Public Libraries in Raleigh 

Are you searching for the best public libraries in Raleigh, NC? Here are ten great public libraries in Raleigh and throughout the Triangle area to check out a book! 

Raleigh is home to excellent libraries since Wake County is known for having the best public library system in the state. With 23 locations across the county, there are plenty of regional and community libraries to explore if you are searching for a book or want a quiet place to get work done. 

Residents with a fixed permanent address in Wake County can receive a free Wake County Public Library card, which can be used to check out books for three weeks at a time. Non-residents can still get a library card for an annual fee of $25. 

While this article only highlights the best ten public libraries, the complete library list is on the Wake County Government website. 

Check out these best public libraries in Raleigh 

1. Cary Regional Library 

Address: 315 Kildare Farm Road, Cary, NC 27511 

Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM Friday through Saturday, and 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday 

Cary Regional Library is located in the heart of Downtown Cary and is one of the best libraries in Wake County for its accessibility, cleanliness, friendly workers, and reading materials. 

As one of the largest libraries in Wake County, the Cary Regional Library features floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in lots of natural light and lovely public working spaces. The library is connected to a 600-space parking deck, 16 of which are designated for the library. Visitors can easily access the library from the deck. 

Located across the street from the Cary Arts Center and overlooking the new and improved Downtown Cary Park, the Cary Regional Library has become a gathering space for families, students, young professionals, and residents who thirst for knowledge and desire to read. 

Hosting events throughout the year to bring the community together for both children and adults, there is always something new and exciting happening at this public library. Popular events include book clubs, movie nights, writing groups, knit and crochet gatherings, and family storytime. 

The Cary Regional Library offers free Wi-Fi and public computers with printing capabilities. Visit today to check out a new book or to do work. 

2. Athens Drive Community Library 

Address: 1420 Athens Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606 

Hours: 4 PM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 4 PM to 6 PM Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Saturday, and 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday  

Athens Drive Community Library is located inside Athens Drive Magnet High School, a general public library in Wake County. Since it is located inside a high school, this library is popular with students for studying and research. 

Home to a good collection of books and dedicated staff, the Athens Drive Community Library is a full-service library with a diverse catalog and educational and social events throughout the year. 

Offering free wifi, public computers, and printing, Wake County residents should visit this library. 

3. Eva Perry Regional Library 

Address: 2100 Shepherds Vineyard Drive, Apex, NC, 27502 

Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM Friday through Saturday, and 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday 

Eva Perry Regional Library is a popular public library in the town of Apex that is part of the Wake County Library system. This full-service library opened in 1996 and is one of the most active libraries in the county since it serves the Raleigh suburbs of Apex and southern Cary. 

Recently renovated and well-staffed, the Eva Perry Regional Library has a wide selection of books on hand and very comfortable seating areas for reading, working, and studying. 

The library offers a handful of free programs that residents can participate in all year. Visit the library for yoga classes, movie screenings, book clubs, educational classes, and kids' storytime. 

As part of the Wake County Books on the Go Program, Eva Perry Regional Library offers no contact pickup for library materials that are reserved in advance online for residents with library cards. 

This is a must-visit library for residents. It offers public computers, printing services, free Wi-Fi, a program and storytime room, and plenty of comfy couches, chairs, and tables. 

4. Middle Creek Community Library 

Address: 111 Middle Creek Park Avenue, Apex, NC 27539 

Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM Friday through Saturday, and 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday 

Middle Creek Community Library is next to Middle Creek High School, a public high school in Apex that is part of the Wake County Public School System. This full-service library first opened in 2017, holds 40,000 books, and provides access to 18 public computers. 

Although the library has an Apex address, it is technically located within Cary town limits. Thus, it provides easy library access to residents of Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay Varina. 

The Middle Creek Community Library offers a quiet workplace with plenty of tables and comfortable chairs. Students after school and members of the community frequent the library. 

5. Holly Springs Community Library 

Address: 300 West Ballentine Street, Holly Springs, NC 27540 

Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM Friday through Saturday, and 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday 

Holly Springs Community Library is located in Holly Springs and is about a 15-minute drive from the Middle Creek Community Library. Situated in the heart of Downtown Holly Springs near Main Street, the Holly Springs Community Library is easy to access and provides plenty of parking. 

The librarians here are known to be friendly and helpful, providing a relaxing space to read, work, and study. Popular events at the library that are free and open to the public include a chess club, family storytime, and dog training. 

6. North Regional Library 

Address: 7009 Harps Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27615 

Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM Friday through Saturday, and 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday 

The North Regional Library is a popular community library in Raleigh that offers the public a wide range of books and resources. Family and children-friendly, this is a great place to bring young ones or get work done using free wifi. 

Completed in 2007, the North Regional Library was built to serve Raleigh's northern region. At 30,000 square feet, it is one of the largest in the county and one of the busiest in the community. 

Featuring lots of tables, chairs, meeting spaces, and a storytime room, the North Regional Library has everything you need to start a new book or complete a project. 

7. Fuquay Varina Community Library

Address: 271 Bramblehill Drive, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 

Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM Friday through Saturday, and 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday 

Whether you are a resident or just visiting Downtown Fuquay Varina, stop by the Fuquay Varina Community Library. This public library is strategically located in the growing suburb of Fuquay Varina and serves as a meeting space for the community and town. 

This Wake County Public Library is one of the best in the Raleigh area. It offers a wide selection of books, clean facilities, friendly staff, and free activities and events that the whole family will enjoy. 

Located near growing Fuquay Varina neighborhoods, this community library is a great place to further your education or inspire you to pick up a new read. 

8. Oberlin Regional Library 

Address: 1930 Clark Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27605 

Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM Friday through Saturday, and 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday 

The Oberlin Regional Library is a public library in Raleigh located in the Village District. As the most extensive library in Wake County, Oberlin Regional Library sits at 36,000 square feet and is the closest public library to NC State University, one of the best colleges in Raleigh. 

Home to friendly staff and helpful librarians, there are plenty of books to choose from, public computers, printing services, and free Wi-Fi available. Hosting free family-friendly community events, including book clubs and toddler storytime, the Oberlin Regional Library always has something going on. 

9. West Regional Library  

Address: 4000 Louis Stephans Drive, Cary, NC 27519 

Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM Friday through Saturday, and 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday 

West Regional Library is one of Cary's many Wake County libraries. Well known for its excellent book selection, welcoming staff, and quiet areas to get work done, this library is one of the best in the county. 

Offering free public Wi-Fi, public computers, printing services, a storytime program room, and events for adults and children, the West Regional Library is one of the most popular and highly rated public libraries in the Wake County Public Library System. 

10. East Regional Library 

Address: 946 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale, NC 27545 

Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 6 PM Friday through Saturday, and 1 PM to 5 PM Sunday 

East Regional Library is located 20 minutes from Downtown Raleigh in Knightdale. Serving Eastern Wake County, this public library is just one of the many public library branches in Wake County that provide a wide selection of reading material, free public wifi, public computers, printing services, and family-friendly events and educational programs. 

Methodology 

We used data and information from Wake County, North Carolina State University, ABC 11, and the Raleigh News and Observer to determine Raleigh's best public libraries. 

FAQs 

What is the largest library in Wake County? 

The Oberlin Regional Library is the largest library in Wake County at 36,000 square feet. Initially opened in 1974, Wake County moved it to a larger space in 1985, making it the largest in the region. 

What is the best NC State Library? 

The James B. Hunt Junior Library is one of many libraries on campus, but it is award-winning for its study rooms, music and media production spaces, game lab, and automated book delivery system. This library is located on the Centennial Campus and is a great place for studying, reading, writing, and researching. 

How many public libraries are in Wake County, North Carolina? 

The Wake County Public Library System has 23 locations and aims to instill a love of reading in children, teenagers, and adults. 

Best Public Libraries in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

Whether you are looking for a new book to read or want a quiet and relaxing place to study, the public libraries in Wake County are the best in the area. They feature a wide selection of reading material and activities for the whole family. Check out one or all of the public libraries listed above. 

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