Kirkland Library — Attraction in Kirkland

Kirkland is one of the nicest, if not the nicest, public libraries in the area. And I've been to many public libraries from as far north as Edmonds, also a nice library, in the Sno-Isle system; to as far south as Renton, King County Public Library system, which is an extremely beautiful building, but now totally overrun with and largely functions as a day-time, drop-in homeless shelter, with people sleeping face down or passed out on the tables.

Although Kirkland is on top of a major transit center, it's been able to actually still be and still function as a real library. And not only a real library but a great library at that. To the north of the building is a huge, open, airy, sunlit, and spacious reading room filled with people reading and studying. It has large, wall-to-wall glass, vaulted, cathedral like ceilings and the pictures on this site do not do that reading room even half justice.

The only other cathedral reading space in the area like this, that I can think of is the Suzallo "Harry Potter" library at the University of Washington. People love Suzallo and for good reason, because it's rare, historic and beautiful but it's just too cavernous and dark for me to use on a regular basis. Plus the parking at the UW ain't so great and it's difficult to get in and out of.

Down the center of the Kirkland library runs one of the few remaining large magazine news racks in the area, with a current subscription to New York magazine, which is impossible to find now at any library. I haven't seen New York magazine at a library since the Bellingham Public Library discontinued its subscription about 15 years ago.

There's three, I think, meeting rooms. One very large and they are almost always booked up. I tried to reserve a room Friday at 4:45pm and the they were all gone.

There's a ton of free parking for up to 4 hours and as mentioned on other reviews a lot of cafe, restaurants and grocery stores. So you can go eat and then come back. There's plenty of tables and comfortable and clean chairs.

This library is really a throw back to what most libraries in the region used to be like before the mental institutions, prisons and half way houses were shut down and this population have been left to over run almost every library space, to the point that they don't function as libraries any more. Which is entirely sad for everyone and completely unacceptable.

The library is also quiet because there are so many people using it for its intended purpose: books, study, contemplation. One person's phone went off in the cathedral while I was there and he tried to take a call in the reading room but could tell that others were just not having it and he did what he should have done in the first place, which is take his call outside.

But Kirkland is still here and I pray that they are able to keep it the way it is today, which I would say is really the best and only destination library...

Sited in the heart of Kirkland, Washington, the Kirkland Library serves as a vibrant community center and a treasure trove of information. With its inviting atmosphere and a wide range of resources, the library has become a beloved institution for residents of all ages.

The library's spacious interior houses an extensive collection of books, magazines, and digital media. Patrons can browse through a vast array of genres, from classic literature to the latest bestsellers. For those seeking in-depth research, the library offers a comprehensive collection of reference materials, including encyclopedias, databases, and academic journals. In addition to traditional print materials, the library provides access to a wealth of online resources, allowing users to explore a wide range of topics from the comfort of their homes.

Beyond its extensive collection, the Kirkland Library offers a variety of programs and services designed to enrich the lives of its patrons. Children's programming includes story time, craft activities, and educational workshops, fostering a love of reading and learning from an early age. Teens can participate in book clubs, gaming tournaments, and technology workshops, providing opportunities for social interaction and skill development. Adults can attend author talks, writing workshops, and computer classes, expanding their knowledge and interests.

The library also plays a vital role in supporting the local community. It serves as a meeting place for various organizations and groups, providing a space for community members to connect and collaborate. The library offers free Wi-Fi and public computers, allowing individuals to access the internet and complete online tasks. Additionally, the library hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as festivals, concerts, and exhibits, bringing people together and celebrating the diversity of the community.

The Kirkland Library is more than just a place to borrow books; it is a dynamic and inclusive space that fosters lifelong learning, creativity, and community engagement. With its commitment to providing exceptional services and resources, the library continues to be a valuable asset to the city...

I really liked the location until they changed their study room policy. They now have it where you have to physically go to the location to sign up and reserve a room. That is perfectly acceptable, but if you don't live in the area and would like to know if a certain time slot is available, they will not tell you. They will just tell you to come to the location. The woman who answered the phone was very rude and if you have been to the location, it really isn't that far of a walk to go to the study room to see who has signed up. You would think it's 2015, they would have a better system then just a clipboard and signatures on a piece of paper outside the study room. It would make sense to maybe you know, keep the sign up sheet at the main desk so the people can sign up as soon as they walk into the library, or if people call, you can see right away if a slot was open and politely let them know it is and to come in to physically sign up for it. If you get there and the slot is filled up, that's fine, but to be told flat out they will not go to the clipboard to see if a slot is available for business purposes is highly rude and very...