What a homey place. I've been touring around libraries, and I can confidently say I really enjoyed this one. It's a treasure to me, filling with lots of gold n jewels....except its books and movies and things along those lines. I've never been to a library with a gift shop! Or a library that lets you check out cds! Or a library with three stories if you include the downstairs. Now imagine that all into three, how amazing. I'd also like to compliment the infastructure inside and outside. Decor is so cozy and amazing, and the outside is furnished with plants, trees...anything you could think of! How fun. The place was very organized as well! Very impressive I dare say. Everything seems perfect. So why am I giving this place a four stars? Service was a little rocky in my opinion, because the librarian checking us out and "helping us" was slacking very much. There was no whimsy, no joy, no shine or polish, nothing. This is why three out of five of the CDS I checked out were still locked, very unprofessional. This library is awesome though! Of course, as they say, a few bad apples don't ruin the whole batch so I want to overall give kudos to this library! I enjoyed my visit, thank you for making my stay feel awesome Kirkwood Public Library! read more

Kirkwood Public Library - Outside - Libraries Near Me - Kirkwood, Missouri

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This is a somewhat nice library, but boy is it old -- and it shows. Very strong musty/mildewy smell when you walk in, low ceilings, and overall just a dated look. The staff were friendly and there was a decent selection given the library's small size, but I'd much rather go to the Grant's View Branch in Affton. read more

The best of the mpls for technology checkouts. They also have a monthly fabric arts craft night that I enjoy. They recently finished their big landscaping project out front, so it looks nice! There is street parking in the front and sides and a very small (6 spots?) Lot around the side as well. read more

Kirkwood Public Library - New landscaping! - Libraries Near Me - Kirkwood, Missouri

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It is my experience that the Kirkwood Public Library demonstrates discrimination when dealing with disabled individuals and their families. I have a husband with diagnosed cognitive issues. He is still driving and using a computer. When he has an issue with his computer and he takes it to the Kirkwood Public Library, he is not able to correctly convey to me (the person who has to fix everything) what the problem is and what needs to be done. Direct communication between the library staff person and myself is necessary (either on the phone, by email, or by having my husband or the library staff person write down the information). In the actual field, this library appears to have contradictory approaches to dealing with a family member in this situation. I honestly don't think the director even knows what the employees are doing in the field. In response to the lack of cooperation on the administrative level, we wrote a standing letter giving permission for direct communication with me, signed by my husband. Not only have we written this letter, but I also have POA and healthcare POA. The administration of this library remains uncooperative. The attorney who wrote our legal documents has suggested sharing this experience with the entity which funds the library, which I will do. By comparison, we took the last computer issue to a different public library. I called and explained the problem (it involved installation of a Microsoft non-subscription "card"). I sent the staff member at the library written info on email to help clarify. My husband went in with his computer and the library person was able to get everything worked out. He then emailed me the closing info (so I knew what had happened), and that was it. Seamless. By contrast, the approach of the administration of Kirkwood Public Library is both discriminatory and extremely frustrating, and attempting to deal with this library regarding a disability issue of this nature is absolutely not worth the effort. It has resulted in my wasting large amounts of my time. The Kirkwood Public Library is certainly no friend of families dealing with a disability. read more

I'm a huge fan of libraries in general and this one is one of the best in the area. It is well run and maintained and very much has a local feel to it. It is part of a municipal consortium and also can't work with the larger county library system so you get access to a ton of books. read more

Great Library. I go there often with my children. I don't even have a library card, I just enjoy to environment. During the summer of 2022, I saw a nice young librarian boy with glasses and brown hair helping a severely disabled man, in the children's section, with great kindness and patience. It reminded me of the goodness that is so rarely seen in today's world. I get peeved by the fact that none of the older employees know how to use the 3d printers, I wish there was someone with some expertise. read more

This is my favorite library in our library system! We have gone to the baby story and play time all summer! The staff is always helpful and kind, the children's area is full of so many activities, and there are always tons of events. A plus! read more

Great location to get your passport submitted! The staff was kind and the process was fairly quick, especially if you have all the required documents ready to go. read more

DO YOU NEED A PASSPORT? Little known fact that the reference desk on the main level (just walk in and look to the right about 12 feet) is authorized for USA passport services. No appointment needed or accepted and Ryan will be the bright spot in your day while he helps. Print out all your forms and photos in advance and have them completed when you arrive. They have a fee for this service and you will need your checkbook (not credit card or cash). You do not need to be a Kirkwood resident. read more

I'd give this library 2.5 stars. I stopped by here some days ago to get some work done before meeting up with friends. I usually choose libraries over coffee shops because I usually don't eat/drink while I work, like the quiet, and if I get bored...there are books to read! Pros: *Lots of seating at tables and comfortable armchairs. There are also tables by outlets. *The washrooms are nice! *Lots of natural lighting. *A very nice curated section of books, especially cooking books and St. Louis books; check out the reference section on St. Louis. It's quite an impressive compilation. *You can check out ebooks and magazines on their website: http://www.kpl.lib.mo.us Cons: *The noise acoustics are terrible. You can hear everything everywhere. *Aloof staff *Printing costs 15 cents for each black/white copy. *It's a pretty small library. And I'm surprised that it's so small given Kirkwood's population. My hometown is about the same population size as Kirkwood, and the library is three times the size of Kirkwood's. *No signs anywhere telling you where things are. There is free wifi even if you don't have a library card. As you enter the library, there is a small machine in the middle of the checkout area. You push any of the three buttons, and it will spit out a receipt like paper that has a login/password for you. Just saying that because if you try to utilize the wifi, it tells you to go to the reference desk for it, and the reference librarian acted like it was a huge bother to point out the machine and that I was the dumbest person in the world not to know about it. Hours: M-Th 9 AM-9 PM, F-Sat 9 AM- 5PM, Sun 1 PM to 5 PM Basement: Kids' section Main: Magazines/newspapers, for sale books, gift store, DVDs/CDs, fiction Upstairs: Nonfiction read more

I'm surprised more people haven't reviewed this library. They did a remodel about a year or 2 ago, and it's even better than it was before. They have new dvd and blue-ray releases (seriously, it's a red box), and a shiny new books section up front. In addition, they have a pretty good cd section, and a good selection of dvds, including foreign language and tv shows/series. They also have a kid's library downstairs.What also helps is they're part of the consortium, and connected with other near (and not so near) county libraries, like webster, ferguson, u-city, maplewood and richmond heights. Great selection in my opinion, and if it's something you like, you can have them ship the books you need to k-wood. And, wi-fi is available, they have a computer/printing station and will fax documents for you if you need it. They also have a nice cart of books for sale, popular authors, too. I've bought some Stephen King and F Scott Fitzgerald, for only a dollar. The definitely have something for everyone: what makes a good library in my opinion. read more

Super nice little library! I lived in Kirkwood and voted yes for the bill that gave it money to upgrade, and it was put to good use. Friendly librarians and staff, huge selections of books and movies, and several computers. It also has a lot of windows, which makes it not seem like it is dark and dingy like a lot of libraries. I came here to get my passport changed to reflect my married name, and the lady helping me gave me the info and told me that I could save money by just taking it down the street to the post office instead of paying a service fee here. I did and appreciated the help and tip! Parking can be a bear, especially on the weekends when there are a lot of people in Kirkwood or at the farmer's market. But it's worth it! read more

The teen & children's library is the entire basement. It's been recently renovated & its spectacular. I love that it's on a whole separate floor than the rest of the library, my kids can love the space and loud programming without disturbing other patrons. The children's librarians are top-notch - patient, enthusiastic and genuinely like kids. We've attended many story times & programming, participated in the summer reading program, and spent many hours enjoying the children's space & books. I highly recommend this library for families! read more

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Nice library. I come here often since my niece goes to school down the street and have a few hours to kill. Love the building. It fits the Kirkwood charm. Nice reading areas/nooks for studying or just daydreaming and staring off into the sunset. There is a dvd rental here, which I thought was kind of neat. Red Box for libraries. It is the new thing. Soon, everyone will have one. If you have some time to kill, stop on in. You can't go wrong with the library! read more

As a kid I loved the Kirkwood library. They have a great kids section in the basement. As an adult I find that they don't always have the books I want because they are quite a bit smaller than most newer libraries. But the librarians are wonderful and willing to help you order anything you need. The architecture is wonderful and inviting. I like to get lost in a book in one of their comfy chairs by a window or in the stacks. read more

The Kirkwood Library is a block away from the Kirkwood Farmers Market, and is in a gorgeous old building with amazing windows. The lawn is manicured beautifully, and there is a lot of foot traffic as it is quite busy. I'm wondering if it is because it is Summer time, because the place is like a fast food chain in traffic! Still, everyone is very polite and patient and there is room for everyone. If you can't find a parking spot in front of the building just try the free lot across the street. The adult books were a bit limited in their selection, as I think it is aimed at children's books, but the librarians are very sweet and one told me that she would be happy to order anything for me. read more

Kirkwood Public Library - Photo by Jennifer B - Libraries Near Me - Kirkwood, Missouri

I luv my library. It may not be ginormous, but it's the heart of a community. Although renovated several years ago, the building still retains a vintage charm, with floor to ceiling windows that allow light to flood the comfortable reading area. A Hot Reads section gives me the opportunity to pick up one of the current best sellers while the library's consortium membership enables me to borrow books from other institutions. The books on CD selection could be more extensive---but I'm still working my way through the titles. The library offers a variety of services, including passport assistance, which is very handy. Some of the librarians are smiley and some are a little cranky---but for some crazy reason, that little bit o' crankiness seems okay. read more

I enjoy coming to this library. It's spacious and charming. I love the variety of movies, the extended time limit on the computers and especially their hours, the parking though.....not soo much. read more

Sad to say, not impressed with the remodel. Seems an odd mix of traditional and modern...and looks a bit unfinished. It also seems like rooms and floors are more separate now...which takes away from the charm of the old library design. On the plus side...the staff is always extremely helpful, nice photo mural in the entryway gives a nod to the history of the library and the front desk/reading room area has a beautiful ceiling, and love the online feature that allows you to request a book from a library cooperative (Kirkwood, Maplewood, and several others have joined their card catalogs) and when it's available, it's held at Kirkwood and they send an email notification to come pick it up. read more

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Having dvd rentals here just adds more foot traffic and noise to a library, which has always been a place that has composed of books for reading. I must be out of touch or senial to think it is pointless to have remodeled the entire building without accounting for the volume of space that adds no acoustics. Art/design may help generate less 'doubt' in some scenarios, like when the church once used stained glass and large structures but, it can also create too much sensationalism (modern media)--relative to less work. However, it is a unique setup, with other areas to accomodate needs such as a kids room down below and an area for reading up top... In the age of experiential marketing, I see this as providing a unique experience, but truly, a library has always been meant for working in my book! read more

You need a special library card to check out stuff here. Not sure if it's worth it. But it's nice to see what's out there.

In addition to being small, this library is poorly organized and fragmented. As another reviewer noted, the staff is aloof. Absolutely no interest in customer service. read more

I grew up with this library, and I've loved seeing how it's grown over the years. The children's room is now delighting my daughter, just as it once did me, and the selection there is endless and the activities great. The adult collection is a bit smaller, but the library's always willing to purchase new books by request. (I've requested this 3 or 4 times now and never been turned down.) The DVD collection, especially new DVDs, is so enormous it's a wonder anyone in Kirkwood uses a Redbox instead. The only real downside is that parking can be a bit inconvenient. read more