I was in Redmond and decided to stop by to try to get a library card for the King County Library System, and it worked! A section with a few computers near the entrance is dedicated to applying for a new library card and you'd have to fill out an application on a website on the computer. Then, you go up to the librarians to have your application processed. The librarian was very detail oriented and friendly, I loved talking to her. The library is medium sized, not too big for a library, but still felt wide and spacious. There is AC and I like that there is a bus stop right outside so that I can comfortably wait for the bus that takes me home. read more

There was never a library I didn't like, including the Redmond Library. I normally visit the Bellevue location, but while I was in the area, I decided to check out what the selection was like here on a Friday. And it was a solid library with books to explore and purchase. The Redmond library is located across from city hall and is walking distance to the Redmond Transit Center. When I visited on a Friday afternoon the library was quiet and did not have as many people here as the Bellevue location normally has, which was nice. When you enter the library, there are shelves near the entrance for books to purchase from the Friends of the Library sale, which is worth a gander for some really cheap deals. I was easily able to return books and browse through the selection, as the different sections were easy to find and there was ample seating. Not far from where I work out, I'll make Redmond library an option for when I need to return or pick up books. read more

Redmond Library - Choice Reads - Libraries Near Me - Redmond, Washington

This library is great. We've been coming here many years. It's well run and has a great assortment of books and other media. We've checked out many many movies from here. read more

This library is great! I love that it's in a central location, and it's located right off the Sammamish River Trail. This library provides good covid safety options, including self checkout, self service returns, and an easy hold system. The app is easy to use and kept up to date. I haven't used the facility for a long time, so I cannot comment how it is to study or work there for extended periods. For the few minutes I am inside to pickup/drop off, the facility is clean and organized. The security guard is also polite and friendly. For those who read regularly and want newly released titles, this library has it all as well as the classics! read more

Redmond Library - Outside statue - Libraries Near Me - Redmond, Washington

Clean, quiet and staff is really friendly and helpful! I came here to study for class and had a great experience, I will be coming back very regularly! read more

Not my favorite library - as a first time, I noticed that this location is pretty loud and people were full-on having snacks inside! Fruit platter, boba tea from a thermos, etc . . . Parking lot is fairly small and the selection of books is not the greatest either. Probably won't stop by here again as others in the system carry better selections and offer a more inviting environment. read more

The Redmond Library unfortunately opens at 1pm on a Wednesday. This is annoying! Why can't you open in the morning like normal?

Small library. I feel like a limited amount of newer kid books? Easy parking. Just bummed that library doesnt open until 1pm on M and Tues? Also closed on Sunday's? Wish more interactive kid stuff in the kids area. read more

Updated review: Upping the rating from 3 to 4 star. In just 10 days from the below review, I saw many changes in the library. There has been a security guard at information desk in the evenings. Homeless crowd has like disappeared, there are hardly any of them sleeping and spread out on couches. The stench in the hallway is GONE. I am so thankful for this. And the place in general is quiet not overcrowded, getting back its functionality, way more silent. Thank you for bringing these changes, no matter what triggered to get them done. -------------------------------------- When compared to the crossroads branch, this one has an edge both with respect to size and utilities. You will see many study tables, reading nooks and a few rocking chairs to spend your time sensibly. There is an information desk always manned, seriously they take turns when they move around, such that you find someone to speak to!. The space is almost always crowded and a good section of those people are homeless folks, spread out in large areas inside, doing nothing but sleeping or killing time. While I understand and empathize for the reasons they are there, do feel bad that so many spots stay unusable constructively thereby. Further they do create loud nuisance, which is simply ignored by library staff! I mean this kills the functionality aspect of the library and I will hence get a star off for these unmet basics. There is a nasty stench in the hallway, all the time so much so that I hold my breath while passing through- attributed to the same tribe messing in! There are volunteers who occupy the allocated study group section and its encouraging to see kids engaged with them for as long as couple of hours per group! Dedicated kids area with four computers, most of the times you will see kids mindlessly watching some show, as their parents huddle alongside, chatting. The kids section reading aisles are not very well managed compared to crossroads(board book section is always close to empty). I would rank crossroads branch better on their kid's book display and collection. What's better at Redmond are the conference and meeting rooms, that you can book in advance, if you are indulging as a group. Parking is better too, however difficult to get a spot on and off. You will always think twice to use the restroom as its adjacent to the hallway, where all these homeless folks are chatting loudly/passing time. Its just scary and spooky sometimes. Kids restroom is inside though, thanks for that. For what is a library it disturbs me, that its losing its decorum and functionality, finding it difficult to rate it more than 3 stars! read more

Redmond Library - Libraries Near Me - Redmond, Washington

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Friendly staff, good selection of books and other media. I got my card and use the libby app to check out books and audiobooks online. My six year old especially likes the Wayside School books. read more

This place is loud. I don't mean the interior design (although, yeah, that too). I find an interesting book, sit down to do some reading, and promptly find myself greeted by the sound of multiple screaming toddlers. Ok, fine, it's a heat wave and you don't want your kid to suffer through the heat. I won't begrudge you that. I'll move. Next up is a dude watching anime on his phone. It takes me a while to figure out that he's watching anime and not playing videogames because the sound is so repetitive. Turns out, that's because he's watching the same 5 seconds of a clip over and over again. Clink. Clink. DORRRYYAAAAAAAAAA. Ok, fine. Maybe you don't have internet at home and want to use the free wi-fi to avoid using up your bandwidth for the month while watching clips of anime. I'll move. As I move into the last section with open seating in the library, I overhear two people on the phone. That's it. I give up. While all this was happening, a librarian wandered by and told two kids who were sitting together and reading that "we have a one person per chair policy". On my way out, I witnessed a man not being allowed to pick up holds for his wife because the library somehow mixed up his first name and last name. Patron: I'd like to pick up these holds for my wife. Librarian: What's your last name? Patron: X. Librarian: Sorry, we have Y listed as the person who's allowed to pick up holds for your wife" Patron: Yes, Y is my first name. Librarian: That must be someone else. Patron: No, that's me. Z is my wife. Librarian: [slowly, as if speaking to a small child] Your name is X. Y is someone else. Patron:No, that's me. Y is my first name. Librarian: No, you're X. Y is someone else. If I'm understanding this correctly.... things that aren't allowed in the library: 1. Sitting and reading quietly next to someone. 2. Picking up holds for your wife. Things that are allowed: 1. Watching anime and movies without headphones. 2. Talking loudly on the phone in the section labeled "study area". I don't want to sound too negative about this place. I actually like it. They have really cheap used books. The selection is skewed towards out of date technical books, sci fi, and fantasy because we're so close to Nerdosoft out here, but you can often find a gem for $0.50. The check-in/check-out machines are pretty cool, and there are enough of them that you never have to wait behind more than one person in line. The staff seem friendly, if a bit uptight. But despite all the positives, it's way too loud here. read more

Library is good and most of the staff. However in the last 2 visits, we felt very unhappy and terrible about a staff member- old woman (not sure if its a coincidence), walked around to complain about my 2 year old kid in kids section talking( kids are kids..) few words being loud- not louder than the noise that book racks make when staff is sorting the books, while she had no concern or complaints whatsoever for adults chitchatting even louder all over the place in other areas. read more

Since moving to this area about a month ago, we've come to this library about 6 times. It's always busy with adults, teens, kids. That's great to see how this library is so well utilized! I love the fact they are open til 9 PM on weekends. They have a large children's selection and their little coffee vending machine is a plus! The information area librarians are so sweet and helpful. My kids love asking them to help them find books and they are always so nice about it. The only thing I don't like about this library is that in the middle of the children's area are computers where little kids kids can do computer games and it's always noisy there and kids are upset b/c they didn't get a turn or b/c they have to wait. Honestly, can we just make the kids reading area a reading area without throwing in computer games too? But that's my only pet peeve. Otherwise, it's an awesome library. read more

This library is big and busy... Redmond folks are readers! But that's good... it means there's a lively program of reading and book-related events, tons of community meetings and programs all the time, and a great turnover in the collection. This library has excellent librarians though I struggled to find one who wasn't busy on a Saturday morning once. Use the librarians online service if you don't want to wait to deal with a real person. read more

Redmond Library - Libraries Near Me - Redmond, Washington

I have a love-hate relationship with this library. More love than hate; hence the four stars. The details: If you have young toddlers, they offer wonderful, free story time sessions. I used to take my kids here often when they were quite young, and our regular trips were always fun and upbeat, hearing stories and making puppets. This, I truly believe, fostered a great love of reading in my kids, and for that I'm eternally grateful. The library also offers free reading incentive programs for elementary school kids and middle and high schoolers, so the kids can get prizes, simply for reading books. They also offer a wonderful summer reading program for kids, to keep the kids reading during the summer months. Again, more prizes are given out. All in all, it's great. I strongly recommend setting up a library account online, so you can browse books online, put them on hold, and get email reminders when they're in store for pick up, and more reminders when they are due. If, like me, you have a whole family whose every member has a library card, I recommend tying all the accounts together on Library Elf. com, so you get notices when everyone's books are due or in stock for pick up. Also, free of charge is Overdrive.com, where you can rent digital books from the library and read them on your iPad. Our family rarely buys books anymore, as we simply don't have the storage place for them, but we LOVE the library, to rent as many as we can, all the time! Other perks? Use of the computers there, use of the study rooms there, getting free Sunday Seattle Times papers on Saturday mornings, getting audio books for my car to listen on my commute to work (heck, I've learned a new language, listening to an audio series from the library!), taking free computer classes there, joining book clubs there.... The list goes on. I should note that the library is a great resource if you are unemployed; they offer many "how to" classes on upgrading your skills and resume. My only gripe - which is a personal one - was the way the library handled its personalized tile program, when they remodeled this branch. Google the Redmond Library's tile program to read how they treated my family when we purchased a few tiles, in memory of some family members. As a result, as much as we love the library, we will never again financially support it, and we will never again trust tile or dedication programs anywhere (be forewarned! They might put your dedication tile beside some offensive tile, and you will have no say in it whatsoever). read more

Going here was a waste of time. I came to print one single paper but all the computers were old and slow. After it finished updating (which took 10+ mins), I was finally able to log in and print. It even confirmed my print job but when I went to the printer to release it, it can't be found. Why. Where tf did it go? Don't come here. Go to the Bellevue library instead. read more

I have been going to this library since it was in its old building, and it has always been a great resource. First of all, it's part of the King County Library System, which is a great operation, with inter-library loan and reservations. Second, this location has a lot of books on site. The stacks aren't luxurious, but they're functional, well-lit, and look like new. (I think they're the same shelves as the ones that came with the building in 1999, but they don't look a year old.) I haven't looked for periodicals for a long time, so I can't comment on the selection there. Third, there's a nice selection of music on CDs, which can is better than streaming for in some cases. (They have movies too, but I usually stream those.) Fourth, they have public computers, which are essential resources for people who can't afford their own; I still find them useful at times, even though I have a smartphone and computers at home. Fifth, there are meeting rooms people can reserve for various kinds of events. I've been part of a few voter registration drives in the conference rooms. Sixth, the kids' section is amazing, with an abundance of great books, well-maintained in spite of how rough small children can be on books before they learn proper book care. The building is usually quiet, except on weekends when the weather has been nasty so long that people are running out of places to take the kids. (I've contributed to the child hordes too, but so far my toddler hasn't been all that noisy in the library.) The furniture is comfortable enough to study, work on the computer, or read for pleasure, but not so comfortable that it encourages dozing off. Finally, a fair number of people complain about homeless people at the library. I just don't see the problem. Point one, homeless people have just as much right to use the library as anyone else, as long as they don't make trouble for others - and they don't, except for people who take offense at the idea that homeless people exist at all. Point two, how can anyone tell whether a person is homeless or a tech millionaire with a thrift store fashion sense? Unless you stalk them to a tent, a live-in car, a shelter, etc., you just don't know. Some might even be tech millionaires who _still_ can't afford the housing here. Point three, homeless people are a local political issue. As long as voters block affordable housing, we'll have homeless people somewhere. Get used to it. Finally, the library is in a nice location. Parking is abundant (and shared with Redmond City Hall) and access is easy. There are a few quick stop spaces by the outdoor book returns. Bus access is excellent. And the city grounds in general are nice, and sometimes used for public events. read more

This is a very nice library. It's always clean and there are always very helpful people. The computers are always available and when I have questions they are quick to help. The property is on the corner, and I have had a little trouble parking at times, but other than that they are close to perfect. I would recommend this library to everyone. read more

I am definitely a fan of this regional library! This is so much better than some public libraries in Seattle. This place has enough room (although it often gets crowded) for group study, quiet study, or computer use. They have self check-in or check-out machines available for use. Also free wi-fi! Everything (books, etc) is well organized. They host lots of community events here as well. read more

One of my regular spots for drawing or doing my coursework- i recommend more single tables, but besides that, five stars!

Its a good place, I go here often. Its generally not empty , but also not very jam packed. The staff is super friendly. The library is sectioned very well, a nice spot for each of them - infants, toddlers and adults. The board boos in the infant/toddler section are great too. My little one loves to go through the pictures. I have seen several flyers for different activities on the library board, so looks very active (haven't attended any yet, so can't vote on it). The kiosk to checkout items is great, a breeze to get all the books you need checked out, without waiting in the line. The auto return kiosk does not work all the time, but there are multiple in case any of them is broken down. Also, for just a quick return, there is a special 5mins or 15mins parking, just outside the kiosk. All in all, very well organized, neat, open and friendly staff. read more

Its a public library in the smack dab middle of gentrification. Clean and lots of local events. Everyone is nice and very safe. The reviews complaining about homeless using the library and being bothered by their presence are yuppies that make over 100k a year and pay 20 dollars for salad at over priced restaurants. A homeless youth shelter is just a few blocks away but they do no harm or cause no disturbance. An awesome musician plays delta blues at the local QFCs down the street that adds to the small town atmosphere of old time Redmond. Give him a tip. As compared to any Seattle library that has regular fresh blood stains on the bathroom walls from junkies shooting up everyday this place is a gem. The Court and Redmond police department share the same parking lot as the library and all three can be seen in a single glance. The Redmond PD is also the nicest on the eastside and truly wonderful people. Bring your family and help create community for everybody! Don't bother with the up tight yuppies looking to create a proverbial white picket fence in which to segregate themselves from the working class....they will remove themselves! read more

I love coming to this library! I've been coming since I was a kid and the teenager coordinator always makes sure to say Hi when I come in. This is such a fun and lovely library read more

I've come here to read and borrow books for several years now, but thanks to their nice and improving library system, that I never required to have to interact with the librarians, until today, I was notified by the king county library email the night before, that five of my books were ready for pick up in shelve. so I came by today to pick them up. Among the five title, I was able to find one. So I asked the lady who were in the area putting books in the holding shelves about the other missing four. This nice lady seems like she couldn't speak very much English, but she friendly smiled at me and asked me to ask the lady behind the counter. So I did. It was an Asian assistant / library. I was the second on the line waiting to speak with her. While waiting, I observed that she was very friendly and helpful to the Caucasian lady in front of me. When it's my term, for some reason, her facial expression dropped immediately from big smile to "ewww, who the hell is this guy". But still, I can see she still try to act professionally. then I told her, and show her the Dashboard of my KCLS online account with my cellphone, and let her know that I only find one of the five books listed as ready to pick up. She asked me if I searched shelves and carts in front of it. I responded I did. So she came out of her counter and went on to the holding shelve look for it, and couldn't find it, so she went on to check on the cart in front of it, and didn't find it (I searched the same places before I spoke to her) She then went on to the next row and there is another cart with books, and found 2 of the 4 missing items, and she bring it to the counter and asked for my library card number, that she could check out for me. I first politely thank her for her help finding two of the books. However, my dashboard says I have five items to pick up but there is only 3. She then told me, under her screen on my account, there are only 3 items listed as ready for pick up. And the next 5 min she just kept repeating and voice just getting louder and louder as if she is attempt to engage a verbal fight with me, about she doesn't see the other two items on her screen, and she doesn't know, and don't care why my screens shows differently than hers. And it doesn't seem like she intended to stop, and change this approach until I decided to give up and don't want to make the scene there..... Customer hospitality seems to be selective by race and gender here maybe? i don't know, the bottom line is, she could have done differently to handle this situation. She is pretty much telling me, the King County Library System is not trustworthy, and their people is untrained to handle discrepancies like this..... read more

I've been here a couple times. First time, I was just using their bathroom. Second time, I was there killing time before an interview. I thought I can use my Seattle Library card here. But, no! You need to have a different card for Regional Library system. Well... regardless, I got the card very quickly and was able to use the computer there. There are more computers. All the log on and set up are very similar to Seattle Public Library. There are a lot of parking spots for different time limits. There's also bike rack for people who choose to ride their bikes. Overall, this library is very nice. read more

There are a lot of people that wouldn't be caught dead in the library. Too sophisticated to do any thing like that! Funny thing, because I think it's one of the greatest places on earth. The King County Library system is one of the best in the country and the Redmond regional branch is the perfect example why. This branch is spacious with lots of elbow room and a large selection to choose from. It includes a variety of seating arrangements from comfortable table-side chairs to individual as well as multi-seating desks even private rooms for group study by reservation. I especially appreciate their system where one can get online and find books, etc., read reviews and place your order. Usually within a week or two it's available at the local branch of your choosing for convenient pickup. You can extend check out times from the convenience of your computer at home and in some cases check out offerings directly to your Kindle and other devices. Also available are several dozen computer stations free for use up to 2-hours a day. If you need to print documents, you can do that as well at a reasonable price. All it takes is a library card. I often see mothers and their young children taking advantage and visiting on a weekly basis, the little kids with their arms full of good reading. What a great habit to teach your children! The staff have always been courteous and helpful. Included is a small area for eating snacks with vending machines, And of course free WiFi. The Redmond branch is conveniently located with plenty of parking in a nice neighborhood of businesses and office buildings. I know they smell good and look scholarly sitting on your shelves and tables at home, but really... why buy books, when you have the King County regional library system? read more

I am grateful I have this library a block away from my home. I go to UW, but live in Redmond, and to travel into Seattle on a weekend just to go to the library to study would be a pain in the ass. On Saturday their only open till 5, but on Sunday they're open till 8, and till 9 M-Th. The quiet area in the far back is actually pretty quiet, though unfortunately it gets freezing back there. The whole library is really nice, modern, and clean. They've lots of little different sections for different purposes, vending machines, little study rooms (though booking those gets competitive). They have a fireplace with cozy chairs at one side. I only wish i had more access to the study rooms, and that they had longer hours, but i'm happy i don't have to spend every day at UW. read more

I thought the Library was irrelevant in a new tech-savvy world. Years had gone by and I just passed by with no real desire or need for the library.... UNTIL a few months ago, and WOW the library is awesome. KCLS is awesome. They have media like audiobooks, music, movies, and TV shows. Some you can download from the comfort of your home, some you can reserve online. Plus it isn't outdated, they have new, contemporary, relevant media. Forget RedBox, get yourself a library card! The actual library facility is updated and nice too, although I admit I don't spend much time there... It looks like it could be a good place to tutor or group study. The library is now on my list of places I regularly visit. read more

The staff here is very friendly and super helpful. I came in and they set me up with a new card and made everything so easy and quick for me. I appreciated their service. read more

During COVID, picking up two bag full of surprise books for my 5 year old has been one of the biggest joys. I have to say, out of the few libraries we've picked up from, we've consistently had quality surprise books from Redmond library. read more

Please please I need my fix... just one more book. I read ravenously and this is the place for a junkie to get his non-fiction fix. Also, they have an excellent children's section with computers and a gorgeous sitting area with a giant window seat in the corner. Also, they have long hours (relatively speaking), which is handy. Good parking too. read more

Clean building, friendly staff, and yes, so many books and computers, this place stands out as a really nice and necessary facility. Get your library card here and order books online too. These places still exist. Another tip, there are group rooms that you can reserve for free. Have your community get togethers here at a centrally located place. read more

Lots of computers and 2 color printers. New Study room policy is a pain requiring you to sign up in person on day of, but I guess it cuts down on no-shows. read more

I use this library almost exclusively for wifi access when I don't feel like spending money at Starbucks, but I do use it to check out books from time to time :) The staff is always friendly and helpful and I can usually find a table to myself to work on my laptop. The place I sit is near the children's section, so it can get a little loud at times, but I usually just put my headphones in. I like to bring the kids I nanny here occasionally as well - they have a great little kid's area, including computers and little tables where the kids can look at/read books. We also like the self-service check out because the kids love to be the ones to scan the barcodes :) read more

I am a hardcore library junkie and I love to read. I live fairly close to the Redmond library and LOVE IT! It underwent a remodel and it looks fantastic. Lots of computers, books, music/movies, research info, etc. I love the magazine section because they subscribe to 'Dessert Professional," one of my favorites! If you did not know, the library has a HUGE section of cooking/baking books (630-640 nonficition section). This library has a wide variety plus lots of nutritional, diet, exercise, and beverage books. I think I have checked out almost everyone! Overall, King County Libraries are some of the best in the state AND country. I am not lying, I have seen other libraries and they look rundown, empty, and sad. Redmond library is bright, filled with book lovers, and knowledge! read more

In the past year, I recently took advantage of the DVD's you can check out. I heard so many negative things about the wait and hold times, that I finally gave it a shot to check out myself. it definitely wasn't as bad as most of my colleagues made it out to be, but if you do check out the newer movies (which are very current by the way), you'll find to be waiting 1-2 months. I'm not in a rush to see most of these movies, so it suits my wants/needs. Staff here is very helpful. I was kinda surprised how many people they have working there. This library is kept up in great shape. The only thing I did not like is that the headphones by each computer should have some baby wipes or something to desanitize the headphones. Not exactly everyone there has strong hygenie standards. Just saying. :) read more

I've visited this library a few times, staff are friendly and efficient. But the type of people that visit this place, is my problem. A few weirdos singing loudly with their headsets on, near the computer. Tramps sleeping on the sofas, and hanging around the place, actually a few weeks ago, saw a tramp bring her entire trolley into the library. Then there are those that come into the library to eat their lunch and talk. I was also approached by a creepy guy, as I was leaving the library a week ago, asking me who I was and where I live. These things are disturbing and shouldn't be happening, this library creeps me out. read more

Great for Grantwriters! This is the place to go if you are trying write grants! Call ahead for a reservation and a mini-lesson to use the databases. read more

This library used to be a great place and it still is although I agree with the other reviewers that the homeless population taking shelter at the library from open to close is getting way out of hand. I grew up in Redmond and would always go to this library as a kid/teen. Now I don't go at all anymore due to the homeless people taking up all the computers/seats/couches. I hope this issue gets resolved somehow. read more

Please remove the couches from the quite area at the back, they have become a sleeping place for all the homeless. Every time I go there and i have been pretty regular, there is always someone sleeping on those couches. read more