Robert E. Smith Library

Peace. Quiet. One of the cool SPCA bubble dogs out front. Well lit, some natural light coming in. Nice selection of books, DVD’s, CD’s. Helpful librarians. There is a story time for kids. Book clubs for kids of all ages (including adults). Plenty of computers for public use. Workshops and seminars for the public. Quiet study areas. When I turn the page of a book, I feel as if I am making too much noise. This library is very clean and open. Have I stated how much I really love libraries, and how much I love books. There is a nice reference section.

Before you start reading my review, I would like to make a PSA. I actually got asked the other day if I was really reading a library book. Apparently they didn’t realize libraries still exist. If you’re like this person, stop what you’re doing and get your butt over to a library right now! You’ll be shocked at what you can read and watch for free!
OK now for my review:
Before Katrina, the Smith Branch was kinda creepy and antiquated looking. Now it’s bright and modern and one of my most visited places in Lakeview since I’m an avid reader.
This branch also provides workshops and lectures/​seminars, which is a nice added touch and gets you involved in the community. I’ve only went to one Creative Writing Workshop, and it was extremely helpful. The library also has computers for you to use free of charge!
If this library doesn’t have what you’re looking for, you can request it from another library and they’ll ship it. It’s a great service and they have pretty much anything, from books to movies (even current ones).
Parking is limited so I suggest you ride your bike if you live in the area. There’s ample bike parking by the Canal Blvd. entrance. This also gives me a reason to get some exercise in so I don’t mind it.
I hope you read this review and take advantage of the the resources the library provides to you. No sense in wasting your money at Barnes and Noble or on Netflix, when you can just go to the library and read and watch anything you want at no cost!

Doesn’t open until 10am.
Beautiful, clean, modern building with high ceilings!
There’s a really cute children’s center with a great collection of children’s books and a row of computers on kid-​sized tables with kid-​sized chairs. The room is decorated with large stuffed animals.
Downstairs in the main library is a wide variety of DVDs and audio CDs. Upstairs is home to two rows of computers complete with huge over-​ear headphones and the majority of the library’s books. There are plenty of tables and chairs here for studying, but we were informed that eating and drinking are not permitted in the library.
My only complaint would be the lack of nearby parking. There are four spots of parallel parking in front of the library that I’m pretty sure were taken by the librarians (my study group and I were here before it opened and I don’t think anyone else would park in front of the library…). There are two parallel spots in front of the Chase next door. Then the majority of the parking is in the parking lot in the neutral ground on Harrison (about a block from the library). It was a little annoying to discover this and have to go around the block a few times to figure out where I could and could not park (passenger zones, ugh!).
I really liked this library, and I hope the one in Algiers is just a nice to visit!