Oconee County Library
Welcome to Oconee County Library, your community hub for knowledge and creativity located at 1925 Electric Ave, Watkinsville, GA 30677, just a stone's throw from Athens, Georgia. With a stellar rating of 4.6 stars, our library is a cherished destination for families, students, and anyone looking to dive into the world of literature. Our spacious and well-organized facility is designed to cater to diverse needs, featuring a vast collection of books, a dedicated children’s area, and a makerspace equipped with the latest technology. Whether you’re hunting for a new novel, researching a topic, or exploring your creative side, Oconee County Library has something for everyone. Our welcoming environment is complemented by a variety of programs and events tailored for all ages. Families will appreciate the extensive selection of children's books and the engaging activities hosted by our friendly staff. While we strive for excellence, we also value feedback from our patrons to continuously improve our services. Conveniently located near Athens, Oconee County Library is open six days a week, with extended hours on Wednesdays and Mondays, ensuring you have ample time to explore our offerings. Join us in fostering a love for reading, creativity, and community. For more information, visit our website at athenslibrary.org or give us a call at (762) 999-1577. We look forward to welcoming you!
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Reviews & Questions
Google Reviews
Dez Partlow-Greer
Clean but not really quiet during our visit. Also the customer service could have been better the staff looked right at me and didn’t speak or ask if I needed help. It was my first time coming to the library so that would have been nice. The parking was tight but free. Was able to take our niece to the Lego building class, but it wasn’t what I thought it would be it was only one other child there and the legos were just in a big box there was no staff or activities going on related to the event.
Eva
Oconee County Library is such a great spot for families! They have tons of kids’ books, and the whole place is clean and nicely organized. Really a calm and pleasant environment—perfect for bringing your little ones or just enjoying some quiet time with the family.
M J
It is too hard to some up in one review just what all this public library has done for our family. From always being neat & tidy, to all the special events they have, and most of all Ms. Rebecca’s love for what she does with story time & performing and singing. We love OC library!!
Jolene L
It is a beautiful space full of books, but it is not a library. The children's section, while beautiful, was not designed with other patrons in mind. A simple set of doors could have helped contain the noise and might have curbed the number of kids running wild through the library. The adults aren't much better with their shouting after their kids or full volume conversations without regard for those around them, and they should know better. Yes, there are a handful of quiet study rooms, but they are nearly always full. It's a library, one shouldn't have to ask for an alternative quiet place to work when the study rooms are full. It is a huge disappointment that the library staff does not step in to help make this an enjoyable space for all patrons. If you are looking for an indoor playground, this is a great spot. If you are looking for a quiet space to read, study, or relax, this most definitely is not it.
Josh Roberts
It's a terrific local library. I haven't tried the makerspace yet, but it looks well equipped with a lot of different options. Compared to the old library facility, this one has a lot more seating, and a lot more private workspace. The addition of study rooms is a nice touch. The furniture and lighting are better, and everything feels very convenient and very easy. The staff here have always been helpful as well, and they're always cheerful to see kids checking out their own books.
Elizabeth
This is a beautiful, well-maintained library with a decent selection considering its size and the area it serves. However, as others have noticed, it is not necessarily an ideal place to engage in serious study. There are private rooms available, though I was not able to use one because they were all taken. The other areas of the library are simply far too noisy for most university students or other adults to work efficiently when there are children present. I had hoped to patronize this library to do research, but found the environment to be chaotic and playground-like. I'm a former "library kid" and love children, so I understand that public facilities like this are wonderful third spaces in which families can commune. I simply wish it could better serve all of its patrons by having more quiet areas. Given the size of the building, however, I'm doubtful that idea is very feasible. I will continue my search for an optimal study environment.
Cathy Moorehead
Love this place. So many interesting displays. Comfortable and welcoming. The staff is awesome. Very helpful and friendly. Got the books I wanted.
Frugal Bee
Well it’s nice and new and clean. On the negative, this place is an absolute zoo. It’s like Chuckie Cheese on steroids as there are free range parents with their free range children practically climbing the shelves and screaming almost every time I come in here. Don’t expect to study or to have a quiet reading environment. I wish staff would remind parents of manners/ expected behaviors in a library setting.
Andrew Fair
This library is a great one. May be smaller but they have tons of events, great books, and very nice staff. Having gone tons of times we started going to the events they had. There was like 50 kids who showed up to build Lego's! It was amazing. Really great environment. Also has meeting rooms and rooms you can utilize.
Laura Marie
The staff and patrons are inconsiderate of students utilizing the space for study. If you want a place to socialize and laugh super loudly while others attempt to write term papers, you’ve found your place. I would give 1 star, except the private rooms are nice when not taken. Typically they’re occupied by people just reading and not actually studying (probably due to noise level from front of the small building). This county does not offer great resources for serious students. Updated review for Wire Park: The new study rooms with sound machines are a great improvement, IF you can find one available! Unfortunately however, the design placed the kid section in an open space, and the sound of children screaming bounces off of the high ceilings. I will never understand why they spent the money to create such a beautiful space without considering the people that actually want to READ. It’s nearly impossible to do anything here except socialize unless you have noise canceling headphones. This place is geared toward families and is more of a social place than anything else. I know I sound like a curmudgeon, but growing up people used to observe silence or whispered in the library—kids included. The degradation of social values is evident by the parents that clearly allow their kids to scream in a library. These are 5 year olds and older running around as I write this review. Few people are reading and this space is really for parents that want kids to hang out and run around indoors in the air conditioning. Don’t believe me? Read the other reviews on here and notice who is giving the 5 stars—just saying. ☹️
