Not very welcoming for kids. The library canceled their only weekend story time a few months ago. I used to see a bunch of kids go to that story time then pick out some books, color, and play with the toys near the front. The last time I went the kids area was a mess. Some one had left their vape on the ground near the baby books. The building is very cool but it isn't taken care of. It has a lot of potential but I really can't recommend going. read more

Shout out to Roman, a librarian, for his kind assistance helping me a document on my iPhone printed. Thank you! Your help is appreciated.

I read some reviews saying that it is smelly inside (due to homeless people who linger inside). I did not smell the odor. There were definitely a handful right outside during opening and a police was at the door. The librarians inside were helpful and the space itself is wide and spread out. The library sits above Cedar River. read more

this is a gorgeous library. I love the location and the view of the river. it was filled with so many resources. As someone who advocated for the vulnerable, I was quite impressed. they also had printing and faxing resources there. the staff was lovely, helping me get a card and making sure I knew just what to do. if you're in the area, I highly recommend this place. There was even an incident with an unruly individual, they warmly and swiftly de-escalated the situation in a way that made me feel like I could still be at peace. read more

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Very nice people, beautiful location with a. Kid playground too, They have this big tree stump that I see this big raccoon on everytime I go and I love it read more

It is a beautiful library, its over a river and the interior is nice and studying here is great. BUT, the stench is horrible! I had to leave mid study session because of the horrendous smell! I thought I was going to throw up. I don't mind if homeless people roam around but the smell is what really ruins this beautiful library. read more

This is a pretty library. I just started a library account here about a week ago and the woman who helped me was very kind and helpful. She explained EVERYTHING the library had to offer and answered all of my questions. The inside is clean and open. Not a ton of people were there. You can do quite a lot at this library in regards to printing and a study area. read more

I used to go here very often, but the ambiance is ruined by the smell and amount of people. Though the river view is gorgeous, you have to visit early when it opens to find a seat. read more

I love this Library location, the view of the river is breathtaking. So peaceful. Unfortunately, I feel like out of all the libraries I visit in South King County this one has the least regulation for sound. People taking on phones, video sounds playing from peoples phones. I find it really distracting since I come here for the peace to focus. Today there was a girl next to me on a call with a friend for over 20 minutes... Anyway, like I said, the location and views are great. It's also very clean! read more

This library is by far the worst I think among all KC libraries. 2 reasons: The filled up homelessness issue and guests/patrons not behave themselves by disrespecting others in public. Above all, the way they handle situations really made me angry, very disappointed. Like most comments, people seem all complaint about 1 thing: The stench. However, its been ignored for so long. Old styled central AC is broken, feels like smelling 20 old stogies cigar at the same time after hitting the gym. I am allergic to bad odors, so the only thing to solve it is :reserve a small room where I can be left alone. I would never forget the annoyance I encountered. It was a rainy morning, I had nowhere to sit and finish school's project so I chose to grab a PC and complete the work. 5-10 minutes after sat down, a scary looking black man came around me and suddenly shoved his arm and forcibly took away my glasses! He mumbled" that's not mine, Sh*t" Rudest behavior ever saw! I reported him immediately, wished they've kick the guy out of the building. They said they will, with a solitary tone. A week later I went there again, that black dude still creeping around acting as mental disabled... I made several complaints to KC public services, waited for reply and I haven't received anything, not even an sincere apology. Nothing. Smh I didn't give 1 star is because the various amount of tutorial sources related to my category. Again, RL you can do better to improve this environment. read more

This library is so pleasant to walk into. I have just moved to the area from Jacksonville, Florida and this open concept with tons of windows is really appealing. I will definitely frequent this location. read more

This is a pretty nice library. The coolest part about it, is it built right above the river. Seriously! From inside the library you can sit and read next to a window literally on top of the river. There's also a playground right outside, which is nice when the kids get tired of reading and need to run around. It's not a big library, but it had a great selection of kids books. Bathrooms are clean. read more

Why are people allowed to come in here and sleep or play games? This is supposed to be a library, not a community center. They recently renovated the building and made some classy improvements, but overall the people who continue to visit continue to make it less enjoyable with every visit. I can actually come here just in the late afternoon and see quite a bit of nature happening at this location due to the river and the various predators that congregate around the area. Will come back to pass through on my way to other places, but there is nothing here that really draws me to the library. read more

Beautiful Library with amazing seating and computers! Perfect view of river and beautiful cherry blossom trees

I love the crap out of this library. I come here to study and have a view of the river. Not just a nice view... but a view down. On. The. River. This place sits on top of the Cedar River. Crazy. And relaxing. My favorite spot is in the back corner, back to the wall, river on the right, multitude of outlets at my disposal. Come and love it too... just not on the days that I want to study. You'll have to fight me for the corner seat. read more

Renton Library - Libraries Near Me - Renton, Washington

Great place with lots of options and resources. Do Nguyen: Most interesting Asian Man read more

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I was so excited to come into this renovated library in the evening until I was hit with very harsh smells walking in. I thought it could be water related from the river but it was more likely the patrons. I'm pregnant so I'm very sensitive. I went to the restroom and a man was standing outside the men's room and staring at me going in... He was still there when I came back, and when I left in that 15 min. The children's computer area had the same smell but there was no one there! I felt unsafe and couldn't handle the smell, so I had to leave. With that being said, i think id feel differently if I wasnt pregnant and with a toddler because I was very interested in looking around but likely won't return any time soon. read more

This library is quite the novelty item as it's built over the cedar river. The remodel has really spruced it up and I really like the modern design. Very clean and well lit. Libraries are no longer a beautiful sanctuary to read, they're community centers and that means noise...but it's a huge improvement over Kent's library. read more

I go here with my little ones often... I didn't have any of the issues others are communicating. The staff was nice and the library was clean and in order. There were a few other kids that were running around but the library staff asked them to stop and they did. I feel like when you are navigating public spaces people will be people... read more

We usually come here since I love reading books and also use resources available which we don't have at home. Two things happened, there was a lady ahead of me using the photocopying machine. Seeing that I only have 3 pages to photocopy, she let me step in quickly and allowed me to use her dime. In exchange for that, I put two dollars for her seeing that she was patient and was willing to share precious time. I was very conscious of using the resources and not hog them all to myself so I did it as quick as I could. Next I borrowed two pens because I want my husband and I to finish it quick and be done with everything we need since again, I don't to be an extra body in the library when we could've done what we need to do and not hog any of the resources that are available for anyone to use. So next I went up to this lady in the library counter and borrowed two pens, she was hesitant and I see that she has a couple more pens available. She looked like she doesn't want me to get any of the pens and was just forced to let me borrow one. And then I requested nicely if I can borrow two and I said there are two of us who will be needing to use it. Instead of responding, she said I can only have one since she had borrowed out a lot and emphasized on A LOT. I feel like her attitude of not letting me borrow two pens is more towards my race. Had I let my husband go up there and borrow a pen on his own, I would think she would allow it. Would have gone her way to ask her colleague who was not around at the moment to find a pen so she can let my husband borrow it. I have never felt so racially discriminated. Typically, whenever I visit this library, I would have a pleasant transaction and all other staff are accommodating, but today, I felt it was not right. read more

The staff could not answer my question with using fax machine. "I don't know if you need to scan again if it didn't go through), I don't know if it'll keep dialing until scan goes through". I don't if you can save your document, so you don't need to scan documents." I had several pages to scan each time. It is a plus that it is free to fax, but would be helpful if the 2 staff at desk knew how to use it. read more

I have been coming here for quite some time now ever since they renovated it. I don't even remember what the old library looked like because they did a pretty good job renovating the interior. Although this is a public library, I think there should still be rules that need to be enforced for everyone walking in to do something - whether it be to sleep, eat, or actually do some work. I do agree with a lot of the reviews here that the smell inside can be quite like a "punch in the face." I was working one day and this person sat in front of me. He reeked of BO and just did not have the best or even proper hygiene. I was literally dying from the inside and I was trying not to breathe in as much because of the smell. I was too scared to move because I didn't want him to think that I was being rude. But I mean, is he not being rude to himself for not taking a shower? I'm just saying... Also it gets pretty loud in there. Whatever happened to traditional libraries where it should be calm and quiet. One time this guy was arguing.... with the couch. I am not judging anyone like that as I am a neurology researcher and I actually wanted to help him. But he was escorted out politely so I think that was good. But honestly, they need more private rooms because right now they only have three study rooms. I really think they need more study rooms because a lot of students come here to do some homework or research and it is kind of hard to focus at times when everyone around you is talking so loudly. I do enjoy the view outside as it is on top of the cedar river. It is quite calming whenever I am sitting next to the window overlooking the water. The River Flows In You, says Yiruma. But seriously, they might have renovated the interior of the library, but I think they need to amend the inside rules as well. That's all I want to say for now. read more

Until a seminar and day with Cassandra brought me here this week, it'd been years since I'd been here. It has scantly changed a bit, and depending on how you look at, that's either awesome or it's lame. I lean more toward awesome, myself. I know it's an obvious reference, but I like the 60's Frank Lloyd Wright feel of the library. Lot's of wood, suspended over a river, you get the connection I'm sure. It is such a park like atmosphere, that just meandering around outside is enjoyable. They have all the updates..automatic return and a check-out kiosks, computers for use and the like, but it has such a nostalgic feel. The parking lot is of a decent size, centrally located and a long term pillar of the community. Staff is extremely helpful. Must be that they get such a beautiful view of the river all day. read more

What an amazing Library! The Renton Library is located right on top of the Cedar River in downtown Renton. There is a beautiful park nearby and you can check out books and walk right out the door and find a sunny place to sit down and read outside. Inside of the library you can find a large collection of reading material. The layout is separated so that children, teenagers, and adults can find books arranged by specific interests. There are computers available for public use for both adults and children. The library also features work rooms, clean restrooms, and meeting rooms. That is just a general explanation of the services offered. Like other City of Renton public libraries, they also have activities for kids during the week. As I entered the library today I noticed there was a table set up to help adults with applying for employment. There are many services offered here at the library. The building is well ventilated with tons of natural light that is great for reading. I would recommend this place for children the building seemed secure and all the patrons very friendly. I recommend you check it out. read more

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I want to give this library a 5 star but I can't due to the smell! I know it's not the library's fault because it's public, but man it reeks of bad B.O. There's a lot of unhygienic people that come here just to sit around and/or sleep. I feel like my face is in someone's sweaty armpit the whole time. Because of this, I always reserve a private study room for my group so we can comfortably breath. I recommend you also doing this if you are sensitive to smell. Now for the great parts about this library, it's situated right on Green River and trail which is a beautiful sight to see when you're sitting there doing your work. It seems like this library must have been recently renovated because it looks fairly new. Plenty of large comfy sofa chairs, a few rows of decent computers, really large tables with built in power outlets, 3-4 private study/conference rooms and nice bathrooms. This library certainly appears clean and is very roomy. They have a children's section which I feel could be larger and more designated. They have free kids activities and programs, so there should be a larger gathering area for kids further away from the computer and adult books. The thing I love about this library is that the librarians are extremely helpful and friendly. This library also offers free programs for anyone that would like to participate. The last time I was there, they offered a free java script programming class. That's what I love to see, involvement in the community and others helping others to succeed! read more

I love the Downtown Renton Library! It's clean, efficiently arranged, the staff is friendly and helpful, and there's a beautiful park outside. read more

I've been to the Renton Library several times over the past few days of our trip to Renton. Having not been to a library in probably 5+ years, I didn't know what to expect and if they'd even help me, since I don't have a library card there. I was shocked at what a nice group of people they have working there, helping the constituents of King County. The main reason we stopped by was to research our family, that's from Renton. We went through old 1960's newspapers and were aided in making the machine with the real film work by a nice woman at the reference desk. We eventually found what we were looking for, and were allowed to make some complimentary copies because the printer connected to the machine was not working properly. The next day I came back and was aided by a nice guy at the reference desk, trying to find a street that the name had changed. We got an old map from that time, and then matched it up to the map and found where it was. We were able to find the house our grandfather built and where our dad lived as a kid. Awesome! It was great to use their resources to do some family roots digging. Thoroughly impressed, support your local library! BTW: This library sits on TOP of a river. How many library's can say that? read more

The Renton Library "system" is small - just this the main branch and the Highlands branch. Both have very limited hours - but make up for this inconvenience in other ways. . Easy to use and fast Internet - I'm often the only person on the wifi network - making my searches easy and speedy! . I love the Downtown location. It is the only library (when it was built and maybe still) that is built over a river. Sitting at a large table by the windows and watching the river roll away underneath the library is very cool and very pretty. . The staff are always friendly and helpful. They go out of their way to answer my questions. Because the library doesn't house lots of books they have great inter-library loan programs and have always been able to hook me up quickly. I won't be sad when/if the library system gets handed over to King County - truly a gem of a system. read more

I came looking for a book that I couldn't find at the libraries near me. They had it listed as being at this one, but the librarian who helped me also couldn't find it. It was probably in shelving limbo (which, speaking as a former library worker, does happen often), so she looked it up in nearby branches. Instead of a hold, I asked to have them put it aside for me to pick up. She quickly found a branch, drew me a map with an address and phone number, then got me on my way. It was such a cozy library with helpful people that seem to genuinely care about their patrons. read more

Part of the King County library system. You walk out over the river to get in to the library! Salmon are going upriver many months of the year and can be seen over the edge. Often an environmental group person is there to help you initially spot the big fish, or if you have an experienced eye you will see them yourself. I do not browse the stacks much, but you can order books etc. online and pick them up here. read more

Unlike the other reviewers on here, I had the WORST library experience EVER by coming to this location. If possible, I would give Negative stars!!I ended up here because the tiny Renton Highlands branch was full. I only needed to use the computer for less than 10 minutes to just print out 2 pages! Before I even walk in, there are people outside standing outside wanting signatures for a petition to not close down the branch. Now I understand why! I walk in and stand in line because I tried to book a computer online. Once I walk up, I explain to the lady behind the counter that I tried to reserve a spot and didn't know if I should just hop on one and hope that I wasn't using someone else's reserved or if I should wait. She rudely told me they we all booked up but I could try to get the computer on the end leaving me feeling like a was wasting her precious time... I tried to log on, but no luck because it wouldn't even turn on! Luckily the person sitting next to me logged off and left. So I jumped over and proceeded to try and print the 2 pages. As I go over to the printer, it is blinking that it is out of paper. Like anyone else would have done, I went back to customer service to let someone know. Big Mistake! She treated me like I was an idiot! Stormed over to the computer I was on and started going through everything to re-print. I ONCE AGAIN told her that she just needed to put paper in the printer....as the line of people was forming by the printer since multiple people were waiting for the same thing. FINALLY, she re-fills the paper and WA-LAH!, it works! But at this point someone in front of me was printing 29 pages and I had to wait another 10 minutes just to get mine. All in all, this trip left me with a sour taste in my mouth and very grumpy :( Needless to say, my boyfriend had bought me a super nice wireless printer so I won't have to come back again! read more

Great library in many ways. Great setting spanning the Cedar River adjacent Liberty Park and along the Cedar River Trail (bike it from Lake Washington to Maple Valley/Black Diamond). Conveniently situated not far from bus lines and a bit of a walk from the Downtown Renton Transit Center. Plenty of free parking available. The adjacent park has baseball/softball fields, a skate park, basketball court, and tennis courts. There's a play area too for kids -- swings, slides, etc. Picnic tables are nearby too. Usually not as crowded as Coulon during the summer, with the exception of special events like the free evening summer movies and the Renton River Days week. That's all about stuff external to the library itself, fringe benefits of sorts. Now on to the library... Big kids' book area for little ones and older kids. There is a children's storytime offered a couple times in the week, I believe it's Monday nights and Wednesday mornings(?), and the children's librarian is very entertaining and engages the kids really well. Each storytime has a theme -- slugs, winter time, ladybugs, etc. There's a pet guinea pig too. It seems they get in new books quite often and a lot of the topics are quite contemporary -- online investing, elder care, retirement planning -- but also some fun stuff too, like foods and wine. I generally stick to non-fiction, but the fiction selection appears to be pretty good too. Note: I generally go to this library, so I must admit, I don't have a way to compare to others, but the selection seems to be pretty good. There is internet access available, though I haven't used it since I usually get on at home. It may also have wi-fi for free there too. They also have a multimedia collection that's been steadily growing -- this includes CDs (mostly classical, jazz, showtunes, and 1930s-1980s compilations), VHS (sometimes I got messed up tapes when I borrowed these), and DVDs. There's also a special kids' multimedia selection in the kids' portion of the library. The computers used to search the library holdings are pretty easy to figure out. The best part for me is being able to log-on at home and get books reserved and also get e-mail reminders sent when items are coming due. I think you can also renew a checked-out item from home one time. Staff is generally helpful and approachable. Many have been there for some time, so I figure they must enjoy what they do and also are quite knowledgeable about the library's holdings. The only negatives, which I do not think are special to this library, are the occasional sketchy people who can be found camping out in the far corners of the building, and the other being the library's limited weekend hours. I think the library shuts down around 5 or 6 on Saturdays and is closed all-day Sunday. Occasionally, the weekends are the only time I would have to run down here. read more

Great story time for tots, love the kids librarian. And who doesn't love a library that sits above a river. We love stopping to watch the water on our way in and out. Easy to reserve and pick up books. They also now have an automatic return that scans your books for you that's available outside. Pretty nifty. I love libraries. read more

I was at the Renton Public Library as part of a committee meeting, while the meeting room was nothing special I did take the time to walk around and get to know the library. Filled with books and magazines the space is relaxing and quiet. The resources are limited but what is there are top notch. The space could use additional seating, however any person who enjoys books will surely find value walking the stacks and seeing what the talented staff of Renton Public Library has placed on display. Why not top the trip off by taking a moment to gaze at the trees that surround Renton's literary oasis? read more

Coming from a city that charges for everything including prints and limited to views and resources, this place is beautiful. I understand the resources that are available to the unfortunate, but that's what makes this place more beautiful. To open doors to those whose had doors closed on them makes it special specially at this time where weather is bad. Don't complain if you will not offer them a place. Show love because it could've been you. read more

If I could give you more than 5 stars I would. In a time when our country is being divided by so much hatred, you opened your doors free of judgment and hate to our LGBTQ teens. You provided a safe, welcoming environment for them to learn and be accepted. I know you're getting a lot of crap from so called Christians, but I can't thank you enough for your generosity and good will toward your neighbors. read more

I'm upset the children's area is reduced to a corner. Before the remodel, it was separated from the adult area now its intermixed, which I do not like at all. There are all kinds of characters at that library. read more

It's a great place to hangout with friends or coworkers and to do homework or sit down for awwhile. You can update your Resume and get tutor help as well. The problem with most areas is the homeless population that seems to be growing.You will either come into the branch and see people sleeping in chairs or eating and not cleaning up. Great way to relax and enjoy your time. read more

Having recently moved to the area, I was unaware of this gorgeous PUBLIC building amidst one of the most picturesque areas of Renton. Like many folks have noted, the setting is beautiful with the tress and river that flows directly below the library--you can see the river from one side of the building and walk to the other side of the building to see it continue flowing down. It's definitely unique and worth visiting just for that view. Outside of location, the library is small but they had plenty of desktop computers for folks to browse the Internet and I learned you can print a certain number of pages for FREE! (Considering the cost of printer cartridges, I'm going to save my print jobs and print at the library!) I ordered my library card online and took it in to get it activated (defeats the purpose of ordering online since I waited three days to have it mailed to me and still had to go to the library to get it activated--my husband got his library card while we were there in 5 minutes. Apparently they still needed to see ID.) BUT, the staff was friendly and knowledgable and went out of her way to give a quick overview of library features. All in all, glad I made Renton library my primary. read more

I recently moved back to the area and took my son to get his library card. I hadn't been to this library in years and it seems like there have been some changes and upgrades. It used to feel like going through airport security as a kid because of how the desk used to block the main entrance and how it felt like you had to walk through a metal detector to check out books. I will always enjoy this library because of its architecture (how it's built over the Cedar River) and for the childhood memories. It's great that they are open on Sundays and are a part of the King County Library system and not just the Renton Library anymore. read more