Eugene Public Library

So here is my update. I talked to a homeless person who let me know that you can use the internet free, apparently, if you bring a certification from somewhere that you are homeless. I am less appalled now.
Also I saw a great lecture about Shakespeare by a U of O professor there.

this library is in a beautiful building and in a great location. but there are way to many homeless people that sleep inside the building all day also way too many people talking loud

New patrons bring your ID and proof of residency.
Welcoming staff that got me all settled in with a card and an explanation of the layout of the place and its inner workings. Thanks, Gary.
The self check out attendant saw I was a noob and said «never take the item off the scanner until it says ‘finished’ and always hit ‘exit’. Remember those two things and you are golden.
Golden, indeed.

The downtown branch of the Eugene Public Library is reason alone to visit Eugene and one of the reasons I miss it. The library is clean, well-​stocked, centrally located, inviting (complete with a coffee shop and bookstore), safe, well-​lit, user-​friendly, staffed with competent and patient employees. Really, what more could one ask for? I wish I could say as many positive things about any branch of Multnomah County public libraries.

This is my 100^th review and an ode to pay homage to my favorite place in Eugene among many favorites. Eugene library is a very special place. Here’s why:
1. Great selection of books, cds, and movies
2. Many free local events each month from readings to book sales to workshops
3. Great selection of magazines and newspapers (Note: the magazines and newspapers don’t circulate yet you can read them in the library but there is a wide selection of PDF magazines you can access though the library at home)
4. Staff are super helpful and friendly
5. The graphic novels are great with truly smart and wide selection better than libraries in bigger cities of Eugene library’s caliber
6. The Lucky Day books and movies are checkouts for new and popular items (always fun)
7. Great selection of New Books
8. First Fridays are extended Hours (open until 8pm instead of 6pm)
9. Eugene Skinner statue out front and near the Ken Kesey statue
10. close to Sizzle pizza for a vegan slice
11. close to Townshend Teahouse
12. Walk to the Farmer’s market before or after in the warmer months
13.The list could go on and on, but ending the list here an attempt of failure at being concise with joy and vigor on the arbitrary number of 13 or 12A if you were at a hotel or apartment complex that won’t use the number 13 they would say 12A, but since this isn’t a hotel or apartment complex and is my 100^th Unilocal review than 13 it is!

Beautiful! That is all I can say about this library! The clean lines of architecture and rows and rows of books impressed me. Luckily, I am a resident so I do not need to pay for a library card but I do know if you are from out of the area, you will have to pay. I have never heard of another library doing this before?! I also think that 50 cents fee each day a book is overdue is pricey!!! I am used to 10 cents/​day where I am from! Regardless, I know the importance of returning books on time so that will not be an issue for me, but I would definitely recommend getting a card if you live here… Plus, it is a great place to get work done — lots of desk space and natural light — great for studying!

Love Baby Story Time (ages 0 – 12 months) This is a great time and place for my 10 month old and I to interact together in a group setting while meeting new faces. The host of the Story Time is great. He keeps the attention of the babies, while singing songs and introducing books that are available in the Library. My baby and I always have a fun time.

My 200^th Unilocal review is for Eugene’s absolute gem, the downtown public library. It opened just a few weeks after I moved here (ten-​and-​a-​half years ago) and has been one of the cornerstones of my life here the entire time. Just a few of the thousand things I could say:
~The building is beautiful and still feels new after ten years. There are many inviting spaces to sit and read. Free wifi, too!
~The collections of books, movies, and music are all excellent. I have rarely looked for something and discovered that the Library didn’t own it. (I’m not entirely academic-​esoteric, but I’m not looking for John Grisham, either.) They keep current and buy newly released books.
~The online interface for searching and placing holds on items is easy to use. You are even allowed to place holds on items that haven’t been released/​purchased yet.
~On just about the only two occasions I discovered they didn’t own an item, they actually bought the items upon my suggestion.
~The staff are extremely patient with the public. And, let’s just say, the ENTIRE public is welcome inside the Library. I’ve observed saintly behavior from the staff with difficult people enough times to consider them an inspiration.
Short rant #1: Public Libraries are one of the (very) few institutions that give me the belief that our civilization may just be slightly superior to others. If (and when) the time comes that the no-​tax-​loonies try to shut the Library down, it’s time for us peaceful, book-​reading folk to take up arms.
Short rant #2: Over the years that I have lived in Eugene, there have been several bursts of RG/​Weekly letter-​writing and other chatter/​commentary in the community by people who have claim to have been «harassed» by the homeless/​downtrodden folks who spend time around the Library and the bus station across the street. The people who feel this way are the definition of «bourgeois assdouche.» I’ve walked in and out of this Library (conservative estimate) ~500 times and NEVER felt ‘harassed’ by anybody.
Bottom line: I have a 4-​week old daughter, and I’m ambivalent about raising her in Eugene. The Library’s presence makes me feel better. I love this Library, and Eugene is a better place to live because we utilize and support this institution.

I agree with Rat B. who succinctly opines that the Eugene Library is the «Best library ever.» It is! I usually have a few major bones to pick with public libraries, which are as follows:
1.) You can never find the book/​DVD/​CD you want, because it is always out/​lost/​on hold/​not available.
2.) The building is mysteriously sticky, in a way only libraries are.
3.) The movie selection is small, and consists primarily of unwanted donations/​discards from video stores.
4.) The librarians shush you constantly :(
Good thing the Eugene Library has none of these problems.
This is the first library that has every book I’ve ever wanted to read… in stock. In stock! To top that, the hours are great (esp. considering the recession and the nationwide contraction of public services), the lending grace period is forgiving, the stacks are well-​organized, the building’s architecture is generously majestic, the books are well-​kept, and all the rooms are light-​filled and clean. I’m also very fond of the library’s huge selection of foreign films, art/​experimental films & documentaries.
Treasures don’t always come with a price tag. :)