Cleveland Park Library

Very nice, well stocked, community library. Large children section with dedicated librarian and reading area. Impressive young adult area (upstairs), plenty of quiet rooms, and a couple of balconies. Thanks for being such a wonderful part of the neighborhood!

I will say this I prefer the Tentleytown library for ages 2-5 as they have an interactive play kitchen for children. Which Cleveland park library really only had a few hard back puzzles (wooden), some toys like the ones you will find at a doctor's office but nothing as nice as Tentleytown and for a parent who trying to get stuff done on my computer and them being home for the summer. Otherwise, I will advise this Cleveland Park and with the selection is more geared for older children who are out of toddler stages and for babies. Not sure bout the homeless population here but I know for a fact the homeless seem to go to Tentleytown and Georgetown mainly. That seems to be the usual. As by the time the doors opened I did not get a real access to the people who were patrons. As I went straight into the children's area. Now, one big thing I will say is and I am more grateful that Tentleytown is that the children's area is more secluded and adults by themselves can enter but they are closely monitored. The librarian quickly asks a single adult if there is anything they can help with.

😲 wow! I was shocked to see a collection of foreign language books for the kids. Last photo. Very nice library to visit if you are at the zoo. Within walking distance for the kids. Makes the perfect sit-down break after seeing all the animals. There is a cute neighborhood behind it. I added a couple photos of the library's surroundings. I appreciate the diversity in the area. And not just talking about the tourists. The local community is enriched with different ethnic backgrounds.(on a Saturday visit Nov '23)

I am a big fan of public libraries, but have mixed feelings about this one. It is large and filled with light, so not a bad place to work, but the staff customer service skills are very uneven (some are friendly and helpful, others not at all). Today I went to the front desk to inquire about tutoring programs for children (I was interested to find out about volunteering), and the woman just looked completely annoyed, refused to look at me, and was generally dismissive (verging on hostile), just sending me to another desk. Why work at the reception to a public library with that attitude?! Total turn off.

Along Cleveland Park's Main Street, this library is well-designed with lots of natural light pouring in. Here's what sticks out: 1) Books for sale: On the ground floor is a little corner where books are sold for $1-$2. 2) Balconies: There are two balconies with tables and chairs on the second floor. One of them looks out onto the Main Street. 3) Kids section: On the first floor, it's an entire section with hundreds of books. 4) Public art: There's a panda sculpture and a mural outside the library.