Berkeley Public Library - West Branch

(133 reviews)

1.2 mi

My hubby, our toddler and I stopped by on Saturday to kill sometime before dinner! Berkeley Public…read moreLibrary's kid section is great! Our almost 2 year old had a blast playing in their kitchen, hiding areas, with their huge stuffies, dolls, chalk, big wooden car, coloring and reading books with mommy! This library has been apart of the community since 1893! I love how you get to choose your own library card, she picked out some DVDS! Would return again, hopefully soon! SYOY! :-)

The Berkeley Public Library is a cornerstone for learning and community engagement. Beyond its…read moreexcellent collection, the workshops and public fairs provide meaningful opportunities to develop skills, discover new ideas, and connect with others. These programs make the library an active place of growth rather than just a place to borrow books. The online resources are equally valuable--accessible, well-organized, and central to continued learning. Whether researching, studying, or exploring new subjects, the digital tools extend the library's reach far beyond the building itself. I would also strongly recommend the public laptops and the broader community resource network available through the library. These tools provide reliable access to technology for research, applications, and personal development, ensuring that everyone has the ability to stay connected and productive. The availability of these resources reflects the library's commitment to accessibility and practical support. Overall, the Berkeley Public Library stands out as a reliable and forward-looking institution that supports education, curiosity, and lifelong learning for the entire community. Please give them a visit and leave a positive review online.

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Berkeley Public Library

(57 reviews)

1.4 mi

Technically called the Tarea Hill branch. Their online holds placing system is very easy to…read morenavigate, 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.

Renewing my library card was quick and easy here! The staff was very nice…read more 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.

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Berkeley Public Library

4.0

(46 reviews)

1.4 mi

I luv this library--small, just big enough for me to easily find the latest novels, classics, bios,…read moremysteries, 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.

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

Wifi speed at Berkeley Public Library North Branch this morning.

Self Serve DVD Section

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Morning sun!

Berkeley Public Library: Claremont Branch

4.2

(25 reviews)

2.2 mi

One of my local libraries that I love to visit as it's architecture is reminiscent of an old estate…read morelibrary with dark wood, comfy chairs and even a fireplace. I do wish the kids section was larger with more space for little ones to nestle in, but all good. I love the lucky day shelf. They have usually newer books, 4-6 different ones, that are in high demand and available without being on the waitlist. If you get lucky you get lucky. I have found some gems that way that I don't know if I'd normally find. They have the usual dvds and wide array of books and magazines. They host a ton of events here mostly catered to tweens, teens, seniors and adults from chess club to movie night, poetry circle and more. The staff is nice. Street parking only and it's limited, but I can usually get here on foot which is a bonus. Overall, a nice, clean, old-timey library.

I'm at the library trying to read peacefully but I hear someone playing videos on their device --…read more What kind of rude patron would do this at a library? Oh it's an employee! The security guard!! Real professional!!!!

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Albany Library

(46 reviews)

1.3 mi

Located after the main drag, which makes parking easier and they do have parking in the back offers…read morewhat most libraries do and then some. It has an interesting history. It used to be a hospital back in the day, so it's space was planned out perfectly. The city and people of Albany are able to use the rooms within there to do a lot of different activities not just as a library, but as a service to the community itself. The last time I went in for one of these, not looking for a book was when we had the Medicare. Meeting where they explained how Medicare works and all the different parts of it to anybody who's headed to that age that needs to be educated on how it works. People hung onto every word of it right there. They usually side rooms for wonderful things like that it's very informative. The library itself isn't huge like some public libraries in big cities, but it offers everything that everyone would need for a small community surrounding it. And I like the people that work there they're very courteous and helpful. It's always clean and there's plenty of space and I see all the tables are occupied by kids students and adults all working side-by-side together going through their books writing their papers all the different activities that are found in the library. It's a very modern design of a building and it offers so much to anybody that comes in there. Check their schedule of events there might be something for you.

Great staff, interesting collection. They have been very helpful in finding interesting series on…read moreDVDs for adults. Hopefully they will add to their collection.

Albany Library {3/18/2025}

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South end table view

Doe & Moffitt Libraries

(31 reviews)

1.7 mi

One of my main campus haunts during my time during undergrad here. One can get lost here, and I've…read morespent a lot of great (and not so great) memories holing up here among its shelves, desks, and computers. I have pretty much lived here, and pulled an all-nighter. Lots of nostalgia here.

Can thank this library enough. They have amazing collection of some rare religious texts that was…read morehard to find otherwise. They also have all topics on philosophy, psychology, Christianity. Every time there was something new to read.

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Rockridge Branch Library

(49 reviews)

3.0 mi

I stopped by the library briefly and appreciated how peaceful it was. It's the kind of place that…read morehelps you focus naturally.

I live in San Francisco now yet still got love for Oakland and the East Bay. Rockridge is a fun…read moreneighborhood. Millennium is here for a special occasion fine dining at a vegan restaurant. They were named one of the top 25 vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the world. There are some fun bookstores in Rockridge and the Rockridge Branch Library is on point. When I walked in there was a display of cookbooks including Oakland's own vegan cookbook author Bryant Terry's book Vegan Soul Kitchen and the fun vegan cookbook Thug Kitchen: Part Grub for social mother f*ckers. Inside they had some nice records in the CD music section and couple of stellar vegan cookbooks. I loved the shelf with the display of Staff Picks with several books on display. That was a nice touch. Staff was friendly. This branch is an A+

Oakland Rockridge Branch Library {6/28/2025}

Blooming flora

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Golden Gate Branch Library

(19 reviews)

2.1 mi

Recently obtained my new library card! GGBL has a lot of events during the summer for the kids and…read moresome for adults. All the staff was extremely helpful and imformative.

I bring the kiddos here to participate in their weekly activities while I read a book…read more The staff (even security) are friendly and helpful. The library has a bunch of FREE resources for the community. Check em out!

This ain't your grandparents library, and that's a good thang!

Too cool to be forgotten AKA why libraries rule!!!

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NYC come thru here - books are magic

Temescal Branch Library

4.2

(24 reviews)

2.7 mi

Their tool lending library is an under appreciated and invaluable resource. There's a wide…read moreselection of tools and the staff on hand is quite helpful.

I must have driven by this place so many times and on few occasions, borrowed from the tool library…read more- but it wasn't until recently that I went in to the main part to discover how awesome of a library it is! They were hosting a taiko drummer over the weekend - the session was educational, fun, and engaging. A treat for our little one! Afterwards we explored their space for children's books and toys too! As a bonus it was also FREE Comicbook day! Looking forward to future events and visiting again soon

Two great tastes that go great together. Libraries Rule!

Library options

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C.V. Starr East Asian Library

(15 reviews)

1.7 mi

What a great monument of history at UC Berkeley. With more than 900,000 volumes of literature in…read moreEast Asian languages and priceless pieces of art and scriptures to view. The media room holds a collection from reels, cassettes, vhs, dvd, etc. The books really catch your eyes with the colors to each collection. As soon as I walked through the doors, I felt an automatic sense of peace. It's free to the public to visit, you'll need to look for parking off campus because there's no driving up to it. I highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area.

One of my favorite libraries on the UC Berkeley campus. The architecture is gorgeous, and there's…read moreexpansive, vast collections dedicated to Chinese, Japanese, and Korean books. As an alumni with alum access to the libraries, the staff is still very helpful and responsive when I need to do research for writing. I could lose myself here for HOURS

Window view

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Albany Bulb

(247 reviews)

2.3 mi

My daughter and decided to go for a beautiful walk. We both love any bodies of water! This was the…read moreperfect place. Everyone walking their dogs . We got sad bc we didn't have our pup. Always a next time. As we walked we saw so many fun and beautiful sights. Check out my pic for more details. We can't wait to go back.

Come for a walk, a hike and adventure. Take I. The hidden treasures of art upcycled cast away…read moreitems. Enjoy trails with your dogs, kids, and friends. With each twist and turn you discover art. Carpool with friends parking g is tight.

Albany Bulb

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Albany Bulb

The Campanile

4.6

(95 reviews)

1.8 mi

My classmates and I finally crossed one thing off our bucket list - traveling to the top of the…read morecampanile for one of the best views in the Bay! As students, we were able to visit for free; non-student tickets are only $6. Upon arrival, we waited in line for about 5 minutes for the elevator ride. Once inside the elevator, a friendly student gave us a quick history of the Campanile - all within the span of the 60 second elevator ride. We took a few short flights of stairs up to the top and were met with 360 degrees of breathtaking views. It was a clear day, and we could see as far as the Golden Gate Bridge. If you time your visit right, you can maybe catch one of the music performances. After we'd enjoyed the view for about 15 minutes, we took the elevator back down. I'd highly recommend a trip to the Campanile - it's the second tallest free-standing clock tower in the world!

I stopped by on a Saturday afternoon. The place was not crowded. Up from the tower views were good,…read moreespecially the golden gate bridge. There were a lot of bells, and the whole mechanism looked cool.

Bells

Just outside da tower

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Da lobby

Nimitz House

5.0

(3 reviews)

5.6 mi

When crossing the eastern span of the San Francisco Bridge, few people realize the history of the…read moremilitary in the area. One specifically, the Nimitz House, hidden just under the freeway on the east side of Yerba Buena island, has an incredible story and history! This house was the final residence of General Chester Nimitz, the leader and architect of WWII Pacific Theater. Simply said, the man whose leadership and strategy was used to win the war and allowed the Allies to proclaim victory. This house is a three story mansion and shows its unique architectural splendor as you approach it. It contains large windows which enabled views of the east bay and if you search the internet, you will see the elegant interior - a fitting home for its resident and his family. Gen Nimitz past away in this home at the age of 81 from a stroke. Unfortunately, California is not maintaining the residence and it has been falling in disrepair. Paint, windows, and the structure are all showing signs of neglect. Don't let its condition stop you from visiting though. Although you can't enter, you can appreciate its history and marvel of the fantastic area and views it provided.

Have you ever fallen into a rabbit hole of discovery on the Internet, only to find yourself, at…read more3am, looking at pictures of seemingly abandoned buildings on islands off the coasts of California or Mexico, which you found by zooming into said islands on Google maps and looking through the posted photos, then wondering who the hell this random guy named Christian is who posted the photos not even five months ago? What is Christian's story, you wonder, as you continue to look through the other attractions of the island, which does not include residential or commercial buildings, only to discover a few hiking trails that lead seemingly to nowhere...but what's this? A campsite with no electricity, running water, or bathrooms? Just a field on an island designated as a campsite, reached by some trail made by a dude with a machete, or something? But despite the lack of these amenities...there are picnic tables! Who decided first that it should be a campsite? Who brought the tables? What are the backstories? I've found some neat places online using this exact technique, and I've been fortunate enough to visit such places. It's cool to stand in the location of such a place after seeing all the pictures online and building it up in your head, and honestly, what makes these places better is when there aren't a ton of people crowding around when you get there, trying to take a picture for their Instagram. Sometimes, like in the case of this house, I do the reverse and come upon a neat building, art piece, or other landmark as I'm out doing other things, then furiously search the Internet for more info on the history. For me, the places that are a bit mysterious are the coolest finds. We came across this spot accidentally; we had gone to see the mission in downtown and stopped to check out Treasure Island on the way back. We drove around a bit looking for a good place to see the skyline, and came upon this very unique bit of Yerba Buena, which is somewhat hidden on the side and requires you take some twists and turns down a side road. Although there is an informational board in front of this house that suggests many people visit this place, the houses are surprisingly well-kept, with all windows intact and walls free of graffiti tags, and things are generally not trashed by garbage human beings. Looking into and around each of the houses, I got the sense that this is an area that is largely unvisited, especially compared to the neighboring areas of San Francisco, and now even Treasure Island. I wanted to do my own digging to see how well-known this weird circle of Victorian-style houses, juxtaposed beneath the modern industrial backdrop of the various overpass-bridges, are to people my age online. The results were interesting. One Reddit post with someone claiming you can rent these out for events. Quite a few articles discussing some cool historical facts, like how the Navy wouldn't let the developers of the overpass build over the house if it would block the sunshine (this house was where Admiral Chester W. Nimitz lived the last years of his life). You can easily see the curve of the overpass, as if someone nudged it out of the way. Not a whole lot more on it, other than apparently Willie Brown (past SF mayor) trying to make it the mayor's ceremonial mansion (god, please don't). Overall, despite not being able to go inside any of these houses, they're kept in beautiful condition by someone I'm assuming to be a groundskeeper, and a stop here is worth it for the view alone. Just don't mind the whizzing and whirring of the cars commuting from above.

Senior Officer Quarters beside the mansion.

Swing in the yard

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Senior Officers housing still stand beside the mansion.

Berkeley Pier

(60 reviews)

1.4 mi

Do you long for world class walks along the Bay? Are picnics by the SF Bay romantic enough for you?…read moreWhat about a very long walk down an endless pier? Sadly the pier itself is closed, but the shoreline is timeless and gorgeous. And let's not forget fishing on a perfect day. Along the Bay Trail, you will find happy visitors and families. There is history here with free knowledge Mon-Sun, bring your own container.

The Berkeley Pier has been closed for several years now!! No doubt they either need to retrofit it…read moreor tear it down altogether and build another one. The 4 stars is for when it was open, and you could walk all the way out to what felt like the middle of the Bay. A great way to walk off the dinner and/or drinks that you had at Skates which is right next to it. People would be out here all day and night fishing, or just hanging out. I really miss walking on this Pier, I really hope they repair or replace it, if not, I'll always be glad I got to experience it when it was open!!

The Sundial

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Sather Gate

4.4

(5 reviews)

1.7 mi

I've never heard of Sather Gate until Saturday. We had some free time in Berkeley, so we took some…read moretime to tour the Berkeley. The Sather Gate is a very nice arch on the Berkeley campus. Soon as you get on Campus you will see the student store, keep walking towards the center of campus, then you will see the student center and the Amazon center where you can pick up and return packages. To the left you will see Strawberry Creek and the little waterfall and the trickling creek. Now look up and you will see Sather Gate. We got some nice pictures under it. It's a real tourist attractions. It seemed that 50% of the people walking under it on a Saturday in June were talking selfies. School is out of session so there isn't many people on campus. There may be summer school going on. We also see several parents with their kids on campus taking tours.

When I was foot commuting to Sprout Hall for work in the Graduate Division while attending the…read moreUniversity of California, Berkeley the Sather Gate was on one of my two main routes when going to Sproul from my office in McCone Hall. I liked the green of the gate, it helped capture my attention and was more of a sea green, so not as far away from the school colors, blue and yellow, as a rainforest green. Depending on the time of day and the season, traffic thru the gate could be quite high. It could be quite the picture-taking hotspot. Sproul Plaza could have booths and performers/demonstrators/protestors. So, depending on the happenings in the plaza I might physically pivot and take a different path for approach to the building. I gauged whether I would be turning by the end of bridge before the gate (approaching from the north), so in that sense Sather Gate became a reminder to myself to check my surroundings and physical safety.

Sather Gate on a cloudy day in 2017/2018.

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Dianne J.

133

16

25

12 years ago

I love how I can order a book from one library and than pick it up at my local library.

Berkeley Public Library - West Branch - libraries - Updated August 2026

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Berkeley Public Library

4.0

(46 reviews)

I luv this library--small, just big enough for me to easily find the latest novels, classics, bios,…read moremysteries, 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.

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

Berkeley Public Library

(133 reviews)

My hubby, our toddler and I stopped by on Saturday to kill sometime before dinner! Berkeley Public…read moreLibrary's kid section is great! Our almost 2 year old had a blast playing in their kitchen, hiding areas, with their huge stuffies, dolls, chalk, big wooden car, coloring and reading books with mommy! This library has been apart of the community since 1893! I love how you get to choose your own library card, she picked out some DVDS! Would return again, hopefully soon! SYOY! :-)

The Berkeley Public Library is a cornerstone for learning and community engagement. Beyond its…read moreexcellent collection, the workshops and public fairs provide meaningful opportunities to develop skills, discover new ideas, and connect with others. These programs make the library an active place of growth rather than just a place to borrow books. The online resources are equally valuable--accessible, well-organized, and central to continued learning. Whether researching, studying, or exploring new subjects, the digital tools extend the library's reach far beyond the building itself. I would also strongly recommend the public laptops and the broader community resource network available through the library. These tools provide reliable access to technology for research, applications, and personal development, ensuring that everyone has the ability to stay connected and productive. The availability of these resources reflects the library's commitment to accessibility and practical support. Overall, the Berkeley Public Library stands out as a reliable and forward-looking institution that supports education, curiosity, and lifelong learning for the entire community. Please give them a visit and leave a positive review online.

Berkeley Public Library

(57 reviews)

Technically called the Tarea Hill branch. Their online holds placing system is very easy to…read morenavigate, 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.

Renewing my library card was quick and easy here! The staff was very nice…read more 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.

Doe & Moffitt Libraries

(31 reviews)

One of my main campus haunts during my time during undergrad here. One can get lost here, and I've…read morespent a lot of great (and not so great) memories holing up here among its shelves, desks, and computers. I have pretty much lived here, and pulled an all-nighter. Lots of nostalgia here.

Can thank this library enough. They have amazing collection of some rare religious texts that was…read morehard to find otherwise. They also have all topics on philosophy, psychology, Christianity. Every time there was something new to read.

Rockridge Branch Library

(49 reviews)

I stopped by the library briefly and appreciated how peaceful it was. It's the kind of place that…read morehelps you focus naturally.

I live in San Francisco now yet still got love for Oakland and the East Bay. Rockridge is a fun…read moreneighborhood. Millennium is here for a special occasion fine dining at a vegan restaurant. They were named one of the top 25 vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the world. There are some fun bookstores in Rockridge and the Rockridge Branch Library is on point. When I walked in there was a display of cookbooks including Oakland's own vegan cookbook author Bryant Terry's book Vegan Soul Kitchen and the fun vegan cookbook Thug Kitchen: Part Grub for social mother f*ckers. Inside they had some nice records in the CD music section and couple of stellar vegan cookbooks. I loved the shelf with the display of Staff Picks with several books on display. That was a nice touch. Staff was friendly. This branch is an A+

Richmond Public Library Bayview

4.3

(3 reviews)

Agree with beatrice h…read more use it often, much, Link + and Overdrive... adorable is totally an understatement... and right off freeway. parking always. everyone friendly and nice disposition. love, love..... going there to pick up my new Sanjay Gupta MD book soon!

Very small, quiet. Good place to go to work or use the Internet if you're free during the weekdays…read more Despite the small collection, it still features a number of popular recent releases. Unfortunately, the hours aren't too practical for people who work Monday through Friday, 9-5, since it's closed Fridays through Sundays. Would be an excellent place to go if you're a student, work unconventional hours, or are unemployed and looking for a quiet place to study or work. Friendly staff, clean bathrooms. Free wifi.

VLSB: Marian Koshland Bioscience and Natural Resources Library

4.6

(10 reviews)

If Yelp existed back when I was a college student (shut up, I know I'm old), then I would be have…read morebeen the Duchess here 100 times over. Why you ask? VLSB is just one of those places that felt like a second home to me during college and probably because I spent a majority of my days there for bio lecture, labs, library time or just hanging out with my friend, Mr. Dinosaur. It's a central location on campus great for meeting up with classmates and I'm sure they've renovated the library since then but I used to love sleeping, I mean studying on those comfy armchairs near the journal section or way in the back on the first floor. Good times, good times. Recently my friends and I did a Berkeley self guided food tour and being that 3 out of 4 of us graduated from Cal, this was a must stop. I always feel so nostalgic coming here and seeing my dear old friend, the Dinosaur. Next time, I'm gonna pack a bag lunch and reenact my days from college sitting in front of the library and people watch. BTW, Arnold Schwartznegger filmed part of the movie, Junior here, but you all know that already, right?

Didn't know VLSB library existed until I began studying with my SMD Pre-Med Fraternity brothers…read more This library always has plenty of room, be it circular table cubicles, long tables, individual cubicle on the 2nd floor... Its not a big library but its cozy. Even during finals you can always find a few spots open. One of the really nice things is that they are lax about food. I've never seen anybody get written up like in Moffitt or Doe. There is also a Yali's right outside in the courtyard, but it does close early. The library usually closes at 10. It is well lit for those who like bright study spots. If you need to print things it also has full time computers to print form as well as a computer lab with macs for anything else you need to work on.

Richmond Public Library - West Side

4.0

(4 reviews)

library is only open 2 days a week with short hours. no newspapers were available. some magazines,…read morebooks, computers and restrooms yes. art pieces on outside walls are printed on paper, not painted on walls. (am sure they are not meant to be "to go". don't get ideas.)

I'm glad Richmond has a branch in this area even if it's one of those small one-room schoolhouse…read moretype ones with limited hours. I usually just come to pick up book holds, so I don't do much browsing around here and it serves its purpose for me. Personally a little claustrophobic for me due to its size, but definitely glad to have a convenient branch at the heart of Point Richmond.

Orinda Library

4.3

(57 reviews)

Nice, small library situated next to the community park. My toddler enjoys the Mini Makers sessions…read morehere and then we go to the park for some outdoor play. It always makes for a nice day.

What a beautiful space for a library! Only concern was the multiple number of steps. Didn't have…read morea chance to spend time exploring so maybe multiple steps from the parking area to entrance and then the long staircase to auditorium had alternative access which would be more handicap accessible.

Oakland Main Library