I luv this library--small, just big enough for me to easily find the latest novels, classics, bios, mysteries, history, travel, some nonfiction. Also, the librarians are very nice. I hardly expect to be treated like best friends, but I will always be polite. I've read this diatribe and I can see why this person was banned. If you don't like the library there are many others to visit--Albany, Berkeley Main, Oakland, El Cerrito. And this is just one opinion and nasty at that. If I didn't like it, I would just go elsewhere. read more

N. Berkeley library is the worst library I've ever experienced. Filthy green chairs, uncomfortable wooden chairs, little insulation, not enough space for books, magazines and newspapers, an intimidating security guard (the tall one), a Supervisor whose main skill seems to be as 'enforcer', certain smelly, homeless people who are a health issue which needs attention, a disrespectful staffer, etc. And worse yet: if you criticize and complain seriously in writing you will be suspended ie denied access to the library for a time -with no reason or explanation given. This is an abuse of power in my view. I couldn't believe this was happening in Berkeley - I can't make this stuff up! (It was yours truly who got 'banned' for simple free expression and bringing various issues to light, in writing) read more

Awesome branch of the Berkeley Library system. Friendly staff work here. Smart book selection. Beautiful architecture. What is there not to like? Even the grounds it is on is beautiful with big trees. Recommended! read more

Berkeley Public Library - A brochure for Berkeley Public Library's North Branch, displaying the library's name and logo. The background includes trees with green and autumn-colored leaves and a clear blue sky. The brochure is placed on a wooden surface. - Libraries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Beautiful building, great staff and peaceful, quiet atmosphere (as library appropriate).

So peaceful at North Berkeley branch. Easy to find things, friendly staff, felt homey and efficient.

Dropped some donated CD's to the North Berkeley. The employees are very nice and willing to help. Feel my donations are in good hands.

If you want to study or just peacefully read a book this is not the place to go. There are always small children yelling, screaming, crying, and running around the place completely unsupervised. And the librarians do nothing about it. The parents do nothing about it. So the kids are just allowed to go wild and disturb every adult in the place. At what point did this library become an indoor playground? And why don't they hire some competent employees that will keep the noise level down? Do yourself a favor and avoid this madhouse at all costs. read more

I visit a lot of libraries in the bay area to get some studying done on my down time, and I usually find these small, neighborhood libraries some of the best since they typically have a lot of free parking, free wifi, they are quiet inside and I am able to get a lot of studying done. This library hit most of those marks, but I wasn't even able to stay for a solid 20 minutes do to their lack of seating and desk area. This library is super small and only has about 6 small work tables. Each table can fit maybe 2 people max since they are strictly enforcing masks and social distancing here (as of 11/4/2022.) I came on a random Friday around lunch time, and walked all around the library to find a spot where I can sit with my laptop and get a couple hours of studying in. All the tables had 2 - 3 people working at them, and there were no other empty tables in the entire library. They do have a small computer area that had many computers that were not turned on, with notes on them saying they were turned off to help enforce social distancing. I figured since the computers were shut off and no one was working in the computer area or using the desks, that I would use the desk space there to get some work done. About 15 minutes into my studying, one of the librarians came up to me and said I could not use my personal laptop in that area and needed to find a spot at the other tables to work at. I commented that there were no available desk spaces and she just continued to say I couldn't work at the desk in the computer area. What a shame that someone, who went out of their way to visit this library, can't even stay long enough to study and read. read more

I have so much fun at libraries. For as long as I can recall they have been part of the equation to happiness. For me, avarice can set in, and I have desires to sit Indian-style, surrounded by 10 or so books fanned out like a peacock, picking this one up and reading about such and such, and then picking up a cardiovascular book to read up on TAPVR, DORV, truncus...My interests are varied to the point of being a bit fulsome, I know. My original impetus for coming was to read Chekhov. But sitting here, I switched to studying French, learning the different variations of foie, like micuit v. frais, entier, or committing to memory the translation of faute de mieux--- it is all just so lovely. In college, I lived very close to Mr Mopps and would simply walk or ride my bike to this library. The architecture and location simply slay me, it is so enchanting and beautiful. read more

Bad experience here the only person with morals and respect with the brother man working security who greeted me on the way in and out platonically the librarian vivian older Hispanic looking lady was very un pleasant and made me feel unwelcomed and uncomfortable. Have a good day tho. read more

This is a cute little library, compared to the main branch, and I enjoy it for the quiet and solitude. It reminds me of the type of library that people may have visited back in the day. I used to go here a lot when I was renting a room in the Berkeley hills and it became my favorite location to visit. I wouldn't visit now, only because I no longer have a card. But I'd recommend it to people in the area. read more

This is my new favorite place in Berkeley! I haven't been to a library to check out books in a long time and I'm pleasantly surprised by how advanced it is. You don't have to check out each book...you just put your stack of books and there's a reader that automatically checks them out! The library is small with roughly the same number of children's books as non-children's books but they have a pretty good selection for the small space. They also have some nice comfy chairs for reading...certainly a great spot to spend an hour or so on a Saturday. read more

The new Walnut Creek and Lafayette Libraries are modern and wonderful additions to their communities. With any luck, they'll become the North Berkeley Library when they grow up. It's also an pleasant walk from home to both here and to the Albany Library. The Berkeley North Branch Library, was constructed in the California Spanish style and designed by renowned Berkeley architect James Placheck. The structure, which opened in September 1936, was built at a total cost of $45,000. This outpost offers Children's Story Times, a Lawyers in the Library program, Teen services, a nice selection of Opera/Classical CDs, and a magazine exchange. I really enjoy the multi-generational and neighbourhood vibe, spacious seating, nice light, the cool architectural pedigree, and with the right quiet spots as you need them. The dearth of outlets might limit computer use, but that's a plus in my book. read more

This is one of my favorite libraries of all time. At first glance, you might think that this small neighborhood branch has a limited range of titles as compared to the bigger central branch library. However, you can get absolutely any title that your heart desires simply by putting in a request for it to be sent to this location. In addition, the Berkeley public library offers interlibrary loan whereby any individual can get a book title from any library in the United States, which is an amazing service. If there is a book the library does not already own, you could make a suggestion to a reference librarian and they are most likely going to purchase it for you. The staff at this location and all of the Berkeley public library are amazing humans who are extremely helpful with every question ranging from book recommendations, to reference questions of all types. In addition the library offers amazing services like supporting teens, reading time for kids, and they even have docents who will volunteer to teach people how to use computers if they are emerging in their computer literacy. I also love all of the online options that are free for members of the library, which include but are not limited to language tutorials, free passes to all kinds of cool attractions in the bay area, free online streaming of videos, and lots and lots of digital book download options. I would say that it is one of the greatest aspects of American civilization that libraries like this exist. And wow, can you believe that it is all for free? read more

Karen staff!! Everyone working here is super rude and passive aggressive. Library is super small with almost no seating.

Nice architecture and a pretty big kids' section. read more

Berkeley Public Library - Hefting Harry Potter - Libraries Near Me - Berkeley, California

I *heart* the North Branch. Just a few blocks from my house and it reminds me of the library in the small town where I grew up - small, wood floors and neighborly. If you can't find what you're looking on the shelf, you can get it delivered from another branch (or libraries throughout CA thanks to the LINK+ program). Keep your eye out for community events, especially the annual quilt show of local artisans. read more

This is my home away from home. I had noisy construction going on at my house for over a year and I could escape to this wonderful oasis, rain or shine. I could lose myself in a book sitting in peace with other bookworms by a fireplace. I also was going through chemotherapy so going to the library I could be out in public but not so public, nauseated and bald, clean bathrooms available. The librarians are all so kind and helpful, helping me find a book when I couldn't remember the author or title (let's blame it on chemobrain), finding the DMV handbook, all kinds of help! And hearing kids in the background or playing outside in the trees isn't always a bad thing. Thank you, Berkeley Public library and staff, for years and years of love and peace. read more

Love this library. Large tables with great lighting and sockets to plug in devices. Current hours: M, F, Sat. 10 am - 6pm T, W. 10 am - 6pm R. 12 pm - 8 pm Sun. Closed read more

Gosh, this library just gets it SO right. Parking outside is plentiful. It's cozy and clean. The restrooms are pristine. No crazy people.* No noisy disrespectful kids running around. Ahhhh : ) read more

I spent most of my after-school elementary school years waiting for AC transit in front of the North Branch. (Bring back the AC transit 43!!!!) Still down to hang now! It is a snug little library with heart. They have a diverse staff of kind folks ready to help. I often request my items be sent here for pick up or reserve items here because I find it so convenient---really close to other fabulous stuff just down Hopkins and on Gilman. Word of wise, post school hours be prepared for little humans of all varietals---K to junior high. Things slow down with the influx and if I am in a hurry I schedule myself earlier in the day. Completely aside, for all plant lovers, the triangular median-like-thing to the southwest of the branch has an exceptional succulent medley. Really exceptional. read more

Can you clone Jack? Jack, the librarian, did an AMAZING, FANTASTICAL, WONDERFUL job of guiding my son to some *quality* pre-teen reading and made the suggestion that my son cast the net wide when choosing books... exactly the advice needed. He then helped my son with his expertise and speaking to him like another reader about the book choices and which might appeal and why and what the style of the books were like... etc. I was soooo impressed. AND he told my son to inform him of what he was taking out and how he liked the books so that he could guide him further to those that might fill the school requirements and be enjoyable, quality reads. Hurray!! read more

Wow, I cannot believe I have not reviewed this Berkeley Public Library branch at all. It recently underwent a makeover and a remodel which was greatly needed. I grew up with this library and I was not too keen on the low light, it was kind of dark. We came back shortly after it reopened. It is much bigger and there have been many improvements. Some I can cope with and one not so much. I am glad books borrowed from any Berkeley public library can be returned here instead of making the trek to downtown Berkeley where parking is a bear and a challenge. The set up is pretty much the same as I remembered. When I walk in, the Children's section is on the left, the Adults' section is on the right. The center portion of the library has been expanded to have a video library, a conference area, a computer monitor, bathroom facilities, and a teen area. The aforementioned teen area in this library can be quite noisy when there is a gaggle of them. Hmmm, have we forgotten this is a library here?! The door and windows need to be closed and get some air circulated in there so the rest of the library patrons can have some peace and quiet. That is my only gripe about this place. Other than that, I quite like the much needed improvements of this branch of the Berkeley Public Library. Fresh Yelp Review #96 for 2013 read more

Went here on a Saturday afternoon to do work and was pleasantly surprised at how quiet it was. The place also has lots of sunlight and free wi-fi. There's a nice magazine and newspaper rack in the back of the adult's room, and although the selection wasn't huge, it was good enough for some light reading. The teen's room is more like a nook, and has one table with 4 chairs. However, it's reserved for teens Mon, Tues, & Thurs 3-6p. and Weds 2-6p. Laptop users: there are only two outlets (4 plugs total) in the entire library that you can officially use, located in the adult's room by the fireplace. I used one in the teen's room--which you might be able to get away with--but after a couple of hours someone walked by and told me I couldn't use it. I'll probably be back again because it's so bright, quiet, and the tables are spacious.... not sure what it's like on week days, though. read more

Went here today to study... my last study day before me PE exam! The place was small, quaint, quiet. There were only a few people when I got in around 12:30pm and it got busier in afternoon (I left around 4:45pm), but I still had plenty of space to spread out my 5 books and crunch through problems. The table and chairs were comfortable. Parking was easy to find close by (street parking only). I can't comment on the selection of books since I was only there to study. There were a couple of people that sat near me that I found distracting: one with pretty bad BO and another that read (whispered) and laughed out loud as she read tabloid magazines. There were also a few kids that were running up and down the library w/o parent supervision. hmph! That's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. Other than that, a great place to go study or do some reading. :) read more

Ever have the incredible urge to throw something at the back of someone's head? Just me? Oh, okay. On days when its patrons decide to convert the study wing into a coffee shop sans caffeine, a big haha and best of luck to you, my friend. This place is great to study when its patrons in said-wing decide that the concept of quiet is worth exercising. Other than studying, I've only used the bathroom. Single stall, pretty clean. Oh and the study wing looks like a bigger version of where Snow White and the seven dwarves live. Very purty. read more

This is one of the nicer branches in the Berkeley library system and is run by a knowledgeable group of people who are more than willing to help you find exactly what you need. I like the many separate rooms that this location houses, each group of readers who comes here has a proper place to sit back and get lost in a good book that is fitting for their age group or reading level. Their selection of DVDs and books can be somewhat sparse at times, but are always well selected by staff members, who stock the newest film releases and best sellers. read more

Berkeley Public Library - Self Serve DVD Section - Libraries Near Me - Berkeley, California

You've got to be kidding. This should be a pub not a library. Even with the quietest library voice, sounds bounce every which way. I was blown away by how loud it was in there. I don't think the architects considered acoustics. And, there are only family style tables. I don't know about you but I'm not a huge fan of sitting close to scrungy people who hang out at libraries for free wi-fi. It would get 5 stars if it were a bar/pub. The design is super cool. Just not for a library. read more

ACOUSTICAL PROBLEMS: 1-Building did-not consider absorbent and sound isolation material 2- A few staffs talk really loud ( as the if they were shouting across the fish market) 3- A number visitors thought this is their private pub PRO: Since remodel, the ventilation system works really well. read more

When walking in, there was a strong fume of alcohol. They had Purell hand cleaner right on the counter directly at the front and the entire library smelled of it. When I asked them to move it, they did, but they will not remove it perm basis due to flu season. So in doing this, they ensured that "not everyone is welcome here" the very opposite of their front sign "everyone is welcome here". People with asthma, lung problems, disabilities such as chemical sensitivities cannot breathe around strongly scented Purell hand sanitizer's and the library does not seem to care. After leaving messages for the administration, manager of North Berkeley library, and speaking to a crude and nasty staff person there it's clear that "not everyone is welcome there"- especially if you have breathing issues. it's a clear violation of the ADA but they don't seem to care. Shameful and disgusting! At least at Albany library they try a little bit and go that extra mile. This is a joke! They typical Berkeley PC crap over and over. Take the stupid signs down already and just make EVERYONE FEEL WELCOME, and sincerely Make them welcome by letting them have decent, clean air to breathe. After all, our taxes pay for your jobs!! read more

The perfect local library, with lots of desk space for studying, plus a few chairs to sit and read the paper or start a book. It looks like the teen room has an amazing view, but as I am an adult, I've only glimpsed it from the outside. If you have a mobility disability, I suggest either parking in the DP spot on MLK/Alamada or entering on the lower level and taking the elevator up. There's an DP spot on Hopkins, but it's far from the ramp, and the ramp is fairly long. read more

I love my little North Branch library so much. They always have something I want to read, and I always want something to read. My latest interest is geology and they have many wonderful books on that. Their hold system allows me to get any book in the entire system sent to the North Branch and held for me to pick up. And the building itself is so welcoming. Lots of warm old colors. Sturdy wooden tables and chairs which are so nice for reading. Children's programs all the time. Handy computers. The people who work there are so lovely and helpful. It's a Berkeley landmark and I will go there as long as I am here. read more

Staff can be unfriendly or worse and extremely loud. Some staff members are nice, but it's hit and miss. Even though the place is brand new (refurbished), all the computer terminals are jammed up right against each other which is uncomfortable, and privacy, well, you can forget that. The entirely library is painted WHITE, I mean, they just spent millions to upgrade it, couldn't they splurge and add a color or two to make it more appealing? And finally, the magazine exchange, which was very popular, was eliminated. Not a big fan of how the place is run. read more

I miss you North branch and its lovely staff. I wish there were more reasons to be near Solano ave. so that I could browse your new books or grab some great magazines from the exchange rack, but alas, work now really limits my visits. Can't wait 'till you're all spiffy after the much needed renovations take place!! read more

Interior looks great, selection also good, holds are quick and easy to get. Took three stars off because every time I've been into the library recently, staff have been brusque and rude to me for such unforgivable sins as being unable to find my hold on the hold shelf. If this is the treatment I get at North Branch, I'll take my chances downtown. read more

The most serene place to be when heavy thinking is required and a computer is an added bonus. Thank you Berkeley

Just the right scale. Berkeley's efficient system means you can usually reserve a book you already know you want, but part of the pleasure is going to the North Branch and also finding a few books you didn't already know about. Books are shelved quite quickly, so even on a busy Saturday afternoon there's almost always a good selection of new titles. Afterschool hours are noticeably more active -- better for browsing than for concentration. The branch also gets points for wheelchair access through the front door -- although there's no automatic door. read more

Here is a review from my daughter: This library is a great and peaceful place for me. It is precious and I love to read books. All these different creative shows from all these people. I appreciate how fun it is to be at the library. I love the creative designs of the library you can get. Once I go to the Berkeley public library, I can never wait to go back again and whenever I am at home and I look at my book shelf, I always want to read a book. One of the reasons it;s one of my favorite libraries is that there are so many books and it so close. I love many different libraries because I think books are special and libraries are special. read more

This was my first time back since they renovated. It was closed for months as they worked, refurbishing and maintaining the original building while adding additional space. They did a marvelous job, treating the original architectural details w/ reverence while adding modern touches like high round windows that open automatically when the temperature/CO2 levels reach a certain level. All the windows now open, I was told by the lovely, friendly librarian. The tattered carpet and battleship grey linoleum have been replaced by linoleum-like floor coverings in a warm tan w/ dark brown accents that look appropriate to the period of the building yet still clean and new. The new addition fits seamlessly w/ the original. It contains the bathrooms and other meeting rooms. There's a downstairs but I didn't explore it. There are sections for children and for teens, as most modern libraries have. There are computers and tables for people to set up their laptops. Outlets have been added for the laptops. It retains the charm and beauty of the original while adding increased functionality and spic and span neatness. It remains my idea of a perfect library. I was so happy to see it again. read more

I always go to this library, even though the downtown branch is way closer. Being tucked far away from downtown drastically reduces the nut job quotient. Also, its location keeps it from being picked over as much as downtown, so even though the selection is smaller, it's higher quality. A lot more families with children come here though, so if you're looking for children's books/DVDs, you might have a hard time. I also love the old, lived-in look of this place. Sure it's not as clean or high-tech as downtown, but it's got character damn it. read more