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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.
Whether you're considering a move to the Triangle area or you're already calling Raleigh home, the Wake County Public Library system offers some of the finest community resources in North Carolina.
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.
Here's your comprehensive guide to ten outstanding public libraries that make Raleigh and the surrounding areas exceptional places to live, work, and learn.
Check out these top 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.
What sets Cary Regional apart is its comprehensive programming for all ages and its modern amenities. The library features spacious study areas, meeting rooms available for community gatherings, and state-of-the-art computer access.
With its excellent selection and convenient online services for ordering and renewing books, it's particularly popular with busy professionals and families who appreciate efficient library services.
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.
The library's location in the heart of Cary makes it easily accessible to residents throughout this desirable suburban community, known for its top-rated schools and family-oriented atmosphere.
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.
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 public high school in Wake County. Since it is located inside a high school, this library is popular with students for studying and research.
Athens Drive Community Library serves the Southwest Raleigh area, providing essential library services to a diverse and growing community. While classified as a community library, it offers robust programming and collections that serve residents throughout this dynamic part of Raleigh.
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. This library is particularly appreciated by families new to the area, offering welcoming services that help newcomers connect with their community while accessing educational and recreational resources.
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 beautifully updated, Eva Perry Regional Library serves the rapidly growing town of Apex with style and sophistication. The extensive renovations have transformed this facility with updated layouts, modern furnishings, energy-efficient LED lighting, enhanced restrooms, and improved support spaces.
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 over 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.
Serving one of Wake County's fastest-growing communities, Holly Springs has transformed from a small town to a thriving suburb while maintaining its community character, and the library plays a crucial role in serving both longtime residents and newcomers.
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.
The library serves families drawn to the area's new schools, parks, and recreational opportunities, providing programming that supports the community's family-focused lifestyle.
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 child-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.
North Regional Library offers the full range of Wake County library services, including extensive book collections, digital resources, public computing, and programming for all age groups.
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.
With Wi-Fi, printing services, and quiet study spaces, North Regional Library is particularly popular with remote workers and students from nearby schools and universities.
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.
The Fuquay Varina Community Library has achieved remarkable success, with circulation numbers in fiscal year 2024 that exceeded many regional libraries.
This outstanding performance has earned the library an expansion project that will elevate it to regional library status, reflecting the community's growth and the library's exceptional service.
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.
The Oberlin area represents some of Raleigh's most established neighborhoods, with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community identity.
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 regional library amenities, supporting a community that values both tradition and growth.
Knightdale offers a small-town feel while maintaining easy access to Raleigh and the greater Triangle area. The library serves families drawn to the area's affordable housing, strong sense of community, and excellent recreational opportunities.
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
The Wake County Public Library system's commitment to serving all residents, combined with the specific character and strengths of each individual library, creates a network of resources that truly enhances life throughout the Triangle region.
For more information about Raleigh area real estate and the amenities that make our communities special, contact Raleigh Realty today. We are here to help you find the perfect home in a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle.
