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Ballard Public Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
5614 22nd Ave NW(between 56th St & 57th St)
Seattle, WA 98107
Neighborhood: Ballard
(206) 684-4089
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 8 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
42 reviews for Ballard Public Library
42 reviews in English
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Review from Julie G.
5/28/2010 15 Check-ins Here
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.Listed in: Not An Addict, When in Ballard
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Review from Corey G.
5/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from briana w.
Seattle, WA
11/27/2011 18 Check-ins Here
I love you guys. Seriously.
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Review from Jenn D.
4/16/2011
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. -
Review from Michelle B.
Seattle, WA
1/6/2009
Things I like:
Books
The Internet
Free things
Quiet spaces
Well designed buildings
Eames chairs
Lattes and baked goods
If they served coffee here and stocked Besalu macaroons then this place would be my permanent home. I guess this is why all the tables have signs on them requesting you to "Please limit the size of your personal items to no larger than 14wx17hx20d" because otherwise this would be a Yuppy flop house.Listed in: Reading Rainbow Seattle…
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Review from Scott K.
12/9/2007
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? -
Review from Laural B.
Seattle, WA
8/8/2006
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.Listed in: Ballard Rules
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Review from Lily S.
1/12/2009
I'm a book nerd, I'll admit it. I am.
I enjoy the library.
I put books on hold with the help of the internets (yes, the internets, w/ an "s"), and POOF! I get a notification via email that my book is waiting for me.
On top of that, it's freakishly easy checking books out.
If you're one of those people that buys books on a regular basis, which I was, stop! Use the library. It's much much cheaper. And you'll use up less storage space in your house...unless you have an actual room dedicated to books...in which case you're a lucky bastard. -
Review from Jon L.
6/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
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. -
Review from Alex M.
6/5/2007
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. -
Review from cathy g.
Seattle, WA
12/29/2008
I like this one.
It's near Ballard Health Club. Parking is a major catostrophe.. yes they have a parking garage. After what I have seen in there I'd rather die a slow death from YELP Elite insults than park there. Too many poor drivers, banging away at the solid concrete pillars; swearing.. not mine..
The selection of books is massive, especially if you liv ein Wallingford and are used to no books being in a library!
There are aa lot of computers available.
The dvd selection is small.
This huge library has only 2 checkout stations.. just liek Wallingford which has no books.
I am NOT suggesting that you steal books because the checkout line is too long and you then have to walk a mile to get to your free parking place.. -
Review from Jena E.
9/15/2009
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. -
Review from Cami G.
Seattle, WA
1/23/2010
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. -
Review from Karen D.
Seattle, WA
2/2/2009
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 -
Review from Lindsay H.
Seattle, WA
8/7/2011
The SPL makes me want to turn off the TV and read more. There app makes it so easy to check out books. The Ballard branch is close to our house easy to get in and out. It's clean and I like the building.
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Review from Carrie H.
Seattle, WA
2/24/2007
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.Listed in: Ballard rocks.
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Review from Daren D.
1/2/2011
Neat, thoughtful design. The men's room.... ehh, *cough*.
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Review from Audra B.
5/28/2010
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. -
Review from Timothey S.
ASTORIA, NY
1/30/2011
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.
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Review from Aaron W.
Seattle, WA
4/19/2010
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. -
Review from Becca C.
Seattle, WA
4/15/2006
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. -
Review from peter b.
Seattle, WA
9/23/2010
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. -
Review from Matthew M.
Redondo Beach, CA
9/26/2010
I only went there once to print a plane ticket to replace the one I lost and to ensure that can fly home. I can't really say much, but the nice old lady there was very helpful when I was trying to figure out how to print something. She wasn't cold like most librarians I dealt with so that's a lot of points! Oh yeah I later found my lost plane ticket in my luggage. Oy...
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Review from Mina I.
Boston, MA
6/15/2007
I love all the great books and friendly staff! love the green design of this building! The grass on the roof is an endearing touch (-: I wander over here whenever I have the chance to kick back and relax - see what's up in the Ballard literature scene. All in all a great little library - check it out!
Listed in: I heart Seattle!, Volunteering & Non-Profits
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Review from Jessica W.
Seattle, WA
1/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hello... Eco-roof! That's all that needs to be said.
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Review from Rob F.
Seattle, WA
7/10/2010
The librarians are fantastic and you have to like a library with 'green roof' and a periscope!
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Review from Brian W.
Seattle, WA
12/30/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Great place to pick up holds with the best roof in town!
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Review from Tammy W.
2/11/2008
I'll admit I was a bit peeved when they torn down my U.S. Bank branch to build the library. It was so convenient! Now I have to suffer the 15th Ave. traffic to get to the ATM, but it is SO worth it! I love our neighborhood library. It is an excellent example of why I am proud to be a Ballardite. Winner of architecture awards, a firm nod to midcentury design, eco-friendly, and modern furniture too. It is a perfect fit and captures Ballard in its modern simplicity.
Listed in: Welcome to Ballard!, Midcentury Modern Mania
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Review from Claire M.
Seattle, WA
6/11/2008
I love all the libraries in Seattle, I can check out motley crue cd's and have them schlepped over to any location I choose. Can't wait for the Magnolia branch to reopen because that one is the bomb!!!
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Review from M O.
Portland, OR
6/7/2011
A beautiful place to grab some great books and music, what more could I want!
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Review from Austin W.
Seattle, WA
10/25/2005 2 photos
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!!!
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Review from Karen U.
Seattle, WA
10/5/2008
For the roof, customer service, and selection.
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Review from Andrea H.
2/13/2010
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!
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Review from Maria C.
Seattle, WA
1/3/2006
The architecture of this library deserves as many kudos as the library downtown even if they are different, and even if it is much smaller it still has all the modern amenities of a good library. People who work here are so helpful and knowledgeable and the place has a great neighborhood feel to it. As you approach the library with its glass and wood and curved roof, I promise it will draw you in.
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Review from Chloe H.
Seattle, WA
2/1/2006
Public libraries are so wonderful that I can hardly believe that they exist in this country. It is even more wonderful to live in a city like Seattle, where we have an amazing downtown library and excellent small branch libraries in each neighborhood. More amazing still is the fact that, here in Ballard, we have a brand new branch. It even has grass growing on the roof, where the birds and furry creatures can frolic...okay, I've never actually seen them frolicking, but you get the idea.
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Review from Latife N.
Seattle, WA
4/11/2006
I like that Ballard's new library has grass growing on the roof. Is it a nod to the old Norsk homes that had mossy sod roofs? I don't know, but my next house will have grass on it. Deduct one star because the book collection is really poor-- there are an awful lot of books like the biography of Ricky Martin and novels by Danielle Steele. But the library is a great addition to the awesome downtown area.
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Review from Miss O.
Seattle, WA
4/12/2007
I go here at least once a week and I just order books and movies from the mothership downtown and they deliver them for pick up in Ballard! Greatt system!
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Review from Victoria A.
Seattle, WA
1/12/2010
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.
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Review from mary c.
Seattle, WA
8/24/2007
great public space.
very nice sound sculpture (audible from outside the entrance).
compelling architecture.
small book collection (but excellent connections to inter-library services).
my only complaint is that at least one of the private study/work rooms should be hirable in advance for a small fee (devoted to charity or whatever) -
Review from pearlmilktea p.
Schofield, WI
9/15/2007
too small... which makes it a bit crowded and noisy.
