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Ballard Public Library
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Ballard
5614 22nd Ave NW
(between 56th St & 57th St)
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 684-4089
5614 22nd Ave NW
(between 56th St & 57th St)
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 684-4089
25 reviews for Ballard Public Library
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.
My one tiny strike mark against Ballard Library is the availability of parking - I get a strange Midwestern shame feeling when I have to park in a parking lot for a store I don't intend to visit.
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This place really surprised me. I love how they have such a large kids area, large selection of spanish language books and really are friendly.
I don't see why anyone would complain about this place, unless they are purposefully trying to just stand out in a sea of greatness. This is the best library experience I've had.
they really need to do something about the creeps who just go there to look at porn. way to close to the children for my comfort. and why have i been on the wait list to get a copy of the divine secrets of the ya ya sisterhood for 3.5 years????? 2 stars cause the restrooms are clean enough..
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.
People thought this was:
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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.
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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
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
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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..
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- Useful (1)
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I love using the library. It makes me feel like a grown up.
It's so easy to go online, request a book or cd and then go and pick it up. Although I don't physically spend a lot of time in the actual building, I do appreciate the facility in Ballard. It's always clean and the staff is friendly.
One time I accidentally checked out someone else's books because we have the same last name. I wondered why I had put economic forecasting books on hold, but heck!, I can't remember all the books I request. Turns out they were for another Meek. Perhaps a slightly more intelligent, yet slightly less charming one.
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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?
People thought this was:
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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.
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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.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
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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.
People thought this was:
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The nasty homeless person smell that saturated the old library has finally caught up with the new ballard library. I noticed it the other day whilst browsing through a scientific american. I actually thought to myself, "Oh darn, that's too bad."
Other than the sweet ammonia reek of ballard's homeless population, the ballard public library is pretty darn cool. Lots of movies and comic books, magazines and help with your taxes. Oh yeah and there are some books too. There's also a bunch of grass on the roof and a strange robotic protuberance that makes noise and flashes LEDs depending on the weather. Good times.
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.
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!!!
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
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!
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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.
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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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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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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.
For the roof, customer service, and selection.
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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.
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!
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)
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too small... which makes it a bit crowded and noisy.
