Many college students may not see a need for public libraries in this digital age, but the Hughes Main Library in Greenville has much to offer those interested in browsing its extensive collection of materials.

This library is located at 25 Heritage Green Place near the Greenville County Art Museum and the Children’s Museum of the Upstate.

It is referred to as the “main” library since it is the central library in the Greenville County Library System, which includes 11 other locations.

The Hughes Library is by far the largest and most impressive of them, and it is only about a 10-minute drive from campus.

This spacious, modern two-story building’s exterior surfaces are primarily covered with large windows, providing ample natural warmth and lighting. The library offers a variety of seating options for reading, working and studying, including armchairs, desks and tables.

And patrons need not worry about hunting around for a good spot, since there are usually plenty of seats open at any given time.

The library’s interior contains many objects of aesthetic interest. These include paintings and sculptures from local artists, doll houses in the children’s section and a large and accurate spinning globe sculpture.

In addition to supplying an interesting and quiet place to relax, the library also offers a variety of free resources, including free wi-fi, a large computer area with public printer/copiers and, naturally, two floors full of books, periodicals and digital media.

The Hughes Main Library’s extensive catalog includes new releases, classics, nonfiction, a multilingual section and a children’s section.

Those interested in getting a library card to use at the Hughes Main Library and elsewhere in the Greenville County Library System need only to present a form of identification. You do not need to be a South Carolina resident to be eligible.

Cardholders can check out library resources for three-week periods. They may also use the app Hoopla to check out digital copies of library resources on their electronic devices.

The library also offers food service at the Reggae Café, a small Jamaican restaurant inside the building. The café offers drinks, an all-day breakfast menu and lunch options.

The library hosts a variety of programs regularly, including workshops for various art media, software training workshops and “adulting” workshops that educate adults on relevant skills such as tax filing and tax information. These programs are typically free but require registration in advance.

The Hughes Main Library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Parking is available in the upper level of the adjacent Heritage Green parking lot. Parking costs 50 cents for 30 minutes on weekdays and is free on the weekends and after 5 p.m.