Kennewick Branch Library

While I adore the facility and the courteous staff, I am sick to death of the noise level. There is a social norm and expectation of quiet in a public library, instead, there are children running full tilt, jumping on the furniture, screaming and talking and laughing and crying at full decibel. There has not once been a librarian who «shushed» anyone. Last night, there were 3 teens talking loudly re shootings, body piercings & locations thereof, drinking, naked dancing on tables, gangs, and being rude regarding racism, etc. they were at the back of library and could be heard all the way to the front doors. People began getting angry & frustrated and leaving. A nearby table of a family of Hispanic children and parents doing homework got up and moved as far away as possible. There were groups there trying to do paid tutoring. We go to the library EVERY week, it is a similar scenario EVERY time we are there. Unless the staff are willing to establish and promote the normal expectations of a quiet, calm library setting, this library will continue to be sadly under-​utilized and nearly empty most of the time. This is a fabulous library & staff otherwise and has SO much to offer this community!

Great selection, friendly staff… Whats not to like? If there’s a book you want that is not in the system, you can head to the website and ask for them to buy it, or mention it at the front desk. Highlights include: storytimes during many mornings for kids, a large computer area, educational events, and free to rent meeting rooms, as long as it is reserved for an event open to the public. The fireplace is cozy, and they receive new movies only a few days after they come out. Make sure to check out the lincoln exhibit, which is there until September 4^th, 2014!

Huge, well maintained library. Nicely up to date and packed full of things to read. Tons of books and plenty of computers to use. Very helpful when it comes to requesting material they don’t have and I can usually either find what I’m looking for, or something close.
I detest the decision to move all audio-​books and movies onto the shelves among the books. Makes browsing through them absolutely impossible, and I can’t imagine who thought it was a good idea — they’re all now spread thin throughout the whole library and squeezed in alongside the books. You can only find one if you know exactly what you’re looking for. I wish somebody would figure out how poor of a decision that was and change it back.
Air quality in there is pretty bad, they should really let some fresh air in once and a while — especially during the summer when things can get even more stagnant.
I’ve gotten pretty sick a few times from library books that I’ve brought home, and wiped them over with a white towel that quickly turned a dark brown, I wish they’d routinely wipe them down when they come back from long stints of being in people’s hands. I guess that’s the nature of library books, but I feel like something could be done to help minimize the amount of germs and gunk being passed around on them.
Noise level is obnoxious sometimes. I’ve mentioned it to the librarians before, when people are just talking nice and loud on their cell phones or teenagers are laughing and running through the library, and I’m told that the library is no longer a place of quiet, but instead is meant for «social» interaction, so talking and playing is encouraged.
All in all, great library, will miss going there when we move, as I’m sure few are as nicely kept up to date, or as extensive as this one is.
PS: Big rose garden outside. It’s gorgeous.

I have spent a lot of time in this library. The wifi is free and it consistently works, seating is plentiful, the building is pretty nice, there are a lot of non-​fiction books at this location, and garden in back is cool.
What’s not to like? They recently started mixing the movies in with the books, instead of keeping them in a separate video section. This makes it harder to find movies you are looking for, and impossible to browse the movie section since there isn’t one.
The noise level is excessive for a library. This is by far the biggest drawback if you are looking for a place to read or study. On the other hand, if you’re looking for somewhere to talk on your cell phone while your kids run around unsupervised, you found it!

This library is a children day care center. Every time I go in there is a screaming kid. I thought libraries were to be quiet. Why do they have toys and games.

I love this library! They have a great selection of books and if you can’t find what you need, chances are you can order it from one of the other Mid-​Columbia Region Libraries. There are a lot of computers for personal use as well as catalog use. Everything is very organized and easy to find.
I’ve checked out DVD’s, CDs and books. Easy process for all. I also love that there is a self checkout option– it even prints you a receipt with the due dates of all items. I receive email notifications when items are nearing their due date. You can renew your items online, too!
One of my favorite libraries ever… and the only one I like to go to in the Tri Cities.

To me this place is magical.
It’s really beautiful and so big that I can be entertained for hours. There’s a beautiful park outside to sit and read. Great selection of DVD’s as well!
I loveeeeeee Books.

This Library is one of the best ones I have been to yet. There is a huge selection of all kinds of books. There is a huge kids sections where you can check out learning DVD’s for kids and also cassette and cd stories. We happened to go there at storytime for our 2 youngest boys. Let me tell you that place was packed full of kids and mommies at storytime. We decided since it was too full that the kids could just play in the child area with the lego’s and puzzle games for a while. Definatly, a great place to come hang out with my kids on a rainy or cold day. I also LOVED the fact that the Wi-​Fi is FREE

I must say, I love libraries overall. I was really sad when I moved away from downtown Spokane because I knew I would be leaving the libraries of all libraries
But I am surprised by the Kennewick library. What a great deal. I would spend all day here if I could.
I don’t actually go find books there. I look online. I «reserve» my book online and, after receiving an email saying it has arrived, I go in and it is sitting on a shelf with my name on it. Brilliant. I am in and out very quickly.
The place is a great place to be though. Inside and out it is really cool to look at. I can’t believe more people don’t go in the back and sit by the fireplace. The outside grounds are very cool too. The school I work at has their end of the year party there every year. Large, grassy fields, 2 basketball courts, a roller hockey rink (we just ride our bikes and scooters on the smooth service), large garden, soccer fields with the nets still up, water park, regular park, etc.
Be sure to check it out. This is what makes Kennewick a great place to live.

This is what other libraries should strive to be. Kennewick’s library is a new space, and architecturally it’s a marvel. It’s functional and efficient yet beautiful. There’s tons of secret spots to plop down and read. There’s even a chill area with nice chairs complete with a fireplace in the middle.
The staff is awesome (librarians are cool), the selection is above average, and the location is great. Oooh yeah – there is even a demonstration garden outside to encourage and teach the community about gardening. Very cool.