I'm a big fan of libraries. Love 'em. And this new location for the Kingstowne branch of the Fairfax County Public Library system has got some upsides over the old branch at Landsdowne plaza. Buuuut it's also got some aspects that make me go 'whaaaa?' Sunday hours - great. Bigger and roomier and far more natural light - great. More seating - great. Green roof - love it. The library opened a little over a week ago, and an elevator was out of order? I assume that'll be up and running soon? There's an entrance on the ground floor, but it's locked? In the children's section, there's a ledge that looks like a big slide. Kids were playing on it. There are signs that say don't sit or slide on the window ledge. Don't make a fixture that looks like a slide *in the children's section* if it's not to be used that way. Also, signage in the parking garage says to park on the 2nd floor for the library entrance. You enter, go up a level, park, enter .... that's not the library entrance. You're actually supposed to keep going up in the garage, park in the roof. THAT's the parking garage entrance level to the library. Aesthetically, I like the library. I like the expanded hours. But some signage and design choices leave me a bit flummoxed. 3.33 stars read more

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My first library to visit in Alexandria. I went to a book sale here and received my first library card in Virginia & 5 years. I was amazed at the self checkout and the free hiking kits with state park pass to use for free. Most of the books I looked for were checked out or unavailable. Books were priced at $3 but you could purchase a bag of books for $7 after 2 pm. I found a book I was looking for on Irish nationalism and other books. The staff was very pleasant and helpful in assisting me. I noticed most books were new and in good condition in the library. The library was clean, and the new books displayed were impressive. Finding this library was east to drive to, find, and park at despite the busy traffic in the area. Definitely a library I will visit in the future. read more

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Goodness gracious. Be careful parking here please. I mean this with respect for all, but tight quarters, and many in a hurry. Maybe nearby JC Pennys is having a sale. This is a nice library, and would like to thank the employees. They are courteous and helpful. Much respect to librarians! Kids section is well done. Lots of selection for learning to read. That is a positive. Reference section is alright. Book selection is decent, but I have better luck at larger Fairfax Co libraries. Young people and all, please support your libraries. They benefit the community. This is a good spot once inside! read more

A swell public regional public library satellite with great service. Ample parking. Approximate to a couple dozen restaurants & cafes. Most librarians are friendly, patient and very helpful. In fact, I got to know a couple staff members who went beyond the call of duty with my requests (a 5 for for customer service for those helpful and friendly). It caters to the immediate suburban areas of Kingstowne, Ft Belvoir, and Franconia. Although small in comparison to other libraries in the county or nearby, it is a very family/kid friendly children's section with maybe filling up a quarter of the building space. So, that's a large selection. I consider it a hidden gem since most of the public isn't aware of it. Rarely are there As for academic resources at this specific location, you are better off to go to one of the higher learning/research libraries. What most people don't realize, a patron can reserve a meeting room for groups. I saw at least two large spaces. Public PC/internet cafe is limited to a dozen or so. Sometimes, more often than not, I had to reserve time for access. If that is the case, there are another dozen or so spaces allotted for mobile devices/study. That' why I prefer bringing my own laptop. Internet speed is not bad. If you do find yourself sitting at the table facing the front of the building, be aware that these spaces face the window and it can get very bright during the day. So, either bring sunglasses or close the blinds or both. What I really like is the audio book selection. Quite a selection from the popular to the literary for a smaller library. read more

I really like this little library! If you're familiar with the area, the new site of this library will be the open field on Beulah/Silver Lake Blvd, but this review is for the current operation. My kids and I come here a few times a week at least, and they are able to find new books every time. We generally check out about 20 items each time, so this is impressive for a smaller library! I'm not familiar with any sections other than reference (that I needed for school work) and YA fiction, but there seems to be a great variety in all genres. They have a lot of study/quiet areas and quiet rooms, and everyone is respectful of others, giving this place a great atmosphere. They regularly display artwork from the local elementary school, which is cool for the kids to see when they go (especially when their own artwork is featured, haha). And there are lots of monthly events, including activities for kids of all ages like book readings and arts and crafts. Overall, a solid choice in Kingstowne. read more

Kingstowne Public Library - Current pickup - Libraries Near Me - Kingstowne, Virginia

This is our local library and we really enjoy this place! It's located on the side of a busy shopping center (opposite side of the street from Wegmans), but there is always plenty of parking. The library is small, but I have never had an issue finding a great selection of books, including new releases. There is a big children's section and a lot of computer stations. The staff is really nice and helpful. The last time I went, I had an issue with my library card and the staff member was happy to assist me. They have automated check out, which is pretty cool. You simply scan your card and the bar codes for your books and boom...you are done! The machine prints out a receipt which list the return dates for your books. read more

I love it so much its great for studying every one is respectful a wide variety of books also the location is great if you wanna go grab a coffee before you go. I really hope you visit read more

Nice little branch library in a convenient location. They do fun and free events periodically. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. I was able to find 3 books I wanted to read within 5 minutes of scouring the shelves. read more

Typical library, getting remodeled in 2024, the children section has plenty of books. something for every kid

Hands down the 4th best library I've ever been to and I've been to a ton. If you're looking for a great book, knowledgeable and kind staff, and want to read your book in a quiet, clean place that literally could not cram any more light into the building, Kingstowne Public Library is the place for you. read more

I don't really buy that many books since don't have the space in my house to store them. Besides, the taxes that I paid to Fairfax County go toward purchasing books and up keeping the library. Because of the library, I don't have to worry about buyer remorse. If I don't like the book, I will just simply return it back to the library. I discovered many great fictions that I might otherwise not even consider purchasing in a bookstore. I am a fan of the Shopaholic series and anything by Emily Griffin. I love to cook and my kitchen is overflowed with cookbooks, but I feel like there are more recipes for me to try. The library has a great cookbook section with many types of cuisines. I discovered the best croissant recipe from Julia and Jacque: Cooking at Home. The croissants took me 3 days to make, but they are the best ever. It's hard to resist freshly baked croissants straight from the oven. I also discovered a really yummy dumpling recipe from a Dim Sum cookbook. I made them for a potluck at work and they were gone by the time the potluck was over. Once we could not afford go out for a Valentine's Day dinner, my husband made this delicious seafood pasta from Williams-Sonoma Savoring Italy cookbook. My son loved it and kept asking his dad to make the "Pirate Pasta" as that's the name of the dish translated into English. The library also has a great selection of children DVDs. When my son was younger, I would take him there to pick out the DVDs. I used to buy the used ones, but the library allows me to keep up with his changing interest without breaking my bank account. If you don't see a book you like, you can search online and reserve a copy even if it is at another location. They will deliver the book to you at the location that you selected and will send you a notification when the book is available for pick up. They will also send you email reminders when the books that you checked out are due. If you need to keep the book longer, they can easily be renewed online assuming that no one reserves the book that you currently have. read more

This is my favorite library that is close to Fort Belvoir!! I love the wide selection of books and the books for sale as well. Checking out couldn't be easier since it's all automated. read more

A very good small library with a helpful staff. They also have a very nice selection of used and older books and movies for sale. Some look brand new and they appear to be donated. While small, the library seems to have something for everyone and is clean and organized. Well done. read more

The library is smaller than I'm used to and can have pretty weird hours, in my opinion. That being said, the location is pretty convenient and the staff seems to be really nice to the people that need assistance. I know this library also has many events for youth in the area, but it just doesn't really have enough material to satisfy my age. Also, it can sometimes be hard to find desk room unless you'd like to go into the quiet study. read more

I frequent the e-book and audio book catalog. I've also checked out books using Inter Library Loan. Works great!

Library staff: nice and helpful Place is bright and clean Children section was nicely situated - tucked in a corner with their own table and chairs and a lounge chair/loveseat where adults can keep an eye out on the kids Restroom was clean I used their private room to study and it is quiet, clean and not crowded. Photocopying machine, computers with internet access, tables and chairs where tutors and students converse, booksale selection is awesome and the hold section is very organized. There are also 2 conference rooms that can be used by organizations, groups - I think there was a stitching group that meets on Mondays? Love this library! read more

Hmm, I'm not sure about this library yet. I came in Tuesday afternoon, and think it's pretty safe to say this is not a kid-friendly library. I saw a total of 2 children (older) in the library, the children's section was barely established (most have a dedicated room for children's books organized by board books and then reading age). Nothing was organized, there was very little stimuli or engagement, and the selection was severely lacking. In contrast to other libraries where their children's programs shine, this seemed like it was primarily geared towards adults (librarians "shhhing" my kids) and the lack of children present. I asked about children's reading programs and there are few and far btwn in the summer, maybe we will try again once the school year starts and give it another chance. Just a bit dissapointing coming from an excellent library system where we used to live. read more

This library is well stocked with books, particularly children's books. My kids are always reading new books from there. It has ample study areas. My wife studied for the bar there. The place is quiet and relaxing. You should visit! read more

Very friendly and welcoming staff. Signed up for a library card and the librarian was super helpful/informative. Being new the area, she gave me information not only on the library, but also on the area. read more

Love free books, hate bad libraries! Though they shouldn't vary as widely in the same system (you'd think), Kingstowne tops all of them for atmosphere, HELPFUL and KIND librarians, a great place to concentrate, and a wide array of books.It's almost as if I am back in Hometown America when I am here. The library down in Lorton is seemy, dirty and small and contains few books. And though Pohick is large, it seems to attract the nastiest help! Springfield's Byrd Library has a strained atmosphere. read more