I'm a big fan of libraries, especially theking county library system. The fairwood library underwent a makeover several years ago. While it is not super quiet, the overall noise level is respectful of the environment. The space is very open, bright, and modern. I enjoy using the app and online features. read more

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The Fairwood Library is a smaller one, with limited evening hours Friday-Sunday, but has great librarians, computer stations, many self-service checkout stations and is very clean. A library card is free! I've been helped quickly on a few occasions without judgment for some of my goofy questions in trying to locate some books or using equipment. This is one of the quietest and the most clean libraries I've been to. They take their time posting ads in the front lobby about community events held at the library and in town. They hold events here like chess, family story time, social workers helping folks with resources, book clubs and master gardening. They have tote bags available for borrowing as well to take your items to/from home which I think is pretty convenient if you forget your own or end up borrowing more than you intended. You're permitted to print in color or black and white from the computer stations on a weekly basis, up to what would be a cost of $11.25 for free. 1 black and white page is $0.15, and 1 color page is $0.50. Once you hit the $11.25 in the week of what you have printed, THEN you have to actually pay for the printing. It's free up to that point. This is for all libraries within the county. You can reserve a computer to use online at home ahead of time so it's ready for you when you arrive. I think that's really cool. Even though this library is smaller and the selection is too, you can go online while there or via your own devices and get anything within King County sent to Fairwood for you to pick-up. The parking lot is large and has easy access. There are conference rooms and study rooms to rent/use and community events. They also have a scanner, copier, and fax machine. There's a ballot box out front as well as a drop-off box but it's in the building, no drive-up drop-off. read more

Here I am, rolling over the stars trying to decide if four or five stars would be appropriate because this library is a lot smaller than I'm used to. Even the library in the small town I'm from, back home, is at least twice as big as this one. I didn't feel giving one less star because of the size to be a good enough reason however I decided to go with four because of the staff. Don't get me wrong, the people who work here are very nice but there was one girl putting books back on the shelves who really seemed like she didn't want to be there. This is one of the busiest libraries I've been to where the people there actually seem to be happy and not just at the library because of a dreaded research project or because their parents dragged them there. All the people around you are excited to be surrounded by books but she looked annoyed and like she just wanted to go home. I passed her multiple times moving to the side and saying "excuse me" but I felt ignored. She didn't say hello, "excuse me" back, or even smile. Perhaps it's just me, but I'd like at least a smile if I'm trying to be nice to you, in YOUR workplace. Other than that, the building is very nice and there's a LOT of parking. It's at a very convenient location pretty much across the street from a small shopping center, and only a mile away from my house! I will be coming back. I even dragged my husband here by telling him we could borrow DVDs. They didn't have anything new so he left, but that's one step closer to getting him into books other than the technical ones he has to read for work. read more

Fairwood Library - Books I borrowed! - Libraries Near Me - Renton, Washington

We love our local library- it's clean, has what we need, and staff is always helpful! My only complaint is that there's no quick drive-thru return option for books, though I haven't seen this at other libraries around either. read more

We had just moved to the area after the remodel was completed, but it looks great. Very clean, modern. I like the self check in, even if it does malfunction sometimes. They have a great selection of books, and if they don't have it they you can request it be transferred from another king county library which doesn't usually take long. There are a few study rooms, as well as a conference room, laptops you can borrow, computers borrow, you can print I think up 30 black and white documents a month at no cost to you. There's a ton of cd's and dvd's that you can borrow as well. Just a great place in general. So glad it's so close to my home! read more

Fairwood Library - Libraries Near Me - Renton, Washington

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If I could give zero stars, I would. This place is open on Sunday's but their bathrooms are not. Make that make sense. I walked in only to be told to turn around. The lady was defensive in her tone and demeanor. I felt discriminated against. How are you open all day and have your bathrooms closed. There were people in the rooms there doing work on their computers. What if they needed to use it? Or if it was an emergency, do you guys make them leave and come back? I doubt it. We pay taxes for what? To be mistreated and turned away? You guys should check the crew members that were there today Sun Aug 6 at 4:45p. They need to be spoken to about their customer service. read more

Very nice library with gorgeous windows. After school hours it gets kinda noisy with kids getting tutored there but there is a quiet study room if you need. Parking is available. read more

Libraries are my happy place. This one is clean, well-lit, peaceful, and has a lot of different seating options. Bathrooms are clean. Staff are kind and super helpful. read more

Love this place. It's bright inside with all their beautiful lights. Their checkout system is a breeze. Their employees are super helpful and nice. Their parking lot is huge!! No creepy garage parking like you see at the Renton Highlands parking. read more

Libraries to me have always been pretty much the same but the staff here are amazing. So kind and supportive, this is what brings communities together! read more

If Ikea could design a public library, this library would be IT! With new furniture, floor to ceiling windows to let in natural light, and modern color schemes, this library easily tops all of surrounding libraries. It's super spacious with plenty of seating for everyone. I'm actually quite hesitant in writing this review because I want to keep it low key. So... you're welcome! There are several study rooms and one designated quiet room to maximize your studying. The library materials are in great condition, having books for all ages (i.e. kids to seniors). The computers are also in great shape. Just get a library card, which only takes minutes, and you'll have computer access. Shame they don't do double-sided printing especially since we're the Evergreen state. Let me ironically promote the 75 pages of free printing as I promote the message to "Save Trees!" Overall, a great library! Clean, modern, friendly staff, and hip with the times! read more

I've started frequenting this library ever since it was recently remodeled. It's not a large library, but it should meet your needs. Since the remodel, it has taken on a more modern feel. They have NEW quiet study rooms available through online reservation. The rooms include a white board, but you'll need to supply your own dry erase markers. There's only 3-4 rooms, so you'll have to be sure you reserve in advance. If you're unable to get a study room, there are larger shared rooms that are meant for study. They provide plenty of tables, chairs, and outlets in those as well. The men's restroom actually reeks of urine every time I visit, but they do have those new flushing units that have different flushes for liquid and solid waste. This library is a great place to study. It's well-located near a bunch of useful establishments, and the staff have also been friendly and helpful each time I've had a question. read more

I really liked this library! Typical for the king county library system, it is beautiful, open, modern, and has floor to ceiling windows. Everything most people aspire to in their dream home! This library was different in that it's study rooms were painted bright colors, and had modern hanging lights and solid wood tables. The layout to the library was fun, comfortable, relaxing, and had ample seating and computer stations. read more

You can drop off used books at the library!!??? I had no idea... BUT... that is what we did today! The librarian was super helpful, asked me if I wanted our bags back, and if I wanted a receipt. Super nice gals!! read more

Fairwood Library - CLEARLY cool people hang out at the library! - Libraries Near Me - Renton, Washington

I love the Fairwood Library after the remodel! This is the closest library to my house. I like to pop in on my way home from work for some new books to read. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because its pretty small. Its definitely more of a neighborhood library. For this reason, if you go on a busy day like a rainy Sunday good luck finding parking! read more

I wish I used this library more - it seems like a cool spot. Instead I'm using it for a poor man's Redbox. They have a pretty good DVD assortment for older movies, but they do get in newer, mainstream films too. I've also checked out periodicals there but not used other products or services. I will say this branch does seem less seedy than DT Kent or the Renton Cedar River locations. In my experience, those ones tend to be magnets for clientele who seem to be more intent on sleeping one off or have nowhere else to go. My only gripe about this location is aimed to their parking lot designer: does your brother-in-law own a speed bump company? Why this small lot needs them, and so many of them, I do not know. read more

I moved to the Fairwood area about six months ago, and just discovered this wonderful library. I only have prior experience with the Seattle library system, which is also really good, but had never been to a King County Library before, and there was something more peaceful and just "less rushed" about it...hard to explain. Yes, it is small-ish, but they have plans to expand it soon. I just loved everything about this place...the easy parking, the friendly, helpful attitude of each staff person that I encountered, the well-stocked "recommended reading" shelf right where you walk in...a lot of times I don't feel like searching for something to read, and I found three new books to read on the recommended shelf, in different genres. There is a little cafe-like seating area with vending machines and free wireless, and a great-looking kids section...I will be back soon with my kids. Can't wait to explore this place some more... read more

I much prefer this library to the Renton location. Beautiful building, clean and well maintained, great lighting, always bustling with people. When I worked in the neighborhood, I used the library occasionally to request some WA history books by local authors. The KCLS online system is really awesome, and the Fairwood branch is a nicely sized library with a great staff of friendly librarians. I had not set food in a library in over 10 years, and they were nice enough to track down my original library card info, using my maiden name, original parent's address, and our old phone number to verify my info. I was really proud to have a brand new library card again! read more

Something horrible has happened. The AC adapter on my trusty HP Notebook Computer has busted and while I wait the week (!) for the new part to arrive I'm computer-less at home. This is so so sad - particularly for the weekends and this past week during the holidays when I've had a lot of leisure time that would so well be used in front of a computer yelping my little heart out! So, to the Fairwood library I go. It is clean, new, modern, and usually has plenty of computers for me to get my fix. The hours are pretty good and you can be online for up to two hours a day. You can also bring your own computer and hang out with the free wireless any time. I really appreciate all the nooks and cranny's that make the library special. There is lots of natural light, surprisingly comfortable chairs, and generally lots of places to sit, read, or people watch. Thank goodness for the KCLS - or I might have lost my mind the past few days! read more

This isn't my first time here, but my child's first time and he appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed it. We went to the toddler story time held on Mondays. Although he didnt pay too much attention, I enjoyed the fact that it appeared that the crowd there has been reoccurring and the librarian (assuming) was very engaged with the story telling. Kids enjoyed it, mine enjoyed the puppet show story very much. After the story time the rush of kids just heads into the library and play on computers offered to them and read books. Great experience, would recommend you checking them out. Staff are friendly and helpful as well. Monday toddler story time might become our weekly thing now. read more

I've lived in Fairwood since my elementary or junior high school days (read: a very long time), and have seen the Fairwood library undergo two different renovations now, each one better than the next. This latest one, with sleek modern architecture, the addition of two large conference rooms at the front entrance, and skylights for natural lighting just above a series of study tables, is probably my favorite. It's a fantastic study space, and with the community so small, very quiet. The natural lighting and big study tables really help me focus, and help stay concentrated as I truck through mountains of quantitative GMAT problems. If I was still in high school, the big tables available for studying also be great - there is so much space to spread out here, I probably could have made a million posters in here! There are plenty of tables and seating options, and because it's in a smaller community, I've never seen it overcrowded with people. As a child, I remember the library feeling much darker and more cluttered, so I am in love with this remodel. I suppose as a library, that might have been a good thing, because I got lost in those shelves all the time, further contributing to my reading addiction. However, the the advent of eReaders and more computer service requests, and I can see why they had remodel: not only to keep up with the times, but to continue to capture the beauty of reading without overwhelming a visitor. Libraries are not all dark and dingy! The Fairwood library is proof of that. This is my go-to study library now, and not just because it's near where I live. read more

Just walking distance from my home. Love this library! I've found myself a few times going in and spending a couple of hours looking through their CDs and surfing the web. Great place to donate old CDs, DVDs, and books! read more

The updated library is gorgeous! HUGE space! lots of easy checkout and self-return centers, very clean and organized. Great selection of DVDs too! read more

Was really impressed with this library. Good selection of materials but more importantly it has high ceilings and plenty of seating. Even restauraunt style booths! Plenty of computers and the staff is friendly and helpful. read more

I've loved this library for a long time, although it's even better since they remodeled and added newer technology. The computers are much nicer (they also added a lot so you don't have to wait long for one) and you can even get a laptop to use. They added a lot of nice couches and small areas to lounge and read or use the computer or you can rent a private room so you can have privacy for studying or group projects. It's small but has a lot to offer. read more

Much better book selection here than other libraries, but that might just be because everyone is using the computers instead. The service was still fairly friendly, although I didn't require much assistance on this visit. The place was organized well, and I had quite a successful visit! Very pretty place, too. read more

After just moving into the area, I was thrilled to find this wonderful public library. Afterall, I had to battle Comcast before I could get TV/Internet. The people are so helpful with the computer stuff. The kids there are mosly well behaved and generally I am super excited to have such a great library around the corner from me. read more

Its a nice clean library, probably the quietest one I have been in yet. I just wish there was more computers to use. Whenever I find the time to finally get to the library, they are ALWAYS full. read more

Very clean, staff is helpful but only if you ask. There are many places to study but not very many open quiet places. They're always full when I come in so I have to settle for the more public, louder study spaces. Rooms are easy to reserve - even the larger meeting rooms. I love the look of the library now, very open with a lot of light. read more

This library was recently remodeled and it looks great! Staff was very friendly in signing my boyfriend up for a card. Selection is smaller than other libraries I have been to, but it was nice, quiet and clean! read more

I don't know what we'd do without this place. A real full-time resource for information.I do wish the hours could be longer, and would be happy to pay a little more taxes to have them. read more

I use this library about once a week. It's not that big. And I wish they had more books on the shelf, and rotated the DVD collection. But I mainly read various magazines and newspapers, and pick up books and DVDs that I reserve over the internet. So it works out very well for me. The library is clean, and the staff is good. read more

The library staff and available materials and programs are I'm sure as great as ever! (and I really love and appreciate the King County Library System!) but.... The new remodel of the Fairwood library (completed ~Jan 2007) interior design is a disaster (IMHO)... It all looks like it was straight from the Jetsons... The floor itself is alive... well very busy... The floor in a library is the kind thing that should just be there... not a production in and of itself... All in all it looks like an Experience Music Project add-on blasted into the middle of some otherwise generally pleasing architecture... O.K. maybe I'm just in shock and mourning the loss of my old comfortable friend. :-( the library that was! ) My personal opinion is that public buildings, like libraries, should not aim for a "love it or hate it" design concepts... That's my tax dollars and I'd rather most people got a chance to to say, that's just fine, that's a generally, nice, comfortable place for all. My son, age 11, says "this library sucks eggs", though really liked it before. (The rating I've supplied is for the materials, programs, and staff of the King County Library System and this library... Not for the decor, which I give a -1). P.S. My teenage daughter, however, says... I love this library ! The styles are crisp, simple, and modern! I'm definitely coming back (if my dad will drive me). The neon sign above the teenage section is definitely the Epiphany of greatness!!! read more

Decent library and very open. The study rooms can get rather noisy especially if there's a large group in them. A mommy and me class meets about twice a week there and they get fairly loud. I guess being a library means quiet courtesy doesn't apply to them. The library over all is rather relaxing to come to. They play a wind noise over the intercom to help drown out traffic. The remodel did it some good. It made it clean, it feels safe to enter and no longer feels like a slum area. People are fairly polite and willing to talk. Some are so starved for attention they'll talk at you for hours. They have public computers so you can do your work on them, print papers and save your work to flash drives. Do be aware of security with public computers. I mainly come here because it's the more local library for my area. read more

I love this place. Plenty of computers, books and what not. Easy to get books they don't have. The one bad thing about this place is it usually very busy. But not today. Woohoo! read more