I love our library. It's spacious, they buy a lot of new books, there's organization, and new toys for kids. The librarians are all amazing and friendly. They remember your face and invite you in. My daughter is comfortable approaching their space and asking questions. She always asks for a sticker and they're always gracious about giving her one. I love the pond out front of the library, the playground behind it, and the parking lot can accommodate many cars. The pond has this dirt path that leads you to a beautiful grassy park with a playground. I loved how my daughter was able to experience childhood this way. read more

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One of the many branches of the San Jose public library district. This one is near Alum Rock. It's in a nicer if older neighborhood. It's pretty big, but not overwhelmingly so. It's pretty much split into a kids section on the south side and then grown ups have their books on the north side of the building. There's also a teen room, an Internet cafe, and plenty of computers to borrow as well as multimedia like dvds. Near the children's section there's plenty of seating that's mostly quiet, although when we visited there were 2 kids that were really loud and ran amuck and their respective moms were just on their phones and didn't really pay them any attention. Hmmm. There's a vast selection of books and the library is pretty clean although some areas are a bit worn and some places needed a bit more deep cleaning. Other than that it's really a nice facility and very colorful with nice natural lighting throughout. read more

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Came to visit this library during a Viva Calle event. I haven't been to this location in years and it's one of the first libraries I went to as a child who used to attend Noble Elementary in the late 80s. Very cute and modest sized library. One of the things that caught my eye while visiting there were the visual display cutouts that I thought were really cute. My favorite was the little bear display which can be seen as you walk in towards the library help desk center. read more

Berryessa Branch Library - A bear cutout - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

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Today was such a big day for my little one!!!! Drumroll, Please.... **Little Miss Kai got herself a very first library card!!! WhooooHooooo!!!!!** Shout out to the young gentleman who assisted me throughout the process. Signing up was super easy and extremely fast. In all honesty, trying to choose amongst the available library card designs was the most time consuming part. It was such a heartfelt experience to witness my little one roam around, happily in awe of everything. Literally, EVERYTHING!!! We eventually walked away with 5 books but that took a whole lot of coaxing and repeated mentions of us promising to make a return back to the library very very soon. 5/5 stars. Here's to the start of Kai's new adventures.... read more

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I always checkout all their Batman graphic novels because "He's the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we'll hunt him. Because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector. A dark knight" Also Batman is going to beat me silly as I racked up quite a tally of overdue library books now. read more

This library has a very wide variety of good books! It's always so clean and organized! The staff there are helpful and keep things running smoothly read more

Surrounding it is a trail around the library which is great for walking breaks. There's a playground perfect for kids to play in. There's also a pond with ducks and swans but it was dried up and had a lot of algae. Wish it was filled up more so the birds can enjoy it fully! There's a seed library which is always a plus. Fun games such as "guess what Pokémon" at the front desk. Lots of seating area. Love that there's Vietnamese and Chinese media. Big, spacious, clean, friendly staff and patrons. read more

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Activities - Amazing Bombay jam dance classes with amazing instructor Love the classes Good assortments of books and easier to borrow , keep a hold on it etc read more

This library is incredible. They've got a huge selection of books for the entire family, graphic novels, cook books, children's books, fiction, the works. It is also much larger than you would expect from the outside. There is so much room and so many places to sit and study or just read a book if you've got the time. You can also join their ebook club and check out ebooks on your device of choice. The library is very clean and the staff are all super friendly. Returning books is easy, too, as they have a drop off right outside that scans the barcode on the book you are returning and gives you a receipt when the transaction is complete. I highly recommend this place! read more

My kids and I really like this library. We usually try to avoid the after school crowds (the middle school kids - they can be quite loud). This library is clean and spacious. Plenty of space in the Children's section. Pre-covid times, there were activities, storytime in the children's section. There's a little seating area with different levels that the kids can sit on (or on the ground). There used to be toys too but now with covid all the toys are no longer there and Storytime have been moved elsewhere. Every now and then the library would give out free books to the kids which is really nice! i like that this library gets quite festive during special holidays. There would be inflatables during halloween and christmas, and hearts during valentines, etc. This library is located next to a park or is it in the park? anyway, there's a pond and lots of open grass space adjacent to the library -- it's great! Though the park isn't very clean due to the many ducks and geese living there., but the kids get a kick out of watching the animals sleeping, swimming, and walking around read more

What a nice little library and it's right by my house. The crazy part, is that I've never been here until today. Came for story time for the daughter and it was quite packed. Lots of little ones running around and having a blast and the lady doing story time had the right kind of energy. Positive, but professional. She sets boundaries, but has a love for the kids. The library itself isn't that large, but it's very modern and has a lot of cool sections including film and comics. Outside there is a park to have a blast in. Overall, a nice little spot and I'll be coming here with my daughter again for sure. read more

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I absolutely love this library. Close by my house & if you look at the catalog online you can place books on hold, and when theyre ready for pick up you just stop on by the library and pick it up. It's set and ready for you. If you want to browse and actual collection of books, then this library may not be the best since it is pretty limited on the variety of books they have. However it's very clean and I love coming here once every 2 weeks go grab new books I can read!!! Come to the library and read/expand your mind instead of causing trouble!! read more

Been coming here for years and this was actually where I did my first volunteer job ever. There has been alot of improvements ever since from the automated returns, new flat screen for computers, updated book and media selections, new design for children's library cards ( green one ) and weekend programs for kids and adults including a seed/gardening nook where you can get seeds for spring planting and also donate extra seeds for other gardening enthusiasts. I for one got some Swiss chard and parsnips that I plan to plant soon. This library also got an award which just justifies how a great place this is! Just love, love, LOVE being here! read more

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I just finished an Anti-Bias curriculum class and I have a new view on bookstores, libraries, and other media centers for children. Berryessa library is great - they have books that include almost all children, regardless or race, class or religion (though they could use more children's books that portray children with special needs). Bookstores are usually horrible which was surprising to me in this diverse area. Check common bookstore shelves for books facing out (front covers displayed) and see how few children of color they have represented! What message does that send? I must have had to visit Berryessa library 50 million times over the last few months. Lucky for me, they offer many books (right out on display) that help eliminate stereotypes and misinformation for children! If I did have to search, the staff was so helpful and had great recommendations. Thank-you. :) See ya there! read more

This library has been here for ages.. although they have moved things around and trying to be organize, I find that the selections can be better categorized. The computer system is much efficient, more clearer at Milpitas Library. I tried looking up a book from Meg Cabot but the system simply did not recognize the name. One thing I did see is that a number of books are available to read via online (which is great, I guess) but personally I prefer to hold onto an actual book when I read. The media section is pretty huge and more organized than the Milpitas Library so that's a huge plus.. you won't need to kill your eyes searching for a film to watch because it's nicely categorized! I saw a few documentaries that peaked my interests! The information booth overlooks the people going in and people going out. The lady that helped me was very helpful and seem to enjoy her job so that was a major plus. Parking is plentiful here and outside there are benches, a nice and big field area accompanied by a pond... very great place to relax, read a book that you just checked out. read more

Berryessa Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

I really enjoy going to this library. The outside is very well maintained with a cute little pond filled with ducks and geese, however, these animals are used to being fed so they get very close up to you. It's cool at first, but then they can get a little feisty so please stay back. I take a lot of my participants who are developmentally disabled to their Insiders events, and they are the kindest and most understanding library staff I've dealt with. My participants love engaging in their activities and always ask to return for more! I'm so thankful for that. Keep up the great work, guys! read more

Pro, - Internet seems improved recently. - One quiet study room, there are some tall chairs and tables in corner lobby which is great. Cons, - The library doesn't have a scanner. What a bummer! I see the copier/printer has the functionality but scanning capability is disabled. - Restroom is dirty most of the time. - No easy direct transportation access to this location as well other than cars. read more

Before walking inside the library, there's a pond of ducks. It needs TLC around the area. Cute for little ones to see. Library is small but has everything I need. I don't have to look for parking like Milpitas library. Nice and helpful staff as you walk in the door. To the right of the library front entrance are books to purchase and CD'S. The children's library is inviting with little ones reading and elementary school students gathering around the tables with friends enjoying their books. I love that theirs a comic section in the main library. Also, a little cafe seating, without the coffee. I like sitting close to the windows and watch people passing by, while taking a break from reading a novel. If you live close to the Berryessa area and haven't visited the library, you must come and see. Save your money and check out the recent books out in the store, for free. read more

I've been going to this library since I was a child. This whole remodel is totally the business ;) It's brighter. More parking. And things are just so much easier to find. There is a playground conveniently located just two steps outside of the building along with a quaint little pond to watch ducks wallow in. Cute little date spot if you ask me ;) read more

Berryessa Branch Library - Who doesn't want to play in this playground?! - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

This Library is kind of small compared to other libraries I've been to. There's always plenty of parking here. I usually come here to get books for both my kids to read for their homework assignment of reading 20 Minutes a day. There's a small study room here and a few tables around the library. There also like 8 computers that the kids can use but they take a while to log in. If you got a laptop it better to bring your own if you plan to use a computer or just use you phone to look something up. Over all this a cool little neighborhood library but it's still small so the selection of books is going to be small. read more

I love this library. I go here to study and do my homework. It's clean and the staff is very friendly. It's also close to a man made lake and little playground which is perfect for my Children after my studies. read more

Berryessa Branch Library - Man made lake by library - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

The staff isn't the friendliest here and I do recognize one guy working there from the time I was a kid. Of course, he looks a bit aged... haha. Anyways, I came here for Hunger Games and since they were out, I put my name on the wait list and got New Moon instead. The gal working there verbally walked me through how to request a book on wait list. She also didn't want to take my late fees. Instead, she told me to go home and log in only to make payment. read more

Berryessa Branch Library - Updated hours as of 1.10.12 - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

Pretty much ALL the libraries in San Jose have been updated or renovated recently so they all look great inside.

We love this little library. However, be warned that the 'no late fees' for kids library cards is a farce. I'm sitting here with a 26$ warning letter from a collection's agency on three flimsy paperback late charge fees I turned in for our daughter a few weeks ago. Better to browse and enjoy the books on site I guess than risk the late fees and a collections notice. read more

Libraries are honestly one of the best ways you can see your tax payer dollars being put into good use. There are just so many resources other than books that you should utilize! The San Jose Public Branch system itself is pretty good with a vast array of physical books and e-resources. Here are the list of things that I have utilized from the library system: 1. Free language learning programs! If you have a San Jose Public Library (SJPL) account, you can use Mango Language Learning service for free. I recently went to Japan and this really helped me out. 2. Luckily, the SJPL has a large array of e-books and audiobooks. You can check them out using the "Libby" app. It's so simple and easy and now you don't need to leave your house to go check out a book. Additionally, you can send the book directly to your Kindle for more e-book reading comfort. 3. Online resources for graduate tests! INCLUDING practice problems and full practice tests for the MCAT, GRE, SAT, etc. I'm taking one of these right now and find the material very useful. 4. Teen and children books no longer have a late fee to them! Also, if you do incur a fee, you can simply volunteer your time during the many free programs that the library offers. As for the Berryessa Branch itself, the library is well kept and with plenty of seating and outlets as well as a beautiful outdoor area. They have updated the library a lot through out the years, and the design is very conducive for studying if you ever come here for that. The staff is also incredibly helpful and friendly. I haven't used my library account for over five years since I was in SD and when I went to get a new card, there was some fees that was associated with my account. Since it was a few years old, the guy who helped me cancelled the fees. (thank youuu haha). I recommend everyone to use your public resources! Libraries, parks, anything! There's so much to explore. read more

Very helpful and friendly staff. Quiet areas to study with beautiful views of the pond.

Why are the stores all open where people may wander about in large numbers, but we aren't allowed to enter the library? This is insanely ridiculous! read more

I love my local library. This facility is newly rebuilt so all aspects of the library are updated from card catalogs, computer lab, DVD collections, and self service checkout system. The selection at this location can be limited. But I love that SJ library has a whole transfer system and I can easily login to my account and request books from other branches. An email is sent to me when my requested books arrive. No more hours of looking through card catalogs or hunting through racks of shelves. An email reminder is also sent to you when your books are due. No more late fines either! Take advantage of this free service instead of throwing away money at Borders and Barnes & Noble. This libary is nothing like it used to be when I was growing up. read more

We love coming to this library. I try to get my son into reading as early as I can. Kids are our future therefore I want to raise him to be the best he can. I don't raise him to compete with other children around him but to compete with himself. I want him to be better than he was yesterday. They have everything your kids will ever need to learn in school. They have math books, all kinds of reading books, history books and etc. I love taking my son to the library to expand his knowledge. Particularly, this library is great because it's literally down the street from my house. They let you rent as much as 100 items per day, which is a lot of items. I see people walking out with grocery bags with tons and tons of books in it. read more

Berryessa Branch Library - Perfect for kids.. It's a library and has a playground - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

I gave it a 3 star because I'm freezing my balls off. They need to fix the room temperature. How do you study when your hands are about to turn blue. I see employee looking like they are in Alaska. The dude in the counter info desk said " just go to the quite study room its like an oven inside." didn't know how to respond and I didn't want to look like a little girl so I just said OK guy if you see me not moving in my table just make sure you use a torch to wake me up. LOL! it's quite place to study comparing the one in Alumrock I usually go here when it's sunny hot. I got two item on the vending machine today so it's actually 3.5 star not 3 hahahaha read more

This library small, but it is clean, organized, & modernized! They even have fancy book return machines outside- which is my favorite part. It has a touchscreen monitor, a trap door, and a conveyor belt that scans for book and checks it back in at the same time it is traveling down into the library. Perfect for book returns after closing! I always find myself returning books the day they are due after they close, and because this is no ordinary book drop- the machine actually scans and checks the book back in- as long as you return it before midnight there is no late fee!!! This machine has saved me several 50 cent bundles lol. This library also has an amazing location! It is in Noble Park, with a lake where you can feed the ducks, a expansive lawn, picnic area, & a playground! read more

2 stars for the noise. VERY NOISY here!!! everyday, 2:30 pm....kids from nearby middle school flock here to wait for their parents. there are noise everywhere. rude noise as well. where are the librarians? i think they're too nice. they need more stern librarians here who will kick out the noisy brats to make them quiet. other than that. they have a pretty large video DVD selection. i get some of my Korean dramas here. 1 more star for the park --- the park nearby is very shady and pretty, comes with a lil pond. probably will look nice during the rain season. can't wait. parking lot is dumb. who engineered this? thank god they're extending the parking lot. can't wait til that's done either. read more

Whoah, I have never seen a crowd waiting for a library to open. When the doors opened, everyone bum rushed in (me included) on a Sunday afternoon. I've been here three times in the past 2 weeks and I'm impressed, I'll be back for more. This place is clean and neat. The desks are a good size for my big books (one sits on a 12 in catalog rack, one sits on a 6 in catalog rack). If you are there on a Sunday afternoon, you can't miss me. I'm the chick with the big books. Each table has a few plugs for your laptop and the wireless is pretty quick. One less star for some of the tactless patrons. Hello! We are in the library, please take your cell phone calls outside! Also, doesn't anyone whisper anymore? Lots of people talk with their normal voice as if we're at Barnes and Nobles or something. Oh yeah, parking can get pretty tight since this is library is in demand. I believe it. read more

This is a nice community library with a large selection of Children's books. They even have multiple copies of a lot of their children's books, which is great. There's also two computers for the children to play educational games on. (Those are very popular - the kids all congregate around them.) The first time I went, I was also surprised to find a bilingual story time offered. (The story was written in English, and the storyteller also retold it in Chinese.) They recently opened up an additional parking lot, which is helpful. (Otherwise, you most likely would need to park on the street. if you aren't walking distance to the area.) read more

I LOVE THE LIBRARY!!!! I have been coming to this branch forever. I still remember the old building, which still stands, but is now vacant. I remember thinking that I had entered this magical place that was dark and quiet and i would sit back in the children's room for what would seem like hours reading everything I could get my hands on. The smell of books! I love that smell of library books....the newly remodeled branch is bigger and brighter, and is chalk full of not only great books, but a ton of great music and movies as well... only advice is to not rent dvds from any library, because people don't care for the dvds and they get scratched. viva la VHS!! I would like to get back there soon, but I have a feeling I have a few fines to pay..... read more

I love going to this library. There're always plenty of desks and chairs to sit and read books. The best part is the beautiful park right outside. I love the beautiful view and ventilation. Also love the pond! read more

This is a very nice library, but I generally do not come here for that. I come to this location for the nice park they have and playground they have in the back for my kids. My boys enjoy running around and having fun in the park, plus using the playground. I know this is not a good reason to write a review, but I enjoy letting people know that the playground in the back is nice to play on with your kids and I do enjoy seeing my boys smile and laughing, plus I think they enjoy seeing me gasping for air when I am winded. I would recommend this place because most of the benches are in the shade and you can have a relaxing afternoon. read more

This branch has a pretty good DVD collection, but cookbooks are limited. Worst is the lack of a reference desk when you go in, and the lack of a real live person checking out your materials when you leave. If you go to the circulation desk to check out your books, they won't do it, and will make you use the self-checking machines. Replacing humans with machines makes Emily sad. :( read more

This is my all-time favorite library. I have been going here since it was in the original dinky building that is now the parking lot. With the renovation, this library is now the best it can be!! It's not a HUGE library like MLK or Milpitas, but it has all the sections and amenities. Half the library is for adults, half is for children. I would love to take my little brother here because there are plenty of books for his him! The DVD and music selection aren't that great, it's all older moves from the 90s or so. I love that there's a section for asian literature and films. This location definitely caters to the ethnicities of the surrounding areas. There are about 3 main study areas and they seem to always be full! Everybody wants to take advantage of the free wi-fi. I love that there's a community room with free classes such as Zumba and Bollywood exercising. My main gripe is that this library is open ONLY Wed-Saturday. I really wish they would extend it to Sunday. Why limit such a valuable and educational resource to only 4 days a week? read more

Free book reading. My favorite is reading. I love this library. Nice and quiet. ***** +++++ 5stars ***** read more