Mirror Lake Library

Beautiful building, very historic looking. I was like «Oh wow, this looks cool!» Until we stepped inside lol. Parking lot was full of… homeless looking people. I hurried my son and myself inside. I was just there to pick up some books I had placed on hold via the website. The gentleman at the counter was able to grab my books for me immediately so that was good.
Inside of this library is very run down and weathered, looks like it is in need of some TLC. Kinda dark and scary and definitely not somewhere I felt comfortable hanging out at with my son. There was a funky smell as well. Was not appealing and I did not want to venture around as the inside patrons were also. kinda scary looking lol.
Will stick with the Largo library and maybe check out some of the other Pinellas branches I haven’t been to yet.

BEAUTIFUL BUILDING
The building is beautiful no doubt from the inside and out. Just step onto the second floor and watch the ceiling open up in a rather ornate way. The entire lower floor though just looks like a regular Tampa Bay library. The layout creates a definite, long, rectangle feel which can feel cramped in some areas (specifically the 1^st floor for the adults)
LOCATION HAS PROS AND CONS
This is the library closest to busy Downtown St. Pete so I frequent it. Plus it has a great view of the Mirror Lake behind it. (Unfortunately the library doesn’t take advantage of the view with any reading deck or patio). Unfortunately, its location also gives it a centralized location for many ‘characters’ who loiter outside and inside. I’ve actually had no problems except with their appearance and their unsmiling stares which makes me get on my guard. Only once did someone ask me for money then hold me hostage by talking to me for 15 minutes about the government.
I really want to like this library – especially for its location and great seating areas– but now I just go onto the library’s website and reserve books/​movies for me to pick up at the front desk so I don’t have to wander the library and into those characters any more.

This is my local library, situated in downtown St. Petersburg near Mirror Lake. Its smaller than St. Petes main branch, but housed in a beautiful old two story building. I enjoy requesting books and CDs online to be sent to the Mirror Lake Branch where I can easily pick them up. They also offer classes, children’s activities (storytime, reading with therapy dogs etc.) and internet access.