I'm a huge fan of libraries! And what's especially cool about the King County Library System is that you can go to any branch within the KCLS system and check out and return items, even if it's not your primary branch. It's convenient to access the different KCLS branches if in the area, so when we were in Issaquah, I decided to check out what this library had to offer. Located on Front Street in Issaquah the branch is a good size for services and such. It's smaller than my primary branch, but is larger than other ones I've been to. There was a large meeting space right by the entrance, that you can reserve for free. Parking on Front Street is pretty easy to find; however, I did see a parking lot behind the library. There was also a Friend Shop where you can purchase used books for two bucks or so. And though it's not in a separate room, it's located in the entrance way of the building and has an honor system where you put your money in the cashbox. There seemed to be plenty of space for tables and chairs spread out throughout the library for lounging, in addition to a couple study rooms. Book selection was average, but saw that the DVD selection had a better assortment of TV shows than my Bellevue branch. It's nice to know that when in Issaquah I can check out this location for what it may offer and utilize the same services that I can at my primary branch. read more

Issaquah Library - Current TV shows on DVD here - Libraries Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

This library is large! I'm a nerd and love going to the library. There is a lot of space to work, study and borrow a computer, printer, scanner/fax if needed. You are allowed so many pages to print for free weekly up to a certain amount in b&w or color. My printer died, and I don't have the funds right now to get a new one, so the library has been a saving grace for me. I also have had to use the scanner/fax option to get things in, and it's really a blessing, considering it is 50 cents a page to do this at FedEx Kinkos and it's free at the library. read more

I've been coming to this library since I was seven years old, so over a decade now. It's an amazing building with beautiful architecture and large windows. They've got a lovely selection of books, including a reference section with encyclopedias and Scott stamp catalogues (my favorite!). The only reason I'm not giving five stars is because of the strange hours, but I also understand that's probably just a staffing issue. I have one other criticism, but it is one that I know is unavoidable and not the fault of the employees: There seems to be an above-average amount of screaming children inside. Of course, it's bound to happen sometimes, but my last few visits have been lackluster because of that. I'd just ask that you try taking your child outside to calm down, since the library is intended to be a quiet space. That being said, I'm not a parent, and I'm not trying to shame anybody or their children. The library is for all of us. I saw a previous reviewer mention the Jehovah's Witnesses that proselytize outside, and how they are frustrated by that. They're out there every Wednesday, last I've heard. Anyways, the library is public property, and they are not shouting or harassing anybody, which would count as disturbing the peace. I think that their religion is extremely harmful and I would recommend to not interact with them at all. However, there's nothing that can be done about it, and they have every right to the place. Overall, I'd definitely recommend coming to the Issaquah Library at least once, to check it out. read more

This review is not specifically for the issaquah branch but for all public libraries in this area. I'm writing to address the absolutely RIDICULOUS, nonsensical hours that our public libraries are now going by post covid. Totally closed two days a week? Closing at 5pm 3 days a week? FIVE pm!!?? Really?! The other two days open 1pm-8pm?? My kid gets off the bus at 4:15 and the other days we have activities. So essentially we don't go to the library anymore. Thanks to whoever made this dumb decision based on god knows what. Can someone high up PLEASE explain to me why on earth there are STILL reduced hours at the library when everything else is for the most part back to normal? What exactly do reduced hours accomplish???? Is it saving lives? NO. You don't require social distancing, you don't limit numbers of people, so WHY reduced hours? Most of us are responsible adults who got vaccinated. Enough with the abundance of caution! Open with normal, full hours already! A library is an *essential* service that should be the FIRST to open and last to close. Why is that not happening? read more

Issaquah Library - Hours STILL reduced because of covid! After vaccine has been out for a year! This is an essential service that needs to be open!! - Libraries Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

This is a great library. Loads of books, quiet space to work and a really great staff. They're helpful and have been really kind when we've had questions or even (gulp) lost books. This library is clean, has lots of sitting room and a conference room that can be booked for community meetings. They host regular book sales and lots of great classes. In the lobby you can always find local publications from the Parks department and lots of local arts schedules. I recommend the library app and the KCLS site- put books, movies, and music on hold and use references as well. You can get almost anything including audiobooks and ebooks. Go to the Issaquah Library, it's got lots to do and it's FREE! Tip: bring a reusable grocery bag for your books. We keep one with an owl on it with all our books in it by the door- when you're done with a book, toss it in the bag! read more

It's right in old downtown. Undercover parking and above ground parking available. Small kids area but enjoyable for my kids.

This morning I was at Issaquah library and there is a Chinese paper art exhibition at the big conference room. Lot of people chatting there in the conference room, and they keep the big glass door to the reading area wide open, so the noise level is as high as restaurant. I asked the library staff if I can close the door because it is pretty loud. She answered me, 'Go ahead, I don't care.' So I go there and closed the door myself. much quieter now. Then in 5 mins someone there open the door again so they can put their kid reading while they are chatting. And of course they did not bother close the door. So the library sounds like a market again. Library staff, do your duty. This is a library where people come to read. You are the authority here. The least you can do is go there, close the door and ask them to keep the door shut. read more

Issaquah Library is arguably the entertainment central of Issaquah. I know this sounds depressing af, but you do not move to Issaquah if you're seeking out an exciting lifestyle. You move here to be left alone in a safe and quiet community. The library holds informal events for parents around the area. People come here to rent 90's 80's and vintage movies and especially for the free 1 hour and a half internet ration. Sure you could drive up to Snoqualmie Casino or Bellevue or even up to Seattle, but Issaquah Library is one of those places you go to if could use a bit of peace and quiet. Believe it not Issaquah Library is essential to Issaquah's identity. I believe in my heart to heart that Issaquah wouldn't be the same without this place. We heart you Issaquah Library read more

This library is great because... - It's quiet enough to study. (Boyfriend's a tutor.) - They have fast enough wifi. - They have plenty of places to sit. (I don't mind sitting on the floor, but plenty of people like chairs and desks...) - The location is GREAT. If I'm done with work or need a break, I can walk over to Front Street Market or a wide variety of shops and restaurants. There's even a yoga studio near-by! - Bathrooms are always clean and everything seems to work. This usually isn't a problem with KCLS/libraries, but... it's still a great thing. Anything else? Nope, not really. Great branch! read more

I have always enjoyed coming to the Issaquah Library- but it really has been great since I've had a child. They have Infant story time on Wednesdays, but they also have toddler ones and they grow! It's great- We've been going since my daughter was about 2 months old, now she's one of the older kiddos crawling around! And I love Miss Ann! She is one of the librarians and so so sweet :) The only thing I don't like is that there are many drug users that hang out here and make kind of a scene (IE: a baby was crying and they YELLED, "Shut that baby up!!"), it makes coming here a little tense sometimes. People will be out in front of the library just smoking cigarettes and tweaking- not the library's fault, but... still unpleasant. read more

Love this library. It's homey, right off the freeway, and has a great selection of current reads. I love using their study rooms.

This library is beautiful outside and in. Librarians very helpful. Good selection. Like the automated book return.

This is a fairly small library with a large Children's section. The building is just a few years old and bright even on a cloudy day due to huge windows and a gloriously high ceiling. The staff is warm and friendly and likely to give you a hug if you'll let them. Highlights: * Thursday evening Story Time (they do voices!) * free WiFi * large audiobook collection P.S. Great part time job for High Schoolers. read more

This is such a beautiful library. It's very pleasantly decorated, organized, clean and welcoming. My daughter has a big reading goal this year so we've spent more time than usual in the library and it makes me very happy this one is so close to home. The staff here are extremely helpful and there is always someone available to answer questions. I'm just so impressed with this location. Yesterday we stopped in for the book sale, which was fantastic! Everything was labeled clearly, many staff on site to help and lots of great books to choose from. We filled up a grocery bag with books! read more

I'm excited to get my first library card here and enjoy this beautiful library! The staff is very helpful and nice.

Great library and great library staff. I walked in and a man immediately asked me how he could help me. He said he would help me get a library card, but that if I had a moment and would like to learn about the online services the library offered he'd like to show them to me. Wow! This is a great library. The 3rd time I went there I decided I'd sit down and read for a while. I found a spot (which is not easy because it is a busy place, which is actually very good to see). The problem was these two old ladies talking up a storm at full-volume. I repeatedly gave them looks of disgust and tried to telepathically tell them to shush up, but things got worse when one of them received a cell phone call and the other decided to break-out her cell phone and make a call! Now, instead of taking turns talking loudly in a library the two of these old ladies are simultaneously yapping away. I dreamed that maybe I should become a new-aged library superhero righting the wrongs of rude old ladies in libraries everywhere. But much like Walter Mitty I merely got up and left without so much as a word. It's not the library's fault. It's a great place. read more

CDs, children's books, books on origami, WWII, sushi rolling, or beer brewing. No matter what you're looking for, if they don't have it in stock, they'll order it for you. I love the library! read more

This is a nice local library. I've stopped here for internet access and reading magazines that I don't subscribe to. There is a nice sized children section (I'll have to admit, I've really only looked at kid's books at this library). On Sundays, the library doesn't open until 1 pm - later than I expected. And I got there 20 minutes early. By the time that 1pm rolled around, there was a line of people out front waiting for the doors to open. It must be a popular place. My trip today was as a courier - charged to pick up some books that were reserved. I was impressed, they there up on a shelf with my kid's name. Another nice thing about this library is it's proximity to the Issaquah Brewhouse, right across the street. Check out a book and then go get a pint! read more

This place reminds me the library in Redmond that there are weird people wandering. You need to keep an eye always on your kids. Sometimes I can't find a place to sit when I come with my child. read more

Cool place to have quiet study time. And use computer and Internet.... Great public e wifi .. No login required

Decent sized, fairly quiet, and a nice selection. Super, super kid friendly, which is great for parents but for a teenage student like me...not so great. read more

There are mostly good and some bad things about this location - I definitely am a fan of the physical location and the technology available. I adore the online system and how easy it is to hold and check out an item. The return system is great once you get a hang of it - What I don't like is the rudeness of the patrons, which is somewhat out of the control of the library. I would love to come and read at the library, but too often someone is playing a video on their iPad and it is too loud, or kids are running around yelling. I say somewhat because there is the old stereotype of the librarian shushing everyone that is available... I haven't met anyone on the staff at the library that is endearing or willingly helpful in any way. So while it is a fantastic resource for information that I will be using for hopefully a long time to come, I will be reading my books at home. read more

This library may not be the biggest but it has everything a library should have. Of course you'll have random people at the PUBLIC library and it's something that should be available to people from all walks of life. This library also has a great children's section. read more

Not a great place to study quietly, usually, but it has a decent selection for its size and is very beautiful. Great location as well. I always enjoy spending time here. read more

Clean, friendly staff, plenty of space to sit and read. And close to so many restaurants !!

The Issaquah library may be small, but it is loaded with smart librarians and volunteers. Virtually any book you go to find, you can get either on the shelf or most often through the holds system. I particularly appreciate the many programs offered. I personally took advantage of the Tech Tutor, his MS Word class, and the recent Repair Time (the best by far). Oh, and I appreciate the new option of sending documents to the printer from my computer at home or my cellphone. Right now I am going to that Lynda.com tab to look for a course to continue my Word training. Thanks for being so great!! read more

Good library that's quiet, desks are spaced apart and in niches here and there. It's quiet, clean and well insulated. Study rooms if any have decent insulation so people outside don't hear all. Large variety of items to choose from. Being a larger library they have more to choose from. There's not a problem with homeless individuals here. You might get a person or two who could use some basic grooming lessons. Most people are friendly and willing to talk or help you. As with every town you'll run into that crazy you don't want to even make eye contact with. Staff at least have the luxury to remove them. read more