Seattle Public Library – Montlake Branch

A great neighborhood library, helpful staff, somewhat limited selection but their is always an option of ordering books/​DVD/​audiobook online and having them delivered to this library.

What kind of library is closed on Fridays?! Sure looks nice though. The location is great to take a bus to, as well, and they leave the Wi-​Fi on, which is also nice.

The LA4 is totally hot.

Don’t know what’s up with all the good reviews cause I think this place is horrible. The books here… Literally almost all of them are books I’ve never even heard of, they have nothing interesting here. The only reason why I go here is because it’s close to my house so I have all the books I want ordered here, other than that there is no way I’m wasting my time here.
One other extremely frustrating things about this location is the hours as well… It’s closed on Friday, seriously?! And most of the days they open at 1. What kind of a library is this?

This branch is truly for the neighborhood. I always see families walking up, kids on bikes and folks walking out with canvas bags full of borrowed items. It’s such a comforting scene! I love this location because it’s clean and the staff is friendly. I always feel safe here and that I can hang out for a bit and flip through the books i’ve requested online. I mention that specifically because this branch is quite small so it doesn’t have the full catalog on shelf.
Check this branch out though, they have classroom spaces and computers too.

I love the library.
This particular branch is so convenient and refreshingly bright and modern. I mostly reserve books here and pick them up, however they do offer a good selection of books despite the small size.
Like others have said, I drive past other branches to get to this one. It’s safe, comfortable, and invites me to stay awhile.
Why it loses a star: really sparse parking and it’s closed on Fridays (thanks City of Seattle).

Friendly, competent, excellent selection. Airy an dfull of natural light from hill shadowed windows.

This is sort of like a pop-​up library — lots of greatest hits in books, CDs, and DVDs, and not a lot of depth. But that’s TOTALLY OK by me – the DVD section alone outshines most of the SPL branches. Shelves are neatly organized, the place is clean, the hours are decent, and I usually can just walk in and grab a handful of titles from each category.
The drawbacks are the lack of parking and the staff that is completely disinterested in anyone but the books and each other. I understand it takes a special kind of person to be a librarian. However, the staff at the Montlake SPL branch take it to a new level, almost bordering on being rude with their social awkwardness. Still, the convenient location and lack of homeless people sleeping inside it often make it my library destination of choice over downtown or Capitol Hill.

it’s not so bad. sure, it’s small and all– but it sure saved my ass a few times back in college. walking distance from my house on Montlake— the staff and librarians are always sweet and helpful. you would think that this place wouldn’t have what you need… but it’s exactly the opposite. this branch boasts a good selection of resources and periodicals. good times.

I drive past other branches just to come here. I love it.
The people are rad and funny, the stacks have a small but strong selection of books, DVDs and music.
Montlake, I love you.

I love my local library branch. It’s within walking/​biking distance, has a covered parking lot, and is a great facility. It’s much more cozy and friendly than the Central Library, which is an architectural marvel, but not a marvelous library.
The holds are close to the doors and checkout stand, and also next to the CDs and DVDs for some quick browsing. There’s at least one good movie that I haven’t seen on the shelves and more great, recent albums than you’d expect.
The periodicals section has most of my favorites (like The Economist, PC Magazine, Cooks’ Illustrated, New York Times Magazine), with the latest issue almost always on the shelves. The window seats next to the mags are a comfortable place to work.
The stacks are tiny, but that’s what holds are for.
I just wish it had longer hours – it’s closed on Sunday, and is only open for seven hours Monday through Wednesday.

This new branch is another welcome result from the «Libraries for All» program that is remaking the city’s public libraries. Though the building is most impressive from the exterior, the interior space is still pleasant enough — the space is pretty utilitarian, but window seats are a plus and the striking wood ceiling adds a bit of wow.
As far as services go, you’ll find all the usuals: public computers, a decent magazine rack, a kids’ section, and the all-​important clean restrooms.