Friendly and resourceful staff. The fireplace in the back is an especially nice, cozy area. Unfortunately, as others have mentioned, the unruly adolescents and their shenanigan make trying to work/read a problem. We appreciate this library and hope they find a way to address this issue so everyone can enjoy their experience. read more

I came here to see some great music. They have great music and events here. They have a huge parking lot and a pretty good book sale.

This review is only for the Musical Storytime for young kids in the morning (mainly geared towards 4 and under). Lynn, the librarian who does this musical storytime is entertaining and fun. She has the songs on the screen so you can follow along. It's great that she sings the same core songs so everyone gets to know them and sing along and enjoy. It's also great that she plays a clear ukelele while singing the songs. Occasionally she might have some simple instruments to share with the young ones. You can grab a blue mat to sit on the floor during the half hr story time. During the summer, the room gets pretty packed so it's advised that you arrive on time or seating is limited. It sometimes gets a little noisy because it's hard to keep young babies from screaming and crying, but it doesn't bother Lynn. She keeps going. Lynn reads a few books in between the singing. At the end, all of the little cuties go up to Lynn and get a sticker...something they all look forward to and enjoy. read more

Pros: -Plenty of seating space if you get there early, but it gets crowded after 2 pm when high school and middle school kids gather at the library. -Free printing up to 25 pages. -Huge windows with a nice view of the park. -Free parking Cons: -This library has a discipline problem with the high school and middle school kids that come to the library all at once. -Some kids gather in the bathroom anytime sometimes to smoke and do other nefarious things. -If you are in the bathroom when other kids are in there, be aware that you can get thrown things at you. -the internet connection is sometimes a bit slow. read more

Staff at Belmont Library are wonderful and always helpful. We also enjoy the classes they give about internet use and how to access things online. They have a good selection of DVD movies too. It is currently closed for renovations and looking forward to a new look to our local library. It's always comfortable inside the library. Would be nice to have like an Instagram class for seniors read more

all the san mateo county libraries are great with helpful and friendly staff...belmont library has the advantage of having a small playground next to it for outdoor play...inside has normal books, computers and children section...enormous magnet tiles are a hit with the children...making forts and structures to go inside...books are always well organized and easy to find...play, read and browse...great library like the others... read more

I am going to do my community a solid with a review of this amazing free resource. This library has been a saving grace during the pandemic. I put items on hold online and come here to pick up upon being notified. Appointments are encouraged but I've drop by without an appointment and it's never been too terribly crowded. BUT what really impressed me is if you did not have a chance to login to put items on hold and wait for the items to be ready, they have something called "Grab and Go" where a bunch of books are pre-bundled on a table outside that you can borrow. These pre-bundled selections are already checked out on a community card. You just return them to any Peninsula library when you are done based on a honor system. Lots of parking and nice staff. I've never been inside this library but will continue to come to this branch as long as the library closest to me remains closed during the pandemic. read more

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I left something at my local library branch Belmont. I tried to call them. But BOTH numbers listed on their library website connected to a main PLS extension. With an annoying 'outdated' message about extended hours in THREE different languages. So I pushed the '0' number to hopefully get a live person. Some REALLY hideous muzak started playing. There were many intermittent 'pauses' in the muzak which lead me to believe someone was about to answer. But then, the muzak would start playing again. After several minutes the recorded message came back on, instructing me that 'staff are unavailable to help me. And to leave a message. And to leave the NAME of the library if my call is for 'specific' library! This is the worse form of voice mail torture I've experienced in a while. I know there is a 'phone' at my local Belmont branch cuz I've seen librarians receive calls and heard them talking to patrons over the phone. I should be able to call my local library directly AND speak to a live person over the phone with questions or concerns. Not just a recorded voice-mail abyss from a main exchange. For this reason, I give Peninsula Library System 1 star. Belmont Library branch is pleasant enough and helpful...if you are actually ON THE PREMISES. But good luck trying to reach them in an emergency or by phone. read more

Not a traditional library that requires patrons to be quiet and respectful of others. Everyone was very loud the both times I visited this library. read more

This is a great neighborhood library where kids feel at home. Also has a nice outdoor play area that you see outside through the big glass windows. The staff are friendly, there's lots of space devoted to kids books in the front, and a nifty electronic checkout system. There's also a cozy area with magazines in the back, and plenty of multimedia stuff. read more

Love this library! The children's area is fun! There is a huge bus in the center where kids can play in and around. As well as a seat on the bus where you can sit and read. There's ample seating area in the children's section. There are a good selection of toddler books placed in baskets. Additionally there are interactive screens for kids to play on. A park in the library grounds is perfect if your kid is getting too fidgety inside. There are large blocks that can be assembled outside or a little toddler park. It's not shaded so remember your sun screen! read more

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Here's my last review for 2014 but expect even more from me in 2015. I just came out to the Library today since I was looking for an event to do with the kiddo and saw that the library was having a Happy Noon Year's Eve party. Normally the parking is okay at the library but today was packed. I parked down the road on the street and walked over. Heading into the Taube room there was a line. The line was for pizza, cookies and juice all provided by the library. Pretty nice I would have to say. They had a projector and streamed the live countdown from Dubai which is 12hrs ahead of PST. They handed out poppers and whistles and we counted down at noontime. Pretty fun for all the kids who won't be able to stay awake until midnight. This is the 2nd nice event I came to run by the staff at the library. I also came to the Christmas nighttime sing along where they sang songs with live mini acoustic guitar and a ukelele. This place is great if you have young children and are looking for activities. The staff does a good job but it does get crowded. Looking forward to coming here again in 2015 for more events. read more

Belmont Library - Dr seuss says - Libraries Near Me - Belmont, California

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It's many years later since when I wrote that first review. The library is fantastic.

I grew up here my mother brought me here over 55 years ago what a wonderful memory! Went back recently it was what I remembered.

This library gets five stars for allowing the peninsula Ukulele group to meet in the community room monthly to jam. The room is so nice and clean bathrooms. The librarians are so friendly and welcoming. Thumbs up. read more

Love this beautiful library with its huge glass windows and wooded setting. Private study rooms are plenty with clean bathrooms and a competent information desk. Checkout self service scanners are plentiful and this location has a super cool automated vending machine to checkout Dell laptops and Apple iPad. Very very very cool! Kid section is completely separate from the Adult reading stacks! Yay! read more

Belmont Library - Laptop and iPad checkout - Libraries Near Me - Belmont, California

I've lived in the Peninsula for close to 7 months now and nothing has excited me more than finally getting my library card here! It was pouring rain (my favorite weather) and I decided it was finally time to grab a nice new book to keep me company. The parking lot is a decent size, but could benefit from being bigger, considering they have lots of events going on throughout the day. Walking up to the front desk, the nice lady informed me I needed a photo ID AND something with my name and current address on it - uh oh. Unfortunately I wasn't prepared so I had to drive all the way home to get a piece of mail. Another lady helped me during my second attempt. She was so sweet and gave me lots of great information, including what other libraries I can visit, a slight tour of the Belmont library, and gave me a calendar of all the upcoming events for the month. I was sad to have missed the Pub Trivia night that month. I didn't even have to go 10 feet before finding 2 books I immediately wanted to take home with me. Afterwards, I walked around the library to see for myself how big it was. Good number of computers, private study rooms, and wow, they even have a 3D printer! The check-out process really amazed me. The technology nowadays - I feel like I'm a 90 year-old-women who hasn't caught up with the times yet haha. All I had to do was set my pile of books on the pad and it knew every single one in under 5 seconds. I checked out 6 books in 1 minute - amazing! read more

Belmont Library - Libraries Near Me - Belmont, California

Great staff! Fun activities for all ages! Staff is really friendly and helpful! Good selection of books.

Though I still love this library, here's what I don't like: - Parking can be limited, though so far we've been lucky. - The automatic (self-flushing) toilets are a bummer. They scare toddlers, especially when they're still potty-training. My son leapt off the toilet and across the bathroom when the over-zealous toilet began flushing before he was done using it. - No bathrooms on the playground, and you're out of luck if you're there when the library is closed. - Extensive selection of insipid "Thomas the Train" DVDs - I hate 'em! My son always wants to check them out, and I don't. They are on a shelf reachable to kids at ground level, and I'm weary of that battle... How is it possible that the talented George Carlin and Alec Baldwin narrated these crappy videos?! read more

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Loudest library I've ever been to. both kids and adults talking/yelling the whole time.. doesn't seem like the staff cares at all. There's a kid in here whistling loudly non-stop for the last 45min & apparently that's completely fine. read more

Holy moly, you guys. 3.5 stars for a library? Do you know what a library is? It is literally a public service that provides free books to an entire population. Free books, guys! And uh, this one is unusually beautiful? I mean I've worked in a couple libraries, and Belmont's is nice. The building is pristine, and the interiors are clean and inviting. There's a lecture room for a reading series, and outside of that, a full on courtyard with seating and water running over rocks. I came as a guest author on April 28. Librarian Kathleen was there to welcome me, and the library worked with Margie of Books Inc. to get books for the event. (If you happen to be reading this, ladies, big, big thanks.) The Belmont Library is a sort of neighborhood hub for this type of thing, and they even get a budget for snacks - there were wine and fruit and cookies on a table when I got there. The turnout was great, which I wasn't really expecting. I had a good time, and I even got my own reserved parking space. Really, thank you Belmont Library, you guys are the best. As you can see, I'm not reviewing the library as a patron, but I can tell you it's a lovely place with a great sense of community. It's an asset to Belmont, and I think it deserves more love. read more

On the surface this looks like a beautiful library both in and out but inside the acoustics will make you grit your teeth. My son is 7 and my daughter 9 and the HS kids will make you wince with their unawareness that they are inside of a library as they wear earbuds which makes them holler when all they are doing is talking to one another right next to them. The low level staff are the best but upper management are very dour and try to be all things to all people which is impossible. The lead lady appears to have a needy-ness about her wanting everybody to like her and for everybody to get along without even working at it. Visitors appear to enjoy the fireplace area. There are not enough desk top computers but there appears there were more at one time. Some of the visitors of the computer area are snarky. One guy eats potato chips loudly out of a Costco size bag. One lady using the computer has her head covered with a piece of clothing like she went camping. My daughter asked me what was wrong with her but I told her I did not know. She wears a large hat and appears afraid that people will find out she is maybe watching Porn. All in all I wanted to give this place 5 stars but gave it two. read more

Great library, lots of activities, free wi-fi, books and other materials in a variety of languages! Belmont library has many wonderful perks and features, like lots of interesting events for different age groups, large collection of books, and awesome study spaces. On top of that, there are desktop computers with free internet connection or you could rent a laptop! Even though all of the above are amazing for the local community, I'd like to talk about foreign languages material because it is not available at all library locations. Language is more than a communication system, it is a window to a culture, different thinking pattern, and much more. It is easy to loose a language when one is caught up in their daily routine, even if you have someone you share a language with. Literature is a key in preserving language skills, keep your mind's plasticity, and preserving your cultural heritage. Thanks to the Belmont library I'm able to read in my native language. However, the Russian collection is quite small, there are some contemporary authors available. I know there are other more extensive collections, as well as movies and audio recordings. Also, get a mobile app to make your reading material even easier. Happy reading to you all! read more

I like this library, but be sure to avoid it between 2 and 5pm on weekdays. Pros: - There's a free parking lot that sometimes fills up, but there's free street parking also. I've been lots of times and there was only one day that I just gave up and went home. - The wi-fi is free also and easy to connect to, although I've had trouble watching streaming videos before, so the bandwidth is probably not the greatest. Or else the signal strength is weak? I'm not a techie... - You can reserve a study room for up to two hours and even just use it by yourself if you want. I like having a little office of my own sometimes. - It's generally easy to find an open table or chair - The signs say you aren't allowed to eat in the library, but no one enforces this rule. Cons: - As other reviewers have mentioned, this library is located unfortunately close to several schools, and lazy parents take advantage of that as free childcare. During weekday afternoons, there are usually lots of loud, unsupervised elementary through middle school kids, who can get pretty obnoxious. It's not the librarians jobs to keep them under control, but I do sometimes wish someone would step in to settle the chaos. - High ceilings mean noise travels. The study cubby row behind the nonfiction adult section is probably the quietest place, and even that can get a little noisy sometimes. - The study rooms aren't quiet since you can hear the people in the rooms next to you. Not a big deal though since most people use study rooms for group work. Overall it's not as nice or big as the library in downtown San Mateo, but the location is convenient for me and I like using the library (other than during weekday afternoons!). read more

Beautiful architecture and they have a great area with recliners and fireplace for reading books and magazines. I go here to try and relax in between my job and grad school. The librarians are amazing. But... ...this place is overrun by rude teenagers who need to be spanked. I'm going to buy those librarians some paddles. read more

Here's what I love: --Recently built w/ wall to ceiling windows facing oak trees. --Big comfy chairs that face a fire place near the periodicals (and far away from the children's section). --WiFi and plenty of computers. The small balance balls kids have for chairs at their computers are pretty amusing. --Open 7 days a week, and open late M-W. --Fairly comprehensive book selection for a neighborhood library. What needs to change: --75 cent fees to reserve a book, CD, or DVD. SF public library doesn't charge this. This fee is not assessed on anyone under 18...so families can take advantage of this easily, but not single adults. --The cafe never seems to be open when I'm there (and that's several times a month). --Automated check out and book drop=less interaction with librarians. Then again if you're checking out an embarrassing book you may think this is a good thing. --Not enough parking during peak hours (but it fills my heart with joy to see that many people using the library). --smcl.org is not as user friendly as sfpl.org --Magazine selection is geared toward the housewife crowd. Where is Cosmopolitan, Make: or ReadyMade for the 'teens and 20 somethings? read more

It's a nice library, with natural light and lots of tables. It's a great place to spend some time, do some computer work or read between 10:00 - 2:00. Parking between about 10:00 - 11:00 can be tough because of story time. Before or after story time, parking is open. Inside the library, there is signage and a location for a cafe, but there is only a vending machine. Avoid 2:30 - 4:30 M - F, during the school year. Large groups of pre-teen and early-teen kids are (presumably) sent there to kill time. The kids are loud and disruptive. The only skills they are working on are advanced texting and web games. Other than the few who are working with a tutor in one of the study rooms, there is no evidence of schoolwork. I suspect the parents of the kids know this, but they are saving $$ on childcare. The staff circulates very regularly, telling them to keep it down, but the kids blow them off. read more

I had very low expectations of the library facilities after reading some of the other reviews but I was so pleasantly surprised at how nice this library is. It's spacious, has plenty of tables, great lighting even upon closing at 9pm when I visited, and overall just a good studying space. There was one comment about the bad restroom cleanliness, but I found it was normal nothing to complain about. Wifi - awesome no complaints read more

Belmont Library is awesome. I have used only their study rooms, but they offer tons of regular seating, a café area, copiers and printers, and even 3-D printers. Tons of people come here after work and school to use the free wi-fi (which was super fast my first few visits, and a little spotty more recently). I even overhead on the speaker that they offer free movie/documentary screenings with free refreshments. Definitely a very opening and family-friendly place. I will definitely come back! read more

Wow! What a library! This is awesome! They have free wifi with great connection, lots of events for little ones, what looks like a large selection of books, and awesome study spaces! I've been coming here to get some work done and they have study rooms that you can reserve for 2 hours. It's great! They are quiet and for a few people so if you need to study in a group, go ahead! They have whiteboards in them too. The staff are nice for the most part. I've come into contact with a few grumps, but perhaps it was cuz it was at opening? Who knows. The facility is beautiful, large, and like brand new!! At the end of the day, this is a great place to study, get work done, and learn! read more

Our kids goes here for fun, they are too little to read books yet but they love to watch movies there once every couple weeks . It's free and nice and clean. So far I have been living in belmont for few years and don't know any other places better then this location read more

Beautiful new construction just down Alameda from Ralston Ave, the Belmont Public Library has high ceilings, large windows, ample computers and even a cafe now! An amazing improvement over the old library building which was short and squat and dark brown. There's plenty of comfy seating for magazine reading and desk seating for down-and-dirty work. I recently went in and got a whole bunch of recent paperbacks that are the "read and return" with no late fees. And can I tell you how much I love self-checkout?! Also, since it's part of the Peninsula Library system, you can partake of all the materials here with the same PLS library card. I personally like getting whole seasons of television shows all at the same time. And all those books? Free for up to two months! I never buy books any more because the library is so awesome. The selection at the Belmont Library (in conjunction with PLS) is practically everything you could ever need. Even the more popular books/dvds can be had quite easily by placing a 75 hold on the desired item, and it will be held for you when it comes in. read more

Great place to take the kids, if you're a nanny like me, to indulge in books, located at the children's level (love that!), in the children only computers, and in the park located next to the library. It's a great "one-stop-shop" for those who want to grab books, and burn some energy. It's also a great place to mingle with other Nannies and caregivers. ps. parking is hard to come by after 10.30a as they offer a daily children's circle time @ 10.30a. read more

Ok, I thought the San Carlos Library was awesome, but I didn't realize that the Belmont Library has a frickin' cafe in it! It's spacious, with lots of comfortable seating, and windows that look out onto the park that's attached to it. If you have kids I highly recommend bringing them here - there are computers that are at their height, and if they get bored inside they can always go outside and play on the slides and swings. This is what all libraries should be like. read more

oh ma gah... IDK if it's SF bay in general or what, but ya'll have some NICE libraries!! The lavender hanging on the trellis as you walk in is so relaxing and tranquil. The children's book selection is big and varied and it looks like this location might cater to teens - I saw a lot of flyers for activities that go on here. I noticed right before I left that there is a cafe area with vending machines and an outdoor eating area. They have plenty of computers and tables and with your membership you get 2 hours a day at the computer. I go here when I'm working in the area, and I actually look forward to it! The staff are super friendly and helpful, another breath of fresh air coming from SoFla. read more

Kitty (below) tends to go during the "on hours" of school kids. Between 2-5/6ishPM on the week days. Other than the mind raping chatter of prepubescent children, everything in this library is nice. It's organized and easy to use, small enough to get there, and has all the resources and help you need to get the job done and well. Me likey. I think you would too. read more

Love the Belmont library since it's been renovated. Almost everything is automated, but it still has a quaint old school feel to it from my childhood. They have a big children's section and storybook reading time in the mornings on certain days. They are really friendly. It's a great place to take your kids, since there's also a playground right outside for your kids to run around. read more

Thank you, Belmont Library for your WiFi. My parents just got a new house in Belmont and it is NOT at a hot spot near Carlmont Village. Oh well, I just had to walk 10 minutes to the library to get some work done. Also, it has wonderful facilities that I wished we could have used like renting DVDs. Anyways, my mom loved the fact there was a library store to get used books. She picked out some books which I found very good. I love the alphabet book where you had to find out all the items that begins with the letter, A through Z. read more

I usually swing by Saturday mornings or around 6-7PM weeknights so I never run into the teenager hordes that apparently plague this library. I generally swing by to pick up books or DVDs on reserve and to check out the extensive DVD and CD selection. The selection is not huge, but it is located about 2 minutes from my house. read more

Ok seriously, what's up with this library? Yes, it has a very nice building and all. But it is even noisier than a children't playground. Teen agers are all over the place and I am serious, I even saw them playing hide and seek! Since nobody is there to implement the rules, I even see adults talking over the phone all the time without any intention to cut their conversations short. I used to go to this library a lot because I loved the building and it was very close to my house but after a while I realized there was no way I could concentrate. This place needs some serious disciplin. read more