central public library

A very kid-friendly library with the coolest furniture to hang out in. Our kids always ask if we can stop by. Make sure to look up in the main hall - it's a beautiful old building and looks like a library should look.

The renovations on this facility are amazing. The kids reading area is spectacular. They did a great job of preserving the architecture and adding modern amenities. This place is a an amazing venue for book lovers.

since renovation, a regular visitorbooks more accessible than in county, since less competition for "my taste"gorgeous.can borrow there and return to countyworth a visit just to see architecture

In the midst of downtown St. Louis is this beautiful old building that has been brought back to life, exhibiting beautiful ceilings, art, and a utility for all ages and backgrounds. Not as large or impressive as the New York City Library, the recent renovation is still a delight to behold.

What a beautiful library. The building outside and the grounds are simply gorgeous. Quiet and peaceful.

After you pick up the Top 10 places brochure and are completely awed by the architecture floor to ceiling, take a look at the books! The books are behind beautifully lighted glass doors inside magnificent cases. The respect for the written word is everywhere. The displays depicting the materials and design of the building are impressive. We thought-"How did the architects do this?" many times. Downtown St Louis is worth a trip!

Even if you don't you will enjoy this beautiful building. Go take a tour (Monday and Saturday 11, Noon and 1pm) to get the most out of your visit. If you do not enjoy yourself I will take down this review.

a MUST SEE - couldn't believe how awesome this place is. I live in the county and am totally jealous of this place - would go there daily if I lived anywhere near by.

Everyone should take advantage of the free tours of the recently renovated St. Louis Public Library downtown. Docent volunteers provide a great narrative as you explore all the nooks and crannies of this wonderful building. Tiffany windows are beautiful. The woodwork is original (mostly). The childrens library room is wonderful. Truly worth the time!

This is truly a building the city of St. louis should be proud of. The effort to get it done and remodeled is well worth it. The children's area is just bright and fun with lots of fun things for kids. Just to wander through the halls and the different rooms is an enjoyable experience. I sure hope everyone finds the time to check it out.

This library is beautiful and spacious. The architecture is historical and interesting. On Saturdays and Mondays they offer free tours during the day by Docents. They have different rooms for every interest; genealogy, children, teens, archives, history, geography, fiction, etc. Unfortunately I've never had the staff or librarians be very helpful or friendly. They all just sit at their desks looking busy. Overall though, take the tour and appreciate the atmosphere of the library.

Thanks to a recent $70 million dollar facelift, this library is a gem! Restoration included a complete cleaning and renovating, opening a huge sky light that had been previously covered with plaster, adding collapsable shelving, and increasing storage. The spaces are wide open now with plenty of room to read, work, and learn without feeling as if the other patrons are intruding. Charging station tables are scattered throughout every room to make electronic use easy. The genealogy section can be accessed on the third floor.....if possible take either of the Grand Staircases up to enjoy a wonderful stained glass window at the landings. Genealogy is in a secured access area with many available resources (hint: from the east windows you can get a "close up" look at the gargoyles on the tower of Christ Church Cathedral across the street!). Take your time both inside and out....enjoy the hand carved stonework outside, and all the different ceilings inside on the 2nd floor.NOTE: Parking is available on the street at meters, bring change. Or you can park for free in a lot a block west at 15th & Olive; the lot is unattended and is gated, however the exit gate was missing.

Bibliophiles will love the huge open halls, marble floors, and ornate ceilings. Beautiful quiet spot, and romantic somehow!

The library is within walking distance of all the hotels in downtown St. Louis. It is well designed with an interesting interior of ceiling designs, and stained glass windows. The genealogy section on the third floor is especially well resourced for people interested in Missouri and surrounding states genealogy. I found land descriptions of my great, great grandfather's wife's family in Lake County, IL.

I stopped here with my teenage boys because they both appreciate architecture, and this library did not disappoint! The ceilings were beautiful, as was the stained glass. In the back of the building you can see the "new" renovation area, which fits in nicely. Obviously this place is stone silent, but they didn't seem to mind that we were wandering around. I highly recommend stopping by to do a quick walk-through, you won't be disappointed!