Can I give the library 4.5 stars??? 4 stars for the library itself, and then 5 great big golden…read moreglitter-covered stars for the employees. The building is super nice -- light, airy, welcoming. The book choices (I'm mostly a non-fiction reader) are ok. I like that I can make copies. But the people who work there are top-out-of-sight knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. I 'm so impressed with every one of them. Applause to these wonderful folks!

Came here for the introductory sewing class led by Naomi, and I have to say -- Naomi is an amazing…read moreinstructor. They were patient, willing to answer every question...and I had a lot of them! They never made anyone feel bad for asking. They also set up the Zoom camera really well so we could clearly see what they were doing on the sewing machine, even when their back was turned to the class. It was a unique setup I have not seen before, and honestly something other instructors, coaches, and teachers should consider using for live demonstrations. The front desk staff were incredibly kind, foo. They took the initiative to introduce themselves while i waited in line and made surey questions were answered right away. They never acted too busy to help, which made the whole experience feel welcoming. I would definitely come back -- even just to study. The library has beautiful artwork displayed throughout, and the space feels open without being overwhelming, especially with the many book shelves. Overall, a really well-run class in a really neat environment.

I came here to study for a bit after dropping my son off at camp. We do not live in Olympia so this…read morewas my first time here. I almost let the negative reviews steer me away from coming and even tried a local college library first before arriving there to find it closed. I decided to come by to this branch and see what it was like for myself. It was clean, quiet and not overcrowded. I didn't ask for assistance myself but witnessed many people getting help from staff. Yes, there were some people who appeared to be homeless but they all seemed to be sitting in isolated corners just reading. I didn't notice any foul odors other than the general wet dog smell that places like this have when it has been raining & it was raining moderately when I arrived. They appeared to have a large selection of zines and other local literature and many offerings for teens. Everything looked well organized. I'm glad it was open and able to accommodate me.

Ever wonder what happened to all those punky, independent riot grrls from Olympia's glory days?…read moreThey're librarians now. They mostly sit around looking at computer screens and gossiping. Sometimes they host boring events featuring Oly dorks like Calvin Johnson or whoever, and very few people actually attend. The place itself is filthy and a bit small for a city library. Homeless people seem to be welcome judging by the state of the bathrooms and various areas of encampment. The staff doesn't want to be "uncool" by asking anyone to leave, because, revolution?

When I had to spend several hours in Tumwater while my son took the SAT at the high school, I…read morethought the library would likely be a typical underfunded small town example, with one grumpy old librarian who has to do all the work, but hopefully open and usable to get some work done. I was surprised and pleased to find a very nice, obviously very well funded library. And I think there were at least six employees there. The one I asked about a reading area was cheerful and helpful. If anything, it's maybe even a bit better than the King County Library System I enjoy at home, and KCLS is widely recognized as world class. I had a very enjoyable, productive time there. If I could go there often, I would.

The whole Timberland Regional Library System is awesome and we are so lucky to have it in the South…read morePuget Sound. BUT by far, the Tumwater Library is the best of them all. The library is clean, quiet, and you don't have to plug your nose while browsing for books like you do at the downtown library (homeless people, God Bless Em, sleep and hang out there and the library smells very foul and I have seen two very physical fights on two different occasions with homeless people while I had my small children with me......we don't go there anymore - doesn't feel safe) I am sorry people are homeless, but it sucks that we can't even enjoy the library. Anyway, I digress.......Tumwater library has easy access, great parking, and the staff are all super attentive and very friendly and want to help you. I love this library!

didn't appreciate that you kicked me out the library a year ago…read moreI am special needs i was just trying to help

This timberland location is pretty small and busy! Which can be a tricky combination, especially in…read morethe kids area. But it was very clean and nicely organized! Staff were friendly.

This library has the most friendly and helpful staff. They offer story reading times for the kids…read morewhich is great...yes, I've listened in once or twice because I'm a big kid myself. There are plenty of computers, a printer, a copier, and a fax machine so you can get all your business done in one spot. DVD's, books on tape, magazines, I love this place. A library card can pretty much get you all the books/dvd's you can carry in your arms. This is my favorite library

Wanted somewhere quiet to study. Children are constantly screaming and crying; no one stops them or…read moreasks parents to go outside instead. Others in the library just plug in headphones and turn to max volume to drown out the sounds of crying children and loud, distracting chatter. Poor selection of books. Minimal seating areas and few outlets.

Huge selection here of any book, movie, audiobook, etc you could possibly want/need! A lot of fun…read morefamily events go on here throughout the year too. My kids love the Kinder Ready Storytime and I appreciate how kind the staff is!

Pretty cool library. It's smaller than I thought for a post this size but don't let the lack of…read moresquare footage fool you. The library has a LOT of computers but I will also say that it gets used up pretty quickly by soldiers and airmen looking to complete their mandatory online training requirements. This library also has a scanner (one station), a copy machine, and a fax machine for those that need those type of technological assistance. The library has your most up to date publications that ranges In both fiction and non-fiction. It's collection covers more breadth than depth of topics or subjects you may be looking for. This library also allows you to check out DVDs for your entertainment pleasures and have audio books on demand. If you are looking for a place to relax or finish up those training requirements, than the JBLM library is a place for you to check out. Also conveniently.. there is a Starbucks next door at Waller Hall should you become sleepy or thirsty while perusing through the catalogs.