Cozy local branch of Seattle public library. They have a really cool section by the front that has free books that don't need to be returned. This is a great spot to hang out if you need to kill some time or get some work done in downtown Ballard. It seems pretty full all the time with some folks. Just trying to get out of the rain or snow read more

The desk librarian was so helpful and with out hesitation brought me into the library system again . I love all the folks and the building does a lot for our community and we are lucky to have people to help with resources and encouragement. Thank you. read more

If I had more free time, I would be here more often. But I sometimes pick up my holds and return my books here. Librarians are often shy but they are helpful when you ask. The hold shelf is located on the right end of the room when you enter the library. It's a small library but it uses the space well so it doesn't feel cramped. It's nice how they're open seven days a week - I'm used to libraries being closed on Sundays in Queens but I was saddened to learn recently that all NYPL branches that had Sunday services now have to shut down on Sundays because of budget cut. I hope that can be reversed in the future. It seems like SPL is going strong so that is good. read more

It has been some time. I used to go here regularly as they have a very large selection an dhad friendly librarians. During covid this branch was open on a limited schedule but kept many of us in books. Thank you. There were several times, however, one must chalk it up to stress-- people yelled library patrons; changed policies; couldn't explain info. It is hard to want to return as those experiences were my last ones there. In addition the site where we lined up was at times bordered by tents from homeless who at times made me feel scared. I do hope to return. read more

Clean and spacious, this library offers ample computers, reading books, study rooms, comfortable seating, and plenty of toys and books to keep little ones interested. Storytimes are offered weekly (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) in a room up front with expansive street-facing windows. Staff are friendly and helpful. Items held for you can be picked up easily in the holds area, to the right of the information desk. read more

Did a quick swing into this library branch with a friend. It's a medium sized library, everything was clean and tidy. My friend found the book she wanted straight away, did self-checkout and we were in and out in less than 10 minutes. BRAVO! Love having the self-checkout option at the libraries here! read more

There's always some old fart snoring on the couch but that aside, this is a great library branch location.

Nice library in the heart of Ballard. Was trying out the connection of my new Wi-Fi iPad so I popped into here. The iPad connected wonderfully to this location. I even sent my first check-in from here. The library is just one tenant in a multi use building. There is a parking garage here too which is great for the neighborhood. Though the library seems a little bit small. It does remind me sort of, the Capitol Hill location because of its compactness. The space is comfortable though with plenty of seating. Can not critique the library collection found here though since I did not really peruse. I will say that they have good Wi-Fi here. read more

People in Seattle should be thankful for all the elegantly designed, modern public libraries. Our Ballard location is streamlined and sexy and right in the thick of Ballard's action. The staff are super helpful and always available. As a bonus there is underground parking that is free, if not a little tight to maneuver through. This branch is frequented by many members of the homeless community so sometimes the lobby can be a bit tricky to get through but the staff are very respectful and thoughtful to both these folks and library users. I am proud of our city for maintaining so many pleasant, hospitable free spaces. read more

New, clean and quiet. This branch is bigger and more comfortable than a lot of the other branches. Free WiFi an lots of tables with outlets. read more

Seattle Public Library - Ballard Branch - Library - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Awesome library. I walked in and was blown away at how many selections there were for various genres. The children's section is huge and I like it because it has 4x the book options than Queen Anne location. Convenient parking garage, and spacious library. Staff is nice and there are couches everywhere, computers and tables around too. Definitely am impressed with this library! read more

Ballard Branch of The Seattle Public Library is having a re-opening ceremony Tuesday, June 21 (11am-1pm). Dante's Inferno Dogs is giving away FREE hotdog lunches to the first 100 children who show them their library card. The library closed for construction in May 2016. It is now reopening after its remodel. http://www.spl.org/locations/ballard-branch/bal-events-at-this-branch?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent&eventid=119453391 read more

From the grass roof to the clean architecture, you'll be hard pressed to find me ever giving a library any less then five stars. The secret of this little gem however are the lecture series. I've been to three so far on varying subjects and each one has been thoughtfully constructed and highly informational. I'm not ashamed to admit it however... this entry is just a pathetic attempt to get one more review closer to my 100 review mark! Please... like you didn't know Yelp was addictive and competitive? read more

Ballard is my favorite neighborhood of Seattle. Yes, it can be crowded, but I still get a smaller town feel when I walk the avenues here. Now if you're walking the avenues north of Market, you may come across this cool-looking structure: The Ballard Library. With it's artistic and eco-friendly design, this building makes you cool by association. This building will make you wanna do some book-learnin'! I don't have a library card here, but I walked around after using their low/no water restroom. There is a cool exhibit in front which covers many of the state of the art features of this space. One of the cool things I liked was the periscope inside which lets you look at the living garden roof. Places like this are why Ballard's the bomb. read more

The Ballard Library is awesome, and my favorite of all the Seattle libraries (okay, I haven't been to every one, but I've been to many). I've been a regular long enough that the staff know me (Holla!) and they look out for me if I've got a giant pile of books on my lap and no Handsome Gentleman to help me out. When I was in architecture school, I chose this building to study, and I made a SketchUp model of the entire building, although I only had to draw the floor plan. That's love, I tell ya. The SPL system is an amazing library system, and if I die without any benefactors, they're getting all my money. read more

I wish this branch was up back in the day when I lived in Ballard! No matter, I still go there from time to time. The design of the building was one of the first that I really turned my head at. I mean, it's a library, right? The "green" roof is what turned my head. I wish I had plants on top my roof (I'm just sayin'). This branch is peaceful and great for all ages! Whether you're in a meeting room, there for children's story time, or just looking to pick up some books, it seems like there's something for everyone. Staff members are friendly and super helpful. Oh! Did I mention the FREE parking garage? Who would have thought that somewhere in Seattle, there would be a free parking garage at a government building. Awesomeness! read more

Step One: Go to the web site with the book and author's name copied from Amazon or wherever. Step Two: Find the book, reserve it with your card # and PIN. Step Three: After they email you, go after work and pick up your book. Step Four: Go across the street to the commons area, lay back and read. read more

What a happy, modern little liberry. I got my Seattle library card here, and I'm glad I did. The info desk was about 5 feet from the catalog computer which was 5 feet from the checkout desk, so I completed the whole process in under ten minutes. I've also never signed up for a library card electronically before - when did libraries get so digital? Does it have to do with Obama? I haven't checked out books from this location yet, but it was a pleasant modern local library with an intuitive layout, so I'll definitely go back. On the plus side, if you can't find your book here it's a quick drive to the nubbin-sized Wallingford library. read more

I got kicked out at 4:58pm on a Sunday. It was a little surreal. Toys "R" Us is open later than that. I know most Seattle city libraries close at the same time, it really would've been nice to stay an hour or two longer. Last I checked, our libraries aren't places to worship. Anyway, the branch is a huge improvement from the older one. It's comfortable, modern, and surprisingly quiet. It's not the closest branch to me but it's an alternative should the occasion ever arise to enjoy some alone time in a quiet place filled with an excellent selection of books and multimedia. read more

Neat, thoughtful design. The men's room.... ehh, *cough*.

This library would be perfect to hang out in if they didn't place the only comfortable seats in the ENTIRE LIBRARY in the teen zone, which is supposedly an off-limits to adults on weekends and evenings (aka: when we can actually go to the library). Seriously? read more

This library looks very nice at first. You know the kind of place you could be lefty alone and not not harassed.

It's great! I love this library. I've been pleased with SPL as a whole and their online system of reserving and managing holds. I use the library heavily and have never had a problem. Kudos for having an actual parking lot! Sometimes you have to wait for a spot here, but it's worth it to park for free. read more

I went in and was looking for a map of Ballard so I could plan some walks. The staff was so helpful. I love that I live so close to such a great library. read more

Ballard Public Library is a beautiful building with an airy atmosphere, and I can usually find a few good DVDs and books here. Unfortunately, their selection is quite limited, so don't expect to walk in here with a specific list and find what you're looking for - best to reserve the books and movies ahead of time and pick them up. On Sunday, they don't open until 1pm, which seems a bit late to me. Oh well. Furthermore, most times I come here the public is a bit unruly: loud old people on their cell phones, scary homeless people ogling instead of reading, and energetic children weaving about the aisles. Sometimes, though, the reading areas are quite pleasant. Overall, if you are in Ballard I would recommend stopping in for a browse, but otherwise, pick up your holds and walk to Verite Coffee or somesuch shop. read more

I have a thing for libraries. And books. And when Ballard Library went green I was ecstatic. Although it took some time to go wireless, I forgave them. It's an awesome design and there's a lot more space to be in the library (Ballard folks tend to go and read and hang out like it's a cafe!). I know it's a bit impersonal, but I love the self-check out...and I think the librarians are even nicer because they can focus on other stuff besides checking my books out. read more

I love the Ballard library. Pros: *Free parking *Great book selection *Helpful staff *Clean *Great location I'm a fan. read more

Ballard Library tends to be an "in and out" experience for me. On purpose. Maybe this is because I often have children with me. You would think that the public library would be just the place to bring your youngsters on a cloudy or rainy day to read and delve into the fantasy world of books neverending story style. Yet, I have no desire to bring my kids there. This is why: 1. Seating in the children's area is about as comfortable as on a grey hound bus station floor. I dare you to make yourself comfortable! 2. There is no real separation of the children's area from the rest of the library, and it is difficult to be with children without feeling that you are invading the ears of adult patrons, who often have unfriendly scowls. 3. This is a magnet-hangout for many transients 4. There is about the same space dedicated for the children's computers as there is for the children's books. 5. Even if you wanted to read a book to your kid on the uncomfortable wooden benches, you might have trouble finding space if there are more than 4 other adults or children in that area. What I do like: Easy to place holds online/pick up Easy self checkout Nice underground parking Several bike locking options Nice central location Staff helpful read more

A charming branch library. The grass-covered roof and modern architecture are an exciting find. If you don't live in Seattle, they will give you a guest pass for the internet computers. You can even print for ten cents a page. read more

I love the Seattle Public Library. I often place items on hold and use the library's app and email service to see when they are available to pick up. The app is also nice because it saves a copy of your library cards barcode which you can use to check out materials should you not have your physical card handy. And I love that instead of scanning your books you need only place them on top of the reader and it scans three or four at a time. The staff is friendly and helpful should I have any questions. The Ballard branch itself is beautiful! Its architecture is stunning and modern. It also has free parking in a garage beneath the library for use while you are patronizing the establishment. Be careful not to tarry elsewhere because their signs don't lie: parking closes at the same time as the library and your vehicle will be locked in for the night. All in all, I love this place. I have yet to visit any of the other branches so I can't speak to their building/parking but The Seattle Public Library is definitely my favorite library I have ever belonged to! read more

It's a library, it deserves 5 stars no matter what. The Ballard location is part of the Seattle Public Library system, but is one of the small branches. Even though it is smaller, it feels larger than it is due to its modern glass architecture, with high spacious ceilings. They don't have numerous copies of everything... but if they don't have it they can locate it for you at another location or hold it for you. Oh, and they have these awesome suspended seating outside! PEOPLE WILL READ AGAIN!!! read more

Seattle Public Library - Ballard Branch - Libraries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Rad. So clean. So easy. They have restored my faith in humanity with the new Ballard Library. Friendly librarians help you if ever you need it (I did, trying to figure out how to print something). It's eery how they are just there when you need them. read more

I love the Ballard library. I almost always put books on hold through the online catalog, so it doesn't matter that the library is on the small side. The people working there are always friendly. There are 4 checkout stations that are do it yourself. Sometimes people that aren't computer friendly take forever. They don't realize that you can just stack the books on the sensor right on top of each other. Instead that meticulously place them on the sensor pad so they don't touch. SO frustrating. Sometimes parents let their kids punch in their pin number, or check out the books. Again, SO frustrating because it ends up taking forever in line. But otherwise, it's a lovely library, and the only one I use. read more

This is a great library. I only wish the people using the computers smelled better. They have story time once a week (Wednesday's at 10 I think) which is great if you have toddlers. It seems like a lot of...displaced people hang out there. I don't know if they are homeless or just grungy. I guess it's a public place so that's cool. Kind of awkward for the kiddies though. read more

This is a wonderful little library, so modern and inviting in architecture. My husband and I frequently take our daughter here and hang out for way too long sometimes in the kids' area, which is flooded with natural light from gigantic windows. The librarians are usually friendly and helpful. The best thing about the Seattle libraries, however, is the ability to put any book on hold over the web and then pick it up at your branch. For a voracious bookworm, this is the coolest thing ever! read more

The Seattle public library system has some of the coolest architecture of any city I have ever seen. I'm so lucky to live in Ballard which is the home to one of the coolest lil libraries I have ever been in. Each weekend I make a trip to this funktastic joint and it's always a pleasure. read more

Could libraries be any cooler? I love that I can get here within minutes of my house... walking. Then I can reserve books from all over king county, and usually receive them within a week or two. Free movies, books, C.D.s... yay! I also love the green roof, and information posted about it. And I love their special events. My son is a huge reader and one of his favorite authors was there to talk about his series, Pendragon, I can't believe how excited my son was! I think it's great for a local library. read more

Very convenient parking underground immediately adjacent to the building. Open airy interior with lots of natural light. Good magazine/periodical selection. Lots of table seating which I prefer but even so can be crowded at times. Generally a marvelous library and a great resource for the neighborhood. Highly recommended! read more

The librarians are fantastic and you have to like a library with 'green roof' and a periscope!

I differ from my reviewers on this one. Good qualities: ideal location hours roof unlike any other lots of bicycle parking right across from drug store and grocery store and skate park great staff Rolling Stone on reference Whats wrong: unbridled noise from depository racket crazy users on internet access PC's bloodied teen works his wound while online patron with mini poodle on his lap a distraction frequent vocal disagreements over PC reservations weird HVAC ventilation drone hard on the ears frequent breaches of non cell phone policy by ignorant patrons feels like I am in a dark cave picked over movie collection, always If you can get by all these issues, Ballard is for you. I will always find Greenwood Branch with its daylight and views a far superior library for this persnickety patron. And thats about it. read more