Friends of the Olympia Library

We love the library, and especially this one. I have gotten so much help from librarians to find appropriate books for my precocious reader. The librarians are so friendly and the atmosphere can't be beat. So glad to have such a great public space.

Pleasant,nice staff,no body seems to be out of line.Their is a security officer and he is very nice,once again ,I've been there several times and haven't heard or seen any problems. As a library goes you can find everything here to assist your studies.I do wish they would be open until 9 or 10 pm.

So I had a small issue upon arrival, I accidentally locked my keys in my car with my 8 week old son inside. A library employee came out and helped me get him out quickly. She was wonderful. Library itself is nice and clean, staff is nice My only issue.. their all gender bathrooms. The stall doors are cut in half so a man came in and saw Mr peeing. Those bathrooms are there so "everyone" feels comfortable but as a single woman with a newborn, I absolutely do not feel safe or comfortable using those bathrooms. It's just not ok. Can u imagine a little girl using the bathroom abd a full grown man comes in and can see her with her pants for because of their weird half doors???

Well maintained library in Lacey. Good selections and help if needed. New computer self checkout is effective with Rfid tags on materials for better tracking ability. Great helpful staff

It’s honestly a nice place to study, but it has its downsides as well. I try to get to the library as soon as I can, because during the afternoon and evening, it’s crowded with homeless people. I don’t mind them, but some are just camping there instead of letting people who come to the library to actually use the materials. That’s a big problem. The computers are usually occupied and most of the tables are taken as well by the homeless. I get that they don’t have anywhere else to go, but libraries are one of the places I find convenient to study at. It doesn’t help much with the facilities as well. There will always be someone “using” one of the stalls, and it’s even more awkward considering how small the bathrooms are. I’d recommend not using the bathroom, but if you really need to, I guess you’ll have too. Besides all of that, I guess it’s an ok alternative spot to visit < BEFORE AFTER > It takes some time in getting use to the new way the library portrays their materials. There’s more shelves, and the environment is quite better than before the remodeling. This is great!

Staff is very kind and helpful. Do not feel safe bringing my children here. A large group of addicts stay inside the library, I had one approach my daughters in the children's area. They have stationed outside the library aND hang out in groups outside the doors of the entrance. Some are very sick and others are undoubtedly high. I am sympathetic to homeless, but these are not simply homeless people...these are addicts who also happen to be homeless. It is a beautiful library with wonderful employees, but is simply not a family environment. Honestly, I am not sure why no one who oversees this library has handled this obvious health and safety issue. I understand this is a PUBLIC library, but this group is not here to borrow books or utilize library services....other than perhaps the restrooms. It has created an environment that quite frankly keeps the PUBLIC away. It is alarming as a library patron. My husband has even raised concerns to me about going there alone due to having to pass through the group of them even just to enter the library. I hesitated to post this simply because I am very sympathetic to the homeless population. I love that Olympia has such a great outreach to them. It is one of the things that makes Olympias culture unique...however this is a large problem that should be handled. Until then I'll visit the library in Lacey.

Akwayz love going to library also my new card has big foot how can I go wrong

I love being able to use the Libby and Kanopy apps to borrow books and videos. The library is open for limited in-person use. Today, I uploaded a document to "printing.trl.org" and was able to pick up my print at the information desk. The staff are wearing masks, and requiring each patron to wear a mask and sanitize their hands on entry.

The staff is mostly happy helpful and cheerful considering the library is crazy town. I want to love this neighborhood library but I can't because it's now just gross, a shelter filled with books. So I chuck tax $ at it + then pay to buy coffee and work at a Starbucks instead

The library isn't open yet to the public. However, it was nice to go get Printouts after having them sent remotely from my phone. And they also allow people to pick up Check out materials that can be done over the internet.