I went to this library for the first time ever yesterday, Wednesday, September 13. I have nothing but good things to say (except for two negative, but minor things at the end...so I lied, lol!).
This is the only Washoe County Library in south, southwest, or southeast Reno, which is a big area, so it is essential to the community.
The library was cozy and very pleasant to be in. It was newer, brightly lit, with clean restrooms and plenty of stalls. Even a water bottle filler. Wifi was fast, and there were tons of places to sit with a laptop, many having an electric receptacle (plug/outlet) in case your battery drains fast, like mine does. There were even a few large-size chairs. I noticed a self-checkout station, and small study rooms if you want a quieter experience, although it was quiet overall when I went from 3-5 PM. There were patrons there, but not overwhelmingly so. There were plenty of places to sit and work or read.
I ended up sitting in the "Fireside Room" and being mesmerized by a large-screen TV with kittens set free in various rooms or outdoor enclosures to play, lol. It was meant for kids, but I couldn't stop watching. Kittens were doing everything kittens do, like running stalking, hiding, exploring, etc. Tons of energy.
Back to reality: the parking lot was spacious with plenty of parking when I went. There was also an outdoor walking area for kids that was pesticide free and with plenty of trinkets spread all over the place, liked painted rocks. This is accessible from th children's area. There was also a fenced-in outside siting area accessible only from within the library with picnic tables. And there were a ton of displays, from painted miniature trolls to a banned and challenged books display.
The staff was also very friendly, easily available, and professional, saying good-bye to every patron as they left.
The only (minor) negative were the hours: 10-6 on most wekedays (Wednesdays 10-7), with 10-5 weekends. (Note: the hours posted in the pictures on Yelp are outdated.) Many of the libraries I have been to in the Bay Area of California were open to 8 or even 9 PM. The weekend hours are good though, especially Sundays.
The one other negative was turning left from Whites Creek Rd. (where you enter/exit the library from) to Wedge Pkwy. I left at around 5 PM, and traffic on Wedge was non-stop. The Wedge traffic had no stop sign to abide by, but Whites Creek Rd. did. Couple that with cars turning left on Wedge to the library, and I ended up waiting three minutes to finally be able to make a turn. Good thing the cars queueing up behind me were patient. A four way-stop or a turn signal is recommended. I might end up suggesting this to the City of Reno.
The other thing is as you approach Wedge, there is an upslope on the right, obscuring the visibility of traffic on Wedge. I realize the library does not control any of this, but it is still something to be aware of.
Nevertheless, this is a great library. The next time I come I will get my library card too! read more