{"id":22937,"date":"2019-10-22T09:00:44","date_gmt":"2019-10-22T13:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/?p=16007"},"modified":"2023-11-07T07:53:37","modified_gmt":"2023-11-07T12:53:37","slug":"best-library-systems-in-the-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/post\/best-library-systems-in-the-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Library Systems in the US"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/800X600_Blog09_Hero.jpg\" alt=\"Bookshelves in a library.\" class=\"wp-image-21653\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Free image via <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/ZtI4l8EvyUw\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Libraries are a precious resource. They\u2019ve helped advance culture and knowledge for thousands of years. They\u2019ve moved from ancient archives of the written word to sources of free multi-media information. You might say they\u2014and the knowledge they hold\u2014are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/madetokeep\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Made to Keep<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Part\ncommunity gathering grounds, part educational mecca, part architectural wonder,\nlibraries often reflect the heart and soul of a city better than anything else.\nThey serve as safe spaces, lead conversations on human rights, provide\nthoughtful assistance, organize learning events, and give access to digital resources.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve\nchosen to explore some of the best libraries in the U.S. that not only do all of the above but\ngo beyond. From unique events to rare books, a multitude of services to community involvement,\nthese libraries represent and help shape the values of the cities they serve. Each\none deserves to be cherished, preserved, and celebrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sandiego.gov\/public-library\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">San Diego Public Library<\/a>, San Diego, CA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"711\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/001-best-library-systems-sandiego-ca-1024x711.jpg\" alt=\"map of california and location of the san diego public library\" class=\"wp-image-16008\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/001-best-library-systems-sandiego-ca-1024x711.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/001-best-library-systems-sandiego-ca-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/001-best-library-systems-sandiego-ca-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/001-best-library-systems-sandiego-ca-810x562.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/001-best-library-systems-sandiego-ca-1140x791.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/001-best-library-systems-sandiego-ca-145x100.jpg 145w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/001-best-library-systems-sandiego-ca.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sandiego.gov\/public-library\/central-library\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">San Diego Central Library<\/a> at the core, this system of libraries serves the many neighborhoods of the sprawling city, with 36 branches. The central library opened in its new location in 2013\u2014a nine-story building that houses a charter high school, innovation lab with free computer classes, an art gallery, and the OliverMcMillan I Can! Center for patrons with disabilities. Notably, one of their librarians, Azalea Janel Ebbay, was chosen as a 2019 American Library Association Emerging Leader. And the community love shows, too. Support from groups like <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/friendsofsandiegocentrallibrary.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Friends of San Diego Library<\/a> help fulfill their mission: To inspire lifelong learning through connections to knowledge and each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notable San Diego libraries<\/strong><br>The <a href=\"https:\/\/library.sdsu.edu\/\">San Diego State University Library<\/a> is architecturally stunning and has an impressive collection and resource center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <a href=\"https:\/\/kclibrary.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Kansas City Public Library<\/a>, Kansas City, MO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/kclibrary.org\/library-locations\/central-library\">Kansas City Central <\/a><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Library (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/kclibrary.org\/library-locations\/central-library\" target=\"_blank\">Library<\/a> stands out with its giant \u201cbookshelf\u201d parking garage, featuring 25-foot-tall book spines. This library has won various awards, including consistent 5-star ratings from the \u201cLibrary Journal.\u201d It\u2019s easy to see why. They host events like ESL classes, storytimes, and film screenings, and have study rooms and an in-house caf\u00e9 where patrons meet and share ideas. With a little help from the <a href=\"https:\/\/kclibraryfriends.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Friends of the Kansas City Public Library<\/a>, this group of 10 branches is able to start programs like the Community Reference Team, which connects people with resources to find jobs, start businesses, grow nonprofits, and manage personal finances. Now that\u2019s taking care of business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notable Kansas City libraries<\/strong> <br>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mymcpl.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Mid-Continent Public Library<\/a> system comprises 31 branches, including some in Kansas City, and serves about 810,000 people over 1,400 square miles in three counties, 56 cities, and 21 school districts. They have an extensive collection, inter-library loaning, online classes, and lots of educational and fun events. The Midwest Genealogy Center collection has over 150,000 volumes on family histories along with other print volumes like year books, oral histories, city directories, local histories and the like and thousands of resources on microform and online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nypl.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">New York Public Library<\/a>, New York, NY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"711\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/003-best-library-systems-newyork-ny-1024x711.jpg\" alt=\"map of new york and location of the new york public library\" class=\"wp-image-16011\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/003-best-library-systems-newyork-ny-1024x711.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/003-best-library-systems-newyork-ny-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/003-best-library-systems-newyork-ny-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/003-best-library-systems-newyork-ny-810x562.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/003-best-library-systems-newyork-ny-1140x791.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/003-best-library-systems-newyork-ny-145x100.jpg 145w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/003-best-library-systems-newyork-ny.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most-visited public libraries in the world, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nypl.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">New York Public Library<\/a> is at the forefront of what libraries can do. Innovative campaigns such as <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nypl.org\/blog\/2018\/08\/22\/instanovels\" target=\"_blank\">Insta Novels<\/a>, promote reading to new generations. From the beautiful Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, famously featured in many movies and TV shows, to other distinguished sites like the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nypl.org\/locations\/jefferson-market\" target=\"_blank\">Jefferson Market Library<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nypl.org\/locations\/yorkville\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Yorkville<\/a>, this world-renowned library system includes four major research libraries and 88 branches. The children\u2019s center is home to the real Winnie-the-Pooh and friends, and the calendar of free events\u2014including those of the Library for the Performing Arts\u2014is packed year-round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notable New York libraries<\/strong><br>Don\u2019t ignore the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bklynlibrary.org\/locations\/central\">Brooklyn Public Library<\/a>, which is also one of the most-visited in the world and is a breathtaking Art Deco experience. Independently run <a href=\"https:\/\/poetshouse.org\/\">Poets House<\/a> is a love letter to the genre and a must for any aspiring poet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dclibrary.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">District of Columbia Public Library<\/a>, Washington, D.C.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/800X600_Blog09_02-7-3.jpg\" alt=\"Stacked books.\" class=\"wp-image-21654\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Free image via <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/ZkR9yT1cR7g\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library holds several special collections, including 1.3 million photographs from the \u201cWashington Star\u201d and the documents of the Black Studies Center. It\u2019s also home to a 3D printer and the Espresso Book Machine, which collates, covers, and binds a single book in a matter of minutes. The system also added a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/local\/dc-adds-a-social-worker-to-library-system-to-work-with-homeless-patrons\/2014\/08\/26\/2d80200c-2c96-11e4-be9e-60cc44c01e7f_story.html\" target=\"_blank\">social worker<\/a> to engage with the homeless population, a move made possible with support from groups like <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dclibraryfriends.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Friends of the D.C. Public Library<\/a>. Neighborhood branches include architecturally distinctive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dclibrary.org\/francis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notable D.C. libraries<\/strong> <br>Though the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loc.gov\/\">Library of Congress<\/a> is open to the public, only some government officials and library employees may check out books and materials. However, as the de facto national library of the United States, its importance is clear. The symbolic art and architecture alone are worth a visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spl.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Seattle Public Library<\/a>, Seattle, WA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"711\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/005-best-library-systems-seattle-wa-1024x711.jpg\" alt=\"map of Seattle and location of the seattle public library\" class=\"wp-image-16013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/005-best-library-systems-seattle-wa-1024x711.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/005-best-library-systems-seattle-wa-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/005-best-library-systems-seattle-wa-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/005-best-library-systems-seattle-wa-810x562.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/005-best-library-systems-seattle-wa-1140x791.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/005-best-library-systems-seattle-wa-145x100.jpg 145w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/005-best-library-systems-seattle-wa.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nprincipal branch in this system is the Central Library with its ultra-modern\nsteel and glass exterior. Unique to this structure is the four-story-high Books\nSpiral, where patrons can peruse the whole nonfiction collection without using\nstairs. There are 26 branches in the system, with programs that include free\npasses to local museums, kid\u2019s storytime, job resources, personal reading\nrecommendations, and free writing and publishing classes.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notable Seattle libraries<\/strong> <br>Visually impaired patrons and others unable to read standard print material are top priority at the award-winning <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wtbbl.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Washington Talking Book &amp; Braille Library<\/a>, in operation since 1931. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lib.washington.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">University of Washington Libraries<\/a> system is one of the largest academic research libraries in North America and has been honored with the Association of College and Research Libraries Excellence in Academic Libraries award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.freelibrary.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Free Library of Philadelphia<\/a>, Philadelphia, PA <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The worthy\nmission, \u201cTo advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity,\u201d guides\nthis system of libraries. Its Parkway Central Library has been doing as much\nsince 1927 and greets visitors in grand Parisian Beaux-Arts style. Areas like\nthe Marie and Joseph Field Teen Center and the Robert and Eileen Kennedy Heim\nCenter for Cultural and Civic Engagement were designed to promote engagement, interaction,\nand discourse. It\u2019s also had measurable community impact, with one study\nshowing it helped nearly 25,000 people learn to read or teach someone else to\nread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notable Philadelphia libraries<\/strong><br>Housed in a National Historic Landmark, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.philaathenaeum.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">The Athenaeum of Philadelphia<\/a> specializes in architecture and interior design history and contains a museum collection of early-to-mid 19th-century American arts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <a href=\"https:\/\/aadl.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Ann Arbor District Library<\/a>, Ann Arbor, MI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"711\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/007-best-library-systems-ann-arbor-mi-1024x711.jpg\" alt=\"map of ann arbor and location of the ann arbor public library\" class=\"wp-image-16015\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/007-best-library-systems-ann-arbor-mi-1024x711.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/007-best-library-systems-ann-arbor-mi-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/007-best-library-systems-ann-arbor-mi-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/007-best-library-systems-ann-arbor-mi-810x562.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/007-best-library-systems-ann-arbor-mi-1140x791.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/007-best-library-systems-ann-arbor-mi-145x100.jpg 145w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/007-best-library-systems-ann-arbor-mi.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This\nlibrary system has received 5-star ratings the past 11 years by the \u201cLibrary\nJournal,\u201d and it\u2019s highly regarded among its peers. The main Downtown Library\nin Ann Arbor has been in operation since 1957, and has a local history section,\ngenealogy reference materials, a large folklore and fairytales collection, as\nwell as various electronic resources. AADL events include film screenings,\ngaming nights, poetry readings, storytimes, workshops, and crafts.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notable Ann Arbor libraries<\/strong><br>As the third-largest research library in the U.S., <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lib.umich.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">University of Michigan Library<\/a> is consistently ranked in the top 10 by the Association of Research Libraries. With librarians like Sheila Garcia, who was named a 2019 ALA Emerging Leader, it\u2019s no wonder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bpl.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Boston Public Library<\/a>, Boston, MA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Home to the third-largest public library in the United States, the city of Boston enjoys riches beyond most book lovers\u2019 dreams. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bpl.org\/locations\/3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Boston Central Library<\/a> in Copley Square is headquarters to the 24 branches in the system, and the reading room in the McKim Building would turn anyone studious. The libraries host thousands of free programs every year, including author talks, concerts, daily children\u2019s events, and therapy dog storytimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notable Boston libraries<\/strong><br>The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jfklibrary.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">John F. Kennedy Presidential Library &amp; Museum<\/a> holds permanent collections like the gifts from heads of state in the White House Corridor and Ernest Hemingway Collection, which features his personal papers. And then there\u2019s nearby <a href=\"https:\/\/library.harvard.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Harvard Library<\/a>, the oldest library system in the U.S., which needs zero introduction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chipublib.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Public Library<\/a>, Chicago, IL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/800X600_Blog09_03-2.jpg\" alt=\"Overview of books.\" class=\"wp-image-21655\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Free image via <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/9BoqXzEeQqM\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The American Library Association is headquartered in Chicago, so you know this city likes to read. The CPL, which boasts 80 locations and some of the best public libraries in the U.S., includes the central library, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chipublib.org\/locations\/34\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Harold Washington Library Center<\/a>. There, the ninth-floor Winter Garden is a beautifully unique feature, and the Maker Lab includes multiple 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters. It\u2019s also the largest public library in the U.S. to eliminate fines for overdue items, forgiving all existing fees. Services include a free lecture series, the Words and Music Program, and free homework help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notable Chicago libraries<\/strong><br><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.newberry.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">The Newberry Library<\/a> is an independent research library with materials spanning over six centuries, and the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lib.uchicago.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\">University of Chicago Library<\/a> is the tenth-largest academic library in North America. Chicago is also the future grounds of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.obama.org\/the-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Barack Obama Presidential Center<\/a>, which will include a branch of the CPL. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hclib.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hennepin County Library,<\/a> Minneapolis, MN <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This network\nis a vast library system with 41 locations, including impressive suburban\nlibraries with art collections, outreach services for at-home patrons, and\nother innovative programs. Its largest location, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hclib.org\/about\/locations\/minneapolis-central\">Minneapolis Central Library<\/a>, features special historical\ncollections, technology labs, gallery art, a piano room, and energy efficiencies,\nincluding a roof garden and substantial daylight. Partially supported by groups\nlike <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supporthclib.org\/\">Friends of the Hennepin County Library<\/a>, these branches are essential parts\nof their communities and the county as a whole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notable Minneapolis libraries<\/strong><br>Featuring many specialized and unique collections\u2014including the largest collection of Sherlock Holmes-related materials\u2014the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lib.umn.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">University of Minnesota Libraries<\/a> also support rising talent like Kalan Davis, special collections metadata librarian, who was picked as a 2019 ALA Emerging Leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/mcallenlibrary.net\/\" target=\"_blank\">McAllen Public Library<\/a>, McAllen, TX<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"711\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/011-best-library-systems-mcallen-tx-1024x711.jpg\" alt=\"Minneapolis public library exterior\" class=\"wp-image-16035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/011-best-library-systems-mcallen-tx-1024x711.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/011-best-library-systems-mcallen-tx-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/011-best-library-systems-mcallen-tx-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/011-best-library-systems-mcallen-tx-810x562.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/011-best-library-systems-mcallen-tx-1140x791.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/011-best-library-systems-mcallen-tx-145x100.jpg 145w, https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/011-best-library-systems-mcallen-tx.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When\nWal-Mart moved out, the library moved in to become the largest single-floor\nlibrary in the United States. This remarkable place wins awards for online\npresence, architecture, and services and believes in \u201cfree access to\ninformation [that] connects a culturally diverse population with the global\ncommunity.\u201d Though a small system, these libraries receive rave reviews, and\nevents like the South Texas Book Festival and regular programs bring the\ncommunity together through the power of books. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other notable McAllen libraries<\/strong><br>The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hcls.lib.tx.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Hildago County Library System<\/a> has 13 members that coordinate to provide services to all area residents, with digital and physical resources.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Libraries are a precious resource. They\u2019ve helped advance culture and knowledge for thousands of years. They\u2019ve moved from ancient archives of the written word to sources of free multi-media information. You might say they\u2014and the knowledge they hold\u2014are Made to Keep. Part community gathering grounds, part educational mecca, part architectural wonder, libraries often reflect the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":23333,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1133],"class_list":["post-22937","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-post","tag-madetokeep"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\r\n<title>12 Best Libraries in the US and Why You Should Visit | The Storage Space<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A look into the 12 best libraries in the US. 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