Looking for a new book to add to my reading pile, I stopped by Federal Way Library at about 1:30…read morep.m. on Saturday 9 March 2024. The parking lot had two lots that I saw. The first was parking around the road of a roundabout with a hoisted rocks art piece in the center. The second was a lot tucked behind and across from parking on one side of the roundabout. The entrance to the building was easy to spot and benches to the side of the entrance and in the entryway were in use by library patrons. Inside the entrance and to the right were water fountains, restrooms, and group rooms/spaces for different usage. There was abundant work space with table(s) and computer(s). Chairs/other seating was available throughout the library. In the non-fiction section I found the aisles labeled by approximate topic. Looking for something in finance/economics, I found the section in a second row of the stacks. One book on the restaurant industry from an operations perspective caught my eye, so I went with that one. Self check out stations were located across from the main walkway from the entrance into the library. Checking out was straightforward and both the computer and receipt printer had no issue(s). Librarian stations were located off to one side, opposite the side with the water fountains and multi-use rooms, closer to the entrance.

The Federal Way Public Library was a bit tricky to find at first since the sign is partially hidden…read moreby trees when approaching from one side. Once inside, it was quiet and calm with what seemed like a variety of random services available, though I didn't explore them in detail. The children's area is thoughtfully separated, making it a good stop for families. There were plenty of computers available, even on a weekend. Printing is affordable, with $1.50 of free credit per day and reasonable rates at $0.15 for black and white and $0.50 for color. Parking was no issue at all. It was spacious and easy to access. On a sunny day, the lot even felt a little scenic. Overall, it's a solid local library with a peaceful atmosphere. JY review

We love visiting this area. FYI that this is a standalone library, NOT part of the Pierce County…read moreLibrary system. The bottom floor is very much kid-oriented with kid's books and a rather large play area. Sometimes the play area is quiet, and other times it seems like everyone in the city shows up with their kids to hang out. The top floor (very smartly) would be better for the adults seeking some quiet time. And although it is not part of the library itself, my kid enjoys the playground and the sprayground in the summer (both just outside the library). There are also plenty of nice food shops in the area, so it makes for a fun outing.

This is probably the best library in the area, based off of the ones I've visited! We came in here…read moreafter playing at the park and it was a great second stop to tire my kids out. First off, this library is huge! Two whole floors, and it's very well decorated and maintained. The kids area is going to be what gets us coming back over and over. It's in it's own area and has lots for kids to play with including giant Lincoln Logs, foam blocks, a stage for performing, a play kitchen, and more. Plus all of the great books! From what I saw, they have a great and inclusive selection for kids. And another bonus.... The library is (obviously) free! This is definitely worth the visit if you're looking for a spot to take your kids that'll be guaranteed fun and not harsh on the wallet. My four year old and two year old had a blast so we'll definitely be back.

Lovely environment and great people, it was so quiet I could get all my work done. I really enjoyed…read moremy visit over all

The staff were helpful, and since I just moved to the area, I appreciated that part. The center…read moreitself is small but neat, and it's very convenient that the bus stop is right in front of the library. I would recommend, I think the lady name is Monique, she's helpful and friendly.

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.

Beautiful library really. Nothing else I could say except that everyone should make this a tourist…read moreattraction and visit here at least once in their life! 10 floors with so many areas for computer work, reading, lounging, etc. I did visit the top of the view outlook and it was quite scary...

What a beautiful library! Such a cool spot and it's huge, with 11 floors. I suggest checking out…read morethe 4th floor to see the red floor, it's so trippy! So fun to just wander around and see all the different areas. I suggest using a bathroom on a higher level.

Love this library; awesome place to bring the little one. It's doesn't seem like much but when…read moreyou're home with two little ones all day and just need a moment of quiet elsewhere; this library is so nice to bring them. This location offer such a amazing atmosphere for him. They have computers that are free to access for the little ones and adults. There was a safe place for him to use crayons and color pencils without making a mess. The location itself is not super big which can be one of the perk since you can see everything without feeling overwhelmed. Their variety of kids books are just so diverse and visible. The first thing you see when walking in is the kids books section which makes it feel super welcoming. The walls are painted super cute and kids friendly. The staff is all super nice and helpful on helping me checkout the books for my son. They didn't mind that my son was yelling slightly even though I felt bad about it; he went to the back counter and instead of telling me to get him out and making me uncomfortable they made him feel welcomed and spoke to him nicely. They asked about his day and offered him stickers. This to me was just such a amazing experience because having two little ones are not easy to care for. Overall, this location surpassed all my expectations with amazing librarians.

Don't go here. Their print preview showed everything as normal I paid almost $10 to 49 pages…read moreprinted and I couldn't use a single page for my court. It's fucking ridiculous and they needed to refund me and they refused. They told me it's because it screwed up. They couldn't give me an actual answer they just kept saying it's goofed up that's what she kept saying over and over with no explanation or elaboration but blatantly refusing to give me my money back. It's pretty stupid because the preview shows that my shit is going to print out normal and that's definitely not what happened so they should've paid me back but nope they refuse. Super great library. Don't go there they are scammers

Wow was this a surprise or what? I used to live in Federal Way and my parents used to drop me at…read morethis library while my mom practiced driving. I did not recognize the library at all after 17 years. If it had not been for the road leading in, the library would've been completely unrecognizable. The entrance has wood plating and very modernized lighting. The inside looked more like a study lounge in a college than a college. The library is still modest in size but was very new and had a lot of natural lights from the windows. There was a computer lounge as well as many study rooms and one meeting room. I have to admit, I almost miss my old library but I can't deny how attractive the new designs were. They have a check yourself-out-station, which was pretty neat as you don't have to wait in line during busy hours. While not extravagant, this will always have a special place in my heart.

This library is really loud so many kids running around everywhere Parents do not pay attention to…read morethem I love this library but I cannot read when it's too loud if you like to read in a noisy area this is a beautiful library for you to come bring your kids they have free food

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.

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.

Super friendly staff set me up with a library card. Easy to find books, a nice wall of books you…read morecan buy! Cheap! I just got back from their book sale and they had a room of books they sold super low prices. Highly recommend this library. (Events for teens nearly every weekend)

I love a good library and this is one I can finally add on the list…read more I wish people gave grace and importance to libraries and the staff more credit because in my opinion they do good for the community. This library is super organized and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful from the moment you walk in til the time you leave. The coolest thing I saw was the backpack you can rent when going to parks/trails that come with a map, binoculars, free park access and so much more. I don't even think people know how much access a library card can give you. Having a library card isn't just for book access. You can rent movies, tapes, computer access, print, fax. You even can have access to free resources such as help with resume, job search, entrepreneurship, business, you name it! I encourage everyone to go to your local library and get yourself a library card for you and your kid(s) if you have any and definitely take good advantage on what they have to offer. The process didn't even take 5 minutes. Even donate if your heart guides you to. P.S. the library card options are actually cute too. Not just a simple boring plastic card. Lol.