Tenley Friendship Library

I gave this library a 3 star rating based on clean, homeless population, children's area, and the customer service support staff: clean: The children's area bathroom is almost always clean when I come there, the bathroom for single use adults I really have not used as I have always a child with me, the upstairs is for adults and teens and I will say I do not like really the teens do not have a more secluded area like the children's area, the space is clean. The adult section is mostly clean except for the dirt from the homeless. Homeless Population: The homeless come in dirty, smelling, and the library staff do not put them out, but to me they should not be allowed to sit in the library and or the front area where people have to enter the library from when smelling so foul. Yes, stinking is not a crime but when its mixed with lets say bodily fluid that is walking biohazard and I have to understand how DCPL does not take that into account, so chairs, anything they touch is now not only containment the DCPL staff themselves are not replacing or cleaning appropriately in that regard. With Friendship Place right down the street which is a homeless services outreach it makes the DCPL staff live harder to get them outside and not allowed. Under strict guidelines DCPL can only intervene when its wet and not dry. The awful smell people smell is dried up pee and feces at times. Children area: I really enjoy this area as they not only books and story time but also a play kitchen which for my family is a game changer and coloring sheets so my kiddos look forward to come here and now I try to bring them every time they have story time and we can enjoy story time with them here. Which I believe is on Wednesdays at 10 or 1030. I also enjoy the fact the children's area is on the 1st floor and that you have bathroom access away from the adults side, and do not have to be bothered by adults and their ways this makes things even better. There is a great book selection as well for them. Also, if you as a single adult come here the librarian will greet you politely, and say can I help you find something as they did that to me, until one day when they saw I had children, so they are very quick when a single adult comes in and stop them to ask for what they are looking for. Customer Support Staff: Especially when you walk in and see the customer service desk I will say its a hit or a miss in how well you get served some staff just do their job without holding a conversation or asking even can I help you with something. Some are amazing and know how to talk and interact with patrons very well. You can tell by the demeanor of the staff sometimes that they really only collecting the money from working and not really care bout wanting to work here or for DCPL and to me if that is the case they should not be in the humans eyes if they do not want to help or do the bare minimum. Overall, minus the homeless population and there own issues they have personally going on I get it but I just wish there was more support for them from the library but I think everyone here handle the situation as best they legally can. This is sometimes the safest place for some so lets be kind and remember that not everyone has been fed a silver spoon here in Tentleytown community area, surrounding areas.

Adult computer area was messy, guess it wasn't cleaned before close do to a holiday one day but it was potato chips all on the desktop computer keyboard and on the floor. The iT guy didn't allow me to use a laptop or anyone else instead had to use desktop computer where it was messy. They should have more noticable signs of where stuff is. The workers were helpful, some elderly lady ask me for help in which I could have but the desk receptionist heard our conversation and assisted her quickly and in a fashion manner. The atmosphere is cool and very sourceful there.

This library is pretty intense. Lots of people fighting and cursing at each other. Been here for about 3 hours and already someone yelled that a knife was pulled on them (no one called the cops but I think it was BS anyway), two older folks got into an argument after one asked if he was talking to her (he wasn’t but apparently that pissed him off so things escalated) and two people fought over a computer. It’s very on brand but not a great place to telecommute overall. Bring earbuds and stay alert. Lol.

Great library, they have a great computer section with fast computers, lots of books, great atmosphere, and friendly staff. It is super easy to print here and renew your library card at this location. I’d recommend it.

The library has allowed itself to be overrun by individuals who do not use it as a library. It reeks of marijuana and unsanitary B.O. On a recent visit the stairs in the lobby were occupied by a person with a stack of plastic bags, take out food, and sanitary wipes. No chairs were available in the adult section as most were being used for napping and the odor was revolting. I went looking elsewhere to sit and in passing through the children's section I was challenged whether I was "meeting someone there." No, but as a library card holder and regular borrower of books and father of two district resident children I reserve the right to walk past books, whether they are age appropriate for me me or for my children. Whatever has led to this - rampant misuse, coupled with suspicion of casual behavior, making the library unusable - is an unsustainable policy. It ought to be fixed.