Wow. This was so good. I'm here on vacation and I had some time to kill this one day and I thought why not visit the library. A short bus ride brought me directly in front of it. (was surprised to see a statue of the mahatma) I was blown away by how good the selection of books is! It has wide open spaces and is superbly lit. Wifi is the only complaint. It's very slow. But i will still give this library 5 stars. My heart is won. :) read more

Bellevue Library - The mahatma in front of the library. - Libraries Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

One of the best public libraries I have ever been too in the area! It is clean, nice and has huge amount of collections. Lighting is great and lots of study tables. They even have study rooms for group study! read more

12/31/19: This was my 1st time visiting this library. I loved the selection of work spaces/desks, however I was very disappointed by how loud it was in the library. This is a library for crying out loud. People should not be taking on their phones or having their ringtones on loud. The librarians and workers should better enforce this. read more

One star because the library is beautiful and another star because there is always parking available. All the staff members at the front desk have been helpful. I must say this generation is different from what I was used to when I used to go to a library when I was younger. Parents are running and talking loudly to their kids. People are on their phones and unbelievable some staff that was in the aisles working were talking with other staff like they are in a market. I thought that a library is a place for you to read and talk in a low voice. I do not feel like letting the staff at the front desk know about these interruptions because they should know better and they should enforce what is expected from a person/staff that is inside the library. read more

For a branch library, I'm pretty impressed. Usually they're much smaller and don't offer much variety. The only use you'd have is to have a location to pick up an SPL book from. They have a pretty good selection of language and music books and is a great place to do some work. They have private and group study rooms as well as public seating to just get your read on. Much more inviting than the Queen Anne or Fremont branch. read more

Beware if you park in the upper or lower most levels of the garage. They lock all access 15 minutes after the library closes, and they won't even bother to warn you if you're standing right outside the library, but they do leave a parking ticket on your car for you to enjoy later. And police actively patrol the inside of the library for some reason. No other libraries in this area are like this. I am never coming back. read more

First time here, I see a lady sitting on the table with her computer, and a metal spoon and a glass container on her hands, eating her lunch!!! Two tables next to mine. No library personnel looking out? or this is permitted at this library? Now she's eating her fruit dessert on her hands. Correction: this library is ok that you can eat cold, not smelly food! Who knew! (Yes different than my other library) Ok, now I'm freaking out since the lady next to me covered herself and started using breast pump. read more

This is an excellent library with all of the amenities. Location: right downtown, close to the transit center and on the bus line. The location is big enough that you won't walk or drive past without seeing it. Building: the building has 4 floors and library is 3. At first, it's a lot to take in and the place might benefit from a bit of signage. This is made up for by the amount of available employees ready to help. The bookshelves are clean and the aisles are tidy. I found them spacious enough to walk through with no loose books laying about. There are many computers on every floor strategically placed as to not disrupt the flow of the floor plan and makes the user feel very secluded. I've noticed in other KCLS locations, computers are all in a row like a class. Here they are split up and privatized. The printer/ scanner are easy to use and accessible. Your scans can be uploaded directly to your usb, emailed to you, etc. One of the best libraries in the greater Seattle area. read more

Big fan of my local library. Three floors, all with ample seating and internet connectivity. Vast selection of books and really knowledgeable staff make for a great experience each and every time. It's always busy, so if you're planning on being here for awhile, be sure to come early before all the prime seats are taken! read more

This is a very nice library with ample parking. It has a lot of rooms that you can reserve and appears to be much more modern than Redmond Library. read more

I honestly think the King County library system is one of the best in the US, or anywhere for that matter. And this Bellevue branch is a shining example of why it's so fantastic. I usually go to the Redmond branch (which I love). but I came here to Bellevue the other day to pick up a book. I was blown away by the multi-level parking garage, with its capacity to house so many vehicles, and its clear signage (I hate how most garages are confusing, not knowing for sure which lanes are one-way or two-way, not knowing for sure where the lane is to go up a level or where the lane is to exit. Not this garage. It's super clear). I also was impressed with the artwork (LOVE the wall of license plates, and the large tiles depicting famous folks, and the etched glass family, and more!). The library itself is amazing: there is SO much natural light streaming in from all the windows. It has an open and light and airy feeling about the whole space. There are lots of computers to use, lots of armchairs and reading "nooks", lots of desks. The ladies at the front "help" desk were pleasant and helped me immediately (I had to put a book on hold). I walked around and was struck by how many new release books they had out; I snagged a new bestseller that appeared to have just gotten off the press, it was in mint condition, appeared not to ever have been opened. And there were 5 copies of it (that I saw, anyhow!). There were rows and rows of audio books; all looked new (they probably weren't, but they all appeared to be in pristine condition, their cases looking new and all organized alphabethically). I didn't venture upstairs, but wow, how cool to have another level or space for reading and studying? What a great feature, that I could get books here and return them to Redmond (or any KCLS branch). And the email notification system is fantastic. Love the area of vending machines to get snacks, the big copier machine for all to use, and all the conference rooms (half were in use when I walked by). I picked up some literature in the racks about book clubs and meetings for book lovers at local restaurants, and "meet the author" sessions coming up at the library. What a vibrant place! read more

It's 1:02PM on a Wednesay afternoon and I receive an urgent email from Darling Daughter who is on a school trip half way around the world asking if I can send her ASAP ("like in the next two hours") research on a family member who was born in the country she is visiting. Uh, sure, let me get right on that. Fortunately I work less than two blocks from the Bellevue branch of the King County Library, a wonderful facility that, like all libraries, serves as a central resource for entertainment, work space, research, public events and so much more. It simply cannot be denied, libraries are awesome! As far as Darling Daughter's request, I had the benefit of knowing that this particular family member had been profiled in the Seattle Times in the mid-90s. I was able to find that article online in the Seattle Times archives, but it lacked one critical element - the photo that I was certain had accompanied the original article. Figuring the Bellevue library was my best bet; I placed a call and asked the reference librarian if they had back issues of the Seattle Times. Turns out they did - old microfilm scans of the paper. Fantastic. In less than 10 minutes I was standing at the reference desk and the librarian could not have been happier to help me find the correct reel and get the microfilm reader set up. As she was setting up the reader the librarian (I wish I knew her name) and I joked about how this was once cutting edge technology. Not so much anymore, but you know what? Despite its age, the technology still works brilliantly. Within minutes I had found the article in question, complete with the photo I needed. The reader itself is attached to a PC, so you can actually scan what's on the screen and capture a digital copy to your USB drive. For a dime you can also print a hard copy. This is just the most recent example of why I love the library so much. Whether it's getting suggestions on books to read, exploring cool new music, or hearing interesting lectures, I am always grateful for the invaluable community service this and all libraries offer. The Bellevue library in particular is large, well laid out, easy to navigate and features plenty of spaces to sit and work or just relax. Unfortunately there is one issue which prevents me from giving this review a full five stars. This is not a reflection of the Bellevue library, but of the KCLS in general. As a resident of Seattle I only have limited access to the KCLS library services. For example I cannot place items on hold or request transfers. This is because the reciprocal agreement between the Seattle Public Library and the King County Library System created a huge imbalance between the numbers of Seattle residents using the KCLS vs. the other way around (http://www.kcls.org/usingthelibrary/policies/spl.cfm). I totally understand that. But what I would like to see is a premium membership option whereby I could pay an annual fee to the KCLS for full access. It seems like that would be a win/win. But I digress. Microfilm scan in hand, I walked back to my office and hit reply on Darling Daughter's email. At 2:22, exactly 1:20 after she asked for it, Darling Daughter had the information she was looking for in hand and I was a hero in her eyes - or so I imagined. read more

We have our weekly startup meetings here. They have rooms that you can rent - but you're limited based on the number of people you plan to have in the room. The rooms in the hallway are for 4 or more people, if you have less, than it's only if it is available. The funny thing is, if you have a meeting in one of these rooms, they are considered public. There are actually people that scour the room reservation list and will SIT IN on your meetings. So best if you reserve one of the study rooms - If you have 3 or less people. Comes with a whiteboard and three bodies can almost comfortable squeeze in. You can reserve rooms at the desk - best do it about a week in advance - or via online: (http://www.kcls.org/me...) The grounds are nice outside - we've had meetings sitting outside under the tree or on the benches. Parking is pretty easy - I tend to park outside in the lot. The parking garage seems to get tricky... read more

Before joining the Bellevue library system, I had been without a library card for about 16 years. What brought me back? The main reason was I noticed how I would buy books and then not really read them again or buy a book and then not like it. Well now that I'm a library member, that's not going to happen again! (Well as often) The building is nice and the atmosphere is great. There are tons of self service kiosks to help check out books yourself. Free wifi throughout also is a huge plus and free computer usage.(there is a time limit) What I also like is the ability to print for free at the library which is nice since I don't have a printer anymore. My favorite feature right now? The hold shelf. I was able to get my books quickly and painlessly. Well done. read more

I really like this facility. I really like the staff, the 75 free pages of printing a week (which is unheard of from where I come from), the selection of magazines, the architecture of the building, the beauty and cleanliness of inside. I do not like coming hear to study on multiple occasions and having people talk on their phones. Not "ah snap, i can't talk now I'm in a library, will call you later *whisper*", much more like "I LOVE TO EAT PORK RINDS TOO, WHAT TIME DID YOU GO TO DINNER LAST NIGHT?!" Booming voices. People talking on the phone. Maybe I'm just a monster brat now because I go to the library to study for the LSAT, but come on. This has happened a few times in front of library staff and in the reserved quiet section. In my book, allowing patrons to borderline yell on the phone in a library is unforgivable. Overall, good facility. Wouldn't strongly recommend it for studying unless you get a private room. read more

Love this Library! I think its very clean, open, the employees there are super helpful! Especially Mrs. Glab. I owed $14, but just recently was homeless and I had $2.00 in my name actually all I have. I really wanted to check out books. She was able to make something happen with my account and I was able to check out two books. THANK YOU MRS GLAB & Bellevue Library! read more

Wow, this is the most awesome library ever. Clean, big, quiet, very few annoying people (99% of everyone here seems to be very well-behaved). This ain't the Seattle main library. Here's the thing about this newish library: It seems to have been built with people in mind who have library needs. It's not too much to look at from the outside (it's way bigger inside than you'd think from seeing it from the outside). But it's just so darn pleasant to walk around in space designed to be a library. Lots of study areas, lots of tables. Big open areas. But here's the only bad thing: There wi-fi is slower than molasses. Don't come here if you need to use wi-fi for anything other than maybe an email or two. But since everything else here is so awesome I still give it 5 stars. read more

This is an overall excellent library and I think probably one of the biggest on the Eastside. I work a couple of blocks away and am too cheap to buy books generally, so I drop by once a week on average. The library has a modest foreign language section, both for adults and kids, and three floors of books, dvds, and cds. As a DIY kind of person, I love that I can go retrieve my own holds (books only) and self-check out. In the last year or so, they installed self-check in machines as well which have an unfortunate habit of being out of order all at the same time but otherwise work well. There is quite a bit of parking with an outdoor lot, an underground garage, and an annex lot. Unfortunately most afternoons this is still not enough parking and I've given up and come back the next day on more than one occasion. read more

There's this place with free internet, free rental of books and movies, free printing, and free meeting/study rooms. It's amazing. It's also got a good amount of parking and is even open on weekends. Apparently they are all over the place and this is one of the biggest ones. I love public libraries. This particular KCLS library tends to get pretty packed during the school year if you go during weekdays in the early afternoons. It's big, but there still only a finite number of chairs and tables. There are multiple self checkin machines. A lot of people will queue up outside. Skip the line and queue up inside. read more

A very decent library. Great lighting and open feeling, I'm truly pleased with the architecture and atmosphere of this place. It has it's share of meeting rooms, study rooms, and small project rooms, as well as many many tables with chairs long the windows and hidden deep within the stacks on the 2nd floor. (Though, often it's not enough to accommodate everyone that wants to study there). This library has been the host to my many book binge episodes (from my Little house on the prairie days to tales of pern!). I can find almost everything I want here, including books written in the Japanese language (seriously I peed in my pants and hyperventilated from excitement when I found they had my 12 kingdoms series here from Japan, and Kinokuniya didn't) They have an extensive online library, as well as an county wide book sharing program where you can order books from different locations and pick it up at your local library. There's free wi-fi, free access computers, printers a little cafe, a kids corner, used bookstore, parking(though not made for the SUV's, hummers and mama vans) read more

"ring, ring, ring..." "sorry sir, this is a no cell phone area" "oh, sorry" "click" This was the most common phrase i heard in this library. While it can get noisy at times but if you think about it, it isn't really that noisy at all comparing to other places with the same amount of people in the room. This library is spacious with lots of books, lots of magazine titles, lots of internet enable computers with 1 or 2 hours limits. Well organized. Free wifi. 75 free printing per week. Basement garage parking. Lions and tigers (statue). Cheap coffee. Located near downtown Bellevue. Great Library system. I had been a KCL member for over 20 years and will be a member for life (even though I don't live within King County anymore). I still owe them $12.50 for overdue book fines. read more

A perfect library. Both me and my husband have joined it three days after we moved to the area, and have been regular users even since. We live across the street from it, and that helps :-) The building itself is three floors high and stuffed with books (as well as disks, audiobooks, journals, but mostly books). It has plenty of space and air, and nice cozy places to sit and read, work or just hang around - I feel 5% more intelligent as soon as I enter the building :-) But the main treasure, of course, are the books. The collection is huge and has something for everyone - plenty of something, actually. Putting books "on hold" is a great feature that allows access not only to this particular library but to all KCLS collection. And there are extra benefits. Free printing with a generous weekly limit (uber-useful when need to print tickets, boarding passes or maps). A rotating selection of "New and Interesting" fiction which allows to discover new authors much easier than scanning all shelves. Study Zone to help school students with their homework. Probably other features as well - I don't know them all yet, I've been a member for less than two years only :-) read more

So the king county libraries that I have been to are all pretty nice, but this one is the best for the area. First of they did a really good job revamping the parking lot. It used to be really hard to find a spot as its a popular library and it was just one level, and now they have a full three level parking lot; makes a big difference. They have a lot of space inside for doing studying or reading. They have conference rooms, meeting rooms, study rooms. I actually don't know what their lending library is like cause I'm just on the hunt for good study space. read more

Been coming to this library since high school. They have a wide selection of books and services, and they have a bountiful amount of places you can study at. The quiet areas of the library are actually quiet and you can reserve study rooms if you need to. They just built a new parking garage so their parking situation is getting better. I really enjoy how organized everything is, placing holds and picking up books is super easy read more

Three floors full of books, computers, reading nooks, and study lounges. Hands down the BEST library in Washington. I currently live in Tacoma and make the 60 plus mile (round-trip) commute to the Bellevue library. Only downfall is parking. I, like a previous reviewer am anxiously awaiting the opening of the parking garage. With that being said if you are a book junkie the Bellevue library is worth the trip and the fight for a parking space. read more

Who doesn't love their local library? Very large, high ceilings, good lighting, lots of private study rooms, computer desks, comfy tables and free wifi. Staff is always friendly even when I'm a jerk and forget my card. I love the grounds too. My only complaint is that parking is terrible! However, they currently appear to be building a new garage so maybe that will be better. Also a three hour limit kind of bums me out because I really could spend all day there. So, I usually walk, fortunately for me that is reasonable. read more

So THIS is why people raise their families in Bellevue. NOW I get it.. I swear, this might be one of the few good reasons to be a local here. They have a smorgasbord of "Oh my gosh, why don't we have this selection in the SPU branches?!" I have been a giant library fanatic in Seattle for six years now and this one tops the charts. Mainly, you can get a good selection of *professional* books which can take quite a long time to get a hold of in Seattle branches since we're all fighting in an overpopulated area. I'm not sure about the phase you're in regarding book-reading but if you're looking for heavy content non-fiction and specialty titles this is a good bet. I didn't get a chance to check out the questionable sections (ie: fun, craftsy, GLBT, etc..) but I'll bet they couldn't beat the stuff the SPU Capitol hill branch can provide. Haha This place seems like it's for the good vanilla folks of Bellevue and it's clean. read more

This place is amazing -- comfortable study carrels; private rooms for tutoring and conversation; an extraordinary collection of books, magazines, media, and interactive displays; an architecturally pleasing environment that creates the kind of library experience anyone would desire, and an energetic and expansive children's department (a library that strongly supports their children's department is a good indicator of overall library quality). It's the perfect place to begin writing my book. I'm surrounded by inspiration -- other books! Libraries, like national and state parks, are environments supported by tax dollars. They're public and available for all to enjoy. Let's remember these institutions in the context of anti-government rhetoric. There are things that governments do well; our public libraries are among them. read more

Positives: This is as good a library as I have ever seen for a small-to-medium sized city. Huge number of outlets and tables/desks, free wifi, two full floors and one small third floor, three large parking lots, numerous public use computers, large book, DVD, CD, magazine and childrens' sections, daily public entertainment and educational events in the hallway rooms, nice greenery that you can view from outside the large glass windows on the first floor and much more. It says a lot about Bellevue residents that the library and parking lots are so frequently packed with people. It seems like Bellevue is a book (and games) lovers paradise. Some of the book sections are quite impressive in comparison to other libraries, especially the biography (3rd floor), travel and chess sections. Negatives: Despite several staff members who seem to truly hate to work here (especially the hoodies loving always serious lady at the checkout desk who gets annoyed at everything), I had no second thoughts about giving this place five stars. Some help desk staff members hate addressing problems with the vending machines. I hate the idea of paying taxes for these kinds of hirees. Finally, it seems like quite a few laptops have been stolen from this library, even when someone just goes to the restroom for a few minutes. Not sure why they do not install cameras, as I suspect the same thieves have been frequenting this place in recent months. read more

Amazing facility and good staff. Parking can be a challenge. They are planning to build a garage next door. read more

This library is really quite large: three stories, very spread out and lots of seating. The design is also fairly modern, which is nice. It allows for a lot of natural lighting, which is great for reading. There is a really large selection of magazines, newspapers, DVDs, music, audiobooks (all in a variety of languages -- they even offer Russian!), alongside their huge collection of books. Lots of great areas to study as well. It's a good place to take your kids because half of the first floor is basically reserved for the younger ones, but the rest of us have another two floors to spread out and immerse ourselves in knowledge -- so it works out well. There's also a small park (more like a grassy area) outside in case the kids get too rowdy, and there is a coffee shop about a block away in case you get tired from all the reading. I believe there are vending machines and a coffee machine inside the library, but I don't remember for certain. Also, the restrooms are huge and very clean. Lighting sucks, but that's okay. There's also lots of computers on the second floor, but most of them tend to be in used as this is a fairly popular library. read more

Really liked my first visit to this well-positioned downtown library. It was fairly busy and hard to find an open chair at first (Saturday afternoon) but once seated, it was easy to get power and internet service. Everyone was quiet and respectful of each other. Bathrooms were clean, and let's not forget the old-school reason for having libraries: Books! I wasn't there to browse literature that day but when I do find myself in the mood, I know where to go. read more

Bellevue Library - A great downtown library, everything you'd expect from King County - Libraries Near Me - Bellevue, Washington

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One of the best libraries to go to. It's huge, has a nice design, a separate space for children, food/coffee and private rooms as well. The place is very spacious and has it's own lobby before you enter the library so it gives you a lot of room to talk on your phone without people staring at you. I come here all the time, it's pretty quiet, workers are quite nice as well. This place is really good for people who take buses, there is literally a bus stop right in front of the library that comes every 20 minutes so it's really nice. However, the only reason I am giving this place a 4 star is because it's kind of sketchy, there are lot of strange people in the library... I've seen people get arrest in here at least twice now and I had to complain over this one creepy guy that kept following me in the library. read more

Love the Library and by anychance anyone know the brand n type of the printer that we use to print? Thanks

Bellevue Library is BIG but during the school year it feel up really fast. Its hard for groups because the study rooms and group tables are always taken by a single person. But if you take the time to search (which can take 10 minutes) you can find a good spot to spend for a couple hours studying. They also have free printing (75 pages a week) which is fantastic! There is also a big hall outside perfect for meeting your group instead of searching the huge library for everyone :) read more

Where can one find almost every issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine from 1969 to present day? At Bellevue Regional Library, that's where. Part of the King County Library system, Bellevue Regional Library has an insane amount of archived magazines and was extremely helpful, both with the staff, the magazines, and the equipment, in me getting the data I needed for a big research project. I was really impressed with the helpfulness of the staff and the fact that I can scan images to my thumb drive. One librarian even walked me through how to do the scans. Even though I had a huge request for magazines (think 10 years guys), they never sighed or looked annoyed. The library is pretty big, nicely lit, and well organized. Whoever thought of the layout did a great job. They even have a place where you can grab and munch on a snack. The only downside is the parking situation. A parking garage is under construction but in the meantime, you have to park in a small parking lot far back from the entrance. You're lucky to get a parking spot there. Most of the time, I've had to drive around Bellevue looking for street parking. When that gets fixed, this library will be even better. read more

I don't know if I'd be the person I am today without the Bellevue Regional Library. There! I said it. This library is absolutely amazing. I check out everything from here; new books, CDs, old tyme VHS's, new tyme DVD's, magazines, you name it. I could spend hours roaming the shelves, looking for new and interesting books, looking up my heritage in the special family history section, or getting something from the vending machines. If the recession threatens to close my dear library for good, I will do whatever I can in my power to keep it from shutting its doors forever. It's my home away from home. read more

This place is okay. They have floor to ceiling windows and study rooms. The problem, however, is they do not have a lot of seats! Also, it can get super noisy here. Yikes! I always get distracted here when I'm trying to study. Not a good thing. If you want to study here come *early* (I'm talking as soon as it opens early) or *late* because any other time and you'll go crazy trying to find a seat. read more

It is a library. There are books here. Read them or check them out, your choice. In truth though this place is pretty good as far as libraries go, if a bit small considering the population of the area (maybe I'm spoiled by most of the libraries in Mass.) Plenty of study rooms and nooks (a nice touch!) and a fair selection of books. The place has a nice layout that minimizes foot traffic. Note to self: still have to return that book :S read more

i wish i lived a bit closer to this library rather than neighborhood kcls branches bc it has extended hours on the weekends whereas others close quite early. not only due to the extended hours, this branch is quite big with 3 stories. there are so many quiet study rooms or conference rooms you can reserve or quiet cubicle seating on the third floor. however, in that area i felt a little too secluded and there were only men there for some reason. some of them seemed questionable so keep that in mind. big children's section for the lil ones to enjoy right by the eating area and bathrooms. bathrooms have short doors so your head pops out when you stand. there is a hearty magazine selection on the second floor, much more than usual neighborhood branches have. the wifi is quite slow in my experience. there's also a small corner used bookshop right by the entrance of the actual library that i've been meaning to check out. there is a hall of murals right before of certain historical figures but why is frida kahlo's hair down and why does she have no unibrow in it? it just doesn't make sense, at least put in the unibrow! outside is a big grassy area, probably nice to sit when sunny. the parking garage is never full on the roof and it's just a flight of stairs to get down or you can take the elevator. if you plan to stay awhile, you can get a few hours parking validation for the underground. a close walk to the bravern, mall, transit center as well. read more

Bellevue Library - where the f is frida's unibrow?? why is her hair down? - Libraries Near Me - Bellevue, Washington