I used to cherish this library for its peace and tranquility. Up up until a few months ago I was going multiple times a week. Not sure why it changed so much but it is insanely loud considering its a library.I also don't feel totally safe there at times. And why is there never paper towels in the restrooms? The air hand dryers are gross.
Hector M Camarena
Lobe this library the staff is very polite ND very accessible
Sileshi Hirpa
Lovely place work on your project comfortably.
KC KC
This library never cleans tables,computer's,floor,stairs,railings,it’s very disgusting .I had so much filth coming out of the keyboard and the mouse ,homeless use the restroom to bathe in and the chairs hold the odors of the homeless at the computer section .the doors ,floors are never moppedWhen I asked if they ever clean the computers they told me I’m free to clean myself the lousy cleaner they give u doesn’t even work to properly disinfect.i have to bring in my own wipes each time to clean and it’s always nasty wherever i sit . Also it’s very loud for a library . Wear a mask I swear the entire time there ppl are sick and coughing, if you have young ones don’t leave them unattended in the restrooms lots of homeless in the restrooms doing sketchy things
Ilgass Q
I recently visited the Alameda Free Library, hoping to enjoy a peaceful and productive time with my books and studies. Unfortunately, my experience was far from what I had anticipated.One of the primary issues I encountered was the incessant chatter among the staff. It seemed as though they were engaged in nonstop conversations with each other and with patrons, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bustling coffee shop rather than a library. This constant noise made it extremely difficult for those who came to the library to work and study in a quiet environment.To add to the disruption, some library-goers had little regard for maintaining a serene atmosphere. I observed individuals listening to loud music, even from their earphones, which only added to the overall noise level. This disregard for the need for silence, which is often the primary reason people visit libraries, was disappointing.I had previously voiced my concerns about the noise issue, hoping for some improvement during my subsequent visit. However, it was disheartening to find that nothing had changed. In particular, the lady with blue hair upstairs seemed to be a major source of the noise problem. Despite being informed in writing that she had been warned, it appeared that she continued to disrupt the tranquility of the library.Regrettably, I must caution others to consider alternatives when looking for a quiet and focused study environment. The Alameda Free Library, with its ongoing noise issues, falls short of providing the conducive atmosphere that one expects from a library. To put it plainly, even a hotel lobby tends to be quieter in comparison.In conclusion, my recent experiences at the Alameda Free Library have left me disappointed and frustrated. I hope that in the future, the library staff will take the necessary steps to address these noise concerns and ensure that the library can once again become a place where people can truly immerse themselves in the world of books and knowledge.
Laura Miller
The young woman @ the front desk went outta her way toe helpful
Chloe C.
One of my favorite libraries! Great work space, cafe area, and selection of books. They even have a seed library where you can take fruit and vegetable seeds to grow in your garden.
Larry K.
Pros - Decent libraryCons - Staff too loud for a libraryGuests too loud for a libraryStaff fails to quiet loud/noisy guestsOne star because this library fails to preserve, in my opinion, it's greatest characteristic - a quiet place. Also in my opinion, a five star library would have a strictly enforced zero tolerance policy on noise pollution. One can dream.
Brandon Delosreyes-Mills
Been going there ever since I was like 7 years old. Now I'm 24. It has been my place to study for school, socialize friends, and just to sit down relax and think. 10/10, a favorite library with many, many great books and forms of media
Khuong N.
Needed to print a document yesterday and went to this library. Very spacious, everything looks well kept and the staff there were very helpful. They provided me with a guest pass for the computer that allows you to be on it for 30 mins. I had to print 1 page which cost 15 cents.
Very nice, modern library with great selection of books, magazines and newspapers (international ones too) and great staff but... not quiet. Lots of people talking on their phones, others doing Zoom calls and homeless people taking naps on the arm chairs. I actually use my headphones for white noise when I visit. If not for that, it's a five-star library all the way.
Audrey A.
Nice quiet, clean and organized library. Beautiful architecture. A decent collection.
Jeremiah Bonsmith
Disappointing experience. They sent our overdue balance from children's books to a collection agency. The "free library" policy is incredibly misleading.
Joey S
Literally the best library I've been to, no exaggerations. The children section is my daughter's favorite place in the world, we love to come to the story times through out the week and the librarians are so nice and always helpful and warm! The rest of the library is great, clean and tidy, quiet and lots of space to just sit, read and relax or work. The Cafe is also a nice little added bonus, the volunteers are always cheery and the drinks are small but it's only a dollar and I love supporting our local library! Sometimes it's hard to find parking but still a wonderful place!
I used to cherish this library for its peace and tranquility. Up up until a few months ago I was going multiple times a week. Not sure why it changed so much but it is insanely loud considering its a library.I also don't feel totally safe there at times. And why is there never paper towels in the restrooms? The air hand dryers are gross.
Lobe this library the staff is very polite ND very accessible
Lovely place work on your project comfortably.
This library never cleans tables,computer's,floor,stairs,railings,it’s very disgusting .I had so much filth coming out of the keyboard and the mouse ,homeless use the restroom to bathe in and the chairs hold the odors of the homeless at the computer section .the doors ,floors are never moppedWhen I asked if they ever clean the computers they told me I’m free to clean myself the lousy cleaner they give u doesn’t even work to properly disinfect.i have to bring in my own wipes each time to clean and it’s always nasty wherever i sit . Also it’s very loud for a library . Wear a mask I swear the entire time there ppl are sick and coughing, if you have young ones don’t leave them unattended in the restrooms lots of homeless in the restrooms doing sketchy things
I recently visited the Alameda Free Library, hoping to enjoy a peaceful and productive time with my books and studies. Unfortunately, my experience was far from what I had anticipated.One of the primary issues I encountered was the incessant chatter among the staff. It seemed as though they were engaged in nonstop conversations with each other and with patrons, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bustling coffee shop rather than a library. This constant noise made it extremely difficult for those who came to the library to work and study in a quiet environment.To add to the disruption, some library-goers had little regard for maintaining a serene atmosphere. I observed individuals listening to loud music, even from their earphones, which only added to the overall noise level. This disregard for the need for silence, which is often the primary reason people visit libraries, was disappointing.I had previously voiced my concerns about the noise issue, hoping for some improvement during my subsequent visit. However, it was disheartening to find that nothing had changed. In particular, the lady with blue hair upstairs seemed to be a major source of the noise problem. Despite being informed in writing that she had been warned, it appeared that she continued to disrupt the tranquility of the library.Regrettably, I must caution others to consider alternatives when looking for a quiet and focused study environment. The Alameda Free Library, with its ongoing noise issues, falls short of providing the conducive atmosphere that one expects from a library. To put it plainly, even a hotel lobby tends to be quieter in comparison.In conclusion, my recent experiences at the Alameda Free Library have left me disappointed and frustrated. I hope that in the future, the library staff will take the necessary steps to address these noise concerns and ensure that the library can once again become a place where people can truly immerse themselves in the world of books and knowledge.
The young woman @ the front desk went outta her way toe helpful
One of my favorite libraries! Great work space, cafe area, and selection of books. They even have a seed library where you can take fruit and vegetable seeds to grow in your garden.
Pros - Decent libraryCons - Staff too loud for a libraryGuests too loud for a libraryStaff fails to quiet loud/noisy guestsOne star because this library fails to preserve, in my opinion, it's greatest characteristic - a quiet place. Also in my opinion, a five star library would have a strictly enforced zero tolerance policy on noise pollution. One can dream.
Been going there ever since I was like 7 years old. Now I'm 24. It has been my place to study for school, socialize friends, and just to sit down relax and think. 10/10, a favorite library with many, many great books and forms of media
Needed to print a document yesterday and went to this library. Very spacious, everything looks well kept and the staff there were very helpful. They provided me with a guest pass for the computer that allows you to be on it for 30 mins. I had to print 1 page which cost 15 cents.
Restaurantji Recommends
Best library I have ever been to.
Very nice, modern library with great selection of books, magazines and newspapers (international ones too) and great staff but... not quiet. Lots of people talking on their phones, others doing Zoom calls and homeless people taking naps on the arm chairs. I actually use my headphones for white noise when I visit. If not for that, it's a five-star library all the way.
Nice quiet, clean and organized library. Beautiful architecture. A decent collection.
Disappointing experience. They sent our overdue balance from children's books to a collection agency. The "free library" policy is incredibly misleading.
Literally the best library I've been to, no exaggerations. The children section is my daughter's favorite place in the world, we love to come to the story times through out the week and the librarians are so nice and always helpful and warm! The rest of the library is great, clean and tidy, quiet and lots of space to just sit, read and relax or work. The Cafe is also a nice little added bonus, the volunteers are always cheery and the drinks are small but it's only a dollar and I love supporting our local library! Sometimes it's hard to find parking but still a wonderful place!