Renewing my library card was quick and easy here! The staff was very nice. There's apparently a tool lending library. I have yet to try it, but it's so great when a library can offer tools to borrow! Short and easy walk from Ashby Bart. read more

Berkeley Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Small, serviceable library with children, teen, and adult sections to serve its community. As part of the Berkeley Public Library, the services offered here are separate from the Alameda County Library system. Be sure to register membership in this local library system to take advantage of the resources available from one of the foundational landmarks in the city of Berkeley. With mainly street parking that is scarcely available due to popular hotspots for locals and visitors during the weekends (public park across the street and a popular Buddhist temple next door), it's probably best to walk or bike if you live nearby or be prepared to park further away. They do have plenty of bike racks in case you're coming from a bit further out. The individual sections don't seem too big but do pack a good amount of books and DVDs to be borrowed. If you need help finding something, the staff members at the front desk are helpful and friendly. The rooms are well ventilated and lit by natural sunlight, quiet, clean, and has enough space for individuals and small to medium sized study groups. As with many libraries, with WiFi access, this location makes a great place to harness your focus and be productive and imaginative. Overall, while this location may be rather small, the Berkeley Public Library system has a few sites within the city and can certainly accommodate your resource needs. The bulletin boards often are plastered with flyers for community events and opportunities so even if you're not in need of the library services, it's a nice spot to stop by for a quick glance at what's happening around the city. read more

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There are about 3 libraries in Berkeley Nice place sunny quiet I didn't live here Near the college and SF read more

Technically called the Tarea Hill branch. Their online holds placing system is very easy to navigate, you can get a free California parks pass and a Discover and Go pass for local attractions, and print 5 free one sided black and white pages a day. They also have computers available and a community room that can be reserved but only if it's an open attendance event at the moment. Overall I love this place. The bathrooms are always clean, drinking fountain, and there's a cork board near the printer with community events and resources. The one thing that would up this place would be to allow the empty community rooms to be rented out for an hour by more closed support groups if possible, but it's still very neat. read more

This is a small library. But I came by here because many years ago, I learned that they lend tools. Tools!!! Wow, that was odd. And since I worked in the area, I was very curious. But I don't use tools, so I wouldn't use it for that function. But my husband would, but getting him there, with a card, etc. was a lot. I had a card, but getting there and getting the right tool, and this is pre-cellphone everything, so... But it looks like they have books too. I didn't see that. I think that when I visited many years ago, they were remodeling or something, but I think the idea of loaning tools is great, sort of like when health food stores started selling herbs and spices by the ounce. Awesomeness!!! I can say that if I worked two blocks away, I'd make the most of all they have to offer. The people who worked there were very nice and welcoming, especially since I never borrowed everything. I do appreciate them answering my questions though. read more

The Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Berkeley Public Library is a real treasure. It is a short walk from the Ashby BART station & also a short walk to the Berkeley Bowl. This library was remodeled four years ago & although it is much smaller than the spacious Berkeley library downtown it is still quite alright. A tool lending library is attached to it which is a great concept to lend tools as opposed to having to buy them along w/ storing them. I am not much of a handy man yet like the concept. I feel more libraries should offer this service for environmental & economical reasons. The library has a lovely design & is one of the most eco-friendly libraries I have seen. The bathroom features a low flow fixture that reduces water usage by over 40 percent. It has a dyson airblade hand dryer instead of paper towels & is simply the fastest, most hygienic hand dryer there is. The building itself has plenty of natural light reducing the need to use as much light bulbs inside & the few light bulbs that are used are super small using low power wattage. The books, magazines, DVDs, & CDs are smaller in quantity than the main library in Downtown Berkeley yet there is a smart collection here. I highly recommend checking it out if in the area as libraries are a great resource! read more

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Always friendly, clean and a great place to study. Every time I'm there it is fairly quiet.

It's a pleasant space in the morning with helpful staff and easy parking. I got in early and reserved the study room for an hour. It was cozy, but had plenty of plugs for my equipment. The room comes with a white board and I was provided with markers when asked. read more

Thanks to the tool lending library, I have two awesomely sturdy, handmade bookshelves for my bloated and ever-growing library. This week, we're rolling out three endtables that were built entirely with borrowed tools. Because of the tool lending library, it wasn't such a huge deal when our lawnmower got stolen. Sure, we had to make do with their manual push mower until we collected the funds to buy another one, but it worked. We were also able to do quite a bit with their electric weedwhackers (which are such a popular item that they don't allow renewals or holds - and they keep them in great shape!). Because of the tool lending library, I'm a few tens of dollars poorer in overdue charges (which is my own damn fault). But then again, I've saved hundreds of dollars on tools like table saws, chop saws, power drills and rumble sanders that I would've needed just for an odd home improvement job here and there. I was walking to the bus stop one day when a stray lab started following me. The dog was old and gentle, had a collar but no tags and wouldn't leave me alone. I couldn't take care of him because I had to get to class, but I walked him down to the tool lending library because I know they like dogs (they often have a biscuit ready to offer my or any pooch that enters), and because I figure they see a lot of local dogs and might recognize this one. They couldn't help me out, but it says something that they were the first people I sought for help. [I eventually dropped the dog off with a neighbor who was able to watch him until animal control or his owners could be found.] However, I would not rush to blockade the tool lending library in the event of a zombie apocalypse. They do not stock air-powered or gas-powered machines, or generally the types of heavy-duty dismembering tools one would like to have on hand to ward off an invasion of the undead (no chainsaws, not even a simple hand axe). The guys who run this place are awesome. They're like the waggish but patient (and crafty and resourceful, and never patronizing) older brothers I never had but always kind of wanted. They're just as helpful in person and over the phone. They give their present patrons priority, so if you're calling for something, it's fair to expect to be put on hold for a long while. EDIT: I was just in there today, and noticed what appeared to be small hand axes along the back shelf, and a mini chainsaw on the counter, despite being told that these things were not available before. Hmm! Now how about a powerwasher? read more

Berkeley Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Wheelbarrows, angle grinders, soil tampers, Berkeley tool lending library has it all. The people at the library are so helpful. They'll help you load the ladder into your car if you ask them nicely. They'll even tell you what kind of tool you're looking for if you aren't quite sure what you need. They have a list of their tools online so you can check if they have what you're looking for before you come in. The concept of this library is great. Who needs to buy a push mower when you realistically aren't going to use it that often. Borrow it here and. drop it back off when you're done. Community at it's best. Note: they don't carry chain saws. Don't ask me how I know. read more

It's a tiny cramped space, so I try to avoid going in here. They generally have the books I need and want, but I get them shipped over to central. But for some reason every time I use this specific location they always lose my books! read more

Nicely redone library with lots of clean, open space. The design includes some cool artistic touches and lots of "green" details. Pros -several computers for folks to use -Quiet and conveniently located. -Very nice signage that clearly identifies each area (teen, children, subjects) -tool library is next door Cons: -The children's collection is not very large, especially non-fiction. And there are no activities for kids like many libraries have (coloring, blocks, etc.) -It's a little weird that you can see the staff working at their computers through the window, but hey, if they don't mind! read more

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This place doesn't even have the most basic of basic tools. They don't have much above a screwdriver and hammer.

The fact that you can get free tools -- and advice -- with just a library card is wonderful, and definitely worthy of five stars. The only drawbacks to this otherwise fabulous place are that the parking is tricky (two spots in a driveway, or on the street), some of the checkout lengths are quite short (three days for a drill), and that the people who work there are often sarcastic or slightly demeaning if you don't know a lot about tools. On the other hand, the staff are always patient and willing to explain how to safely and properly use the tools. So they don't (quite) lose a star. The Berkeley Public Library website has a list of all of the tools you can borrow. read more

An excellent public service. Professional and updating their services quite often. Awesome lobby and great teen room design. Thanks to city of Berkeley too. read more

What a great resource! These guys have so many tools, and the staff is unbelievable! Super resource for those tools you'd expect to use once then bury in your garage forever. Staff is amazing. Super friendly and unbelievably helpful. Keep in mind the odd hours and even odder staff. Perfect slice of local color. Even if they don't currently have the tool you want, you'll leave with a smile from the colorful antics of the nuts behind the counter. All you need is a Berkeley library card and proof of local residency. Now off to use my borrowed router. read more

I had the displeasure of speaking to the manager, a very unfriendly person, today. His name is apparently James Moore. He is extremely disrespectful. I went in to pay a fee for lost book. I said "Hi, are you new here?" He looked at me stonily and said "NO" in the most unfriendly way. I said, "Oh how long have you been here?" "3 years", again, in a dead cold, surly tone of voice. "Oh, i never saw you before" i said, continuing to try to be friendly. It was a waste of time. He gave me a nasty look. "What do you need?" he says, in the same deadpan voice. "I came to pay for a lost book". I gave him my card. He ran in and said "You owe $39.80". "Why so much? It was a paperback". "You have a restocking fee and $5.00 in late charges. You also owe for an old charge". "But i already came in about 3 weeks ago and reported this book lost. They shouldn't be charging past that first dollar." "No, you did not report it lost", he says. "There is no record of that." "Yes i most certainly did. The person i spoke to did not do his job." "Who did you speak to?" I had a hard time remembering, with all the things going on in life. This is certainly not the most important. "I can't recall right now but it was about 3 weeks ago." "Well, you just say you did that, but you can't even tell me the name of who you spoke to or anything." I did not appreciate him giving me this insinuation of dishonesty. "Look i think it was the young white guy with longish hair." At this point, he was getting really grouchy and downright RUDE with me, his tone aggressive and mean. "I know him and everyone who works here, including him, and they ALL do their job. He would have made this note on the computer. I know he would have done it."" His voice was harsh and angry. To be honest, the guy was unfriendly right from the get- go, and he got worse the longer we spoke. His attitude was downright NASTY. I said, "So you are calling me a liar?" He then basically reiterated what he said about everyone doing their job. I don't know if everyone does his job there or not. All i know is that i definitely DID go there to report the book lost. I thought that would stop the charge. NO, it did not. They kept on charging and charging. I told him that i had gone there, reported the book lost and was about to say something, but he cut me off. He went on in the most belligerent manner i ' ve ever seen in the library. Most of the library staff is nice and helpful. This is unusual. I tried to say the sentence once more, but again, he cut me off. "You're wasting my time right now." Oh, so customer service is wasting his time?? "You have a bad attitude, You are really rude to the customer. I want to talk to the manager," I said. "I AM the manager. That's why i know everyone here does their job." Oh wow. That's just great. This guy, let's call him "rude dude," is the manager! Was he born rude or did study? I think both. "Then i want to speak to whoever is above you. "Look", i tried to continue, "like i was trying to say,"---but he cut in again. "You're making a disturbance here." This was IRONIC. He was doing most of the talking, not letting me get a sentence in edgewise. "Oh, I"M making a disturbance? And what about you? You're just standing there saying nothing?" "I'm DONE talking to you!!" he bellowed. "You mean you're done LISTENING to me, because you aren't even letting me talk.'" "YES, i'm done listening to you!! Here's the number for administration." He wrote on a purple piece of paper, very hard to read. I was frustrated and upset. The dude wasn't even letting me finish my question, which is important. I was trying to ask if we need to get a receipt when we report a book lost. Probably they don't even have any such thing, but now i see you need to get one, as they will say you are Lying if you don't have one. "You just don't even---" but dude cuts me off again. "You need to leave here!" I said , "You are so rude. You have no customer service skills. You SUCK." Normally i would not say that to someone in the library, but this guy was not letting me say anything, was unfriendly from the get go and then got downright ABUSIVE. He raises his voice above what is appropriate for the library. "You need to leave right now! Telling me I suck!" I was still standing there as i needed to re-write the number, as it was too hard to see on that purple paper. "I'll have you banned from this library forever if you don't leave now!" This guy has some nerve. I am a patron that probably has been using this branch since before he was born. I was not the one being rude, but after so much abuse i could not take it anymore. I told him what he deserved to hear, for cutting me off and trying to imply that i am a liar. He calls his employee. A woman comes out from in back. "Would you be my witness? She just said i suck. I'm telling her to get out of he read more

This library is pretty small, but the advantage is that everything is easily accessible. It is always clean, and James the manager is very open to feedback. The building has a decent size conference room with VA equipment, a teen room with computer access, an open space toddler area, a computer kiosk, one first come first serve study space, and a tool lending component. For parties searching for reading materials there are weekly newspapers available alongside a fair sampling of must reads. For added patron convenience, inter-library requests are available for expanded accessibility. It's a great neighborhood library. Yes, bike parking is right in front. read more

This place is great. First, it's a great concept -- how many times do you have to buy a tool to use for something specific, and then it sits around forever because you never need it again? Never, if you use the tool-lending library! They publish a list of all their tools so that you can take it home and not wonder, gee, does the library have a ____? The staff is also helpful about the tools. I borrowed a drill, drill bits, and studfinder, and they gave me a scrap block of wood so I could practice drilling before I used it on my apartment wall. There was also a rule about how many tools I could take, I think because I was a new card-holder at the library at the time, and they bent the rule because my task required more tools than my limit. (I forget the details, this was several yrs ago.) I'm really happy that this resource is here, that anyone can use it, and that the staff are so nice and helpful. Note that when you walk in, you're in a small space, and there's a desk, and you have to walk up to the desk and say, uh, what do I do? But then they're nice and helpful. 4/12/07 update: Uh... oops. I meant to review the Oakland tool lending library. Whoops. Since there are only a couple of reviews of this one so far, I'll leave it here for now, since I describe the concept. read more

hours as of 9/9/14 Monday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday: Closed it's a small cozy library. and if you're looking for a quiet work space there is a separate room (away from the children's section) with lots of windows for studying/laptopping. the wifi was pretty slow when i went. read more

Eh. I normally go to the main branch to read, study, and/or catch up on quiet work, but this one has extended hours on days that the main closes at 6:00. I like that it has a local South Berkeley feel to it, and the staff seem nice. By biggest issue is the noise level. Part of may have to do with the small space, but part is also just the way both patrons AND staff conduct themselves. The people at the front desk speak LOUDLY. The patrons talk LOUDLY (with no staff politely asking them to keep it down). The kids' section is not far away from the rest of the library (due to the size), and again, kids can be LOUD. An employee was walking a patron through the library to help her with something and felt the need to speak to her LOUDLY, almost shouting. (Actually, they both were.) Maybe she was enthusiastic about something, but still unneccessary. This sets an example for the tone, and people are simply not as quiet as one would expect or should be in a library. Due to the size, there are very few quiet places to just park yourself and get some work done. There is a "quiet" room (don't remember what it's actually called), but just as I had settled in, a group of kids descended on the space for some class or event. That room is apparently used for several things. So, if you live in South Berkeley (as I do), and like to support your local branch, great. It's also, as some said, walking distance to Ashby BART and Berkeley Bowl. Just don't expect a quiet, library-like space. read more

I'll give them four stars based on the on-line services that allows you to reserve books and pick them up, as well as the friendly staff. I rediscovered the library a few years back as an even better option than Kindles and the large chain booksellers - you can read for free! I do still patronize our local independent book dealers when I can't wait for a title at the library, as you should also. Cheers! read more

This library is like visiting a dear Berkeley friend's studio apartment. Cramped full of neat stuff, but full of love and help. I often pick up books or videos here because the lines are tiny and reference desk kind. Not sugary sweet customer service, but authentic library folks that check out your picks and have good guidance when you are stumped or in need of help. My only wish for this little treasure is that the City gets a federal grant to expand the computer resources for the neighborhood. The internet resources are deeply tapped here, GOOD, but deserve a better space so users have more elbow room. As noted, the beloved tool lending library is next door! Quick walk from Ashby BART. read more

I work at here so I can't rate it.........But I can rate my patrons......Most of the patrons are great, I love the work that I do, and what I do for my patrons. So to my patrons I give you a 4 stars, I would like to give most of them 5 stars, but the closest I can come is 4 stars.............. read more

I love the Berkeley library system! Why? Because it's all online. I can browse the catalog online, put a hold on any item I want and ask them to send it to my local branch. That's right, if I don't want to bike 5 extra blocks to the branch it's currently at, they will send it over to my local branch for me! Once it's arrived, they email me a "courtesy notice" so that I know it's ready and I have a week to go pick it up. Then, they send me an email a week before it's due to remind me. And, if I choose, I can renew it online. 2 times even. You can also suggest something you'd like them to purchase while you're on their website. Plus, you can return any item (other than the tools from the wonderful tool lending library) to any branch. What service! And, for the first time in my life, I don't return my library books late! read more

Ok place to study. It is very small which is great when you want to study, however it can be hard to find a seat and a park. Also, there are often transients sleeping here or using the facilities so it can be unclean and I would not trust sitting your stuff down and going to the front desk or get a book. There is a private study room but, you can only use it for an hour and there's only one room. read more

This is probably my favorite berkeley public library, followed closely by the central branch. South Berkeley is the chillest library--the hours are favorable, staying open late enough (8pm) at least a few nights a week so that working people can definitely make it over. The computers are almost never completely full up, printing/copy access etc. South Berkeley Branch also puts on community events like the evening performance of Pep Love that happened in June. Pep Love is a member of Hieroglyphics, Bay Area based hiphop outfit, who grew up in South Berkeley. Hip hop at the library, hello?! Makes you feel like this branch is imagining how the library can be a zone of learning and empowerment beyond just books. And right beside it is the tool lending library. Check it out. read more

This is where the tool lending library is located. What's that you say? I can rent TOOLS! Yes, yes you can and it's very useful if you have a little project and don't want to spend money on a tool with a large price tag. Find out more about it here: http://berkeleypubliclibrary.org/tool/ You really will thank Berkeley for being so cool, with their tools, cuz they rule, they don't drool ..okay.. I'll stop. read more

Just like the folks in the Library itself, the guys in the Tool Lending Library are awesome. Very nice, knowledgeable and helpful. Be sure you look at their hours of operation. They aren't open the same hours as the Library, so you'll have to do a bit of planning to ensure you return your stuff on time. read more

Nice quiet place to study, read, surf the net. There is a small room where 2 guys were playing chess and talking, so I also sat there and talked on the phone. read more

This is one of the smaller library branches in the Berkeley public library system, but despite its size, its an awesome place to check out all types of books, media, and even tools. I like coming here because the staff is always very friendly and helpful and always more than willing to accommodate all your resource needs. I think its great that this location has so many separate areas spread out within its walls, whether you like to study in private or in the open community room or read in the general population; they have an area for everyone. Also, they offer free access to computers for members and even host a variety of book clubs and film screenings throughout each month. If you aren't already a cardholder in the Berkeley public library system; be sure to join; its fast, easy, and best of all free (All you need is a CA id). read more

Berkeley Public Library - Children's Area - Libraries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Genius!!!! Stuff like this makes our East Coast parents understand our astronomical local taxes. It's just effin brilliant. I've built a garden, including raised beds, cut soffit vents, made a rain barrel, fixed doors, cut closet pieces....it's fantastic. And they always remind me to check out an extension cord. Which I would forget. Ladders, saws, shovels, rototillers, wheel barrows, weed wackers, drills, you name it, you can borrow it. And I *love* the staff. It's the first place in CA that I ever found that seemed as nice as my home town. read more

All I can say is, every time I go there, I leave with exactly what I was looking for with competent help from the employees. It doesn't get better than telling a person what you need and receiving it in a matter of seconds...FOR FREE. I even took the tools back late once (with an excellent excuse), explained my predicament, and didn't receive a skeptical glance from anyone. BTLL- Thank you for helping me in a time of need (installing my anniversary gift). I couldn't have done it without you! read more

if there is any establishment truly deserving of 5 stars, this is the joint. * pretty much any power or hand tool any non-professional would need * easy logistics, all u need is a library card and proof of residency * online renewals allowed * friendly, knowledgeable staff. and guess what? you don't have to find space to store your tools... just return it! read more

If you like to do it yourself, and you have a Berkeley library card, then this is the place for you. I have their menu of tools in my toolshed and whenever I need something that I don't have I run over there and grab it. It feels like I own every tool under the sun, but really I just live in the coolest city under the sun. Thanks Berkeley for being so rad. read more

Gotta love this place. A do-it-yourselfer's dream; they've always got what we're looking for and lots of tips about how to complete any and every project. The staff are always SUPER helpful and even have treats for dogs to keep your pooch happy when you're trying to decide which snake will work out that clog in your drain. Just wish they were open more! read more

. yeah these guys are OK free tools friendly people great advice yeah, it's cool . read more

What a great service. Very environmentally correct also: keeps you from buying tools you only need once.

LOVE! This is an amazing service that every city should have. I just unplugged a drain for free in 20 minutes. Unbelievable!

Glad to move here and found this fantastic city service. Adams is a great home remodeling consutant..Nothing to worry when you go there with tons of questions and need some helps..I hope my tax is directly goes to this place. read more