Lawrence Public Library - Lawrence, Kansas

Valerie Kubiak (TheNychthemeronThing)

I do not feel safe coming here. There are drug users loitering the place. I've encountered several who have been aggressive either to me directly or to other people walking nearby.

The library itself is just fine. I used to enjoy coming here before the druggies set up home here.

Edit: I have not been to the library this year. I will return within a few days and update this review afterwards! (10/27/24)

Love Books

We won't come here ever again. Don't feel safe. We can't even walk up the garage stairs without it being blocked by homeless. Isn't loitering illegal? Parking garage smells like urine as well as the walk to the library from the garage. There was a man sleeping at the bottom of the stairs. And I won't use the elevator because I don't know what will be on the other side of the doors when it opens. I don't want to be the next one shot. Who's paying for the garage to be used as a toilet, bedroom, and hangout.

Plate Techfonics

Incredible place. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Awesome adult, teen and kids literature and spaces. My wife and I were passing thru while on our way home to Colorado- now we don’t want to leave! We will be returning.

Erika Rivera

Teenager here! I honestly love the library, my siblings and I often come here and we are always impressed by the professionalism of the employees. Its always clean and well organized, its a great space to work or hang out in the Teen Zone. 10/10 library.

hope forneau

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.

Tiana Stubbs

LFK has the coolest public library in our area for so many reasons. Besides the amazing collection of check out materials available, there are events and other types of things that go on throughout the months that can bring you to the library for a multitude of benefits. The computer lab downstairs offers Internet access free of charge as well, and the reduced charges at breakfast/lunch times are a godsend to many children and parents in town who otherwise would go without these services! Overall just a great place to stop by or spend the day. Become a friend of LPL and receive other nice perks before the public has opportunities for things like the book sales and more!

Dan

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.

Ilka Iwanczuk

It’s saddening to see/read reviews where individuals have experienced difficulty with using our city’s public library based on their discomfort towards the houseless population. These are members of our city as well and welcome to use this building as much as the rest of our community. May you never know the unique hardship that comes with lack of food and shelter.