Flint Public Library

In desperate need of a face-​lift, but they have the best-​ever used book sale events twice a year. Seriously, their twice annual Friends of the Library book sales are a treasure trove of great bargains and the proceeds benefit library programming, so it’s a win win for everyone all around.
From the exterior, it looks a bit like a time warp. Hello, sixties architecture! The façade needs an upgrade, but what’s inside is what counts. The library has an excellent genealogy section for anyone interested in that sort of thing and some of the best art history books around. If you have kids or are a kid, then the children’s wing is where it’s at. They have a great children’s section, large and spacious and off to the side, where the little ones can’t be a disturbance to other patrons.
From the exterior, it looks a bit like a time warp. The façade needs an upgrade, but what’s inside is where it’s at. Throughout the year, they host films, lectures and book clubs, all of which are open to the public. On top of that, they have a periodicals reading area, computer labs, free Wi-​Fi, and a gift shop. Some of the staff could be a bit friendlier, but I guess exuding an air of haughtiness is their thing. If you don’t need a lot of help finding things, then it might be worth stopping by.

On a sunny Tuesday afternoon with many people in the parking lot I was accosted by a man with a gun. I guess my days of visiting the Flint Public Library are over.

The Flint Public Library is a fantastic place to go for reading material, computer training, or reference/​research assistance. I’ve been going there for a few months now and the staff is pleasant and helpful. If you can’t find the specific item you’re looking for, chances are they can still help you get it through Interlibrary Loan. Overall, a great place to learn!

As a resource, you could easily do worse than the Flint Public Library. One of the larger public libraries in Michigan, it’s difficult to realize how much they have to offer until you have spent a few hours wandering around the building.
The facility does look very mid-​century, but I think that adds to its charm. Also, too, I can’t imagine many libraries that are right by three theaters, three museums, a community college, and an institute of music.
But more important than all that, they recently added free wifi as a service (thank Jebus). If they also served coffee, I would never leave.

This place needs a makeover — desperately. But, the second floor computer lab and periodical room is pretty nice. I like the people that work here. Their book sales awesome, too. The building just has an overall look of wear and gloominess.
It’s also a goldmine if you love VHS tapes!

Awesome multi-​level library, great place to hang out after 6^th hour, and an amazing Children’s section. Formerly the home to Gus the hamster.
It’s right across the street from Whittier and Flint Central, and also a trot away from the Cultural Center. The Flint Public Library is a great place to study after school. I used to come here to play footsies with my crush or go up to the send floor to devour the newspaper and magazine archives. Good times.