Main Library
on November 20, 2009
The Main Library has an urban feel and a lot more traffic than either of the branches. High ceilings and bare linoleum floors remind you that you’re in a government building, not a living room, and the only places to sit are at wooden tables and chairs. Patrons of Main are there to get things done, not to relax, and the noisy, bustling atmosphere reflects that.
Most of the system’s collection is housed here, so for research purposes it is by far the most useful. In addition to standard reference materials, fiction and nonfiction, the library also has books in Spanish, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean and Tagalog, and an extensive collection of automotive repair manuals. The music, movie (DVD and VHS), and audio book collections are large enough for everyone to find something.
Most materials are where you expect to find them, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for on its designated shelf, check the tables.
Internet users are often lined up to use the public computers, so don’t expect to pop in and get online research done right away. Separate computers are designated for catalog searching only.
The children’s room is the coziest area. Rugs, toys and child-size tables and chairs create comfortable nooks around the room, and the book collection is large and varied.
Parking in the lot out front is easy, though during peak hours you could end up parking on the street up to a block away. The library is located right next to the Civic Center, an area with a lot of foot traffic.
For your home library, there’s an ongoing book sale benefiting Friends of the Public Library with many good titles for $1 or less.
The Main Library hosts a children’s story time Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Kids can get homework help from tutors on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m. For adults, the library offers an adult literacy program and free legal consultation on family law, immigration and small claims issues. Librarians also organize occasional book readings, literary events and holiday celebrations.
Main branch hours:
Monday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
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