PBZ Altstetten

As you’d expect, this branch of PBZ splits the difference between the tiny Dorf branch in Höngg and the three-​floors-​of-​books central branch in Altstadt.
The collection is perhaps 2 or 3 times the size of Höngg’s, and the overall distribution is similar — some kid’s books, some adult books, some parenting books, some youth, some English, etc. The movie selection is noticeably better than Höngg’s.
Like the main Altstadt location, you talk to a person to return books (in case you have a fine) — but you can check out books using the automated checkout kiosks (and are in fact encouraged to do so, if you’re physically able). Scan your card, type in the PIN you were assigned (same one you use for the online login), and place your items on the black mat. You still get a nice little receipt showing the due date for each item.
The staff’s friendly and ready to help — and there’s two or three of them, as opposed to the single person at Höngg.
It’s a little tricky to find the entrance — head into the little cobblestone courtyard, in the doors on the south wall, and then up the stairs and to the right.