Came here to study. The library is resourceful including meeting rooms, magazines, audio books, etc. Self checkout is available. There are also plenty of seating for people like me who just want to utilize the quiet space for studying. Big windows that should allow the sunshine come in when it's sunny. The wifi didn't work for my mobile or my laptop so I used my own mobile hotspot. You may hear children crying as children are in the library. There is a parking garage where you can park for free. read more

See all

Its children section is quite small but they always have activities and I love that they have touch screen computers with headphones with PBS kids games and more! read more

The Kirkland Library is tucked into a lively and walkable part of town, so be extra cautious while driving. There's a steady stream of pedestrians nearby. That said, the location is convenient with nice amenities in the area, including a playground just a short walk away, which is great if you're visiting with kids. The library itself is smaller compared to other branches in the region, and the parking lot reflects that. The parking is tight in space and limited spots, especially during peak hours. Inside, I noticed the computers felt slower than usual, though that may have just been my timing or expectations. The staff were helpful and kind, and they seemed genuinely responsive to patrons' needs. One thing to note: the space was a little noisier than I expected for a library, maybe due to the smaller size or higher traffic. Despite that, it serves its purpose well and remains a useful stop for quick visits or if you're in the neighborhood. JY review read more

See all

Everything is good about this library, except for how loud staff talk... i don't know why they do this, but I've been coming here almost daily for weeks and this is an ongoing habit. I'm too shy to tell them directly, especially since I need to use this facility. I just hope they see this and stop doing that, especially when they're walking around helping others, there's really no need for them to speak so loudly when the person they're talking to is right infront of them. Literally everyone else knows better. Very distracting and makes it hard to concentrate. read more

This is the warmest and effective place for me to work! The staff and readers are all nice. The facilities are awesome. I will come back soon! read more

Kirkland Library - Concentrate - Libraries Near Me - Kirkland, Washington

The Kirkland downtown library is a neighborhood library with a little bit of everything. Computers, study rooms, a larger room for activities, magazine racks, comfy chairs, counter seating for laptop work space, books in all categories, a children's area including children's reading time. This library went through renovations 10+ years ago and has held up well since then. There is ample parking outside designated for library use only. Pro Tip #1 - There are two racks of books for sale just inside the outermost doors. The cost is a steal, and books are donated by locals. With a relatively affluent population, the books rotate through quickly and always replenished. Pro Tip #2 - There's additional parking beyond the lower level gates that are public parking. Great restaurants await you in downtown! read more

Kirkland Library - Two racks for books to sell - Libraries Near Me - Kirkland, Washington

See all

Love this library! There are plenty of seating and parking spaces underneath the building (4 hours parking). The library is pretty big, and has lots of books! There are a lot of available tables and chairs with big windows and great lighting :) there is even a reading room which is a space with enclosed glass walls. There is space for kids as well as you enter in. With cute wall design. There are plenty if resources for the elderly population as well as you enter in the building. I saw multiple volunteer and elderly home resources on the right. read more

Really nice library. Felt cozy and inviting, yet spacious. Everything is clean and well-kept-up. Nice design layout. Upscale touches such as a large sculpture on the lawn and a couple of glamorous lighting choices. Easy parking. Great book selection. I like the "choice reads" section just inside the entry doors. I found a book there that looks intriguing, and so did my husband. 30 computers with 1-hour internet access. At least 1 of the computers is ADA accessible. We visited the library this afternoon (on a Sunday) and it didn't feel crowded, but at the same time there were quite a lot of people there. We had a show to get to so we didn't get to stay long today. I would've liked to stay longer. An inviting, relaxing space to sit and read. read more

See all

It's my 'home' library and I'm here to pick up or drop off a couple of times a week. I haven't fully switched over to digital books, so I still run down here to get a few of the printed variety to keep me occupied until the next batch of holds comes in. There is a very nice and large children's area for the young ones, and several meeting rooms if you want to get together with a group. They have 15 or so computers, which always seem to be busy, so you have to compete a little bit for those. The sitting areas are comfortable, and overlook part of downtown Kirkland and the adjacent baseball field. It's a nice spot to browse a few titles or magazines on a rainy winter day while making your reading choices. There is a terrific selection of magazines, a solid fiction area, and stacks of non-fiction, plus you have at your disposal the entire King county library system which some say is the best in the country. You can also tap into inter-library loans for obscure titles from college libraries or other systems if KCLS doesn't have what you need. The staff here is friendly and helpful. I've been able to get inter-library loan titles from other library systems easily, and they will help you with tips on research if you ask. I have observed the staff being very kind and patient with the neighbors from an assisted living center down the street and taking as much time as needed to listen and help. The library ladies are always happy to take my money for library fines, with maybe just a slight bit of judgement. Local young people spend a few hours here and I usually see a couple of tutors helping them out. It's in a great location right in downtown Kirkland and the transit center. If you need a study break, you can walk a few hundred feet for some coffee or a snack. Great place for us book nerds. read more

See all

So... libraries. Why do I usually visit libraries? I'd love to say that I visit because I love checking out books*, but... these days the answer is, "I need a quiet place that has wifi and a place to plug in my laptop/phone." I love coffee shops and all, but... sometimes I just want to work somewhere quiet and I don't want to have to purchase anything to be there. This library happens to be quite large and has plenty of places to sit and work. The back area is very open and has huge windows, which is nice. I like the natural light. They appear to have a pretty good selection of materials available for check-out, but... I haven't actually spent much time looking at anything except their featured new paperback section. Their parking lot is also pretty big, and I'm pretty sure we've always been able to find a spot in the library lot. Their restroom occasionally has a smell issue, but... I guess that happens sometimes with public restrooms. The wifi... usually works. I've only had trouble with it a couple of times. *The last couple books I've checked out have actually been from the digital collection. I like physical books, but... I also like being able to just download a book to my iPad/iPhone. (I use the free OverDrive app.) read more

Pretty great library. The parking can get really busy during story times or in the evening. The spaces are tight too. Love the self check out system. My daughter loves returning books. The toddler and kids section is great. They have a lot of board books and musical cds. If you request they have these learning boxes where it comes w musical toys and a book. The adult section is great too. Lots of computers and books. The one negative is that they don't really have a security system for their books. It's basically honor code. You can walk out w a book or dvd, which means many stolen books at tax payers' expense. I would recommend that they get a screening system to prevent public book theft. read more

Open space library. Computer terminals in the middle. 1 librarian actually came up to me to ask if we needed help! Easy parking (4 hours)

This is my local library, and it's a nice place to hang out on a rainy day with a pile of books. I've not had a problem with noise levels here, but that might also be because I'm usually tucked away in the back corners of the nonfiction section. There are plenty of spots for setting up a laptop or just some books for doing work, and there's free wifi. The spaces are reasonably clean and it's not crowded, so it's an ideal place to get some work or studying done. Plus if you wanted, you can also book a study room for some extra quiet if necessary. That said, those rooms seem to book out quickly, but you can get one a few days ahead of time if you know you'll need it. The staff are friendly and helpful, especially if you're new to the area. They've always been able to answer my questions! Also, if there's something you're after that is not in their collection, they can order it in for you from one of the other King County libraries. Even if you can't find a park in the upstairs "library" section there is plenty under cover in the public area. read more

Adding to my COVID Era review below.... I picked up books again without an appointment this morning. The process was still smooth although now that things are rolling along a bit more, I have a few notes: 1. If you don't have an appointment, please plan to wait 15-20 mins at least. This surprised me a bit.... it might have been because I went first thing in the morning. 2. They offer surprise bags and KCLS social media states that you can request a bag for a particular interest level, but when I requested a bag of Car stories for my toddler they told me that this was a bit too specific.... in the end, I skipped the surprise bag - I'll try again at a later date. 3. If you have an appointment, your books will be checked out for you and waiting outdoors on a table.... however, staff stay indoors so the bags are only loosely monitored for the right person to pick them up. Highly recommend picking up your bag on time as otherwise, it seems that anyone could come and grab them! Also, keep in mind that these minor inconveniences are keeping everyone safe and healthy! We will continue to use this service, factoring extra time for pick ups and planning ahead and we are thankful to have our library in operation again! read more

Kirkland Library - Libraries Near Me - Kirkland, Washington

Decent library. Not as nice as many I've been to and their selection may be a bit on the light side (comparatively). But I was coming from Danville, which has a relatively new, very nice community library. They seem to have plenty of areas to sit and study. The children's section could have been a bit more inviting. I would have liked more definition in their sections. I am a huge fantasy buff and everything is lumped together in the fiction section. I like it when libraries sort their books by type. To be fair, looks like they have plenty of fantasy selection. It's great that they have 4 hour parking so close to downtown. That made going to the library then park easier on me (although in Danville parking time is unlimited but that is not as vibrant a downtown as Kirkland lol). The librarians were super helpful too and this is definitely a big step up from what I'm used to, which is being glared at because my kids are usually too rowdy (yes they can be I admit it). I was worried they wouldn't have self checkout scanners but they have plenty! read more

Easy parking, wonderful buzz in the air of people perusing and enjoying books, and above-average librarians ready to assist you make this one of my favorite libraries in the system. The community room is really nice but reserve it well ahead of time. The kids' reading hours are fantastic; people with real talent run them and it's a great way to get your kids into books. read more

Kirkland Library - Libraries Near Me - Kirkland, Washington

Very cool little library. Lots to read, nice WiFi space, mtg rooms, ample parking & best of all... friendly faces ;) Even willing to walk you to find a book, if needed, rather than just pointing in some nebulous direction. True customer service! read more

Kirkland Library - SE entrance with self-check in book drops & cool wall art ;) - Libraries Near Me - Kirkland, Washington

This is my local library which is on the small and cozy side. I have my name on one of the bricks in the front which shows how long I have supported this library. I've been to the one in Federal Way on 1st Way South which is enormous. I wish Kirkland had a huge one too. The staff is very helpful. Parking can be challenging though there is additional parking in the garage. Will I return to this location? Yes of course. I just wish it was larger for more books :) read more

See all

Visiting the library this evening reminded me how much I like it. The experience begins with great parking options. It sits above a public parking garage but the entire upper level is restricted to library use. Check-in is fast and easy with automated stations inside the foyer as well as outside the main door. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable and some are bilingual. The book selection is great and they do a nice job of displaying books which encourages me to try new authors. In the summer they run fun reading programs for readers of all ages. There are also ongoing programs to meet the needs of the community: homework help, ELL volunteers, story times, STEM events, etc. Check out their website where you can search for specific programs. The glassed in quiet reading room on the north side overlooks the baseball field and is a lovely place to enjoy your favorite reading material. When my sons were little we'd make a day of visiting the library then walking to the public pool next door and the park just along the paved path. read more

I can't really go less than 4 stars on a library. We tend to to go the Bothell location on a weekly basis, even though this one is Kirkland. Habit, conveienence and size is what keeps us going back to Bothell over Kirkland. When we first moved here, this location was closed for remodeling for some time and our habits of traveling to downtown didn't quite take hold. Though, it's location is a huge plus for my daughter. On her bus ride home from school (Metro), she can easily hop off the route she takes at the Transit center and spend time doing her homework, using computers, picking up a hold and the like. She usually does this on days she also has a class or activity to go to at the teen center (KTUB) pretty much next door. Do be aware, though, there have been a recent rash of purse snatchings and the such here at this location. :( read more

This is actually the Kirkland Public Library. It should be called as such. It is one of those brand spaking new zomg srs suburban libraries where most people don't go because their parents buy them all the books off of Amazon they want. I had one of my meetings here and the space was just right for the level of turnout, the projector and amenities were perfect and, even though these are officially public activities if you have them at a public library, there was no freaks or bums crashing our little party with a fifth of mad dog 20/20. I guess it's not surprising since it's in Kirkland. Wow. How about that. They have free parking in front *and* a free parking ramp underneath. Parking parking and more parking. read more

I *love* the Kirkland Library! It has a room for me to study and has floor to ceiling windows!!!! WOW! This library is as good as it gets. Here's some reason why: 1) it is quiet. 2) there is a study room that shields itself from noise 3) there are OUTLETS! and FREE WIFI! 4) there are A LOT of tables! (so you do not have to share) 5) the people here aren't creepy -- they are here studying too!! 6) PARKING! Downsides: 1) if you do not get a space in the "study room" it can be a bit loud 2) four hour parking. What?! I'm here longer! Hopefully no one finds out! read more

y'all need to start actually patrolling the five minute return books parking spots. This is not unique to the Kirkland branch. I use many locations because I do not have a branch in my neighborhood. I always check which cars are in those spots when I arrive and they're still there when I leave and I'm never in the library for as little as five minutes. I'm usually there for closer to an hour. Until you start ticketing people for abusing that rule, those spots will not be available for people who need them. I absolutely hate the auto return machines because they don't work and don't accept picture books and DVDs very well. They often spit them back out at me. When I go in and explain this to the library and they've often been rude to me and treated me like I'm an idiot. Bring back the drop boxes. Stop locking them during the day. Today was a case in point of a total cluster fuck. My daughter was sick so I didn't wanna make her go into the library with me to return books. She was cranky and germy. Of course, the five minute return book spots right out front were not open so I had to park illegally with my hazards on. One of the automated machines was down so only one was working. Waited till finally open and then ran out to return my books. Of course, it would not accept my books and kept spitting them back out at me. It does not like picture books and DVDs. I finally just shoved them through until I could turn the machine off and then had to call the library and explain that it wouldn't take them and then I couldn't go inside. I therefore spent about 15 minutes returning materials when it should've taken me 30 seconds to put them in the dropbox and go on with the rest of my day. The library used to be so easy to use but because they're insisting on using completely unnecessary technology it is now taking up to 15 minutes to return books when it used to take 30 seconds. Now I often have to go inside, explain to the librarians that it won't except my materials, only to be treated like I'm an idiot. They often then insist on walking back out to the machine with me only to be proven that it won't in fact take my materials. Please bring back or rather unlock the dropbox is so moms with kids in the car or people who are not up on technology or not being discriminated against. The system you are using now is ludicrous and a waste of time. read more

Kirkland Library is usually my go-to library's out of all the King County Ones. This library usually takes good care of the place, keeping the bathrooms and inside of the place clean. And they also have lots of rooms and areas for reading and there are printers and computers available to use (without Covid going on). There's some close outside parking and some garage parking in case you can't find a spot. Would recommend. read more

The Kirkland Library is small relative to some of the others in the area (Bellevue in particular), but it isn't really intended as a specialized research facility. It's a community library, and a really nice one at that. The building was recently remodeled and is light, open, and modern. There are plenty of spaces to sit and check out books, get study help, or use the library computers - or your own, since there's free WiFi. The children's area is nicely contained and kid-friendly. The staff here are super helpful and always have been, and I appreciate the five-minute book drop parking, and the four-hour parking for longer visits. There are conference rooms for meetings but you have to book them well in advance. read more

This location was remodeled not too long ago and it's located conveniently in downtown Kirkland. I've gone here hundreds of times over the years and it's always been a good experience. I went in this time to find some LSAT books and they were all out so the librarian took the initiative of finding some at nearby branches and calling them to put them on hold for me. :) They have study rooms of various sizes available that you can book a few days in advance and they are pretty open. Only reason it didn't get 5 stars is because it's a small location in comparison to the Bellevue one, for example, and so I often don't find the books I'm looking for. Also, people park in their lots and go explore downtown and then there aren't enough spots for the library patrons. read more

Nice modern library, easy to find things, lots of staff available for help. Good selection of books. Computers and printers available. Large meeting room is nice for meetings. read more

Since I am not in school anymore, I don't really come here, but the other day I thought I would burn some time and stop in and look for a book. I remember the set up of the old library before the remodel and am not familiar with the new lay out. I do remember coming to study here ONE time and the screaming kids and people talking made it impossible to study. Well it doesn't seem that much has changed. This library is so small that it really makes sound travel in there. I decided to forget about checking out a book and just left. read more

The people at this library are really great. They're nice and thoughtful. The library, unfortunately, is small and there's a serious lack of places to do homework with a laptop. Starbucks makes a far more convenient homework spot (minus the lack of books) than Kirkland Library. The library has been remodeled recently and it looks beautiful! I love that it's a part of the King County Library System because it makes getting books from other libraries easy and because KCLS uses self check-out, e-books, and self check-in. Having gone from Bellingham Public Library to Kirkland, I was impressed and amazed. I know that might sound silly but Bellingham still does things old school. I like that there's a parking garage even though the elevator up to the library smells like pee. Parking is always available. read more

I Love the Kirkland Library. As a Mother I have really enjoyed participating with my community in FREE fun events for my child. Since she was a infant... I began going to Storytime. I think she might have been 3 months old. Then we progressed into the baby story time and then toddler storytime. Ms. Bernice was our first teacher. Ms. Patty was our 2nd teacher. Both are fantastic in different ways. I loved how they constantly had concerts, puppet shows, and Summer Reading Events for kids out of school. I love how they have Chinese Storytime and other storytimes that fill up a week. It was weird how they closed for SO long to build a addition on... and then it was not for adding Rooms for the Events but rather just more ceiling space for the most part. The only downfall is that they need to build an addition on for the events room which is too small. If there is a concert or puppet show, the entertainers take up half the space. And the lines are out the door or we have to get tickets. I would really like to see the Library add another room onto the facilities for a Events room twice the size as the single room they currently have. Why doesn't the library have multiple rooms for events? read more

Great to have the Kirkland library as my home library! While it may not be as big as some of the other libraries in the area, the selection is still decent, and I've consistently found the "Choice Reads" in the front to be much better selections than equivalent sections in the Bellevue and Redmond libraries. Parking is usually convenient, though the garage can be busy on nice summer days. read more

I was a naughty girl and knew, just knew, I had an outstanding fine at the library. I feared that plus interest, yearly charges, etc etc, the fees would be more than I could handle. But I wanted to utilize the library and needed to get a new card since I lost mine. The librarian who helped me was as nice as could be, and when I *gulped* and asked about any *fines* she said, "yes, but since it's been so long, I can get rid of them" (they were only a dollar) so I exhaled in relief! Hoorah, one less thing to worry my pretty little head about. I spent a couple semi quiet hours here looking for jobs, checked out a book, and felt like I accomplished something. This library isn't huge, it's not always quiet (lots of kids), but I like it. PS also... NO CELL phone rule. I love that. read more

Kids screaming for long periods of time. People using cell phones. You can't concentrate. Homeless people sleeping in chairs for the day. I am afraid to sit on those armchairs. Do not want to bring bedbugs home. The Library has become a second home for the homeless. There must be a better way. Sorry, i just can't relax their anymore. read more

Grumble, I don't like giving low ratings to libraries, grumble. As a recent transplant in the area I was stoked to have a library within walking distance. * Cue Amelie style music of happy ppl walking in and out of a well lit library*. The library is large and well lit. Unfortunately, I think I hit a snag pretty soon as I entered. And yes, I am holding it against them. I was happily perusing books with a friend when we decided to inquire about membership. The lady gave us some information in somewhat of a brisk manner but hey I figured it's a library so less talking more reading applies. Now both me and my friend have slight accents. Most people are curious about that which is cool by me. The library lady though went beyond curious and as I was inquiring of what kind of residency proof I need she proceeded to staple to my application a form about English for Adults in the workplace. I believe it was supposed to be something along the lines of "let us help you find a job by teaching you proper English". Maybe I look jobless and foreigner, maybe my accent sounds very strange, maybe she was being a tiny bit judgmental. I don't mind conversations about where my accent is from and what I am doing but I didn't expect to get forms about improving my English and getting jobs in a public library. I was left with this notion that they don't really have a community feeling to the place and that they have poor customer service. Oh well, I am changing libraries soon anyway. read more

I stop in here occasionally to do some work when I'm in the neighborhood between appointments. Free wi-fi, lots of seating w/ access to power (in case your sad little laptop's battery life is short, like mine) & as everyone says, lots of parking. Love it! read more

This library is nice. It had a lot of tables and computers to use. In addition, they have plenty of parking. Furthermore, their staff are friendly and helpful. The place isn't noisy which is nice since some libraries are still pretty loud. The reason why I give this place a three is their hours. They close super early during the weekend and open late during the weekends. read more

The Kirkland Library used to be my absolute FAVORITE place to go. There were great events for kids and I loved sitting and reading for hours. I will admit, I do not like the remodeling. The Kirkland library was always a way of reminding me of what Kirkland used to look like downtown and in the Juanita area and it was always a great nostalgic memory. I will say though, that they do have really good short shelves instead of tall ones for probably 1/3 of the area ;) read more

If you can score a comfy chair and get a view of the park, your stay should be fairly pleasant with the library's free wifi. It can get pretty packed on the weekends so if you get there at the wrong time, you'll be finding another place to get your work done. Parking can be a bit of a chore to find at times thanks to non-library users, but that's life. read more

An airy, well-lit location with soaring windows, comfy chairs, great selection, and fast WiFI. Very nice quirt room, though the regular library is super quiet. BUT - the tables do not have AC outlets. If you need a fast charge, or your laptop battery is running down, look elsewhere. This is the sole reason they don;t get 5 stars from me. read more

Such a great library. It's clean, staff are friendly and efficient, kids area is bright and has lots of books/activities, parking is great and it's so central to the rest of Kirkland. I think the KCLS website and online booking system is just amazing. read more