Lawrence Public Library

I'm not much of an internet person, so this library has helped me stay informed. The highlights for me have been the vast collection, the personal human service, the beautiful facilities and the graceful check-out policies. Additionally, I've benefited from some of the public events and workshop offerings. The recording studio is amazing, and the smaller studios are well-equipped technologically.

The library itself is 4+ stars, however walking thru the gauntlet of homeless, trash, cigarette and pot smoke, half drunk beer cans, loud music and language you wouldn't want to expose any child to, brings it way down. The personnel at the library's security desk would be lucky to dial 911 fast enough to help anyone inside or outside the library if a situation devolved rapidly. One thing the Topeka Public Library has over the Lawrence Public Library is uniformed "off-duty" public safety officers from the local Police, Sheriff's and Highway Patrol serving as security. EDIT RESPONSE Thank you for your response, unfortunately it answers one of the minor issues. The 20 foot rule just pushes the issues out to the parking garage corner becoming the gauntlet. Since there are at best 6 to 10 spots along the street the same issues are at play just moved 20 feet away. I no longer feel comfortable about the safety of my children entering or exiting the library let alone spending time inside.

Its not safe or appropriate to bring your children here and it's sad since children deserve access to the library as well. The people of issue hang outside smoking near the doors, saying inappropriate things, and staring at your kids. They are allowed to break library rules by being allowed to bring dogs in and be loud and no one says anything to them. They hide in the basement yelling out inappropriate things and just being loud. Last time we were there me and my daughter had to use the history room to gather information for a project. The whole time she had to listen to them yell and talking loudly. She even had to listen to a man almost yelling about his genitals. The library has told me if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe to get the security guards. Yet the security guards walked past multiple times and never said anything to them about being quiet or to watch what they said. I left knowing my daughter could never return here for help with school projects, find movies or cds, or browse the shelves for her next favorite book.