Agree with the rest of the reviews mentioning the population that tends to hang out here. It doesn't feel safe or feasible to stay in the library for any prolonged amount of time given the disruptive and sometimes aggressive behavior. If you're a smaller person or look less able to defend yourself, you might not feel safe hanging out in here. Also, if you're smell sensitive, forget it. I really don't mean to sound callous, but a public library is supposed to be for everyone. At times for this library there's really only one kind of community member that seems to feel comfortable hanging around. I don't think this is an acceptable state of things when our tax dollars fund public libraries. I wouldn't take kids here either. I strongly urge the leadership to do something about this problem that many people have now noted. The public library isn't a homeless shelter. Allowing it to turn into one will not fix the systemic issues that lead to homelessness and a lack of shelter space. It simply prevents others from using this public resource as intended. If y'all can call security on a Black teenager that was trying to study in the Children's section and bothering no one, surely you can call security to remove disruptive homeless people. read more

This is an excellent, new, clean, and well organized library in West End. There is a lot of seating and reading spaces, but it smells foul in some areas because some of the patrons are homeless hanging out/sleeping inside. The service desk employee was friendly and knowledgeable and got me signed up for a new DC Library Card quickly. I love that the library is delivery connected to the Bluestone Lane (cafe/sandwich/breakfast spot). read more

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Excellent library. Well organized and the books they choose to highlight are always very enjoyable. It has a central location in the West End as well. It is a bit small and hard to find a table in on weekends. read more

The West End Neighborhood library might not be for book lovers, but it's a nice, quiet place to study or get some work done. The library itself is fairly small, and that's reflected in the small selection of physical books they have to browse through. As a place to study or do work, this library is perfect! There are plenty of tables to do work at, and if you need more privacy there are rooms you can reserve in advance. The long tables in the main hall have power outlets, so you don't need to worry about your laptop or cell phone dying during your time here. read more

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Beautiful new space, but it's essentially a homeless shelter with some bookshelves. It could be a good place to read, study or work, but of the 5 times I've been there there are always many homeless people sleeping, eating, watching videos at full volume, arguing loudly, and most concerning - getting aggressive with other people. And the smell - it smells terrible in there because of the homeless - and the bathroom are disgusting. DC needs to decide if libraries are supposed to be inviting places for everyone, or a handful of homeless people get to make it unappealing for everyone else. At this location it's pretty clear what they've chosen. I would NOT bring children here - not a safe environment. read more

Loved the building, the design, the inner spaces; lots of really good books, reference, resources. It's a real gift from the city to the people who love reading, research, studying. Unfortunately the library is not used as designated - it is more of a day time hangout for transients and people who do not even look at books but come here to sleep and eat. That's not what the libraries are for! Half of the personnel is with attitude. It is unpleasant, unsafe and scary to be there. Won't come again or bring my kid - unless the situation changes! read more

It's a small library but it offers a place of peace and quiet. Since it's small it does not offer a huge book collection but enough to keep a person busy for years. read more

West End Neighborhood Library - Small library 2023 - Libraries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Cosy and quiet, the West End Library is a great place to grab a coffee, work, or read a book. The collection in house is pretty decent and their hold system is fantastic. You can reserve books from any of the DC libraries and they'll be delivered here for your convenience. The library additionally offers free printing, internet access, and regular offers other city benefits. 10/10, love coming here! read more

West End Library is re-defining how we library (yes, can we make that a verb? So millennial of me). It's centrally located in the ground floor of a trendy new building. Keep up with the trend, it's designed masterfully with perfect lighting, industrial open exposed architecture, and lots of open space. Here's why you need to visit even if you don't love reading: 1) It's beautiful. Stop in and just wander. Get out your phone and gram the crap out of it. 2) They have tons of computers and seating to work including private study rooms. 3) There's a conference room that fits 100 people. 4) They have an advanced children's area with a play area and heaps of books. 5) There's a top coffee shop from NYC coming INSIDE the library- Bluestone Lane. Enjoy your latte as you read a free book! West End is one of DC's coolest libraries hands down (that and the Francis A. Gregory Library east of the river). read more

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For as long as I can remember, so probably the totality of my working life, I have liked to duck into public libraries while I am out and about. This is my favorite location for that purpose, since it opened (I barely recall the prior building, which might have been on a neighboring site). My current job, and many before, involves appointments outside the office, with breaks. I prefer libraries to coffee shops, and the commercial space sharing is priced above where I'd purchase a membership. This place has the added benefit of a cafe in the same space. It is perfect for my purposes. My mother was a librarian. The house my wife and I owned in the District had a cozy nook we made a reading room with two comfortable chairs and a pair of floor lamps. That lived in feel, with familiarity that comes only from constant use, is impossible to find someplace surrounded by strangers. But if you are looking for what I am looking for, I can endorse this with the enthusiasm of the sommelier in John Wick 2 (that just came to mind). read more

I came in to collect a rapid Covid test and the service counter said they couldn't help me because I had a service dog. My service dog helps me fetch my anxiety medication, as well as helps me with panic attacks and anxiety attacks. She is certified and the service counter said she does not qualify and therefore they cannot help me. How the hell do I have a certified service dog and they said they can't help me because she doesn't qualify? They are rude and unaccommodating to those who have mental disabilities. They completely overlooked my mental disability and disregarded it. The staff here are ABLEIST and do not regard mental illness as a qualifying disability. read more

I don't know what it was like before, but the old reviews shouldn't count against this library! The new design is modern, warm, and welcoming. A perfect place to study and even get something to eat/drink at the cute cafe on the main floor. It's absolutely beautiful! I almost didn't want to write this review because it might attract crowds but this is seriously awesome! This is my new work spot for sure. read more

It's a small, neighborhood branch of the DC library system, so I set low expectations and wasn't too disappointed. Now, I've seen plenty of bums in Washington Circle at night, but otherwise it seems like the West End doesn't have too many during the day. I think a lot of them must hang out here, because bums outnumbered everyone else almost 2-to-1. This is fine, I mean, I'm glad to see our public institutions embracing everyone. I was a bit distracted when I was trying to e-mail a friend and some bum was standing behind me muttering about how today people are slaves to their computers. Their collection of books is pretty small. They don't have much by my favorite authors. Of course they can get books from the other DC libraries, or you can put things on hold elsewhere, and I'm sure there are other, better, branches. They have a good collection of travel books. Surprisingly, none of the bums were reading them. If I were the head librarian, I'd give them guides to San Francisco, where the climate, physically and politically, is probably more amicable. Their computers are ancient and very slow. The same could be said about all the librarians. read more

There is one librarian that continues to mess with the same group of kids When there is a backpack 5 feet away from us we have to move it; she trys to disrespect us and periodically walks over to where we are to yell at as. She has once told me that she os disgusted by me and that she does not care to talk to me.this is absolutely not acceptable to say to a child even if they are loud. I have been called a liar, loud, disrespectful, obnoxious,and disgusting, frankly out of all people to hear this from an adult hurts read more

WHY IS THERE MUSIC ON? People are talking here loudly; but then again why wouldn't they? They're obviously not here to do any work, since that is impossible with the "top hits" soundtrack playing at full volume from the cafe that's about ten feet away from the quiet workspace. That being said - the building is beautiful, and the employees are all so incredibly nice. Staff deserves 100 stars but I'm sorry, this is a library not a nightclub and I'm giving it one star because libraries are for reading/working in quiet. The coffee at the cafe is disgusting, and I like ALL coffee...so it's that bad. Seriously, if you don't have anywhere to work, be an annoying hipster douche and go to Starbucks or some other chai latte serving place...you may get more accomplished there and you'll definitely have better coffee. read more

Sometimes you get the impression that this is a library/homeless shelter, because the experience there is of having to nearly rub shoulders with sometimes foul smelling library users who are at the computers to play games while listening to loud music. Like more and more libraries, it really doesn't feel like a pleasant place to spend quiet time reading. It is the place to go if your computer is down and you need internet access and live in the area, but expect long waiting times for computers on most days, as there is only one table with PC stations, not all of which have full internet access. Library hours are not terribly generous. This library is too small for the community. Low city budgets really show here. read more

Not a good place to study. There is a cafe attached the library but no barrier door, so you can hear the music and chatter throughout the library. Unless you are able to grab one of 5 study rooms, you'll need ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones to concentrate. read more

The library is pretty small, and mainly only the first floor is where you want to be. There are meeting rooms and kids' rooms upstairs. There are a lot of homeless people who like to come in from the cold, and as long as you're okay with that, they're not bothersome. There are other libraries throughout the city that are bigger and may have bigger selections, but it's sad to say that most are inhabitied by the homeless and may not have the book selection you're looking for. read more

"Presidente" is one of the most famous bums at West End Library. You may recognize him by his thick hispanic accent and his agressive body odor. "Ten million liters of oil!" he hisses, poring over last week's newspaper. He seems to lack any course of study, or coherence of thought, but he is full of ideas. Ask him sometime about "The greatest assasination," and he will be glad to expound. Last time I was there, he interrupted me with this pearl of wisdom: "Writers must be flexible, because the English language is a fluid tongue." Later, he was leaning over the table toward me, whispering about his latest invention -- a security "implant" for laptops -- when the security guard boomed, "QUIET, YOU!" At times, the bums here can be a distraction, what with their conspiracy theories and their smell...but overall, I find these homeless scholars to be inspiring. Everyone here, as I see it, is a hustler: desperate to learn about something that will make them rich or exonerate them from outstanding criminal charges. Everytime I sit down across from one of these guys, I am reminded to take nothing for granted, and to study / write my ass off, lest I end up on the streets. read more

This library is a convenient place for me but to be honest the convenience stops at the location. There are a lot of homeless people that hang inside to escape the elements, they really aren't bothersome and they keep to themselves so in the end just don't look towards the tables and you'll never notice they're there. What really stinks about this library is the staff. They are the absolute worst! I have rented more DVDs from here that have been scratched beyond playable or missing discs (I would only the bonus disc and not the actual movie) which is very disappointing (I check them all before I leave now)... The staff is always unhelpful and if you're ready to check out and they're not to bad you'll be waiting. Multi-tasking is out of the question for them. I've waited numerous times to check out my books while the librarian sat on the phone on a personal call until she finally hung up - during that call she acknowledged me several times but wouldn't check my books out... I've returned books that they haven't checked in to the point where I get overdue notices. To solve this I have to go scan the shelves and find the book to prove that I did return it, on time. This has happened no less than 5 times. If you need help finding a book in the library - don't bother! You'll be better to just try to find it yourself. All but one of the staff members seem lost in the library and they're generally unfriendly and unhelpful. I really despise when I have to go there - to avoid it I try to put books on hold at another library in DC - it's worth the longer walk at this point! read more

I have found that when most branches are out of a particular book I'm looking for, I can often find it here at West End. For coming through in the clutch, 4 stars. Warning: Parking can be hard to come by here so either take the metro to Foggy Bottom and walk it or combine your library trip with a Trader Joe's shopping trip and park your car at Trader Joe's. read more

It's a great study spot but with limited hours. This is a gem for the west end neighborhood. I come here very often as there are always seats available, coffee accessible from the cafe next door, and a relatively quite area to study. You just need to bring a utility bill or something with your address on it to show that you live in the area to get a library card that comes with the perks: borrowing books, reserving rooms, printing etc. though beware that it close early around 5pm on Friday-Sunday. read more

I agree fully with the review by Alaina P., this place is beautiful, clean and bright and beautifully architected; and the old reviews from over a couple years ago should not be counted in the overall rating - this library is totally new and redefined, nothing of the old place (or reviews) exist. Bright and airy, with a bright open feel hip cafe with music at one end, and the music fades into a pleasant background & white noise as you head further into the library end. Live the sunlight and brightness coming through the floor to ceiling windows on one side, warm and inviting on a cold February day, with a hot coffee from the cafe, great place to work and study. Two thumbs up! read more

The Library is amazing, it's clean and the staff is very helpful. The cafe is a nice addition and enjoy reading and getting a bite to eat if needed. read more

This is a review from a first time visitor to this library, so I might not be as informed as people who are frequent visitors. I have spent quite a bit of time in other DC public libraries. To me personally this feels like the best public library in NW DC compared to my experience at Shaw, Tenleytown, Cleveland, and Chevy Chase libraries. Lots of open sitting, lots of natural light (windows all along the long side of the building), and clean. Thank you. read more

V good library. Lots if open seats, easy wifi. Cafe is Bluestone, a big treat to have a nice healthy cafe for library breaks

Horrible. What kind of "library" is absolutely infested with horrible, hideous noise from some coffee shop? Blaring "music" and twenty-something coffee shop babble. Is there no rest, no respite from this even in a library, once a quiet, peaceful haven for reading, study and contemplation? What were they thinking? The West End "library" is a dead-end. Oh and the same crappy collection of books and dvds from the old one, too. read more

So I made my way down to the West End Public Library today to pick up a copy of The Stand (Stephen King--I'm on a bit of a tear) that I had on hold (b/c apparently there's like, 1 copy in the whole of DC including Anacostia). An observation that I haven't noticed upon my one other previous visit: Rampant bums. Seriously. When I was a nanny I would take "my kid" up to the Montgomery County public libraries; the fam lived up by Chevy Chase and it was just more convenient than DC libraries. MoCo libraries are basically amazing. Clean. Organized. Well-stocked shelves. And, most importantly, no vagrants. Right as I'm walking into the library I notice this guy doing some stretches outside the door. He didn't look completely abnormal, not even that dirty really, but, um, as I got closer I realized that...well...he had a giant hole in the back of his pants and was obviously not wearing underwear. Obvious, b/c one of his balls had decided to make a break for it out the back breezeway and say hello to the world. I nearly pissed my pants right there; which likely wouldn't have made me that out of place, quite frankly. Inside, more bums. Which is fine b/c I understand the need to get your read on (or free internet, whatevs). But holy crap. Oh, and 2 stars b/c the head librarian there is a complete and total idiot. Oivay. read more

This is a beautiful, spacious, and well-stocked library! BUT I do not recommend reserving the study rooms if you need quiet (for an interview or if you need quiet to study). The walls are glass in between each study room so they do not block out noise. read more

It's nice to have a library branch in the West End since the Georgetown branch is a little out of the way...but this place is pretty rough. Most days I've been it's basically a hangout for the homeless and the help is...slow. I was kinda hoping this place would have individual study rooms for practice GMATs - not so much. Plus the communal study room ends up feeling cramped because of the aforementioned bums. Adding a star for the decent DVD and ebook/audiobook collections. read more

There's always lots of Homeless People hanging out in there so it's kind of scary and dirty.

In my opinion it is the worst "library" that exists: WEST END LIBRARY - LOCATED ON L STREET WASHINGTON DC. - Inside that place there is a restaurant with music at full volume, many people buy food and drinks in that restaurant and they go to eat at the reading and use tables section for laptops for this reason it is annoying for those of us who use these tables . - People carry dogs (animals) without having any vest to be a service dog for some disabled person and the workers of that "bookstore" allow it and even play with them. - Homeless person go to that place with several large suitcases of travel which reduces the space and annoys the one who walks inside this "Bookshop" - Many people attend that "Bookstore" with their pants peeled and stinking, they do not bathe and they stink of urine is a nauseating smell. - The bathrooms are made a mess tobacco is seen on the floor, smoke marijuana there empty bottles of liquor and dirty toilets. - It is necessary to fumigate that place because when sitting on chairs one is a victim of fleas. - It is common to see the police that go to that place for different problems including Homeless that go to the restaurant. In summary, I would like to know how much it costs the city to rebuild that place that functions as a restaurant, hotel and parking lot for homeless, kennel, dining room, less as a bookstore because a bookshop is supposed to be a quiet place with silence where one goes to read books and study. Finally I would like to know how much I pay to the city the restaurant that works in the city to have the right to operate inside the "Bookstore" that when they hold events close the place and do not announce it on the internet they just close it. The question is this is a new concept of "Bookstore" or a place of events for a restaurant at a cheap cost. Millions of dollars have been spent just to function as a hiding place for vagrants and viciouss, of course they are there doing time until the time they are going to eat at the other hiding place where they eat for free, they give them all free paid and other free services called Miriam's Kitchen (where they go only alcoholics, drug addicts, insane and indocuments) also use the bathrooms to smoke marijuana and enter there with liquor. The question is why the mayor uses the money we pay in taxes to give them to the vicious ones ??? read more

Wow! This is an incredible library. Everyone is super helpful and the new building is gorgeous! I pop by on my way to the metro to find something new to read, and I'm blown away by how cool this building is every time. read more

I brought my girls there for the first time, the staff were very helpful and friendly. They knew most of the authors that we were looking for. The music and cafe are a nice touch they make it less of a sterile environment. Keep up the good work and we will see you soon! read more

There is nothing that pissses me off more than when a library says they'll hold a book for me .... and they don't. So, here I sit, waiting a week ... for a book that was never transferred to my branch. read more

Very well organized, employees are all very helpful whenever I need anything at all, excellent atmosphere. Always my 1st choice!