Stopped in today to dropoff some old batteries for recycling and donate some books to the "Friends of the Library" used bookstore. Battery recycling is located in the same alcove as the self-service print/scan/fax station (next to the info/checkout desk). Be careful and follow instructions to wrap batteries separately/individually in plastic before dropping them off. Surprisingly the library also has a Kilowatt usage measuring device that you can checkout/rent to understand and see electricity usage for devices/home goods/etc. The cafe in the back (which carries limited snacks and drinks) has plenty of indoor and patio seating. The "Friends of the Library" self-service book sales shelf (honor system) is in the far corner of the same cafe. Their regular bookstore/donation center is next to the restrooms on your right as you enter. read more

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Free parking and street parking Next to Park street but well insulated so you won't hear the noise from outside Next to the APD as well, can't feel any safer Well lit, high ceiling, clean flat flooring and some sections are carpeted, outdoor seating and a cafe inside Restrooms are clean, private rooms for meetings and studying Can't say anything bad, been coming here for years read more

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A great place to study! Lots of tables and lots of outlets. The librarians are helpful and kind. And their café (yes they totally have a café inside!) has one of the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever had!! read more

Soooo the library is a hub of information and I'd call myself a library enthusiast who's always seeking information. I've been going to libraries since I was a child, checking out books, magazines, dvds, and whatever else that can be checked out. The large amount of events for all ages is also a bonus - Baby & me, toddler, and Grown Folks story time, French Conversation Circle, book clubs, sewing club, teen volunteer opportunities and so much more. Do you want to learn another language? The library. Want a guide to a better diet, or a cookbook? The library. Want to score books to add to your ow library but at an inexpensive price? The Friends of the Library bookstore inside is also a gem. I've gone in a couple of times, but during the BOGO free sale, I left with about 20 books after going back and forth a few times once already at the register. It's convenient having a main library in such a convenient location. Parking isn't my bad, but if planning to spend more than five minutes in there it's easier for me to walk. The parking spots in the parking lot are too narrow and street parking is generally taken unless coming on a weekend. read more

Alameda Free Library - Libraries Near Me - Alameda, California

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I love this library, first of all the resources are at a large. Everything is so organized and really easy to navigate through, I haven't really been to this library on a day that's super busy so it's not a place that's overly crowded although I should add I do go in the early afternoon before kiddos get out of school. My LO love their mother goose on the loose readings on thursdays, they have two times which I find to be very accommodating. This is for mamas and younger children , infant age! This library is totally kid friendly there children's calendar is definitely one to have on hand if needing something to do with your LO. They have all kinds of classes really a lot of stuff. read more

Alameda Free Library - Mother Goose on the Loose ! Mama and Baby Reading - Libraries Near Me - Alameda, California

Possibly more improvement on staff and patrons be courteous and lower the noise for people to read, study, write papers and generally give the place it staple back for what it once was for the people. read more

Open all 7 days a week, quiet place to study or relax. Has activities for the community, just pick up a flyer of what events are going on. I was just passing through. Nice neighborhood library. I was a microfilm machine upstairs on a table and some old school card catalogs still being used. I don't see those anyone in the bigger cities. This library is two levels and has study rooms. In the. First level that had a small Cafe with limited hours which is nice if people get hungry. read more

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It's National Library Week! What better time to highlight this incredible library. I've always been a library geek: went to story time as a little with Jane Chisaki at the BFI branch, summer reading program every year, was a Junior Friend of the Library in high school, etc. The main library is not only stunning, but offers so many services, is a calm, peaceful place with incredible displays. This week I saw a display for poetry, Arab-American Heritage Month, and lots of options for events. Perk: they have an adult summer reading program too! There is a cafe and used book store. There are shelves of books you can purchase (2 books for $1!). I always stop by here when I have a second. Thank you, Alameda Free Library! read more

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Very quiet - painfully so. Magazines, newspapers, little fireplace seating upstairs, cafe, tons of bathrooms - but looked so dated and small compared to downtown Hayward library where I am more likely to go. As you walk in its horribly quiet - I can hear the sounds of the floor creaking below my feet with every step I take. Its this hollow pounding sound. It felt like 'Cutting Corners Construction' built it. Its that sound I can't stand when I'm in a budget hotel or maybe visiting somebody in a cheaply built apartment complex. You can hear neighbors in the hallway walking past the front door. Because its so quiet there is no escaping these sounds. People turning the page on a magazine and pounding from walking is all you hear. I suppose wearing earphones is a good move but probably a better move is to go elsewhere to read or study. My friend Jeff loves libraries. He went all into it last time I saw him. Maybe you are one of those people. I could see how retired people might like the slow pace and calm - students are forced into this lifestyle with no choice.... but if you are free to go where you like I think there might be better options. The small cafe looked like it might be enjoyable. From a far distance I didn't see anything that would entice me to walk in closer. Better signs or displays might be needed. The ceilings on the first floor along with the tall book shelves with tight walkways made the place feel overstuffed. I felt the ceiling on top of me. Maybe it was just all the feelings of school life coming back to me... but I didn't like the feeling at all. Bad JuJu. I then took the stairs to the second floor. They were underwhelming - no pizazz as in the Hayward downtown library. Strictly utilitarian. The second floor did feel however a little better. I'm used to living on the second floor and I think I like not being on street level. There is something about looking down on everyone out the windows. I found a magazine rack and read a little of the new model 3. Tesla passing off cost savings as innovations. The table I sat down on was this heavy old wooden desk. It looked like you would need to call a bunch of friends to have a chance of moving it. Scratched in writing from what were likely bored youth were in the table top. "Ashley + Papa" another said "call me" with a number below. Probably the phone number of an X where there was a nasty break up. I didn't stay long but probably won't come back. Just too stuffy and maybe bad feng shui. read more

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This East End (main library) branch has lots of light and study tables. I mentioned this in my West End branch review, but I do love that the two larger Alameda libraries decided to invest in tables with overhead light - I understand the Bay Farm branch may have some space challenges. These overhead lights really help, especially those of us who still use ancient technology (aka pen & paper). I also appreciate their later hours during the weekday - very helpful for those of us who plan on working on (hopefully other) things after a "typical" workday! read more

Alameda Free Library - Plenty of work/study area on the 2nd floor (north end) - Libraries Near Me - Alameda, California

There are many free and fun events for children and adults that this library offers, and we can easily find out about them by looking at their online calendar of events. There's storytime events for children of different ages that include a librarian reading books and singing songs. There's a summer reading program that offers incentives to children and adults for reading. Incentives could be getting a free scoop of ice cream, mini golf, a book, and a raffle entry for a cool prize. This library has a designated indoor and outdoor area for eating. read more

Alameda Free Library - Library hours - Libraries Near Me - Alameda, California

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Super load if you need to really concentrate and focus this is not the library for you

This is the second time I've come to the library with my kids during hours when the library is supposed to be open (Wednesdays open till 8pm), only to find a sign on the door stating that the library was only open 12-5 today. It's really frustrating to make a special trip and get the kids excited only to find the library closed. Please stop doing this! Having unreliable hours is not acceptable. read more

Alameda Free Library - Libraries Near Me - Alameda, California

I grew up going to the West End branch of the Alameda Free Library and still have fond memories of playing the summer ready games for prizes as a kid! However, this main branch is next level! I still remember when this branch of the library was built and opened back in middle school ~ wow, already almost 20 yrs ago... and yet it still looks super new and well kept. This is definitely the best library I've ever been to (and I've been to a lot, including in SD and NY)! There is just so much space and so many tables and outlets for people to work. The amount of natural lighting coming in is top tier. And I'll never forget the hours I spent bar prepping there... rip. And of course, theres a great selection of books both in person and online through the Libby app (for all my kindle girlies)! read more

Alameda Library bizarrely approves of patron noise and loud talking, even by librarians, as ok by default, and tells people who want quiet to self-isolate into separate rooms. That's BACKWARDS! Libraries should be QUIET by default and anyone who needs to make noise, like for tutoring or working in groups, THOSE people should self-isolate into separate rooms. I was amazed by how loudly the librarians talk. All three Alameda Free Libraries: Main Branch on Oak St., West End Branch on Santa Clara, and Bay Farm Island Branch, are staffed by loud librarians who have no concept of the importance and value of a quiet library. It's often so bad that I just do my reading elsewhere. It's bizarro-world at Alameda Libraries. If you want a quiet place to concentrate and study, I recommend avoiding Alameda Libraries. They're more like noisy community centers and child day care centers. They don't even have any signs anywhere encouraging people to respect others and be quiet. It's a bad cultural attitude they've chosen to boost traffic and my experience speaking with their librarians made it clear to me that they honestly don't care about the traditional quiet standard. If you want quiet, you're viewed as the problem, not them, and if some mother wants to invade your solitude by loudly tutoring her kid at tue next table, then you have to leave the area and accommodate her rudeness and entitlement because she has the librarians' approval. It is wrong and needs to stop. Alameda Libraries are dysfunctional in this way. read more

3-26-22 Quality/Quantity - Excellent. This place still looks new; the team here has done a GREAT job maintaining the place. The architect did a GREAT job designing and building this place. There is a lot of natural light. Honor system for buying discounted books, see picture. Atmosphere - Safe - across the street from the Alameda police station. Computer lab. Dewey's Friends Cafe - I have never seen this cafe open... Very limited hours, M-F noon to 4pm. Foods must be consumed outside the library; they have an outdoor patio. Clean bathrooms. Updated tables and chairs with extra electrical plugs. "Old school" - MicroFilm system, brings back memories of when I was in college Quiet rooms, study rooms, meeting rooms, homework center, etc. Small parking lots with 2 hour parking, street parking might be easier and safer. Service - Self or full service check out Self service computer to find books, DVD, and many more in the library, see picture. Patron services - free homebound services (deliveries), obituary and local history requests, meeting & study rooms, computer labs, battery recycling, exam proctoring, etc. Special checkouts - seeds library, gardening equipment, backpacks, go-pro cameras, jigsaw puzzles, board games, etc. Community resources - senior, homeless, lawyers/legal, mental health, immigration, tax, DMV, transit, voting, etc. Adult literacy - free program to help adults improve their reading and writing skills. Children's services - activities for children 0-13. Teen Services - activities for individuals aged 13-18. Discover & Go - free or low cost museum passes, science centers, zoos, theaters, and other cultural destinations, etc. Just too many services, please check their website. Price - Free. Minimum cost to print or copy, see pictures. Owner Suggestion - Thanks for all you do! Our tax dollars at work. read more

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Nice spacious library. They also have a small parking lot that can get packed quickly.

Who doesn't like libraries? Love the friends of the library bookstore. They have a nice small selection of books and most titles are contemporary. The ladies who helped me look for books were really lovely. They were really eager to help and it was nice to chat with them. Would like to stop by and browse when I'm back in the area! read more

I like this library they have lots of places to sit and it's warm inside. Also it's cute that they have a cafe inside. They have good internet and lots of resources for anyone trying to study or work. Will come again. read more

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. read more

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. read more

The West End branch is such a treat to visit - much calmer and wholesome than the Main Branch. I started going there after 30+ years of frequenting the main library, and will continue. The stunning carved wood mural on one inside wall alone is well worth a stop. The librarians are superb there as well, patient, helpful and kind. As of Nov. 2024, this branch is closed on Fridays and Sundays. The local bus 51A stops right nearby on both sides of Santa Clara Ave. There are wonderful programs for the little ones. If joyful noise bothers you, plan accordingly. Also, no food available but Webster St. is just a short walk away & it has several cafes, restaurants, etc. Plus, Washington Park is also a short walk away if you want to picnic. read more

The worst library you could encounter. The people who work here are the absolute worst, there unkind, unfriendly, they all think there better than all the people that come in here, and they are not open to any discussions, what they says goes. If you want your children to be emotional abused, if you want unkindness, if you wany to feel like crap by all means come here. read more

as expected this library was closed. just open a few days a week for book drop off and pick ups. this library is relatively new, built in the last decade or so. there may be a parking lot somewhere, albeit very small. some day soon, i expect to drop by again. read more

Alameda Free Library - Front door - Libraries Near Me - Alameda, California

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Nice quiet, clean and organized library. Beautiful architecture. A decent collection. read more

Alameda Free Library - Super cute Totoro shadow box - Libraries Near Me - Alameda, California

Jesus Christ, does this place ever turn the heater off? Be it summer or winter it's always warm on the second floor... Can someone please confirm whether or not I'm the only one who feels sweaty after an hour especially in the silent room in the corner. The ground floor has 2 maybe 3 vents on the floor on every other desk but most of the time are occupied. I guess they know it's THE spot. I may be a lil old school for this but people here often talk on the phone, laugh and watch video without any regards to others reading silently.. I understand there's a space in the corner but it's a LIBRARY! We need some authority to politely talk to people to keep it outside or to designated room/s. Sf library as smelly as it is you don't hear anyone talking out loud like what happens here... Such shame read more

The Alameda Free Library is a nice library w/ interesting architecture. Why it is called the Free Library is any one's guess. The books & media are free to check out. Just make sure you return your items on time otherwise you will be fined & that isn't free. My favorite section here is the staff recommendations on the first floor. There were some interesting selections & classic recommendations. It was well curated as well. The new books, CDs, & DVDs are on the bottom. On the second floor is most of the Non-fiction books, magazines, & computers. Lots of interesting programs here from occasional group hikes to talks to computer programs to study groups for teens. Great library in Alameda & if you live here worth checking out! read more

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Pros - Decent library Cons - Staff too loud for a library Guests too loud for a library Staff fails to quiet loud/noisy guests One 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. read more

Since I don't have a printer hooked up to my computer at home, I needed to use a computer at the library to print a few emails. Before I was allowed the access to the computer, I had to have a library card, which I haven't had one in over 20 years. Applying for one was easy and it didn't take long for the librarian to enter the necessary information onto their system. The computers were upstair on the second level. The allotted time one can use the computer is 1 hour, unless it's during peak hours then it's 30 minutes. Printing documents is 15 cents for each page. (OK, three emails to be printed = 45 cents, which is much better than going to Fed-Ex to use their computer and printer.) It was my first time using the library's equipment ('puter and printer). With the help of the two very helpful and friendly employees, I was able to get what I needed done. Thank you, Alameda Free Library for being opened Sunday afternoon. read more

I love coming here and studying. I am way productive here than at home..lol..only wish I could get the room for more than an hr on weekend since one hour passes so fast. I guess they are limited on the rooms so they had to put the limit :( read more

Sad. That a town I grew up in, has RUDE people in it. Don't expect to come here and get treated equally. Lady who works upstairs named "Lauren" told me I couldn't book a room. Came last week and a different lady helped me and booked a room for me when I asked. Asked for my name and got my room an hour later.. I know there can be a wait. But today, this lady told me there was nothing she could do for me. So, I walked to see, and to my surprise I see two empty rooms... Two men walk up and ask her for a room, she gets up and looks to see if rooms are available, (didn't do that for me) , she sees me and walk by and tells them something about waiting.. Maybe I have to be a white man to book a room to study. read more

I wish I could give this library 5 gold stars! Read on and I'll tell you why. I am a bookworm and the first thing I do when I get to a new town is to check out the library scene. Yes, I know I am a nerd, but libraries are a great place to read (remember that?), get work done, think in silence and be surrounded by other like-minded bookworms. Alameda Free Library (AFL) is in a beautiful building that gets lots of natural lighting and it is spacious yet cozy, clean, aesthetically pleasing and conducive for working. The study tables have ample outlets with good lighting. There are plenty of study rooms, a teen room, and computer lab. Restrooms are clean. There are also computer stations, easy printing (15 cents/page) and also a FREE and easy to use scanner (this saved my life as I have many many documents I need to scan for work). The scanner will send documents to your USB, email or Google Drive. How dope is that? There is also a free 2-hour parking lot and I haven't had any issue with finding a parking space. The library is also very close to Park St., which is the happening scene in Alameda. If you're not from here and still need to use the computer, the librarian will issue you a 20 minutes guest pass. I was also told they can give me another 20 minute pass, if I needed it. The wifi here is excellent and really fast, so I was able to get a ton of work done. There is also a cafe here, but I haven't checked it out yet. They also sell used books/magazine here, oh, I need to check that out immediately! My only gripe with this place is the weird operating hours as they don't open on certain days until 1pm? So make sure to check the hours the day you are planning to visit. Overall, this is an excellent library. So skip the coffee shop and come here to get serious work done! Sure beats anything I would find at home in Gotham. Oh wait, I've already moved out of there...see ya later sucka! read more

The chairs and computer equipment are all dirty they never disinfect the chairs or tables they tell us to wipe clean but the bottle they provide isn't disinfectant doesn't do anything .lots of homeless in bathroom bathing and coughing everywhere read more

I used to come to this library a lot when I was in elementary/middle school and it was pretty noisy, but I guess that's what you'd expect on the first floor where there are a lot of kids. I just came to this library for the first time in a long time and I guess this whole building is just.. I don't know I guess they don't care to be a silent library? I've been to the library in San Leandro and it's so quiet all you hear are your footsteps. This library? The first floor has crying kids messing with the front desk displays, their teen reading center is so loud I couldn't even hear the music coming out of my headphones anymore; overall you can hear all the noise from the first floor and the corner of the second floor and all the noise just echoes in the building. I mean what's the point in setting a place for teens to do work, if the whole room sounds like a T4? read more

I think is library is fantastic! They have a huge section for kids with computers and toys and tons of books where they can hang out with their parents/guardian and feel safe. They even have a sign that implies that if you're an adult not accompanying a child you may be asked to leave. There is a section of children's books in various languages too. What I really liked was a section of holiday books...so there is a huge shelf of christmas books right now. This library even has a cafe for snacks. It looks quite family friendly. The staff is super nice and call me old school but the self check out is super awesome! You just pile all your things you're checking out on a platform and it scans everyone instantly at once! And the limit to how many you can check out is nuts! 50! My only complaint is although I appreciate the free parking, the spots are just way too small it doesn't make sense. Although some spots are labeled as "compact" even my tiny Honda Civic won't fit! There are some free spots along the street of Tilden. Good luck! Besides that I think this is a great library and I was happy to have brought my little cousins. They love it here. read more

I asked online reference for titles of novels about a certain time period, and the librarian(s) clearly didn't read the whole question, they kept giving me titles in other centuries, in Spain and the U.S. They were annoyed because I kept clarifying "Not 1800s, 15-16th century, Mexico." They acted like I was a pain for asking. I thought librarians were supposed to help you with this kind of thing. No wonder everyone is giving up on libraries and going on the internet. The Alameda librarians were useless, or maybe just untrained and not librarians at all. I'm going to use Oakland and Berkeley next time. read more

Love this place, and everyone is very accommodating. I never have trouble finding and getting books.

Alameda library, you're a haven for readers You're indiscriminate, accepting scholars, students, and cheaters You're very spacious, and you even have a cafe The food and selection is just OK But one thing I like, it's really nice in there You can read brainy books or ones with pictures of bears All in all, I like this place But the only downside is that it can sometimes be a crowded space. This place is nice, limited parking and it has a limit on there, but I think that's OK otherwise people would camp out there forever. It's more or less quiet, but since it's nice inside, it's packed a lot of times. They have normal library hours, but wish they were open longer. They have a cafe, so that's a big plus. For what you get it's a fine library. read more

I love libraries. The Alameda Free Library is clean, updated, and has lots of space (and outlets) for you to study. They always have new books, and there's a lot in the back for you to park. One of my favorite things about this library is that there's a cafe if you go straight from the entrance to the back. You can't bring food out to eat in the library, but you can bring books/study materials in :) read more

Pros: Very accessible to anyone who lives in Alameda. Decent numbers of table and study areas if you are by yourself. Decent numbers of study rooms for groups. = Spacious Family friendly: nice children area with story times & teens have their own room. I really like how they have a reserved area for books that you may have been on the waiting list for. Self checkout Cafe area with an outdoor area as well if you need a break to eat. Many outlets. OPEN ON SUNDAYS! = I love this way better than the old main library :) Cons: Parking area is small and limited 2 hour parking in the streets. Wi-fi can be slow (sometimes) I've gotten in trouble twice or maybe even three times that I had a Starbucks cup. So depending who's there, they can be strict for snacking on a banana or sipping a cup of coffee. Major con: Limited night hours on Thurs-Sunday nights I have to move over to Starbucks or Pete's =/ and worse comes to worse, Teaway for the wi-fi read more