OK every so often Reno does this thing where it reveals yet another wonderful side to itself. So I'm downtown running errands and business. Then I'm like... Oh! Heeeere's the downtown public library. I was not even prepared for the overwhelming sight before my eyes. I don't know if you folks are familiar with the 70s science fiction film "Silent Running". It was like walking onto the valley forge set of the movie. And it's still a wonderful library too! Are you kidding me?! And BTW everyone there( you know, the librarians) are so kind and informative. I grew up with libraries from coast to coast including the New York public library. But I'm hard pressed to say this is a wee bit more impressive. Wow! Go get yourself a book! read more

Welcome to the book jungle! This place showcases both library books and live plans in an absolutely amazing display. Does more oxygen help words stick better to your brain, come and find out! read more

Downtown Reno Library - Books and green space The best! - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Plot twist: your Washoe County Library card might be the coolest thing in your wallet. Forget the credit cards -- this one gets you FREE entry to Nevada State Parks, museum passes around town, and access to 3D printers, workshops, and more. This weekend, Phoenix (age 5) and Willow (age 4) ventured to the Downtown Reno Library, and it's honestly the coziest little jungle of imagination. There's a kids corner with books, an art wall, and even a tower garden where littles can clip fresh herbs and learn where food comes from. Books for the mind, greens for the body -- Reno really nailed it on this one! So yeah... if you haven't been to the library since middle school, consider this your official nudge. Go get your card. It's FREE, it's FUN, and it's basically the secret key to exploring Reno + Sparks in the best way possible! Check out these Washoe County Library Branches in the Reno / Sparks area Downtown Reno Library Duncan/Traner Community Library North Valleys Library Northwest Reno Library Senior Center Library Sierra View Library South Valleys Library Sparks Library Spanish Springs Library read more

Downtown Reno Library - First library card age 4 - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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Reno's Downtown Public Library is a hidden gem! The architectural design is stunning, with greenery woven seamlessly into the space--it feels like nature and architecture in perfect harmony. There's a great section for families and kids, and the atmosphere is ideal for reading or getting work done. I do wish they had more books. Some of the shelves was pretty empty at the time of our visit. Nonetheless, Ended up signing up and picked up a book on photography! A peaceful retreat in the heart of the city for sure! read more

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I love how nice and wonderful this library is! They were kind and helpful! What a nice place

We've visited twice now, and both times we were met with incredible service at the information desk. The staff were welcoming, knowledgeable, and took the time to help us get our library cards and walk us through how the system and rules work. They also helped us check out a state parks pass and showed us just how many online resources and programs are available as part of library membership. We were genuinely impressed by how much is offered beyond just books. I encourage everyone to join. It's free, easy, and comes with so many great (and genuinely useful) perks. read more

Writing my daily thoughts and blurbs as I usually do. Strange man wearing a fedora and button up shirt about 3 sizes too big begins stomping around behind me and flipping through books as loud as possible. (I can tell he doesn't know how to speed read.) Clearly some kind of government / fed agent but I do not care. Watch me if you must. I get so angry my hand slowly clenches my writings creating a loud crinkling noise that echos through the quiet library. My grip on my Ticonderoga pencil strengthens so much it snaps in two. Every soul in that place stared at me with the heat of 1000 daggers. I won't be back until this individual is dealt with. read more

Have you visited your local library yet? This is your sign to do so! Reno's Downtown library is an unexpected pleasure. Upon walking in, you're immediately greeted with a thriving jungle of plants which brings so much life and color to the building! There is plenty of seating available throughout the building, with free wifi, computers to use, outlets everywhere, and even meeting rooms. To those complaining about homeless in the building, please gather some perspective. This is a free, comfortable space with amazing resources for anyone to use. I'm happy that diverse demographics are able to utilize the public library, and it is a place equally accessible for those with or without homes, of all ages, and of all backgrounds. In terms of safety, I noticed nothing but respect given to all the library staff from each patron, and there is also a security guard constantly roaming the building. Get your free library card and spend some time in this wonderful place! read more

Downtown Reno Library - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

A lush and tropical jungle paradise where the books live! Such friendly and helpful librarians and staff eager to guide you to your interests! Many floors of books, quiet corners, computers and ponds. Uncluttered book shelves and feels well paced for exploring the treasure trove of information. read more

Downtown Reno Library - Quiet spot..... - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

My only issue is that this library, being it is the MAIN one, is only open until 5:00 p.m. well, what about all the people that might want to hit the library after they get off work at 5:00 p.m. where I come from the library is open until 7:00 p.m., which makes a lot more sense. On top of that then it is also closed on Saturdays when people that work Monday through Friday really want to hit the library. Just screwball hours is all I'm saying. read more

Everything is always clean including the bathrooms Esthetics are beautiful. One day they had someone playing the piano in the auditorium & it made the experience that much better! read more

The plants all over make this a desirable place to read! The staff was friendly and so helpful. I was able to find some of what I was looking for and pre-ordered some books that were checked out already. They allow you to check out books for three weeks which I thought was fantastic and they auto renew. I got a library card quickly (under 5 mins) and found parking right outside with ease. I wish there were more books present inside but it just means that lots of people are reading! read more

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This might be the prettiest library I have ever seen. There are plants everywhere. The lush greenery overflowing everywhere makes the building feel more like an arboretum or jungle cruise rather than a county building. It is a fabulous place to relax and read. The staff is nice, too. read more

I've recently got back into borrowing books from the library. The last time I borrowed a book was back when I was early elementary school aged in Las Vegas. I got a library card before, but I never used it and let it expire. I re-signed up at the tail end of summer and I have loved it. Technology makes checking out books a breeze. I can go online, request a book by placing a hold, then no matter which library in Washoe County it's at, it is some how magically transported to my preferred library and I get an email notification that it's ready for pick up. I walk into this library, grab it off the shelf, and do a self-checkout and I'm done! It's much easier than spending time wandering the shelves looking for a book and hoping it's in the right place or wondering if it's checked out. You can place a hold on a popular book, and it tells you which place in the queue for the book you are. Super thankful for the library system. Plus, this particular library location is STUNNING. All the greenery and plants make it not feel like a stuffy library but a light jungle to read in. There is even a small pond on the bottom floor with places to read around it. read more

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I LOVE this place. It is one of my favorite buildings in Reno. The style is so typical of the late 60's. The whole idea of "organic" architecture was coming into its own. And boy is this space organic! Because the architect was not able to build the library in the park, he decided to literally build the park in the library. There are trees and multitudes of plants, and cascading vines and even a small pond. I have expect to hear the cawing of exotic jungle birds. The space is broken up into small areas and corners and concrete lily pads for reading and working. There are multitudes of computers for working, free wi-fi for accessing, magazines, newspapers, e-books, videos and yes - even real live books. Staff are friendly and helpful. And getting a library card is free. Yes - people do still use the library and yes, it is open to all. This wonderful architectural treasure is worth a trip to downtown. read more

Downtown Reno Library - Doing our civic duty. - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

During one of the breaks with a group of students we took them to experience the nearby library. I enjoy coming to this library, as its books combined with nature, the best of both worlds. I know parking can be challenging as there are meters in the front, and sometimes there are crowds of people lingering in the front of the building but the times I have come to pick up a book reservation I have been okay in getting to and from. They have computer access available for the public, and although their hours close at 6pm there is a 24-hour book pick up locker. I like that there are many levels so if wanting to sit and browse a book the opportunity is available for you. read more

If you've never been to a library, then you should and this location should be the first one you'd want to check out!!! As you enter this library, you will be greeted a "hallway" of plants. The lush green surroundings make the ambience relaxing! There is also a water fountain on the ground floor that will put you into a zen-ish mood. There are plenty of sitting area and you will find a seat even during busy hours. Yes, this is in Downtown. Yes, there are homeless folks that go to this library. And yes, I do not mind. Just like the rest of patrons, those homeless folks are minding their own business reading a book or using one of the net stations. In all honesty, I love that they choose to spend their time in library doing library things!!! The staff/volunteers here are ALWAYS so nice and willing to help. The library is clean and well maintained. read more

Downtown Reno Library - Library holds/pickup area :) - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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Homeless everywhere. Not calming, or peaceful. If you only go for 5 minutes to might be inclined to give a higher rating. read more

Daughter went skiing at Northstar. Decided to take a quick trip to Reno to gamble, work a little and have lunch. Always go to the public libraries for free Wi-Fi to work. This was one of the nicest inside libraries I've been to in years. No free parking but I felt safe, Wi-Fi was excellent and there were ample workstations with outlets. Worked for a few hours and got a lot of work done. Highly recommend. read more

Downtown Reno Library - Inside the library from my workstation. - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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What a gorgeous place to sit down and delve into a good book. The staff are always super friendly and helpful. I recently got my first library card and it was a very easy and pleasant experience! No sense in paying $20 a book at Barnes and Noble when you can come down here and enjoy it all for free. read more

It's a jungle in here! No literally, a real life jungle! Ok. Maybe it's more like a city park, but that doesn't make it any less cool to see all of the lush, living foliage inside the library itself! The story goes something like this... The downtown library was designed in 1966. Architect Hewitt Wells wanted to see the library he was designing set in an actual park. When that idea was nixed for numerous reasons, he decided he'd just bring the park INTO the library with hundreds of plants, full grown trees, and even a pond and fountain! The library is absolutely something to behold, and a great place to retreat from the world outside. Naturally it's quiet, but the plant life and flowing curves of the design make this a very serene space as well. The design of the space has won this library a lot of recognition through the years, and if you're a local who hasn't seen it, get in there! If you're visiting, it's definitely a place I recommend checking out! read more

We stopped by on one hot summer afternoon. With the abundance of green live plants throughout and natural light, it felt like an oasis. The unusual building structure seemed perfect for a public library. I would love to sit at one of the small tables and just get lost in a book. The whole place makes me feel very nostalgic, as if I've been here before. I love that feeling. Now, some negatives. The books are not easy to find. it seemed the selection was rather small, but it could well be because of their huge shelf areas. I also learned just now that they close two days a week (Fri/Sat? Really?) and close early in eve. I know I am spoiled locally in Marin, where the public libraries are just amazing, but that's a bit sad. Also, no parking. We were able to just park on the street, but this would be inconvenient for families with little kids, disabled users, and in bad weathers. I hope this place, and the public libraries as a whole, gets more love! read more

Downtown Reno Library - Amazing. Readers' oasis. - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Beautiful, amazing interior garden space. Friendly staff. An oasis in the heart of downtown Reno.

I LOVED this public library! I spend a good amount of time reading here and the atmosphere was so calming with all the green inside! read more

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Beautiful interior, so relaxing with all the greenery. Multiple spaces to find a niche to hide away and read or work. Usually we go to family story time and the craft events as a family. They are always well thought out themes and engaging for the kids. Great central location for exploring more of midtown also when done. read more

"Having fun isn't hard... when you've got a library card!" Really, this review is best experienced with that Arthur library song playing faintly in the background. (here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbXz3MXx2DU ) Make of that what you will. The libraries I'm used to are either colossal historical landmarks (Rush Rhees, Rochester) or hulking monstrosities of modernity (Burton Barr Central, Phoenix). The Downtown Reno branch is neither of those things, actually verging on being too small -- even for the BLC. Yet somehow, in true 'Little Engine That Could' fashion, this little library manages to be surprisingly substantial. The space is a beautiful 60's relic that's stood the test of time enough to really impress with its modern retro chic. The geometry of the walkways, stairs, and flanking multi-level stacks gives way to an open space basement atrium that looks and feels like an indoor park. The greenery winds all throughout the space, helping to offset the otherwise dusty, musty feel of the older books. +10 points for ambiance. My first visit was last summer to satisfy a Stephen King binge, but I ended up walking out with a chunk of my to-read list in tow, Easton Ellis and Palahniuk included! Their growing collection of new releases and the killer ambiance have kept me coming back. On occasion, they also host event series in their tiny auditorium downstairs. Just a few weeks ago, I unwittingly walked into a concert featuring a famous New Orleans jazz band and some UNR musicians. Wonderful afternoon surprise! As with any public library, the lack of prime funding sets up problems for upkeep. The uppermost level, originally the young adult fiction collection, is currently being renovated into a low-tech fablab. An interesting, if not puzzling, concept with slow progress that's left that space looking a little worse for wear. Also, the space around the bathrooms (unfortunately, a large chunk of the bottom floor... right next to the children's books) is always prone to smells that I can only tactfully describe as suspect. Still a fantastic place to bury yourself in a book. If reading's not quite your thing, the free wifi is fast enough to reliably stream Netflix. But you didn't hear that from me. read more

Downtown Reno Library - Retro geek chic. Alternative caption: bookshelf filler / conversation pieces for my apt. - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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Do people still go to libraries anymore? This downtown library, which is located south of Virginia Street, reminds me of the Main Library in San Francisco. Except the hours are not as great with unusual closing days on Fridays and Saturdays. Probably lack of financial support from the state of Nevada cause the partial hours. Just like the old days, many locals come here to read the periodicals, do homework and researches, use the computer, or just want to avoid the casinos. I was here to use one of the thirty library's computer. I spilled my latte on my laptop. So I was just here to check on my necessities on the computer. Reserving a computer was not necessary since one lady was ahead of me. The wait took 10 minutes and I was on that filthy computer for 30 minutes. read more

Downtown Reno Library - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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I popped in here on a whim when I thought I'd take a look at their in-house selection of audiobooks before I went on a road trip. Yes, I know that you can go online and reserve just about any item, but there's something to be said about wandering around a library the old skool way. Also, going online assumes you know what book to look for. And I like to play SURPRISE ME at the library, stumbling upon a new author or a new title you hadn't heard about before. Yes, I know you can use Overdrive to download books to listen to, but it's not an easy system to master and I seem to run into problems every time I try to use it, even with the help of several librarians. I've downloaded it twice now and deleted the app both times because how annoying it was. So back to this particular library - very nice staff, helpful and cheerful. I love all the natural stuff (ponds and live plants) that invite you in. God bless whoever has to water all those suckers! Quiet of course, and while it's hard to ignore the large metal institutional shelving, find yourself a little spot and just settle in for a few minutes. Or an hour. Much bigger than my little Incline library, which I love, but has much fewer items in house. read more

I really like this place. It's the nicest library in town. It's got a really nice atmosphere, especially downstairs with water ponds and living plants and open air above the downstairs that is part of the space on upper floors. Open space abbey downstairs provides airy feeling and there's also an isolated room for quiet study and time on your own computer. This library offers wireless printing whereas others do not. There's typically a line here to get in when it opens in the morning. The marginally homeless head in (with their laptops in many cases). Parking is a little tricky as you have to pay for street parking, but what's nice is there's usually a free space in front and if you're lucky you might find time on a meter. I did the other day. The library has multiple floors, computers on the main one with DVDs and videos along with CDs, a wide manner of books, a weird pathway through a security screen near a security guard (which narrows the pathway and I find annoying) and friendly staff, friendlier than at the Sparks location. The selection of DVDs is inferior to the Sparks location as is their collection of graphic literature. Their hours are also inferior to the Sparks location (open until 5 p.m. when Sparks is open until 6 or 7 p.m.). And they're not open on Monday at all (thanks government funding and lack of appreciation for libraries, people). There's a pretty handy reference desk on the bottom floor. When you just walk in, you can pick up on hold items which is rather convenient. Interior drop off is all the way to the back wall, past the circulation desk. I find that unnecessary and a bit annoying when returning items. I guess I could use the exterior return, but I'm not sure if they use that after hours so I always walk into the library. Despite small issues I think this is the best public library in the area. The atmosphere inside with all the live plants, open air and flowing water is pretty cool. It feels like a garden with the library, very appealing to my sense of calm. read more

Downtown Reno Library - Main floor bridge looking down to lower, living atrium - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

The best library in Reno with plenty of free parking available in the surrounding side streets and across the street in a garage. Just an amazing multi-level layout with plants and fountains everywhere. You can spend hours-on-end in here discovering the magic of books, digital media, maps, and the internet provided by Washoe County. Historical architecture brings one back to the 1960's. The library is now moving to more environmentally friendly ebooks...if you can't find the title you're looking for, ask the librarians about the ebook selection. Looking for DVD's? Search DVD selection online and have the title you want shipped directly to this location for pickup. Thank you for our libraries, Washoe County! read more

Downtown Reno Library - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Transient hang out spot to charge their phones and clean up in the restroom. Extremely loud conversations, not conducive for studying. I thought the security guard was coming to tell them to lower their voices, but no he comes over and joins the conversation. Then being regulars overrides library quietness I guess. The plants are beautiful! read more

This library is very clean tons of plant life throughout and lots os sections for different genres of books and plenty of places to sit with outlets to charge stuff. Don't worry about the homeless or bringing children like some reviews might say because its always quiet and everyone wants a safe place to spend time. Iv done a lot of homework here for school and iv never had an issue. Plus its the biggest public library in reno so its worth the visit at least once! read more

At first glance this library LOOKS like a pleasant enough building, but on closer examination its warts show up plainly, with little effort expended. The personnel are just fine, its where the building was situated and how it was appointed when built. There is, inside, a sort of suspended-in-air bridge and platform which rumbles and shakes every time anyone walks across it. Also lots of empty planters really detracted from the obvious intent of that area. Not so much as a handrail to help one along. Think twice about walking in the front door here if you have acrophobia. It freaks me out a little bit. Then there is no parking. That's the biggest strike against it. There are a handful of meters out front and that's it. Everything else anywhere in sight is posted. As I understand it, the architect wanted to place it in a park setting, which would have been great (assuming a parking lot would have been built as well), but instead the Reno City Fathers at the time decided to plop it in the middle of nowhere-Downtown. With no parking provided. Why anyone would place a library ON PURPOSE such that there is no convenient parking is beyond me. It definitely is disabled-unfriendly, but back in 1966, they still thought that the disabled ought to be locked up in "homes", not roaming around free where they could frighten little children with their disabled-ness cooties. Apparently we have not come that far from 1966 50 years later because other than adding a handicap stall in the bathroom, which was unusable when I was there, no other accommodation for the disabled and elderly seems to have been made. Certainly not with regard to parking; given the number of elderly in this city, to have to pay for parking and then walk several blocks, probably from a casino parking structure to boot, is really not convenient. It's nearly as bad for families to have to herd a group of children several blocks just to get to the library. Yeah, parking is a big issue for me. I'd like this library a lot better if you could actually get to it. I am, btw, while not (quite) elderly, disabled. So no, having to drive around trying to find a place that ISN'T posted with threats to tow my car and then having to find my way from wherever a parking spot turned up all the way back to the library isn't at the top of my bucket list. Nor is having to shell out a couple bucks or more for parking at meters, should one be open (which they often are not). All the nearby museums have parking lots incorporated into the building site - but not the library. That goes to show how much the PTB back then REALLY valued that library - eg, not at all. Personally I have been to the Downtown library only twice in three years, and both times left me with a strong disinclination to go back there again due to the sheer inconvenience of trying to get there. And seriously. Even in Reno, is it really OK to build a library that close to casinos and tattoo parlors and all that goes along with that? Really? You don't care if you have to haul your kids past loud drunks and all that goes along with drinking and gambling just to get to the library and read a little Thomas the Train? Personally I don't care about having those businesses in town - but putting a library in proximity of that REALLY doesn't enthuse me at all. That just makes a Bad Idea Worse. Granted its open during probably the LEAST active times for those businesses - but still. I assume the reasoning for clumping so many museums (and this library) so near to the gambling district is for the convenience of tourists, not the locals. Though I don't see that this library is of much interest or use to tourists, so - who knows what they were thinking. However even if you are able or willing to walk several blocks from a for-pay parking structure, there's another issue that SHOULD have been against building code at the time. Even if code didn't require it, no competent builder or architect should have designed a 3 story structure with ONE, count that, ONE set of bathrooms. I don't know about the men's room, but there are only 3 or 4 stalls total in the women's room, and when I was there for a workshop, the one women's bathroom had been rendered unusable due to someone having an "accident" all over the floor. I was told to cross the street and use the bathroom in the anonymous office building across the street. No idea what's actually in there, and I wasn't about to stagger over there and find out. But there should DEFINITELY have been more than one set of bathrooms installed in the library proper. Oh well. What can you expect from a municipality where the Powers That Be think its ok NOT to fluoridate the water? Certainly not any kind of common sense! read more

Surprisingly nice, airy and plant-filled library considering the somewhat gritty environs right outside. It's a good place with what looks like a decent book selection, but was clearly designed long before laptops and wifi. So far I've only seen two power outlets in the whole place near tables, and they get camped as soon as the place opens. The wifi is consistent, pretty fast and doesn't require a library card or password, but unless you have a little tablet or netbook with super battery life it's not a great library for settling in for multiple hours of computer work (not a huge amount of seating either). As far as using the actual computer terminals ... hahahahahaha. Line for them is literally down the block and around the corner before the place opens. At least there's plenty of stuff to read while you wait. read more

Please explain why I cannot renew on line. In this day and age and with all the issues with the pandemic why would I travel to a library and why would they force you. I can buy a car, finance it, and have it delivered to my front door involving thousands of dollars without leaving home. I can buy/refinance my home involving hundreds of thousands of dollars without leaving my home. But I can no longer check out a book without physically walking into a building. read more

The children's area left my toddlers and I wanting, and the downtown Reno jumble made parking a mission, but this library location did not disappoint me. The staff was helpful and kind, it was tidy, quiet, and adorn with hundreds of plants and pouring with natural light to read by (these are my favorite parts of our trip). I am looking forward to returning with the little guys to see what kind of adventures are to be had next time. read more

Downtown Reno Library - The toddlers playing with blocks in the childrens section - Libraries Near Me - Reno, Nevada

Nice library. My only gripe is it cost 25cents to print a page, it should be like 10 cents. read more

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I really enjoy coming to this library. Honestly, it's worth a visit just to see the gorgeous plants everywhere! There are several floors to this library with ample space to study and read. There are several available computers, and if you bring your own laptop, the library has great free WiFi. I personally come here to get some studying done and there is no shortage of spots, whether I feel like sitting at a table or sitting back in a cozier chair. Everyone who works here is very friendly too! The hours are a little peculiar and it is closed on Friday and Saturday. read more

This is the main library, where much of the staff is housed. It's a beautiful little oasis in Downtown Reno, the indoor garden on the first floor is a little slice of heaven. The library offers a variety of services, from holding books, to e-books and magazines, and a large reference database. All of these services are free, too! When I was going to school, I used it a lot for term paper references and other topics, and we've gotten movies and music there, as well. I didn't think I would like the e-books, but when I got a tablet a few years ago, I downloaded one, and really liked it. I use this service all the time now, and it usually works flawlessly. I love this library, it's my favorite in the Washoe County system, and I can always find what I'm looking for, online at any time of the day or night. The only negative is that sometimes you run into homeless people who use the library as their personal "shelter." They can be pretty sketchy, but if you ignore them, sit in the garden atrium, and get lost in a book, it's a great place to be! read more

I feel like I was deprived as a child, never coming to this library. Born and raised here 25 years and just recently stopped in here to do some studying. The layout of this place is awesome! It's a little slice of nature-indoors. The spiral staircases and the pods/study areas are unique and give the place a real nice touch. Great atmosphere! I went in on a weekend morning and it was pretty busy. All the computers they provided were being put to use and most of the tables were occupied, either by people reading or those who didn't want to brave the cold outside. There were quite a few homeless but security makes sure they don't mistreat the place and makes their rounds consistently. read more