This is a used book store. A dedicated used book store is a dying breed. Particularly one with so…read moremany great editions of classics. I especially loved the paperbacks outside that are sold on an honor system, which is so great to see - and impressively they were in order by author, which is super rare in paperbacks for sale in that manner. Reminded me of my late grandparents' book collection. It's a small space and a bit stuffy but deserves some attention.

Really rude clerk. I couldn't figure out the price of a book I wanted and asked, and got snapped…read moreat for my trouble: "What did you think it was?" he sneered. Um, yeah, that's why I asked - I did not know; there was more than one price written inside. Left immediately and took my business elsewhere.

Always a quiet place. Nice welcoming staff. very clean, very helpful and very friendlyread more

Disappointed in my experience here. I came to study but there is a bad smell from the homeless…read morepeople that have taken residence inside. One woman was cussing and talking loudly in the back even with children present. Staff did nothing. Not planning to go back anytime soon.

Very enthusiastic, sweet and helpful staff members my first day there. They set me up as a member…read moreand explained how it all works along the way and it was a pleasure talking to them. The space is pretty chill and it was surprisingly active in the library compared to the outside when I walked in. It was also Lego day so it was cute seeing all the kids building their legos with their parents.

I visit this library branch for baby story time! Super easy parking and helpful staff. The first…read morevisit I stayed after and got signed up for my library card. Quick, easy and I was on my way!

Outstanding. Wonderful library. Clean quiet. The staff is easy to access and are kind. Beautiful…read morebuilding on a beautiful island.

What a beautiful library!…read more I'm not on Vashon too regularly, but I was here for CiderFest across from the library. There was story time at the library so we checked it out and it's such a nice library! Some reviews mention that it's on the smaller side, but for Vashon it's fitting. It's super nice, and the kid's area is adorable. Tons of books for them to choose from, small tables and chairs, and a few toys here and there. I also love how bright this library is. Tons of ceiling to floor windows make it really airy and light. In the kid's area you can see a really nice playground that's a short walk from the library which my kids were dying to go play at (be warned!) All in all a great little library.

Not much resources (ie: free wifi, public computers, book checkout) available for the public. But…read morethis library is pretty new and is quiet enough to finish what I need. I used to love reserving the Chihuly chandelier room (or any of the other private rooms) for study groups, team meetings, and class projects. I see that they added collections of magazines to browse through in this library. I definitely will be coming back from time to time.

Clean and dead quiet. A good place to work on one's own computer or paperwork without the…read moredistractions and drawbacks of public libraries.

I am very happy with the new Main branch. It deserved it new makeover. It has plenty of space for…read moreadults, teen and children. The library staff are very helpful. I have visited after it's reopening. My son's school had library days once a month during the latter part of school year. If your child go to school in Tacoma, then they most likely have a library account through Pathways. It allows them to check out 5 books at a time. We have joined the Summer Reading program. There are museum passes here if you want to go with your library card. That is awesome for the library system offers this! I will update this again because I need to take pictures and inquire about more things this library offers. So far I put materials on hold and pick them up. They do offer hotspots to checkout. Those are high demand. Those take a while to get. This library is closed on Mondays. This library is on the bus line. However some residents can ride the bus or ride their bikes to the library. There is some parking spaces at the entrance. I definitely believe this public library is worth visiting and staff here are awesome. They are very eager to help.

whoever starred this library anything less than 4 stars needs a mental health assessment. there are…read moreseveral providers of mental health assistance in the area. hard pressed to find a better library in the state let alone the country. maybe your own personal library is 2nd to this but i highly doubt it. not only is the history prevelent but the staff and opportunities are endless. tought i would square up the yelp average.

Small venue, but very helpful staff, and decent selection and variety of materials as well as…read morecommunity activities and projects make this library feel homey and inviting.

I love it. Very friendly and knowledgeable librarians. Would…read morelike to see more activities for school age kids though.

They got better magazines now and they hosted a great fix it fair this weekend. Perfect place for a…read morecommunity to be itself

Sorry that Wheelock is still closed for a while, and happy to see that it will be back in business…read morenext month. I've been a fan of this branch since I moved to the area about 7 years ago. Great staff with helpful attitudes, quick responses to requests for information and for guidance on how to navigate the online requests for "holds", etc. Looking forward to seeing and inteacting with them again soon. Thanks, Wheelock, for being there. And Best Wishes on your return in June.

Maybe it is a coastal thing. Maybe it is a Washington thing. I realize full well that I will be…read moregoing through regional culture shock as to things are done coming from Colorado and maybe getting a library card may be one of them. Acquiring library cards seem to be increasingly more complicated to get even back in Colorado. I had library cards in Fort Collins and Denver for a number of years and maybe being a long time holder I might have escaped the complications. When I got a library card in another Colorado town they wanted to see a bill with my address on it. My monthly car insurance bill was good enough. But to get a library card out here in Tacoma it is more difficult. Someone said getting a library card here in Tacoma is harder than applying for a credit card. That is no joke. I have been to two library locations trying to get a card and the library on 7001 6th Ave. I was told to get a library card I had to present a utility bill with my name and address on it. Well, Steven's name is already on that. At this first location I was told that a valid Washington ID and the utility bill was the ONLY way to get a card. I went to this location and the receptionist mentioned that there were a handful of other bills besides the utility bill that they would accept but again I needed a Washington license. Someone said that they had an out of state license and got a library card in Tacoma but they had difficulties but eventually got it by applying for it online. This person was renting out a subleted house so no utility bill was mailed to his name here. So I applied online and have not gotten any response. Not even a "We are sorry. We cannot process your request at this time." And that has been two weeks ago. It is implied that the Seattle library may be just as hard as Tacoma. Is the entire west coast this way? The only way right now I can check out a book from the Tacoma Public Library is to borrow my friend's card. Sorry if that is not proper protocol but I guess you will have to deal with it. So is the entire West Coast this complicated to get a library card? Please let me know fellow Yelpers. I don't often check out books from the library because I am a slow reader and have to return the book before I can finish it. Sometimes though I just want to check out a book and not have to go buy it. Besides checking out books there are other items I like to utilize at libraries...but you need a card. In this day and age where libraries and literary groups are trying to get people to read more and are on a star crossed lover search for the next Harry Potter series to encourage more reading one would think getting a library card would be easier. P.S. I do have bills coming to my present Tacoma address, it is a bill for my phone and car insurance. I am working on getting a Washington state license. By then it may do no good because they will probably run background checks, credit reports and want your annual income in order to check out a book. P.P.S. The receptionist did issue a internet card for me which was a step in the right direction.