Opelika Public Library 1100 Glenn Street, Opelika, AL 36801

"Friendly, helpful staff. Fun end of "summer reading" event for families, the "Messtival"! All the activities were fun for the kids. Thank you OPL for the free t-shirts! We had a great time!"

"Today was my first experience at the Opelika Public Library and, unfortunately, it was not a good one. I was looking for a place where I could study comfortably in preparation for very important exams, and was excited about what this library has to offer after looking it up online. Upon arrival to the library, I asked one of the ladies at the front desk (let's call her lady A) regarding study room availability and whether those need to be reserved in advance. The lady A responded that the rooms can but do not have to be reserved in advance, and that one may use the study rooms on first come first served basis as long as there is no sign on the room that it has been reserved. All of the rooms were occupied at that time, however, after some patient waiting, my friend and I were able to secure one of the larger study rooms. I must specify that there was zero signs outside that room/on the door/anywhere in the vicinity saying that the room has been reserved for later that afternoon. A few hours later, another lady working at the front desk (lady B), suddenly threw the door of the study room open and quite rudely stated that 'this room is now reserved'. There was no hello, no excuse me, no "I am sorry girls, this room has actually been reserved'. We were surprised and upset that our study session was cut short in such an intrusive manner, quickly collected our belongings, and left the room, letting another group in. Still, there was no sign on the door of any kind, stating that the room was reserved. We walked up to the front desk, and asked the lady that I spoke with earlier this morning (lady A), whether rooms are indeed first come first serve basis, and how does room reservation work (we were unsure if the group that came after us reserved the room right there and then). The lady A responded that the room reservation happens online, there is a per hour fee, and that it needs to happen at least 24 hours in advance. Confused, I relayed that we have just been ask to vacate a room due to it supposedly being reserved, but that there was no sign on the door saying it, unlike what I would expect after my initial conversation with her earlier in the morning. The lady A visibly got annoyed and said that there was meant to be a sign but one had not been put up as who knows where it went. Lady B was standing right behind her and said nothing. There was no apology, no sympathy, and no kindness from either of them - I am not even talking about client service expectations. We were made to feel like a nuisance, like it was our own fault that we could not magically see that the room was reserved, when in fact it was entirely their oversight, and a simple sincere apology would have gone a long way. This whole interaction made us both feel quite upset and we have no desire to return. It has honestly been a while since I have had such a rude staff encounter, and the public library is not a place I imagined one would happen."

"Absolutely love this library. You are greeted by the vibrant "Greetings from Opelika" mural, setting the tone for the welcoming atmosphere that permeates the entire library. They have a fantastic kids section. The library has curated an excellent collection of books for children of all ages, creating an inviting space where young readers can embark on literary adventures. What caught my attention, and I'm sure will capture the imagination of any child, is the opportunity to sit in the train and read a book. It's a creative and fun way to make the reading experience truly immersive. Throughout the year, the Opelika Public Library organizes a plethora of activities that cater to diverse interests and age groups. There is always something happening that fosters a sense of community engagement. The availability of meeting rooms and a well-equipped computer lab further enhances the library's role as a versatile space for learning and collaboration. The multimedia offerings at the library are impressive, with a wide selection of DVDs and audio books available for borrowing. Whether you're in the mood for visual storytelling or prefer to let your imagination run wild with audio narratives, the library has you covered. The interactive elements scattered throughout the library add an extra layer of engagement to the overall experience. It's evident that careful thought has gone into creating an environment that encourages exploration and learning. The friendly staff, always ready to assist and share their passion for literature, contribute significantly to the library's welcoming ambiance. In conclusion, my experience at the Opelika Public Library has been nothing short of delightful. It's a place where the love for reading is nurtured, and the community comes together to celebrate the joy of learning."

"This library is SO cool! We were traveling through and made a stop at this library and we were so impressed!! Great kids/family section and a great selection of books. There were kid puzzles and other interactive elements throughout the kid and family area. Also, they had a makerspace which seemed so cool as well. I wish I could live here and take full advantage of all it has to offer. I highly recommend this library."

"The Opelika Public Library is new and jammed pack with all the technology the community needs. In addition to books, DVDs, and audio books, the facility has a computer lab and meeting rooms. This is a five star library! If you like this review, please like and share it. Have a great day!"