Boise Public Library

I really like this library and have frequented it many times. I live across town from this way and have a library about 4 minutes from me, but that one is small and usually packed with children (understandably so).
This branch is the downtown one and who doesn’t like going downtown?!? It has 4 levels– three for visitors and the top one is offices. There are lots of tables and quiet places to go and get your studies or project completed at. It’s my go-​to place when I have something I need to do without my children bugging me every two minutes.
You can rent laptops there with your credit card– they shoot out of a kiosk which is pretty cool. I think you may need your library card, too, but I’m not too sure.
You can take a walk around the Ann Frank Memorial that is on the same grounds or down the street for lots of other fun stuff to do.
As you can tell from the photos that I posted today, there are people lining up to get in during the day! I thought it was beautiful!

I have the biggest, book geekiest affection for the Boise Public Library.
I even love the exclamatory sign (Library!) in a way only a book lover could. I mean, I typically say the word «library“in such a way that begs an exclamation point.
Ie: I love the library!
My favorite place? The library!
Books! Books! Books! Liiiiibraaarrrry!
(I did mention that I’m a big ol’ book geek?)
As much as I love to wander through the shelves of books, I’m a busy person (so many books, so little time).
So, here’s how to do the Boise Public Library (!) busy girl style:
Get yourself a library card (of course)
Sign onto their website (
)
Plug in the title of desired book from your «books to read» list. If you don’t have a «books to read» list, search online for a book that you might like. You can search on the library’s catalog online or wander around Amazon.
Click «place hold.» They don’t need to have it at the branch that’s most convenient for you – as long as they have it somewhere, you can choose to pick it up at the branch of your convenience.
Receive email (usually, if its immediately available within a day or so) that book is ready.
Go to library, go directly to hold section (right in front of check-​out), grab book, check-​out (I’m usually in, out, book in hand in less than 2 minutes).
Voila! Your next literary adventure is waiting in your hot little hands…
Get to it!

I was visiting from out of town and you know me — I have to get my read on, so what better place than the LIBRARY! Yes, they have an exclamation point after «library.» We were here this past Sunday and parking was a snap and navigating through the inside of the building was also a snap. When you go in it’s as if you’re at a book store. I got a very Barnes & Noble feel to the aesthetic due to the tall standing shelves. We explored a bit but I do not remember what ILS they use, but know that it was a Sirsi web-​based system. They’re open 7 days a week and before we left I purchased some items from their Friends of the Library book shop. I got a Blu-​ray, some DVDs, a paperback, and an old school Dandy Warhols CD.
If I were to live in this area of Idaho I would so be here all the time. Boise folks, you guys have a great library system! Enjoy and take advantage of it. It’s for you.

Convenient location, friendly helpful staff and a big separate area for children.
We go often and always have a place to sit and read. The parking lot isn’t ideal but at least they have one.

³⁄₂₅ — I definitely have to come back when I can spend a limitless amount of time here. This branch is much larger than the Meridian branch (which is closer to my house).

Great library that has been in this location between the Idaho statehouse and the historic Union Pacific train depot for decades. No wonder it has an exclamation point at the end of the «Library!» sign on the outside of the building.

Great resource!

I love the library! They have a pretty good online reservation system, the people are friendly, I can always find what I need and I love that they have a lot of great music!

Now for an actual review from a local. If you are visiting Boise from a major metropolitan area do yourself a favor and do NOT expect a tremendously up to date library system. I needed to get that out of the way because when I first came here from Portland. I made that mistake and that was out in NAMPA which, frankly, is the sticks compared to Boise when it comes to libraries.
It’s all about the books, and the Boise Library system has them. You can step into a branch, or you can browse the catalog of materials online. Even better for us locals, if you find what you want online you can reserve a copy and have it sent to a branch library near you. I drive by the downtown branch 10x every week, but I would rather pick my materials up at the Hillcrest Branch (in the Hillcrest shopping center down by Honks) than fight the traffic and wade into the main branch during the afternoon commute.
The few times I’ve needed to speak to either circulation or the referrence desk by phone the staff and librarians have been wonderfully helpful. Staff at the check out desk downtown AND at Hillcrest are also delightful. I espeically appreciate Sam at the Hillcrest Branch.
I will state, from my own experience that parking at the downtown branch SUCKS. Pair tight spaces on a one way grid with inconsiderate drivers and cyclists who don’t grant right of way when they should and children being allowed to run loose through the lot and you get my picture.
Also I heartily wish the library would establish a series of curbside drop boxes. including one you can put CD’s and DVD’s in.
But hey, gripes aside, I get the materials I want. the system works! Hurray for books!

their sign has an exclamation mark.
the folks in boise really get excited about their reading.
i have a crap load of pictures of me jumping up and down next to the sign with the exclamation point, pretending to read a book.
…since i’m not from boise, i don’t get that excited about reading.