, solving puzzles, drawing and decorating. Spending quality time with you it’s all that matters.
The Children’s Room (downstairs) it’s huge yet cozy, naturally lit, air-​conditioned, and ornated with natural trees. There are plenty of comfy couches, chairs and benches for you and the little ones to relax. Don’t worry too much about making noises… there are only parents, kids and babies around.
Tips to know before you go
1. Kids love choosing their own books. Lana made 4 trips picking up «her favorites». If you want to choose the books, each age is color-​coded.
2. If you’re pressed for time the staff can suggest age-​appropriate titles. You can even call ahead at (803)-929−3434 and books will be ready for you.
3. Free wireless Internet is available throughout the building.
4. Finlay Park is nearby in case you need to stretch out, get some fresh air, take the kids to the playground to burn some energy or just relax by the soothing waterfalls.