Columbia Public Library

I really enjoy this library. It is so comforting when you walk in. They always have the books I am looking for and have very friendly staff to help me. Recently I did the Read One program and loved it. I am finding more and more programs that are of interest through the library.

Best ever

BEST LIBRARY EVER! No late fees. Friendly librarians. Great kids area. I can’t say enough good things about this library.

The best library I’ve ever used as an adult. (My childhood library holds a special place, but obviously it’s a different experience!)
They have a good selection of books on hand, as well as inter-​library loan. But they go one further: you can request that they purchase a book so that you can rent it!
Music selection is good, though it’s sometimes hard to find what you want because not everything ends up exactly where it should be. I find it’s often easier to request a hold and pick it up when they find it.
They have small book sales quite often in their lobby, and I don’t ever find anything. However, the big, big sales they do (maybe twice a year) are amazing and definitely worth hitting. It’s really easy to find great books in great condition, and for cheap.
I like the layout and the atmosphere of the building. The staff I’ve interacted with are friendly and helpful.

Columbia Public Library receives five stars for doing things that a library should do correctly and then expanding to cover areas that many would never consider a library capable of doing. For the sake of simplicity, I’ll number off my favorite things about this magnificent place that I feel are noteworthy.
1. Music Library: A massive collection of music is at your fingertips. We’re not talking about just the mainstream garbage. They have that, sure. What impresses me about their collection is that it includes indie, alternative, pop — you name it. The library will even get new releases fairly soon after said release. Just make sure you put a hold on it, otherwise you’ll find yourself in a long line once it goes into circulation.
2. Books: Pretty much. Yeah, it’s a library. They have them. Chances are you will find what you are looking for when perusing the catalog of this library. If it’s not available, simply put a hold on it and the library will contact you when it becomes available. I have always been pleased with their selection of all things paper-​ey and book-​ey. Fiction, NF, tax stuff, maps, reference materials, etc. Lots of good stuff.
3. Friendly Staff: This library’s staff is composed of intelligent, smiling, friendly people. I enjoy coming here partly because they create such a great atmosphere.
4. Café: A small café is located near the entrance for your caffeine fix and dopamine inducers.
5. Book sales: Every once in a while, a book sale is held. Do yourself a major favor and attend one.
6. Center Aisle Cinema: They show excellent docs. See one. Usually a film previously shown at Ragtag. Free.
7. Seating/​Levels/​Space: There is plenty of seating in this place. Go to the top floor if you’re really looking for some quiet space to get some work done.
Okay, looks like I came up with seven things I like most about the place. There are plenty more reasons to be a regular here. I probably even forgot some major ones. With that, I’ll speak of the only downfall I’ve noticed so far about the library, and it really isn’t the library itself. It’s the people who congregate at the computers on the second floor.
Avoid.
Otherwise, Columbia Library deserves some praise. Check it.

What a lovely library. It’s easily the nicest public library I’ve ever been to, and even with Ellis Library on the Mizzou campus at my fingertips I sometimes just wanted to hang out at the Columbia Public Library (aka Daniel Boone Regional Library).
The library is gorgeous architecturally and features a modern sculpture right at its entrance. The inside features well laid-​out collections and a nice top floor with a huge magazine selection, spacious tables, and comfortable armchairs overlooking the rest of the library below. They have a large enough collection that you’re not constantly having to order and wait for the book you’re looking for, and they also have a neat CD collection that you can check out. So put your nose in a book and go!

A nice library with a decent selection. They have easy-​to-​use online services and an app you can download. My only complaints are the hours (they close really early if you’re looking to study or go after work) and the noise level — it can get loud in the children’s section, and all floors are open to the bottom, so it travels. The coffee cart thing needs to keep better hours, too. Otherwise, a nice library.

Service is really good

This is one of the busiest places in town. The parking lot is almost always packed, and the library is busy no matter what time you go there. I didn’t take my computer on a recent trip, so needed to go to the library to use the internet. You can get a free pass of an hour of internet use daily. If you have your own computer, there is free wifi. They also have study rooms which we used for a business meeting. There are always groups and activities going on all the time. Unique perhaps to this library is the open entry way with a coffee/​snack area in the lobby.

Honestly one of the nicest public libraries I’ve been to — especially for a city of 100,000. The city/​county poured the dollars into this, I can tell.
Comfy armchairs, a caf on the first floor, and interesting architecture — inside, with lots of airy space and exposed beams; and outside with a modernist sculpture. If you prefer classic architecture, however, this will not be your bag — but you can still come for the books. There’s also classroom and meeting space for clubs and groups to take advantage of, which they do. They’re always getting new books, and as Michelle points out, they have a decent selection of DVDs (along with CDs) to check out for free.

This library was recently renovated and the building is BEAUTIFUL. They really outdid themselves. their collections are still great, and you check out movies for free — all types. We loved coming here when we lived in town.