Coming to Kenmore Library today, Monday 23 October 2023, looking for a book to read, I pulled in off of Northeast 181st Street to find a packed parking strip on the side of the building. I was like, oh no... where am I supposed to park. Continuing forwards in my vehicle I noticed a slanted drive down under the library building on the left. Then I noticed a sign with an arrow indicating parking. So, I followed the drive in and parked in the garage under the building. An elevator was available to take one up to/down from the library entryway. I took it on the way up, and during my one floor elevator ride remembered I did not like elevators, so I might walk around like I drove into the garage when I went back to my car. Getting off the elevator in the entryway with doors on each side of me, one to the street and one into the library, I entered the library through the door(s) going that way. The interior of the library initially felt small and a librarian was at their station by the entry/exit. Other librarian(s) were about in the library around the shelves. A number of people were sitting on chairs/couches in the library reading books. The chairs/couches were well placed throughout the library as were tables. Each section, such as teen, non-fiction, magazines, etc., was well labeled. Study rooms were open/available for use if wanting a quiet place to close the door and work on something. I was specifically looking for something in the tune of business. The different non-fiction categories were diverse in offerings. I ended up going with a book about putting ideas into action. Different libraries in the King County Library System tend to have different business offerings, and I found the marketing/thought process focus at this library refreshing. Self check out stations were located near the entrance/exit by the librarians' stations. The librarians I interacted with were warm in demeanor. On my way out, I opted to walk back to my car instead of taking the elevator. I found there was even a sidewalk down to the garage. All around I enjoyed my experience. read more

See all

The Kenmore Library is a newly built public library in the King County system. Small facility, yet very modern with natural light and clean lines. Small footprint, but close to USPS and City Hall. Parking is not plentiful and it seems as tho the 5 minute "book drop off" spaces are always full. Kenmore is more of a satellite location, than a full size public library. I reluctantly used this library for a while when the Bothell Library was being remodeled. Staff has always been nice in Kenmore, but it lacks the size and amenities of Bothell. It was easy to place books on hold online to pick up and check out at the self-service kiosks. But if you want full service, Kenmore is not your library. read more

Kenmore Library - Check out desk - Libraries Near Me - Kenmore, Washington

See all

It is a small neighborhood library that more than meets the need. What they don't have on hand you can always request on line to have it delivered. Librarians are always friendly and they do a good job of highlighting good movies and books to check out. Parking has increased a bit in the last year or two and I no longer have a problem finding a spot. Check outs and returns are easy, so what could be better when there are no charges involved. And now items are automatically renewed for you when they are not requested elsewhere. read more

Bright, clean, comfortable are words that well describe this library. It's fairly newly built, and has a lot of computer stations as well as meeting rooms, comfy reading areas, free printers. It also has a nice self-checkout area (what a great idea). There "hold" area is quite large, it seems almost as if most of the patrons look things up online and have them delivered to the location rather than wandering the stacks. But that is the way most of us live anyway. I've found the staff professional and helpful. However, with the growth of the Kenmore area, this library may become inadequate for its patrons. The parking is minuscule, and the spaces are marked "compact". If you have a full-sized vehicle or a truck, tough luck, there's no street parking. The computers seem to always be in use. There is no drive-thru book drop off. I'm a fan, really I am, despite those issues. read more

The King County Library System is amazing. The variety and availability of the catalog with the expertise and kindness of the staff have always been on point. But this particular branch has one major flaw. No parking. Most of my library loans are in the form of audiobooks and ebooks that don't require me to go in person. But sometimes a book is only available in physical form and I have to put a hold. But here's the thing....I drive past this library every day. So logically, I should send my holds there, right? I tried three times this week to pick up two holds. The library lot - both above ground and in the lot - are always full. The street parking? Also full. So the only way to get to the library is to either park in a spot that clearly is labeled "No library patrons, will tow" (and don't do it, those businesses are just trying to give their customers a chance to visit them!) or park multiple blocks away. In the dark. And also the truck that drops off the holds has a hard time finding a safe place to stop and often ends up having to stop in the lane. Which makes it super unsafe to try and pull out of the lot after frustratingly finding no spots for the third time that week.... I canceled my holds and am having them held at the Lake Forest Park Library, where at least I always can find parking. I hope someday they can figure out a way to fix this issue, because it would be nice to be able to use the library in my home town rather than driving to the next town over! read more

I love the new Kenmore Library! The staff, especially Robin Wharton, are incredibly sweet, and helpful at finding whatever you need. The parking is free, and while it is limited, there shouldn't be any issues with finding some parking spots next to the post office. Anytime I place an item on hold, I always seem to get the book I need, in the next business few days. Robin was gracious enough to help me find a book that was missing from the holds shelf, and went above and beyond what most people would do to help me find a missing book. I love this library so much! read more

The new library is great. the lighting is -fantastic-. makes a big difference when you're sitting around, trying to stay motivated for homework. I didn't have to walk the whole room to find a table for homework.. WITH a power outlet to power FOUR devices. WIN! read more

Great new library. They pack a lot in a smallish place. Bad for parking but otherwise a great place.

I've been trying for 15 minutes to reserve a book at Kenmore Library & can't find the website to do so. The Kenmore library main page is not helpful at all. The library itself is beautiful & staff there is very helpful. So only the website reservation item get the 1 star. read more

Pros: Beautiful, interesting building; lots of airy windows; friendly, helpful staff; ample free parking. Cons: Tiny for an urban area; there's never been a computer free when I show up, except the 15-minute stations; abysmal selection of books and DVDs. Plan on looking up what you want in the catalog, and having it delivered to the Kenmore Branch, the "hold" area is a major section of this library. It appears that the powers that be decided to go for appearance rather than utility. read more

I am a huge fan of the Kenmore library. It is very modern and the staff is incredible. Very attentive and helpful. The self check-out kiosks are perfect. Great parking, multiple drop boxes (although missing a convenient drive-through one - 1 star short of perfect! ). Plenty of tables for studying and lots of computers available. There is a great "holds" section for items I've reserved online. Keep up the great work! read more

Although I don't use the library as much as I used to (due to e-books) I recently met up with a business acquaintance here for some quick meetings. We used both the small "offices" in the back and also the large meeting room near the front of the library. No charge for either. We also used the copy machine right next to the meeting space. Parking was free if somewhat limited. Overall it was quiet, convenient, and much better than trying to meet at Starbucks. Have not seen Lola the librarian there for a while but she has been great in the past. read more

Wonderfully updated and designed the new library is easy to use, full of helpful staff and has an excellent parking structure beneath it.

I've been using this library since it opened as it's nearest my home. I place all of my holds online and go in for picking them up. It's bright, open, clean and the staff is helpful if you have a question. Since I don't use it as a full-service branch, I'm not knowledgeable on other issues raised in reviews, except the parking. Parking is insufficient depending on the time of day. read more

Very dissappointed. I was excited to check out our new library with my baby son. I was looking for a specific cd. Something was wrong with the catalog computer and staff seemed unable or unwilling to help me. This facility was just a big waste of money as the new city hall. I'll continue to go to the Lake Forest Park branch. read more

It is my second time visit to this library and so far so good. My favorite part of this library is outside patio. It creates quite nice ambience to just chill out and read. Kids section is vast and but they are doing good job to keep the place quiet. read more

The place is well lit. The place was carefully thought out. The restrooms are immaculate. We got four (4) library cards today. All the books are NEW. The staff are kind. The place wasn't crowded at all. We checked six (6) books today. They are all due around August 8th. read more