Since I'm new to area one of my errands was getting library and rec center cards. Fortunately for me, you can do both things in one place. The Rec Center: Overall, I liked the layout of the rec center, and the folks that helped with getting a card were SUPER friendly and helpful. While I have not officially used the rec center, I was a bit disappointed with the the size of the weight room. The size of the weight room reminds of a weight room that one would find in a hotel. However, the gym did look like it had everything that one would need for a decent workout. Also, I was a bit surprised that the rec center does not open until 9 am on weekdays (and Saturday). Based on my prior rec center experiments, I'm used to rec centers opening from 5:30 to 7 am. Then again, perhaps, these hours are for the summer months. The Library: Again, the librarian who signed me up for a card was very friendly. Also, I loved how she gave me a very thorough overview of this branch's services and resources. Although I was in the library for only a few minutes, I thought it was very well organized. read more

Wheaton Community Recreation Center - Putting my library card to good use. - Libraries Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

See all

Was out and about with my 8 year old daughter and she wanted to go to the library and read and I did a quick Google search and it brought us here. This was our first time here and I did not know that this was more than just a library. Well first of all the library was great and my daughter was quite excited to read one of her favorite books to me. After reading we explored this place as something for everyone.....ping pong tables pool table, video games, basketball courts, indoor track, weight room, lots of event rooms and a playground outside for the little ones. The staff there were very friendly. Will definitely be back. read more

See all

Update November 2019 - This place holds tons of community events here. If you are going to use the fitness room here, they added a few more machines such a steps ladder machine and a few more elliptical a. Of the 4 treadmills there, 1 was out of service for about a month now. So please keep that in mind. Also, the track tends to get tons of walkers which is nice. Also, they have free wipes inside the fitness center so that you wipe down the machines after using them. For their restrooms, it appears that they want folks to use the air dryer rather than paper towels. Also, there is tons of parking inside the garage beneath the recreation center. They also have a number of parking spots next to the recreation center too. ------------------ Finally a community recreation center and updated Library located in Wheaton Maryland. It also has a bookstore inside the building as well. Free WiFi in the building, but it's unsecure network so please keep that in mind. Refer to the Montgomery County website for cost per recreation activity. There is FREE parking in this building and that's one less thing to worry about. The building opened on September 8, 2019 so it's still fairly new. The library is located on the ground level and has a fair amount of book selections. However, it's not an extensive as bigger libraries, but it's fine. You can reserve books online and pick them up later. The staff here are very friendly! There is also a bookstore right across from the library in case you prefer buying a particular book. They have an gaming room with a few ping pong tables, Billiards tables and some area for kids to play. They also have a large basketball court located on the bottom floor. Just right above it is the indoor track which loops around the building. Note the track is not a standard 400m per loop, it's much smaller than that. The weight room is very limited as there are a few elliptical, about 4 treadmills and very small selection of weights. Imagine a vote type of weight room. However, it's much more spacious. Tons of natural lighting comes through the building as there are tons of windows surrounding each room. Next to the weight rooms are activity rooms which can be reserved for activities. Obviously, needs approval before reserving. Overall, it's nice to finally have an updated library / recreation center in this area. Good facelift. Great library and decent gym area. I can see the basketball courts getting pretty popular and good place to pick up a gbook at the library. read more

See all

It's been about 4 months now of checking-into Wheaton Library and Rec Center and this place still is deserving of 5 stars. I really love how the employees here are so friendly and consistent with providing services to those who pay a visit. I was having issues with a family as they were refusing to leave when I had already made the online reservations for a private study room with a friend. I explained the problem to one of the librarian's and they immediately went and assisted me. It took about 15 minutes for the family to finally leave but I was grateful that I didn't have to directly handle any type of conflict or have a confrontation with them alone. Just like any library in Montgomery County, you need to book your time slot (2 hours maximum per person a day) prior to its use. For the times I have used their restrooms, they are generally very clean. I have actually seen staff members wipe down the toilets and sinks with cleaning products while also sanitizing the stalls and basically anything with a handle. As a health care professional as well, I sincerely appreciate the level of hygiene and care they put into keeping everything sanitary. There's a ton of people who visit this library/rec center and the last thing anyone wants is to get sick (especially with all the young children around). Trash is regularly emptied out as well so nothing is ever spilling over and they try to be sincerely eco-friendly with refillable water fountains and air drying machines rather than paper towels. A private but small parking lot is available mainly for those who are handicapped with an exception of a few spots available to anyone in the general public. It's quite difficult to park here since spots are so limited but I got lucky today! It's a closer walk directly towards the library but there's also a free parking garage for everyone. There's more handicapped spots and even a station for electric cars if you need to charge. For those who cannot access stairs from the garage, there are elevators as well that are just as efficient. Within the library, there's a small section for children and toddlers to play and read. This area is one corner of the library but to be honest, the children here are still really loud so it gets pretty annoying if you're trying to some serious work or studying. I usually try to reserve a study room but you can still hear some of the screaming and shouting, it's just muffled. If you need to print something from one of the computer's, be sure to ask a staff member for help as you need to add money first onto your library card. They'll walk you through the steps as to how you can get started but it's fairly straightforward. From what I remember, it costs about 15 cents or less per page (black and white) which I think is totally reasonable. I think the last time I came here, I printed a booklet of about 100 pages for around $13. There's also a game room available filled with ping pong tables, a pool table and other life sized games. It gets a bit crowded at times but still it's nice to have options for such activities without having to pay anything. I noticed the basketball court is almost always occupied and above it is an indoor track. Next to the track is a small sized gym and there's usually someone inside working out. I haven't attended any public events here but I've read so many varieties of activities from yoga and athletic classes or more artistic craft making courses and even language classes or counseling assistance. I would highly recommend this library and rec center to anyone in the area. There's definitely something for everyone. read more

Wheaton Community Recreation Center - Pic from study room 7 - Libraries Near Me - Wheaton, Maryland

What a great library! I'm so excited to have it so close to our new home. It has a great children's selection which is number one in my book. We were able to get Set up with a library card in no time. I just asked of the front desk and minutes later the card was in my hand. My son was very happy to find Lego books, Berenstein books, curious George books, Star Wars books and many others! Also, there's an indoor play area for the younger ones which is great to have! Just outside is a terrific playground! It's mostly fenced in which is helpful. There are no swings, but there is plenty to climb and spin around on and slide down! read more

Just like when voting, everyone is so kind & professional. Thrilled to come to Wheaton Recreation Center & delighted to get my first vaccine! Thank u Maryland & thank u God! Easy peasy & painless! I preregistered a while ago. Key points: Received an email Tuesday 3/30 at 4pm & instructions at 5:30 Since the state is paying, when setting vaccination appt. "No Insurance" MUST be selected! I selected "private insurance " & was bounced out of the appointment website with an error message stating I didn't qualify. But soon after, I received an appt confirmation email, but this went directly into my promotions folder (where I didn't see it.). Staff is super patient & called & sent another confirmation.. I arrived late & nervous. The first person checking me in at the door was so nice! "Don't worry, we got you!" I went through the line process & 15 minute wait to check for any allergic reaction... entire process took 30 minutes! AMAZING! Free Parking outside is fastest, there's also parking under the building that is handicapped accessible. read more

See all

A first class library and recreation center to replace a very out dated recreation center and library. It is one building where you go in one direction for a modern library and in the other direction for the recreation center. The recreation center includes a walking track, a basketball court, pool tables, a number of community rooms, class rooms, and exercise rooms. After taking a walk through the center my husband went up later without me to go through the Friends of the Library room. He came home with ten books, mostly hard cover history and biography, for a total of $26.00. He also got a yearly senior pass for $50.00. There is a children's playground and book area. They will be having classes in art, cooking and pottery, among other things. What a great addition to this community. read more

I am loving this space I appreciate the gym and the friendly staff, even if they are a little to eager to be out of the building exactly when the clock hits 9/10 or 11pm. They now put signs up in the gym saying it closes 10minutes before closing. I did not like that..if the building closes at 9, the entire building closes at 9. When you work at a gym/cafe/store and it closes at certain time, thats what time it closes..then you have to stay a bit more to clean up etc. Also they do not need to announce closing time over the intercom like every 5 minutes for the last half hour..that definitely takes you out of your work-out zone. Another note for the gym: put the TV on another channel other than CNN News or sports..something we can visually get into when treadmilling. Sports works for most of the guys but Ive noticed women always looking for more out of the TV when exercising. Second..I wish when they designed this beautiful building, that they put an outdoor patio or outdoor space to work upstairs when the weather is so nice out that you do not want to be indoors. Also regarding working from here and using the wi-fi...there is not one outlet around the entire building outdoors. I really think they should consider adding outlets and a place to sit and work outdoors. The weather is just too nice to be closed in a buildiing working on computer for long hours while the birds are chirping outside. My laptop will not hold a charge and requires to be plugged in to work so Ive spent much time searching for outlets outside here. I like the space outdoors next to the playground for picnicing etc but an outlet would make it great! So the only area I found that you can work with at least alot of outdoor light is upstairs down the hall past the walking track area at end of hall next to windows..again I see alot of people searching for outlets against the wall here and there are none by the windows or in the corners by windows..only one further in against wall next to trash. My issue I have found with working from this space is the very loud, inconsiderate teenagers that come in packs from school and do not care if you are working or not, they are very continuously disturbing and even after being told, do not listen. They stay from the time school is out till the end of night. These are just some things Ive picked up on. Other than these tips to consider, I really appreciate the Wheaton Rec Center. read more

It took almost a whole year to sign up for a library card after I moved to Silver Spring MD in 2021. When I moved a second time to a new location in Silver Spring it was just about three miles from this modern library and community center with a playground. There is a very convenient parking garage & street parking near the playground. When you enter the building the library is to the left with benches for sitting. There are tables & a cafe area on the right. There is a gym for athletics beyond the cafe that's part of the community center. The library staff has been attentive, friendly & helpful. I signed up for my card in about 2 minutes. The man gave me a key chain version of my card in addition to the credit card size one. The library is large and I haven't been able to explore the whole place yet. I've taken my grandson age 5 & granddaughter age 3 to the playground. They enjoyed climbing, sliding and running around the place. The only problem is there's no swing set here something that my granddaughter loves to do. The playground has a modern colorful design with a shaded area for sitting and eating. Until next time be kind to each other. #publiclibrary @yelpdc #communitycenter #playground #summerreadingcontest read more

Beautiful and spacious. Very organized and the staff is helpful. So nice to have a modern and necessary addition to the community. The playground outside is a favorite for my kids. read more

Excellent kids summer program. Librarians are very pleasant there. Nice environment to read & learn.

The Wheaton Library is not what I expected. From the outside, it looks like a school, but you go inside and most of the building is the rec center. What makes it worst, is that the fire station is right next to it. read more

Very modern! An amazing space for the whole community. It would be great if they had free electric charging.

I was disappointed by te lack of good covered bicycle parking. Architects are known for seeing bicycle racks and their need to be protected from the elements as an intrusion on the aesthetics of their building. There was little planning for bicycle parking both indoors in the garage or outdoors. A large foyer and they can't find room for quick indoor parking. The longer term bike garage parking is terrible--no signage, the rack is right next to vehicles, with their exhaust pipe close to the bike rack. It reminds me of the time that NIH stationed the bicycle rack right next to the smoking section. In both instances, the bike user has to breathe the exhaust from others. A very easy solution is to put the bike rack next to the electric vehicles' charging station. Also I was told there is no long term caged employee parking. An employee should not have to worry about vandalism or theft of their bicycle. Other county buildings have locked cages for employee parking. The usual Montgomery county bias against bicycling commuters. The library has chairs where the seat can be moved up or down. The computer table could be lower for good ergonomics. One must charge their smartphone at a table rather than close at hand at the computer. Computer usage is very busy and can be noisy. Guys are still banging at the keyboard as if it were a manual typewriter. The hand dryers are atrociously high-decibel loud. Bring you own paper towels. Montgomery County needs "no-idling" signs at the rear entrance and a regulation to enforce it. All too many motorists idle their car while waiting for their passenger. read more