AMBIANCE Reston Regional Library is one of the quieter branches in Fairfax County. As only regional branches are open on Sundays, I decided to visit to to complete some studying. There's two rows of public use computers right as you enter the front doors, and ample tables for reading/working. Being a regional branch as well, they also offer more book options and resources for residents. Although located across a police station, I was surprised to see such a heavy presence of officers in the library (right as you enter and making rounds about the library itself). BATHROOMS The bathrooms aren't the cleanest, and when I visited, men entered the women's bathroom to use as well. PARKING There is ample parking available in the lot, and there's never a lack of spaces. It can get littered (we saw a couple condoms scattered about the lot). read more

Love their kids room here! Tons of books, puzzles, magnet boards, and games for the little ones. They also offer free classes for kids that you have to pre-register for online. The classes are great, but some of the librarians take their role as facilitator of the class too seriously; they're more like dictator of the class. I get needing structure and rules, but it becomes a problem when you can't even hold the kids attention because you're spending 5 minutes going over "rules" that can be summed up into "sit on your bottom and put on your listening ears. read more

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Great selection of self help books and cookbooks. Going to use my card a lot for audiobooks and Ebooks !! Can return books to any Fairfax county library! Lots of parking and huge sections and tables to read and or do work read more

*Sighs* I am giving this place 2 stars only because it is a library and offers free resources.   When I came here it was pouring down raining (see video) but I figured it was only a few minutes from my home and I'd give it a go. I went in for a library card with only an umbrella and a cell phone (ID inside the case). It was all I carried so I could focus on not getting wet.  I walked past a man smoking very close to the entrance outside (gross). It wasn't clear which desk to go to immediately so I stood there for a couple minutes just looking around.   Then finally I locked eyes with a heavy set Caucasian woman, with glasses, and short hair. She, after watching me stand there, asked if she could help me. I told her yes I would like a library card please. She told me well do you have your ID, I said yes I do. She said can you show me, I did. She said is this your current address, I honestly (my mistake) said no but I live right down the street here. She said did you just move, I said not exactly but I have not updated the ID yet but assure you I live in Reston. I went on to explain that the address on the card is still Fairfax county and she cut me off mid-sentence and said she needed proof of residence. She proceeded to smirk and then chastise me saying everyone should have a copy of their registration in their car and if I wanted to go and get it. I looked outside at the monsoon, looked back at her, said I will not go back into that and come back so nevermind. I left the building so upset. This woman was unfriendly, suspicious, persnickety, and utterly unreasonable. I understand that there are rules in place but I have not applied for a library card since I was twelve years old, the address on the card was still the same county, at most she could have helped me and then asked me to verify at a later date.   On the seven minute drive home I pondered what's the worst thing that could happen? Could I become a book thief (would Zusak write about me)? Would I hoard library cards from multiple counties (mwuhahahaaa)? Would I rack up late fees to create a new world record (current record is $345.14....yes I looked it up)? Anyway on top of all of this the place has poor air circulation, a dated appearance, and is loud. The website is as dated as the interior. Go if you absolutely can't make it to another library. read more

Don't come here expecting to print a document of use their Wi-Fi. The speed is dial up speed at best on printing from their computers. So much wasted space in this library and yet they refuse to reopen their quiet study areas. Why they imagine that they need a new facility after not making decent use of the one they have is beyond me. Complaining about their sluggish computer/printers and use of public areas for storage of broken furniture hasn't produced any result in a year's time- they simply don't care. If you would like to see a prime example of your hard-earned tax payer dollars being squandered, be sure to visit Reston Library. read more

The manager Mike Siriwardena is very rude. I hope they find somebody else who is willing to serve people.

I've been coming here for years since I grew up in nearby Great Falls, VA. The library is well maintained and right now I'm sitting inside by a window overlooking some trees and green, very relaxing. I do wonder what the future holds for libraries like this though I do see real value in providing a secular community gathering point and a place for some peace and quiet. The bathrooms could use some love, soap dispensers aren't dispensing a lot of soap these days and it smells. But really in this day and age fast, reliable, and free WiFi is the key and they've got it. read more

I've been here for the past several days doing school work and projects. It could use some tune ups (especially the men's restroom), plus the staff could regulate the noise level better. The study rooms are also uncomfortable; very small and hot like a sauna. You'll be sweating yourself silly there. I'd only come here if it's convenient. There's a lot more better libraries in the Fairfax area than this one. read more

Two and a half stars. Tucked a block back behind Reston Town Center for the criminally lost like me, with a decent-sized (one-way traffic) parking lot for the selection size and seating options. I've stopped by on the way home from work a few times and never had trouble finding a spot. Limited selection; check for things on display if you can't find it on the shelf and it's listed as being there. One shelf near the checkout counter with audiobooks, and slightly redundant section organization. Not too keen on glancing through 4 sections to look for a book if I'm too lazy to wait for a catalog computer. Self checkout makes me happy, though. Can't believe they now charge to look your account up by your info! I remember the good old days when... oops, dropped my cane. read more

I like this library. I like there are some desks and tables with an AC outlet which is handy for laptops or charging a phone. What I like most is that it is possible to use the computers without registering or waiting super long in line. I like the free WiFi for laptops or cell phones. It is very easy to use. I wish there were more outlets. I think the card catalog could be better updated to reflect when items are at the INFO Reference desk instead of on the reference shelf. I think the men's bathroom could be further enhanced. I felt this library really helped me in my business development research. read more

Reston Regional Library - Reference Desk - Libraries Near Me - Reston, Virginia

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This is a very busy branch like other reviewers have posted. The parking lot is horrible pretty much any time of the day when the library is open. There is a nice selection of books. I love that you can go online and reserve and hold books to pick up in the near future. They will shoot you and email when your book is ready to pick up and allows you to get in and out. Bonus if you use their easy self check out line. You can be in and out within a few minutes. I do wish this location had a better DVD selection. Most of the DVDs are super old or educational. I guess I will have to resort to my cable on demand. read more

Yes, this is the closest library for us. They have a large selection of books, audio, magazines, etc. The parking is big and I never had to park outside unless there is a big event going on. My concern are some men hanging out outside who really doesn't seem to be there with intention to use the library. Sometimes you also see them inside using the cubicles just sitting. The good thing is that it is directly in front of a police station. When you drop a book when the library is close at night, it can be scary that you see one or a couple of these characters in front of the library. The men's restroom is also something you won't expect for a library. It is filthy and stinky. read more

Beautiful Library with a great selection. If you are looking for a quiet place to study this isn't it. No one here whispers or even tries to keep their voice down. read more

The Fairfax County libraries are all very functional. Parking is easy, staff readily available and knowledgeable. Easy to find and reserve books that are not currently on the shelves. They used to have a smartphone APP that was SUPER helpful, but it no longer exists. If they reestablish that APP, it would make this library perfect for my needs. read more

I now understand why there are shady characters, people smoking in the front, people just hanging around, asking for change, the same ones that sleep and occupy desks and valuable real estate..the reason all computers are used for youtube and movies and not research and studying....oh, and why my little kids scooter got stolen from outside just by walking in and dropping a book off and heading right back out seeing someone running away with it...the Library is very tolerant and accepting of their neighbor. That building next to the Library and behind the Daycare is a homeless shelter. I dont wish tragedy and being homeless on anyone..but there needs to be some level of upholding the best interests of those who go to a library first as a resource to learn..not to take advantage of the other things. Imagine walking into a community area, a library and having to walk past people asking for change, or the odor of smoke, or having shady looking characters scoping out the place for opportunities if you will...yes I see this all the time...its too bad Reston library cannot provide a more safe, positive environment. Please Fairfax County and the Reston Community, we deserve a better place for children and family and others who want to use the library as they are intended. read more

This was a great library where I did a little studying while waiting for a friend to return home from work and to let me into the house! Open access wifi. Was easy to get a table and an outlet in the floor right next to the table. Truly I cannot complain. Wish they had not closed at 5pm on a Sunday so that I wouldn't have had to decamp to Starbucks and get less done there. But that (library staying open later on a Sunday) is the stuff of dreams... read more

Consider yourself lucky if you stumble upon one of the semi-annual book sales, or plan your schedule around them. Hundreds of people visit the book sales, so it is not a secret. Throughout the year, also, hundreds of used books are available for purchase. There are usually dozens of current magazines (donated by patrons, like ME) for sale, most for 25 cents. There is a bank of Internet stations for use by the public AND free wireless throughout the building. YIPPEE!! The building has many reading stations, big tables, and quiet rooms. The children's section is huge and the branch offers many activities, for kids and adults, too. Dozens, perhaps 100s, of magazine titles can be browsed. The branch keeps the latest year's issues and sometimes more. Kill a few hours or months going through them. read more

I actually live in Loudoun county and I'm SUPPOSED to be using Cascades (sorry)... the thing is, Cascades is always loud and their wifi connection is just terrible. I can't get any work done there. Babies and small children are always making noise, the children's section is huge and, due to the open floor plan and high ceilings, noise travels to every corner. Their private rooms are full from 10am to close and there is no decent, quiet place to get work done. One tiny nuisance is the ever-present homeless folk (there's a shelter next door). Now, I don't have anything against them if they're quiet and considerate, but sometimes they are talking loudly on the phone, hacking up a lung, or talking to friends loudly. I prefer when they just sleep... but then they might snore. It's a public place, they're not going anywhere, so be sure to really scope out the whole library before choosing a place to plop down. If you need to study, talkative people are so distracting. Don't expect a rounding librarian to shush them (because the "quiet rule" seems to be more a suggestion at this library). Bring headphones. The staff is lovely. There are power outlets EVERYWHERE, which is a huge plus, and their wifi always works (and is free!) and is pretty darn speedy. read more

This place is OK for studying; there is a quiet room, many seats available, lots of windows for natural lighting. However, I caught so many ants crawling along the windows, tables, and chairs. I had to move three times to be away from these ants!! Reston residents pay extra fees for living in Reston, I feel bad that their library is full of ants...I know that there is a sign strictly prohibiting bringing food items. Otherwise, this library is convenient. read more

This is a great library it's got public spaces if you want to read or quietly meet with people and they also have quiet rooms especially if you want to study. read more

Convenient location from Reston Town Center across the street after a quick lunch. Now that I'm full I can sit down and catch up on a bit of reading. It is a good sized library with a surprisingly large and updated selection for the way that it is looks at first glance, but with a little time, it grows on you. The bathrooms (like others have echoed) are a bit out of shape and sometimes it is a bit louder than other libraries, but this really isn't too bad. It feels like it has community, so I'll trade in the noise since it is mostly children laughing occasionally or two people catching up over a novel. :) Happy noise. Sometimes it is very crowded though, so beware! Not amazing, but hey, it does the job. :) read more

As far as the area's ibraries go I like this one the best. I think it is the biggest as well. Feels like 10K sq ft. A bright and airy space. The have quite a few books on tape and cd's and dvd's as well. You can usually find a place to sit.....that's my mark for a good library. read more

I am not a resident of NoVa but my boyfriend is, so we go here from time to time. This is a pretty active community library. Lots of staff who are all to happy to help. Checking out is painless because they have multiple people working at the front desk and several self-check out machines. There are also lots of flat-screen TVs, computers, DVDs, and other media to be had. Also, they have a fairly large selection of English-translated manga, which I would have loved when I first got into anime like, 12 years ago. Parking isn't an issue, either. read more

I've seen a lot of libraries in the past couple years, due to my travels. And this is one of the best, at least for getting work done on my laptop. The WiFi is fast, and doesn't block my VPN connection. There are several large tables that have power and room for two people with computers, drinks, and other stuff. I'm not a member, but I can see the selection is pretty good. They have PCs that patrons can check out and use. And either the ventilation system works well or they installed white noise generators in the ceiling, because there's a soft hum that drowns out noise and makes it easy to concentrate. Judging from the signs, they also have an active schedule of special programs. I would say this is probably the nicest medium-size library I've seen. read more

Free wi-fi. Lots of books. Plenty of seating. Has a weird musty odor in there. Not sure if it was the actual smell of the building or some of the occupants... there were a couple groups of loud people that were hanging out in the back area. and these were adults, not kids. read more

I know I'm nerdy and I am going to make my kid nerdy too. But I LOVE THE LIBRARY lol. He gets so excited about our biweekly library visits. Before this visit, he made everyone in the house walk around whispering like they were in the library all day! I will pretty much read anything and I have found my best technique for selecting a read for my quiet time: look at the pretty pictures on the cover lol. No photo, I don't want it. But, it works for me and I usually end up reading about something I wouldn't normally pick had I read the back cover. read more

not bad. between the old people fighting/shoppin for board games, and kids and homeless folks, it gets really loud. I like that they do have a small study room for people who actually need quiet. But the bathroom do get kinda gross due to homeless folk and there are lines. All and all tho I prefer this place when I need a break from the coffee shop. read more

I've only recently started taking my boys (6 and 9) to the library, but I am so glad I did. This one is showing its age, and it's musty with strange folks inside (as libraries can be!) The one we used to go to on Hay Road in Ashburn was bright and shiny. But this one is a true library. Lots of tables whenever we come, not too crowded in the areas away from the computers, where the homeless folks seem to congregate. I like it. It's an old-school sense of community. read more

Staff is super friendly, plus their quiet rooms are actually quiet. Def recommended :) Free wifi. Only reason it got 4 stars instead of 5 is because there is nothing to eat/drink in the immediate vicinity , as in you can walk to get food but its just a little bit of a walk. So, i wish they had coffee /vending machine or something. U r not allowed food in the library but u are allowed a drink with a lid..so if ur getting dropped off, make sure that you get something before your ride leaves. read more

Came here for the first (and only) time to study and get some assignments done for my online college courses. I couldn't stay for more than an hour because of all the shady people lurking around me, and one person in particular (who looked homeless) asking me detailed questions about my MacBook that I was using. I honestly felt like I was going to be robbed on my way out. I ended up leaving and driving all the way to the chantilly library, which feels much safer. read more

Very nice and helpful librarians and greatly underutilized in my opinion! I really like this small library. Need more tables and computer stations as things get busy. There is a homeless shelter next to the library and many residents end up in the library during the day. Sometimes a few of them are snoring or smell really really bad. I don't think folks should be banned or anything - I just wish the library and shelter could supply better care or something? With very high Reston taxes I think better services can be provided to the needy / homeless. Matthew 25:31-46 read more

Keep track of the twice-yearly used book sales at http://restonfriends.blogspot.com/ Self-checkout speeds up things - there is rarely a line to get your books processed. read more

I read recently that this library is the busiest branch in the Fairfax County Library system. That explains why sometimes you have to wait for the book/cd you want to be sent from another branch. I do it this way: if I want something specific, I look it up at home to see whether I should place a "hold". If I just want to browse, I ALWAYS find stuff worth reading. If I can't find something on the shelf that should be there, the staff are wonderful. The bathrooms, well (sigh), not for the fastidious due to the Shelter next door largely, but still, it's better than paying to use the public toilet like I had to in Europe. Their semi-annual booksales (April/Sept) are A.W.E.S.O.M.E. And if you want to get involved in your community, their Friends group is more than happy to give you a place to help! The only reason I say 4 stars instead of 5 is because although it's not their fault, this building is clearly suffering from aging and high usage. It would be nice if the County would upgrade this one rather than spend 1.8 million across the street on the police station/ district supervisor offices. read more

I have been to this library on several occasions. On each visit my impression has been the same, it's very loud, primarily because it is filled with people suffering from severe mental illnesses who are often engaged in very loud conversations with themselves and are generally disruptive. I don't intend that comment to be a judgement against them, it is a reflection of our inadequate mental health system. However, they are there and very disruptive. The librarians seem to have given up any hope of maintaining even a semblance of control and watch as people carry on loud conversations on cell phones etc...there was even a guy whistling on my last visit. In short, if you need to access information or borrow a book then this is a good library for you, but if your intention is to study or get some work done....look elsewhere. read more

I go to this library when I'm on the Reston area, big parking lot, most is good, the only nuisance is the homeless folks that hang around and some areas are pretty smelly or ants on the desks. Sometimes they are noisy but most of the time they mind their own business only once I saw they called the police to get one of those guys out. Not sure if they can do something about it. There is a smaller library nearby in Herndon which although smaller has cleaner facilities and the study room is clean and quiet. read more

These four stars are for one of the librarians I met today whose name I don't know but she was the best librarian I've ever met in my entire life and for the actual wealth and collection of books. Minus one star for everything else. read more

I love this place - the staff are friendly and helpful, the checkout fast and efficient and the system where you can reserve books online and order books for interlibrary loans allows for efficient research and searches for pleasure reading. read more

Three stars rating overall. The librarians who work there are pleasant and helpful and they deserve 4-5 stars; however, the main reason I go to the library is for preschool programs for my son. There are very few at Reston Library (maybe once or twice a month) for kids under 2. Most of the teachers are not that great....they don't project their voices, the books and activities they choose are generally too long for the average attention span of this age (under 2). Ashburn Library, on the other hand, has outstanding storytime teachers! Numerous short activities, lots of music, no lulls between activities....there are no class size limits (as there are in Fairfax Co), and I've been to sessions where there were 25 kids (with a parent) and everybody was having a great time. The skilled teacher kept everyone's attention...she didn't miss a beat! I don't really understand why Fairfax Co. can't invest more in a quality experience for preschoolers read more