This was my first time visiting a library in Washington, and overall, it was a lovely enough experience. The space is definitely on the smaller side compared to some libraries I've been to out of state, but I really liked the aesthetic and general atmosphere--it felt calm and inviting. One of the biggest positives for me was how quiet it was. I spent about 1-2 hours reading a thick graphic novel, and it was genuinely peaceful. Even the kids were surprisingly quiet! Mindfulness from patrons with maintaining low volume is a huge factor for me when it comes to enjoying a library. I was a little disappointed with the size of the graphic novel section though. It's one of my favorite areas to browse since I can usually finish something in one sitting, so I wish there had been more variety. I would've loved to stay longer and explore some genre fiction, but I don't live nearby, so getting a library card didn't really make sense for me this time. I didn't interact much with the staff--there didn't seem to be many around, and one employee I noticed appeared to be on their phone--but it didn't impact my visit too much since I mostly kept to myself. They do offer useful amenities like computers, printers, and copiers (though I didn't use them), and there's plenty of seating along with outlets for charging devices, which is always useful for those needing to utilize their laptops or phones. There are restrooms available, but you do need an employee to buzz you in. At first I thought you had to turn the handle, but it actually opens by pushing the door once they unlock it. The restrooms themselves were a bit disappointing--they weren't the cleanest and didn't have seat covers. That's honestly one of the main reasons I'm giving this place 4 stars, since I feel like the restrooms could definitely be better maintained. Parking also seems like it could be an issue. The lot is pretty small--maybe around 15-18 spots--and since there's no street parking, I can see it being difficult to find a space when it's busy. I happened to visit on a rainy day, so I got lucky. There's also a nice little park outside that I didn't get to enjoy because of the weather. Overall, a quiet, cozy spot to read and unwind, with a few minor drawbacks. I'd definitely come back if I were in the area again. read more

Seattle Public Library - Columbia Branch - The front/outside of the library - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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It was a nice small to medium sized library! It was a nice place to study. The only thing that I was a little annoyed/couldn't focus on was the fact that it was so loud in the library...kids running around and I know that more so of a parent thing but the kids area is right next to what little desk they did have without reservation. Other than those few hiccups it was pretty good, if you bring headphones or earbuds. read more

Parking, printer, copier, book holds to the left when you enter. The people who work here are friendly and helpful. read more

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Outstanding customer service. The amenities are great. The staff is very helpful. They are very responsive.

The Columbia Branch offers study rooms, meeting room, copier, printing, faxing and scanning services. A good sized collection of books, DVDs and more. In addition, check out the additional programs and services offered with your library card, such as Museum Pass, Library to Business, Your Next Skills and more! read more

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Every time I'm here at this library, I always find the staff useful. This time I came needing to print my daughter's first Certificate of Excellence in kindergarten math skills. I need it in color, and they actually have color printer available to use! I had forgotten my library card number. And they were able to retrieve it quickly for me. This is a busy branch for a Tuesday! Most of the computer stations were filled when I got there. read more

Seattle Public Library - Columbia Branch - Yeah man! That Hawks' card though! - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

One of the librarians was a bit snotty to me. However the other one was nice. I'll probably just stick to downtown next time.

I only have good things to say: convenient online access to the catalog and reserving resources (books); convenient opening hours; easy access from public transit; wide variety of resources (books, CDs) that can be checked out. Also got my SEAHAWKS library card here! I came here during some random weekday. I did enjoyed every moment i spent at this place. Staff is very professional, clean and organized very well! It helps that the building is beautiful. One of the best branches in the city! Gotta support it. Unfortunately the parking lot is narrow with few spaces. Library has: * FREE Public Computers * Wireless Internet Access * Books, movies (DVDs) and music (CDs) * Bilingual staff are available to answer questions and help * A meeting room and two study rooms * Areas for children and teens * FREE parking read more

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This is an absolutely beautiful library. Opened in 1915 thanks in part to the generosity of Andrew Carnegie, the Columbia City Library is small but definitely worth a visit (it's listed in the National Register of Historic Places). There are plenty of computers and the librarians are super nice. My biggest complaint? There aren't enough books. In fact, it seems like there are hardly any at all. Most of the shelves are now taken up by DVDs. Kind of a shame, because let's face it, DVDs are kind of ugly, so the space doesn't look as nice on the inside as it could. In terms of study space, there isn't much of that either. Just a few lone tables. But it is very quiet. Still, I really enjoy this place. Parking is easy and the library is located next to a very cute little park. I heart Columbia City! read more

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Thanks to the good voters of Seattle, my lovely little library (along with all its sister branches throughout the city) is once again open seven days a week! How tickled I was to mosey over, for the first time in years, at 5:30 PM on a Friday and pick up some books I had on hold. Seattle people, their public library system, and my beautiful Columbia City branch all rock! read more

Seattle Public Library - Columbia Branch - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

There's something about this area of Seattle I like. Maybe it's a little more small town, maybe a little gritty in ways Ballard and Greenlake are no longer. Plus this library is a beautiful brick building on a verdant piece of land. In line with my bias, I liked this library--aside from the extremely limited parking. But there is easy street parking within the neighborhoods behind the library, so get off the main drag and you'll be fine. Bottom line: Good library, cool 'hood. read more

Wonderful staff, very family friendly atmosphere. They have a little kids section...a my 2and 3 year old had a great time

The Seattle Public Library system is fantastic. I love that you can reserve items online (or use their app) and the library will email you when items are ready. Then you run in, grab the book/dvd/cd, quickly do a self-checkout, and leave. I can get in & out of the library in under 2 min now. This branch has free parking but the lot is a hot mess. It is always full and not enough room to turn around in once you realize there are no spaces. They need a 3min parking space for people picking up reserved items. I recently learned that all SPL branches have a section of kids' board books that you can borrow without checking out. Pretty awesome as you can keep the book as long or as short as you want, without worrying about a check-in due date. read more

Nov. 3, 1998 was a good day for the Seattle libraries when voters approved the $196.4 million "Libraries for All" bond measure to renovate the branches. Unfortunately, the Columbia City location was designated just a tiny sliver of that pie (okay, maybe 3 million isn't exactly tiny). The smallest of all the Seattle libraries, it's still the Larua-Ingalls-Wilder-esque kinda place. Sure, the expansion of the computer terminal is nice and they kept the charm intact. But there still isn't an area to sit and flip through books. And it is nearly impossible to drive in and out of the parking area. It's more of a get it and go kinda like... wait, could this call for a drive-thru library? Drive thru espresso, drive thru pharmacy, and now a drive thru library! "Hi, I'd like a hard back version of Moby Dick and could I get the DVD too...." This branch may be tiny but our overall library program wins top honors. It's no Rem Koolhaas design but it is the perfect little ol' library in Columbia City. read more

I love the Seattle public library system. The Columbia City branch is located in a smallish historic building in a nice little park. It's beautiful. This branch, though a bit small, has everything you need: computers, free wifi, books, tables with outlets, comfy reading chairs, public restroom, meeting room, magazines, dvds, etc. I only wish this branch was open on Fridays, but at least they're open on Saturdays. read more

A beautiful building in the middle of Columbia city, Seattle. I love coming here to study and use WiFi. The bad: it is NOT quiet here, there are noisy kids, and the building is overall noisy. There are also guys watching porn on library computers, and the librarians will do nothing to stop them. read more

Seattle Public Library - Columbia Branch - Man watches adult videos at the Columbia branch of the Seattle public library. - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Small, quiet and full of attentive/friendly librarians. If you're coming to use the computers - expect a long wait. The computer area is usually full of neighborhood kids while the rest of the library is peacefully quiet. read more

This little library is located in the most amazing place! It is right next to coffee shops, bakery, and restaurants! The building is adorable with red brick and white pillars! The inside is quite small, but efficient use of space with tables and small computer area. It is definitely a beautiful building to gaze upon while strolling along the park that makes up it's backyard. I love that it is open 7 days a week (late morning 'til late evening- except Sunday) and has it's on hold books at a very easy to access area next to the librarian desk/check out counter! The library staff seems pretty stand off-ish generally, but I have yet to go to a SPL and not experience that. It tends to be filled with youth (hey- more kids near books? good thing!). Parking is nice during the day usually, but in the evenings it can get very FULL! Expect to park at a nearby street if you are picking up books anytime after 6! read more

Wtf, I'm really writing a review on a library... But really tho, this place is the s$&@ if you're looking for a welcoming and inclusive space to do homework and the like. Super sweet and helpful librarians and talk about diversity! It does get noisy from time to time but that's like all libraries. Yeah, read more books people! read more

I too am usually frustrated by the lack of parking at the Columbia City library but the building is just adorable and I think it is the cutest neighborhood library in Seattle. Seattle Public Libraries rock b/c I can request any item on line and have it ready to pick up at Columbia City library once it's available. The staff is always helpful and friendly. I definitely think this library is attuned to the community and operates accordingly. I love all the pictures of library patrons with a variety of languages saying welcome displayed in the children's section. read more

Nice enough library. But it is so loud here. From the incessant talking from kids, to people actually having a conversation on their phones, to some of the staff lacking the ability to speak quietly. Trying to study here is a hit or miss. read more

Great library. Super friendly and helpful staff. I love this branch. Actually, I've loved all the branches of the Seattle Public Library.

This review is for Baby Story Time. We love Ms. Erika! We've gone to other story times in the city; Ballard, West Seattle and Magnolia and this one is definitely our favorite. Ms. Erika is full of life and very animated with every baby. My little one loves it every time we go! read more

If you're looking for a quiet library, this is NOT the place. The librarian on duty had serious congestion and was coughing all over the library (in the middle of one of the deadliest flu seasons, common sense suggests that the safest things for everyone ELSE would be for her to have stayed home). Additionally, food is apparently allowed, or if not, the rule is not enforced. One man came in and proceeded to chow down on his breakfast sandwich on one of the armchairs while watching a video on his phone, SANS headphones. Gross and inconsiderate on his part, but no one on staff seems to discourage such behavior so, lower your expectations and this place will suffice. If you expect more from a library, look elsewhere. read more

Love it! The library really makes the community for me. I can walk there and pick up the books I order online. I am totally thankful to the City of Seattle for its great community libraries. read more