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!

We absolutely LOVE the Centralia Timberland Library and feel it's the best Timberland branch in the…read morearea! The staff are extremely friendly and helpful in whatever you might need - whether it finding a book, getting something put on hold, or answering general questions. They all are eager to help and support. There are thousands of books to browse through and check out. They really have a robust selection of all the genres that you would be looking for. Because they are a part of the Timberland Library group, it's easy to request a book at any of the many branches in the area and they'll get it delivered here. There is a smaller second floor that houses all of the teen and young adult books. There also is a teen only space up there for book groups and studying. I think it's great to have that genre of books all set up for them like that. In the whole library space, it really works. Best of all (at least for us), is the children's section! It's huge ... and it's walled off so the noise does not travel out to the rest of the library. :-) There is a ginormous selection of children's books and videos here. Additionally, there is play space that has lots of creative toys and traditional toys for the kids to play with. My boys love going here and spending time reading and playing. Plus, they have children's scavenger hunts around the entire library and offer stickers for the little ones who complete the hunt and/or clean up the toy space when they're done! The library also offers several classes or groups in various topics or arenas. Lego Club, Creator/Maker Space Club, Read Aloud/Storytimes, etc. Lots and lots to chose from. Regardless of your age or your book genre preference, the Centralia Timberland Library is the place to be! It is one of our GO-TO places in town!

With all the financial problems why are there people sitting around? Everytime I go in I only see…read morethe same older gentleman doing any work. The rest are sitting around talking to each other.

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?

I absolutely Love the Chehalis branch of the Timberland Library system. Like the Centralia one,…read morebecause it's connected to the Timberland system, you can check out any book in the group ... in person or "order" it (as I try to explain to my youngin's) and get it delivered to wherever you're at. This branch, to begin with, it beautiful! Landscaped grounds and a lovely fountain up front; and set up on a hill with stairs leading up to the doors (there are ADA accessible ramps too). It is smaller than the Centralia branch, but with that it is quieter and not as busy! Still very good selection of books to have in stock. There are also plenty of study areas and tables to work at. I have taken advantage of these a lot lately and I never have to worry about being interrupted, urged to move by other people wanting to use the space, or not have a space to work. It's also very safe-feeling ... so I don't fret about leaving my stuff at the table and walking around to stretch or use the restrooms (which, BTW, are incredibly clean for being a public restroom!). There is also a great children's literature space, which a huge collection of texts ... board books, pictures, early chapter books, and young literature. While there aren't as many toys and playthings as the Centralia branch, there are still things for the littles to play with and keep them occupied (especially the toddler-aged kiddos). All in all, with the friendly staff, quaint and cozy atmosphere, and selection of books & magazines ... I fully recommend the Chehalis Timberland Library!!

This is a beautiful building with very friendly staff. We love going to the library and my kids…read moreoften request trips to the "fancy library" so they can put coins in the pretty fountain out front. Go check it out!

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.

It's fairly small for a library, but the staff are all very friendly and helpful. My kids love the…read morechildren's area, and this library has helped them grow in their love of reading. If they don't have the book I'm looking for, the staff is always more than happy to help me track it down.

Walking into this library is so refreshing. It's bright, clean & no odor. It's also quiet with a…read morelow background sound of patrons chitchatting about books. The employees are welcoming and knowledgeable. The lady who had helped me sign up for a library card shared with me all the benefits that come along with it. There are clean restrooms by the entrance before entering the final doors into the library. It's quite updated inside with tables, high chairs, and study desks for people who enjoy more privacy. Overall, lovely local library

I love my local library! It's located in a quiet area of Des Moines with a parking lot that always…read morehas plenty of parking. I first started coming here at the height of the pandemic. During that time, you could place your books on hold and schedule a pick up time. My favorite part was that I could add a 'surprise bag' of books for my toddler, and they would set aside 10 awesome selections. Such a time saver! Granted, it's not the biggest branch, but I can always have any book sent here and held for pick up if I don't mind waiting. Overall, an awesome library!

This library is great! Oakville library is part of the Timberline library system so although it's…read moresmall you can reserve whatever books are in the system and they will send them to the library. The librarians are super nice and kind. They have small crafts for the kids. They have a T.V. where kids can play video games. It's clean and a great to have a local library.

Super friendly staff set me up with a library card. Easy to find books, a nice wall of books you…read morecan buy! Cheap! I just got back from their book sale and they had a room of books they sold super low prices. Highly recommend this library. (Events for teens nearly every weekend)

I love a good library and this is one I can finally add on the list…read more I wish people gave grace and importance to libraries and the staff more credit because in my opinion they do good for the community. This library is super organized and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful from the moment you walk in til the time you leave. The coolest thing I saw was the backpack you can rent when going to parks/trails that come with a map, binoculars, free park access and so much more. I don't even think people know how much access a library card can give you. Having a library card isn't just for book access. You can rent movies, tapes, computer access, print, fax. You even can have access to free resources such as help with resume, job search, entrepreneurship, business, you name it! I encourage everyone to go to your local library and get yourself a library card for you and your kid(s) if you have any and definitely take good advantage on what they have to offer. The process didn't even take 5 minutes. Even donate if your heart guides you to. P.S. the library card options are actually cute too. Not just a simple boring plastic card. Lol.

I was looking to save time after work and I found a library where I would be able to print a…read moredocument I needed from my email. This library is beyond my expectations. Great size and a large variety of books! They also have plenty of open computers to search their catalog, as well as stations for using their computers for browsing the Internet, school work, and etc. Very suitable for studying in groups or alone. Free Wi-Fi, or reserve a computer station. They even have little rooms to study in for those who need ultimate concentration! Great selection of books and great overall for anyone.

This library is the very best! It's clean, well staffed with pro and friendly librarians and books,…read morerecommendations for good reads throughout and a calendar to boost for fabulous things to do! I've got lots to do to prepare for upcoming meetings. I'm so happy I live here!