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Cleveland Park Library
Rating Details »
3310 Connecticut Ave NW
(between N Ordway St & N Porter St)
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 282-3080
(between N Ordway St & N Porter St)
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 282-3080
- Nearest Transit:
-
Cleveland Park (Red)
- Hours:
Mon. 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tue. 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wed. 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Thu. 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8 reviews for Cleveland Park Library
Love the Cleveland Park Library! It is so much nicer and has a much more personal feel than the MLK (main) branch, where I used to go on occasion. It actually reminds me of (a smaller version of) my hometown library. I've been borrowing books, movies, and music from here on a regular basis since I moved to the Van Ness area last summer. I usually stop in at least every other week. It definitely has a strong "neighborhood" vibe, and a good selection of materials despite its somewhat small size. The library is clean, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and materials are easy to find. The ceiling/lighting was redone a few months ago, a much-needed update (previously, the interior was kind of dark and dingy).
I've found that they often have new/recent books in-library, but you can easily place a hold online (so long as you have a library card), which I often do. Also, the online "My Account" is a great way to easily keep track of due dates, hold requests, etc., and you can also renew materials online. Even for new/very popular materials, usually the wait is just a couple weeks at the longest. For example, I got the latest Dan Brown novel just a week or so after it was first released. Same with the new Audrey Niffenegger novel. I think the longest I've had to wait is about a month (so far), for the second Stieg Larsson novel, which is obviously very popular, but I'm slowly inching toward the front of the queue!
Personally, I think the public library is an easy way to access most or all of the books, movies, music, etc. that you want without having to spend money at the bookstore or on iTunes. So long as you're patient (trust me, I know this can be hard at times), I think you can always or almost always get what you want from the library. And since the DC public library system is so large, there's a good chance it'll have what you want, even if you have to place a hold (and wait a bit) to get it. So far this year, I've bought just one book (new novel by James Rollins, one of my favorite authors - I couldn't resist - bought it the day it came out), but because of the library, I've essentially been able to read/watch/listen to everything I've wanted to. By the way, about a month or so after I spent $20 on said book, I saw it on the new fiction shelf at the CP Library!
Last, I recently went to the annual fall book sale here, which I believe is sponsored by (and benefits) the Friends of the Cleveland Park Library group. I got there before the doors opened, and there was already a line outside! The selection and prices ($0.50 soft cover, $1.00 hard cover - at least for fiction; also, toward the close of the second/last sale day, prices were 1/2 off) were phenomenal. I got some great books (including essentially brand new-looking recent fiction paperbacks) and probably didn't spend more than $10 total! I *think* they have a similar sale in the spring. Definitely worth checking out!
PS: It's too bad that Cleveland Park (and all the other neighborhood libraries) are now closed on Sundays, but if that's what it takes to keep them open (and for people to be able to keep their jobs) the other six days of the week, I'll take it!!
The facility itself is a bit blah, although they have recently touched up the place with new lighting. It has a nice neighborhood-y feel to it as it is much more personal than the flagship MLK library. The librarians know their stuff and have been working there for a while.
I absolutely love the two children's desk librarians. Not only are they well read but they go out of their way to help you and can recommend excellent books that are not heavily marketed. Honestly, without their help or my own background research prior to a library visit, I'd be at a loss over what books to choose for my child. It is surprising how many awful children's books are published each year. Moreover, unlike other libraries within the DC system (I'm familiar with MLK, West End and Georgetown) they have an entire bookshelf with multiple copies of books they have recommended for each age group. I applaud such an effort.
The children's librarians are extremely welcoming and remind one of another era.
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I love the CP library. It's perfectly cozy, and so bright with the new lighting! The staff is very friendly once you get to know them - particularly the reference librarians, who have been great.
Library wi-fi is nice and fast, and of course free.
It's a particularly good library for kids - a beautiful children's section, with computers, activities, and a great neighborhood feel. Just check out the stroller parking on a weekday morning!
I go here to work quite a bit, and I always get a lot done.
I am a bit sour with this library location. This is about a mile from my place so I assumed it would become my library of choice. I am not so sure. Granted I have only been twice (one to get a library card, the other to attempt to pick up a hold).
My qualms about the library are from the second visit. I recently joined a book club and our first read is the ever popular "The Elegance of the Hedgehog." Personally I don't like purchasing books, especially ones for $15 unless I know I absolutely love them (yea I know, why the hell am I in a book club). I thought everything would be ok when I put a hold on the book on disc version. I placed the hold online, which is quite convenient if I can get the correct login information, and I waited for that e-mail saying it was in the library.
That day came the 25th, a day I was unable to make. I called back on the 27th to see if it was still on hold and if they can hold it for one more day since they were closing before I could get there, but I could definitely make it the next day to pick it up. "Sure, we can do that!"
Wrong. I walked in the next day to find out that they removed the hold and it was gone. They say library policy is they are unable to hold longer than initial hold date, but why tell me it is ok one day and tell me no way the next? Also, when you are telling me this, don't act like I should have known this and the fact that the CD is gone is my fault.
I will give them the benefit of the doubt (especially since we just picked our second book) and try again . Maybe they just have a problems with holds? i haven't had a chance to really peruse their sections or take advantage of the "cozy" feeling.
Fool me once, shame on you Cleveland Park Library fool me twice and I will not be happy.
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I am often at this library tutoring and rarely check out books so I can just comment on what I have observed. I wanted to write this review because the library underwent a renovation in August. It is much brighter and feels cleaner in the library. The tables were polished as well. I assume they cleaned the disgusting bathrooms as well.
The staff, from what I have seen, is very nice and always helpful to patrons who need help with the computers or finding a book. It is not a large library, but they seem to have ample selection. Also, as someone else mentioned, they have book sales and even free books from time to time. It really feels like a community library.
This review is long overdue. I love this library b/c it's so cozy. There's nothing like going to the library on a rainy day and exploring the shelves (it's small, though, so exploring doesn't really take that long...but it works for me!)
The best thing about DC libraries in general is that reserving books online is quick and easy and you never wait too long. The longest I've waited for a book was two days. You can even renew online which makes life so much easier. The people who work at the desk are really nice and don't make those judgmental faces that some librarians make when I check out chick lit. Ok, so he laughed at me once, but that was only b/c my eyes got big when I saw that "Everyone Worth Knowing" was over 300 pages. I was like, "Phew! This is a long one!"
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Book sales! That is the most important thing to know about the Cleveland Park library. Two or three times a year, they have massive books sales where they sell hundreds of books for very little money, like $5, $1, or even free! I went to a sale last fall and got several good books for free, including a history of the New York Times and a biography of Michael Dukakis.
They have some community programs like weekly children's films, monthly book clubs and volunteer activities. I spoke to Donna at the information desk, who was very helpful and informed me that the next book sale was scheduled for September 26-28, 2008. I always see children entering and exiting the library so it's a family-friendly place. However, there is a bus stop right in front which results in occasional street characters.
Location: Connecticut & Macomb NW, 1 block south of the Cleveland Park Metro stop.
Note: The website is in need of updates, so call for the most accurate information.
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As the child of a librarian, I've got to say that I still think this library is so weird. That said, I live less than a block from it, so I stop in a lot.
Stepping into the CP Library is basically like stepping into a time machine. It feels like 1992 in there, like they haven't quite gotten the hang of technology. They still stamps books out, the librarians have no idea how to use the wifi, they have about a thousand VHS titles & approximately seven DVS, they often lose materials that are supposed to be on hold for you...
But this library has a certain charm, too. It's teeny tiny, but it's very friendly with a middle-of-the-neighborhood feel. You know, it feels like a hometown hub. It's a nice change of pace form the rest of D.C. They have books for sale for 50 cents in one corner; a goldmine of free magazines in another. The librarians sometimes waive your fees if they're feeling friendly, and there are, of course, always a bunch of super-cute kids around.
If you really need to get something in a hurry, go straight to MLK, but if you've got time to meander and let your D.C. life feel a little bit more small-town, the Cleveland Park Library is a welcome change.
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