This was my first time visiting a library in Washington, and overall, it was a lovely enough…read moreexperience. The space is definitely on the smaller side compared to some libraries I've been to out of state, but I really liked the aesthetic and general atmosphere--it felt calm and inviting. One of the biggest positives for me was how quiet it was. I spent about 1-2 hours reading a thick graphic novel, and it was genuinely peaceful. Even the kids were surprisingly quiet! Mindfulness from patrons with maintaining low volume is a huge factor for me when it comes to enjoying a library. I was a little disappointed with the size of the graphic novel section though. It's one of my favorite areas to browse since I can usually finish something in one sitting, so I wish there had been more variety. I would've loved to stay longer and explore some genre fiction, but I don't live nearby, so getting a library card didn't really make sense for me this time. I didn't interact much with the staff--there didn't seem to be many around, and one employee I noticed appeared to be on their phone--but it didn't impact my visit too much since I mostly kept to myself. They do offer useful amenities like computers, printers, and copiers (though I didn't use them), and there's plenty of seating along with outlets for charging devices, which is always useful for those needing to utilize their laptops or phones. There are restrooms available, but you do need an employee to buzz you in. At first I thought you had to turn the handle, but it actually opens by pushing the door once they unlock it. The restrooms themselves were a bit disappointing--they weren't the cleanest and didn't have seat covers. That's honestly one of the main reasons I'm giving this place 4 stars, since I feel like the restrooms could definitely be better maintained. Parking also seems like it could be an issue. The lot is pretty small--maybe around 15-18 spots--and since there's no street parking, I can see it being difficult to find a space when it's busy. I happened to visit on a rainy day, so I got lucky. There's also a nice little park outside that I didn't get to enjoy because of the weather. Overall, a quiet, cozy spot to read and unwind, with a few minor drawbacks. I'd definitely come back if I were in the area again.

It was a nice small to medium sized library! It was a nice place to study. The only thing that I…read morewas a little annoyed/couldn't focus on was the fact that it was so loud in the library...kids running around and I know that more so of a parent thing but the kids area is right next to what little desk they did have without reservation. Other than those few hiccups it was pretty good, if you bring headphones or earbuds.

I'm a big fan of libraries, especially theking county library system. The fairwood library…read moreunderwent a makeover several years ago. While it is not super quiet, the overall noise level is respectful of the environment. The space is very open, bright, and modern. I enjoy using the app and online features.

The Fairwood Library is a smaller one, with limited evening hours Friday-Sunday, but has great…read morelibrarians, computer stations, many self-service checkout stations and is very clean. A library card is free! I've been helped quickly on a few occasions without judgment for some of my goofy questions in trying to locate some books or using equipment. This is one of the quietest and the most clean libraries I've been to. They take their time posting ads in the front lobby about community events held at the library and in town. They hold events here like chess, family story time, social workers helping folks with resources, book clubs and master gardening. They have tote bags available for borrowing as well to take your items to/from home which I think is pretty convenient if you forget your own or end up borrowing more than you intended. You're permitted to print in color or black and white from the computer stations on a weekly basis, up to what would be a cost of $11.25 for free. 1 black and white page is $0.15, and 1 color page is $0.50. Once you hit the $11.25 in the week of what you have printed, THEN you have to actually pay for the printing. It's free up to that point. This is for all libraries within the county. You can reserve a computer to use online at home ahead of time so it's ready for you when you arrive. I think that's really cool. Even though this library is smaller and the selection is too, you can go online while there or via your own devices and get anything within King County sent to Fairwood for you to pick-up. The parking lot is large and has easy access. There are conference rooms and study rooms to rent/use and community events. They also have a scanner, copier, and fax machine. There's a ballot box out front as well as a drop-off box but it's in the building, no drive-up drop-off.

Looking for a new book to add to my reading pile, I stopped by Federal Way Library at about 1:30…read morep.m. on Saturday 9 March 2024. The parking lot had two lots that I saw. The first was parking around the road of a roundabout with a hoisted rocks art piece in the center. The second was a lot tucked behind and across from parking on one side of the roundabout. The entrance to the building was easy to spot and benches to the side of the entrance and in the entryway were in use by library patrons. Inside the entrance and to the right were water fountains, restrooms, and group rooms/spaces for different usage. There was abundant work space with table(s) and computer(s). Chairs/other seating was available throughout the library. In the non-fiction section I found the aisles labeled by approximate topic. Looking for something in finance/economics, I found the section in a second row of the stacks. One book on the restaurant industry from an operations perspective caught my eye, so I went with that one. Self check out stations were located across from the main walkway from the entrance into the library. Checking out was straightforward and both the computer and receipt printer had no issue(s). Librarian stations were located off to one side, opposite the side with the water fountains and multi-use rooms, closer to the entrance.

The Federal Way Public Library was a bit tricky to find at first since the sign is partially hidden…read moreby trees when approaching from one side. Once inside, it was quiet and calm with what seemed like a variety of random services available, though I didn't explore them in detail. The children's area is thoughtfully separated, making it a good stop for families. There were plenty of computers available, even on a weekend. Printing is affordable, with $1.50 of free credit per day and reasonable rates at $0.15 for black and white and $0.50 for color. Parking was no issue at all. It was spacious and easy to access. On a sunny day, the lot even felt a little scenic. Overall, it's a solid local library with a peaceful atmosphere. JY review

This is a very cute and new library. I didn't have a problem with finding parking but there's…read moresurrounding areas that you could probably park and walk to the library. There's a little garage with some parking space but could fairly be a little tight. There's a flight of stairs that you will need to walk up to get to the library entrance or elevator available, if needed. I would say that this library is not as quiet as other libraries I've been to. You know how when you enter a library and it's super quiet that even a whisper sound loud? Well, not gonna find that here if you're looking for complete silence. No library voices in here. There's plenty of windows so there'a a lot of natural lights available. I would totally recommend here.

Neat little bright with glasses library with underground parking and lot parking. Two rows of…read morecomputer terminals. There were some rocking chairs (just wished some of the chairs were comfortable to sit on).

Wonderful neighborhood library. South Park isn't the best neighborhood, but the librarians here do…read morea bang up job maintaining an island of sanity and that orderly library vibe. I always feel like I'm in an oasis whenever I walk past or go inside. Unfortunately, can't give it 5 stars. Young children love to come here to play Roblox and other online computer games, and they are very excitable and kinda disruptive. It's a small place, so there's nowhere to go to get out of earshot. Not cool having to use headphones to drone out the 10 year olds cussing at each other. The librarians will frequently come over and ask them to settle down, but the quiet usually doesn't last long. But they allow the kids to stay, which I strongly agree with, so the problem seems somewhat intractable for now. All that said, I'm still probably here like 10-15 hours a week regularly during school, and I love it. Fantastic place to study and vibe, catch up on the news.

I feel so lucky that this is my neighborhood branch--it's the best! The staff is friendly and…read morehelpful, and it's great that there are always lots of people inside when I stop in. They also host great programs and events on a regular basis--a great asset for the neighborhood.

This is a neighborhood library, so a little smaller but they still had a large selection. The kids…read moresection had a scavenger hunt, where if you found all the pictures around the library you got a prize from their treasure chest! (I think the age limit was 8 and under or so) The library is hard to find since it's inside of another building and not easy to see from where google maps says it is.

The NewHolly Branch is a great place for anyone in the community to gather. It is a safe place to…read morefind books, videos, CDs, as well as a space to read, study and work. There are computers to use, scanner, printing and copying services. Check out the great displays that's updated on a regular basis. In addition, there's online programs and services as well via the Library's website: www.spl.org

The library is small and cozy, and I've visited a few times with my kids or alone. However, I've…read morenoticed that I'm rarely acknowledged by the librarian--she never greets me when I arrive, and when I leave, I'm usually the one to say goodbye or wish her a good evening. Interestingly, I've observed that she greets others as they come and go. This behavior feels discriminatory, and it's not just her; other staff members seem to act the same way. It gives me the impression that we're not welcome there. You can often sense people's attitudes and feelings, and it seems that if you're not of their race, you're treated differently. It's unfortunate, especially considering it's a public library meant to serve everyone equally. .

The library is average size for a small community but something about the acoustics amplifies all…read moresounds which is horrible if you're there for some quiet reading. I agree with the other writer that there is some difference in the Staff's attitude based on the customer's ethnic/racial background. Hours are reasonable apart from that they are closed on Sunday and Monday!

The website says they're open 7 days a week. I drove 20 minutes when all other libraries were…read moreclosed and faced a closed sign. Apparently they're open by appointment only.

Such an amazing service! I can't always get to the library in the open hours so having a place to…read morepick up my materials at my convenience is a huge asset. Love there is an area for recommended staff reads and books for younger readers.