New! Renovations are finished and the Campbell Library has finally reopened! This library has been totally renovated and reopened in May 2026z huge windows, natural light and a feeling of openness abounds. If you have kids, please note that the Children's section is separate from the rest of the library. It is a huge room behind glass doors. It looks quite nice. If I was still a kid, I would have loved to explore this area. The main adult section is downstairs and easy to navigate. I like the Overlook area's comfy chairs and large windows. Kudos to the city of Campbell and all the many sponsors and donors for making this renovated library a reality. read more

See all

We popped into the newly renovated Campbell Library grand opening today, on Saturday, May 9. Super impressive. Why didn't they have this when I was younger, or when my kids were still little. It's come a long way when they had just a few tables and chairs and old wooden puzzles for my daughter to play with lol. --Children's room. The childrens room is upstairs. There's a children's play area that is simply adorable, albeit very cramped. Even with just a few kids in there today with their parents it seemed a bit tight (may be best to go off peak). It's sure to be very popular and crowded. They have the cutest play structures with a Campbell Water Tower replica that feeds into a slide. The nod to historic Campbell is everywhere. Nice touches! --Toys None, however they have a few play costumes & hats ---Lots of Stairs There are a lot of stairs, be forewarned. On the reopening it wasn't operational, however it's working now. --Spaces/Seating: lots of seating and plenty of airy open spaces. Everything is white. I'm thinking it will get dirtly quickly though, especially with the littles putting hands on everything. I anticipate the bench seating will be in high demand, people will likely be fighting over them. --Meeting Rooms: you can rent small rooms (there are three). The library employee told me they are reservable for 90 minutes, which is free with a Library card. However, this is incorrect. I was able to book on online for 2 hours. I believe patrons can also book half the community room for studying or small meetings. The bigger community room is for library programs/Friends Organization/Partners or government entities only however. --Laptops/Portable Chargers: Also, this is huge, you can check out laptops and portable chargers at their kiosk. Computers: none! They are having patrons check out Dell laptops (need a library card) for 3 hour checkout. --Staff and finally, please be patient and kind with the staff. The stress was visible today on their faces as they were trying to deal with the onslaught of demand. There will be some kinks (as most newly remodeled business have) to work out. Update, brought my other daughter with me today (Sunday) to check it out. We noticed there is no teen area. The old one had a small area by the magna just for teens, so that's a bummer. Here they are expected to co-mingle. read more

See all

We were excited to see the new remodel. The space was modern and had many nooks and areas to sit and read. The kids room is bright and inviting. I was surprised there is no dedicated teen room. The AC didn't appear to be working. I think with better AC and better signage it will be a more comfortable and usable space. read more

This is my favorite library. The staff are super friendly and helpful! The books are up to date especially the travel books. Can't wait to see the remodeled library to reopen again! read more

I utilize this library with the Libby app. They have a huge supply of ebooks and audio. I just love being able to rent as many books as I want, and only buy the ones I plan to read over and over. I had no idea how easy it was to get a library card online and rent books without ever leaving the house!! I just finished The Others series by Anne Bishop. If you haven't tried audio books, it makes chores, cooking and exercising.. everything really, so much more fun! read more

Campbell Library - Libraries Near Me - Campbell, California

This is not a library, this a room. Literally. It's a single room. I cannot state this enough - do not come here unless you live literally next door. It seems clean but... it's a room. Not worth anyone's time driving here. read more

They are currently remodeling, so they have a Campbell Library Express site in the Campbell Community Center. The location, being temporary, is fairly small but run well and very organized. The woman at the desk was extremely friendly when I asked her to direct me to the location of the story time (which is located diagonally across the courtyard). She even walked be part of the way! The story time is fun for little ones. It's located outdoors, but there's plenty of grass and benches in the shade to sit. The story time leader does a good job balancing reading stories and singing songs. Fun for babies and toddlers! read more

Campbell Library - Sign explaining why the library was unexpectedly closed on a Saturday. - Libraries Near Me - Campbell, California

One thing good about Santa Clara county is their libraries. I have been going here since I first came to California. There are a lot of good materials to check out here. Once you walk up the ramp the kids section is right in front of you. There also seems be a toddler play area here which can be very noisy. I have good memories of going here to look at some great videos back when I was as kid. As I grow older I am amazed by how they have a lot of great places to study. It seems to be a huge hit among De Anza and West Valley students. They have a great majority of books that you don't see at other branches. This library also puts on special community shows for kids which is really nice. Note: As of right now the library is being renovated so there is currently an temporary location. read more

You should check it out. Get it? The place has a thorough county-wide hold system, easy self-scan check-ins and check-outs, and email reminders of holds and due items. I love it because it has amazing hours (open Sundays and as late as 9 some weeknights) and a cool location within Orchard City Plaza. I go mostly for DVDs, CDs, and Wii games, while my girl likes the electric car chargers. They also have crazy specific community events- my favorite being the free "Happy Birds" show. No script- they just wing it. The air conditioning and comfortable seats are maybe a little TOO inviting, with plenty of room for the homeless to store their "Will Mork For Food" signs. (I assume that guy was either dyslexic or he was going to riff Robin Williams-style.) The only problem is that it feels more like a Free Friday in kindergarten than a library. It's not exactly a "get your term paper" done kind of library. Unless you are writing about the effects of boogers and screaming in a library. read more

I am a teacher so I especially appreciate this library. Staff are always polite, professional, and super helpful. I cannot wait until they build the new location! It will be amazing! read more

This place is so cute. I've brought my son here on a few occasions to visit the library and partake in story time. It's not a huge library but has a great setup. I love that they also do a monthly book sale, where I've gotten a great number of boos on the cheap while also supporting the library. read more

I was amazed to see such small library, with the people that work there undoubtedly friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming

Super kid friendly and convenient. Great selection of kids books and because it is only small, very easy to not overwhelm my little one with too much choice. Story time on Wednesday mornings are really fun and interactive. And there are lots of great kids activities to take home. Whilst they don't have any toys for kids like bigger branches, the community centre has lots to offer, including a playground and big field for kids to play in. read more

Big Pro: really good air conditioning. When we had the heat wave in June this place was cool and quiet especially the downstairs part where the adult fiction is kept. Upstairs you have the main desk, the returns, and the Kids Books area. Spoke to the librarian who said to join the library, all you need is an official ID and proof of address, like a bill. Doesn't cost any money to join. They have a huge magazine section with up to date magazines including esoteric ones like Home Remodeling. read more

Campbell Library - Heat wave! Go to the library! - Libraries Near Me - Campbell, California

The Campbell Library is great! My daughters both love it. They have a great selection of books and you can request titles online if they don't have a specific one at the current location and you can have them hold it for you. There is a small place space for kids, which is great for my girls when they get finished looking for books, they can be in a safe open environment where I can keep an eye on them and still look around for books. The library also hosts many guests, we recently attended the Bubble Lady show and my daughters loved it! It is free admission and held in the library itself. There are also many different reading programs that you can enroll your child in and they get rewarded along the way as they progress and earn badges. My 4 1/2 year old is particularly fond of that! It's a great place to go with or without children! read more

See all

I usually use libraries as a stopping point between clients, where I can use their WiFi without feeling the need to buy anything Just like everyone else mentioned before, Campbell library does have its old-school charm, which is good and bad. Campbell library is the only library (that I'm aware of and that isn't in SJ downtown) opens on Friday at 10AM (other libraries opens at 1PM). WiFi is great in all area What I don't like about this library is the Quiet Study Area. It is on the lower level (basement). But it is an open area, and the reception desk is right behind it. You will hear people talking, the librarian stamping, and people walking in and out. Overall, good place for me to go on Friday because their early hours. read more

Campbell Library - Quiet Study Area - Libraries Near Me - Campbell, California

I've been coming to this library since I was in Elementary school, oh so many memories....especially since the place has not changed much in 10+ years. They have a large selection of books, magazines, and DVDs for you to check out as a lot of other libraries. As far as the other libraries in the same County Library "chain" I've also been to the Cupertino Library that seems to have more books because they do have a larger space. Layout: --1st Floor: Children books and DVDs, Adult DVDs and Magazines, Teen books and comics, an International section (with all of the books and newspapers in different languages) and the items that you placed on Reserve will also be on top. --"Basement": Computers for Adults to use (up to 2hrs), nonfiction books, all the remaining adult books, there are a couple of tables as well for you to work on things with your own little space read more

this library has been here as long as I can remember, it is my favorite between Campbell and San Jose. You can check out movies and CDs as well as books. It is always well kept inside and out and is located near down town Campbell, next to the police dept. read more

Campbell Library - Libraries Near Me - Campbell, California

This library just made me pay for books which I've returned. They claimed they "lost". I wish I kept the return receipt. read more

The express branch is mainly useful for picking up holds, it's a very cramped location that is hopefully very temporary.

A great place for events through out the year. My 4 year has loved coming the couple of times we have come. One of the events was for Dr Suess Birthday where they had story time and alot of fun interactive activities. They even had someone dressed as cat in the hat and we took family pictures. I would say come early parking as it seems to get full fairly quickly. The earlier you come the better seating you get as well. Staff has been friendly when we have gone. read more

Campbell Library - Great events for kids - Libraries Near Me - Campbell, California

Baby reading time! We went today and I was surprised how my folks showed up for a half hour with babies under 18 months! We saw 3 sets of Twins like us there! The story time was fun and was done in the community room. The librarian did a great job reading the story and all did a signing portion after that was fun! I met a lot of fun Mom's and will come again! The library itself is not bad but they could use some more books for under the age of two. It's a small library but tons of stuff you can check out: DVDS, CD's, etc. Parking is decent and everyone who works there is very helpful. They are not open every day so go online and check before you go. read more

I agree with Diana. This library is very small and looks very old from the inside. There are not a lot of desks. Also, there are not a lot of computers (both with Internet access and catalog). I would say that this is by far the worst library in the whole Bay Area and I have been to many of the libraries (Saratoga, Fremont Main, Union City, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, etc.). read more

This is a fairly small library compared to the other County Library branches in the region, even though this is a two level building. Parking is tough at times especially because there are nearby downtown attractions and City Hall is right next door. It can be loud at times and everything (customer service desk, book drop, computers, etc.) seems to be so close together. I'll come mostly to use the computers and see if there is any literature worth going through. read more

This library is probably the oldest one around! They have great childerns story time but they can be extremely crowded. They do have a nice size childerns sections and a nice section for children's play/ read area. The parking can be a big issue during busy hours or morning story time. read more

What an amazing resource right at our fingertips. I've borrowed movies, video games (Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, Play Station), and books. The selection is really broad considering the size of the library. If i can't find what i'm looking for, sometimes there's an online option. There's bike parking at the entrance, and plenty of car parking. The returns are all digital and can be checked back in when the library is closed. Check out is also digital, unless you want video games, then you must go through the front counter. If you don't want to search the library yourself, you can place whatever you need on hold, and someone will gather your order and place it in a ready for pick up zone. First class service! read more

I have been coming here for over 25 years. The staff here is amazing. They are friendly and always willing to help. I reserve my books online and when they're ready I just go in and check them out. They have a good selection of books on tape. During busy hours or if there is an event parking can be hard to find. On a normal day, you can usually find parking. I enjoy coming here. read more

This small library has really changed over the years. I was there last week and was amazed at how modern it looks now! There is lots of seating everywhere. You can now return your books, DVDs, and Cd's at the automated checkout machine at the front on the second floor. Upstairs, they have a kids section, a section for teenagers, magazines of all kinds from Cosmo, People, health, and even foreign language ones. There is also a good selection of foreign movies as well as Cd's and DVDs. To my surprise, they actually carry a lot of Cd's that I didn't expect them to have such as Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Madonna, and a bunch of other Cd's that some parents might not approve of-:P As for the DVDs, they have mostly older movies, but some of them are good ones from the 80's, 90's, and early part of 2000. I even saw a few horror movies there like Saw! They also have DVD sets for popular TV shows such as The Simpsons and Seinfeld. There is also a large selection of graphic novels and animated Japanese DVDs to as well as a lot of foreign language films. Some of the DVDs such as the music and exercise DVDs are located separately downstairs by the books with the same subject matter. There are also many different foreign language tutorial Cd's downstairs. There are lots of large flat screen computers with Internet access that you can use for free for an hour I think. The people who work here are nice and helpful. If there is something that you're looking for that you can't find, just ask the nice lady at the information desk in the children's section and just give her your card and she'll look it up. If they don't have it, they'll contact another library and have it sent over. When they get the item in, they'll give you a call. I couldn't find this DVD from 2001 that I really wanted to see, not even on Netflix! So, I was really happy to hear that although I couldn't find it at this location, that they were able to find it for me-:D The new releases are located downstairs near the books for sale in the corner. The bathrooms are upstairs. The large print books are by the side downstairs near the fiction. They're open everyday expect for Sunday and Monday. They open until 9p.m most days and they close at 6p.m on Saturday read more

The feelings I have for this library are the same ones people that save trees by living in them have for, well, tall green things. I grew up in this building. If this library is ever renovated, I'm going to flip out; tears will be shed, threats will be made, and television crews will be called. I want it to always look like the bunker full of books it was designed to be. I love the sound the security system makes when I walk in the door; BA-BUNK! I'm safe. I'm not a stolen book. I love the way the water from the faucet always feels icy cold in my mouth, and how it still feels icy cold when I cough and spit it all over my shirt because I'm still not coordinated enough to drink from a bubbler. I love the sound of the children's room during story time, even though I can't stand the little beasts. I love the idea of tradition, and every time I see them I think "I used to do that !! I was one of those snot-nosed brats those gracious story tellers would entertain every week !". I love the children's librarians circa 1990-1996. You ladies were the best at finding me new stuff to read, and without your help, I might never have read anything besides Boxcar Children books. I've never used this thing (it's kinda new) but there's a kiosk/robot downstairs that helps you find jobs. They also have a MASSIVE collection of TV series and foreign language DVDs. They still have typewriters, too ! My only two gripes: I had a clerk snap at me. It made me so sad/angry/confused. The next day, my friend had a similar experience so I think it just might be that clerk. Ohhh, I feel bad about complaining, but hey, you don't know which one it is ! Also, the automated book return system thinger doo-dad (no idea what it's called; it's that giant book-moving robot at the checkout area) makes a lot of noise and is an eyesore. The Los Altos library keeps theirs hidden in the back, and I like that much better, as this one is just awkward and enormous and totally ruins my romanticized childhood memories of the library. Most people would list this as a complaint too, but I've come to love it; tripping on the stairs. It's inevitable. read more

I love this little library because it reminds of West Orange Library in my hometown, South San Francisco. The bookshelves are the old-school birch wood kind and the folks at the circulation desk are super helpful. I actually cracked my pinky fingernail when I made a sharp turn into their parking lot and went straight to the circulation in hopes that they would have a bandaid to stop the little bit of bleeding. Not only did they hook me up with a fantastic bandaid (not the cheapo kind that just slip off and don't stick well) they also hooked me up with a library card that I could put on my keychain, so I could use their free internet access! Thank you ladies at the Campbell Library!! While they don't seem to have an excessive amount of table space, I do appreciate the little desks they have downstairs next to electrical outlets, so you can plug in your laptop battery. I wouldn't recommend this library for those requiring a lot of space to throw around your books and stuff, but if you need a quiet, limited amount of distractions type of place so you can just sit and type type type away at your thesis for your masters degree, this is a great place for you. When you're sitting at a desk that has just enough room for you and your laptop, you have no choice, but to get your papers done (or go on Yelp) but seriously, if you are motivated to even get to the library in the first place, you might as well make the most of this quiet, peaceful, intellectual setting :) read more

Very loud "library". I have come here several times to study and ended up regretting it every time. There is a customer service desk in the reading room downstairs and the staff have not been trained to speak with any kind of concern for those around them who are trying to read. Loud and inconsiderate would be understating the reality here. They are chatting away on the phone, among themselves and with customers as if they were at a party. I am not even going to go into discussing people who are speaking on their phones loudly. If you need a place to focus and concentrate, do. Don't waste you time here. The library at Sarasota is great, and the Campbell team should visit to see how a real library works. read more

I love this library. I've been coming here since I was a kid. The staff is really friendly and helpful. This is the only branch I patronize (verb use of the word). Yes, it's looked the same for decades but I don't think that's a negative thing. It's nostalgic. I have to take complaint with the negative reviews-being closed, a long wait to get your hold on an item, old, no new items... Honestly, all of this has to do with taxes and what the community wants to give to the library. In Milpitas the community is so grateful for the library that they donated more money to keep their library open every day for many months & built a new library. Saratoga library looks awesome because the community gave generously to rebuild it. Remember that when it's on the ballot. Holds take as long at any library-if you're 50th in line or it's overdue than yes, you wait longer. That's not really a fault of the Campbell library or any library for that matter. Smells in the library-there are homeless people in Campbell. I am not saying that the homeless people that patronize the library are always the cause of the foul odors but I can tell you that it has been the case several times that I have been there. This isn't a defect in the library it's just life. It's just unpredictable; sometimes a place smells. It's kind of like you're taking a jab at the janitor saying they're negligent. What can the staff do when it smells? Febreeze a person? That's kind of horrible and inappropriate. Just uh, walk awaaay from the smell. I'm passionate about the library-can you tell? Oh, and the new website is awesome! It's vastly improved and is so user friendly. I'm really happy with the updates that have been made. read more

People!! You do NOT have to wait in line to turn your books in! Walk two feet to your left and put them in the bookdrop that's at the front counter. I'm really tired of people standing in the line at the self-return machine with an exasperated look on their face. That being said..I love the new self-checkout machines! Just one big pile and I'm done; all at once? Awesome! read more

Old and kind of run-down but since all libraries are a good thing, I'll never give one less than 3 stars. I used to come here a lot when my business was located near here but since the Almaden library opened, I will never make the drive to come here again. Almaden is so much better. This is good for the community, has an average children's section. A good newspaper/magazine area. Limited book variety and it's closed Sunday and Monday's which due to the budget shortfalls is to be expected. Too bad for Campbell. Hope they get the funds for a complete upgrade in the future, this area could use something great. read more

It's a nice little library but I get tired of them SO many times not having a book I want and having to wait for them to have it sent from another library. Glad they are open on Sundays. read more

Campbell Library's staff does a lot with the hand they've been dealt. The staff is really helpful and really care about books and service. Sign up for the online service and then you can reserve books, movies, games, dvds, audiobooks, graphic novels, hardbacks, paperbacks, and even magazines. they will be waiting for you on the shelf when you arrive (once you get the handy email notification.) If this was a bigger space, I would probably give 5 stars. Read early, read often! read more

This is the closest library to me in the Santa Clara County Library System. I love the Santa Clara County Library system because it is the ONLY library system in the Silicon Valley area that allows you to make reservations on CDs and DVDs. That means seasons of Dexter, South Park, Simpsons, Flight of the Concords.. (the list goes on) all waiting for you with the click of a mouse. The online reservation system is a such a welcomed feature that I'll overlook the fact that the hours can be a little difficult (not open on the Sunday or Monday) and that the building itself is dated - I still will give it 5 stars! This library rocks! read more

I am a frequent user of many libraries. The Campbell library is everything a library should be. The old building doesn't matter. The library buzzes with activity. The County's inventory is amazing. The staff is friendly and helpful. I love the magazine exchange, the books for sale by Friends of the Library, the rapid checkout machines--just great. Returns can be self checked in or dropped in the slot in the front of the counter. I do understand why the County System will be charging $80 for a card for non residents of their service area, but it will be a hardship for those that live closer to the County's branch rather than their "home" library. Years ago, one could not get a card from a library in a city you did not live in. I hope eventually the County system will be able to drop the fee. read more

This is the worst, loudest and grimiest library I've ever been to. This is an unfortunate update now that I've been here quite a bit over the last month to try to work. Key is try, as the constant bombardment of homeless person smell and various cacophonous sounds makes it a struggle. There are about 30 homeless people who are constantly camped in the library. They smell fiercely bad of urine sweat and probably feces. This isn't the library's fault, but not all libraries seem to attract such a community of homeless people. I've seen one such homeless person catcall every woman he walks past and stares them down. He then cowers when I walk past him (oh god the smell on him is unspeakable) because I'm taller and bigger than him. What reprehensible people seem to gather here. Watch your belongings folks. And if you're a woman, come with a friend. Nobody respects the quiet section and people will be talking on their phones or muttering to themselves and the librarians don't care The children's section is directly upstairs of the quiet section, so during the afternoon you'll often hear stomps of what must be 10000 kids running about The help desk is right next to the quiet section so you'll be overhearing everyone's conversations. There's also an older Asian lady librarian who works in the afternoons. She is not only loud but treats everyone with hostility. I've never had to interact with her but everyone who asks her anything gets yelled at. It's interesting that nobody ever pushes back, but she's very standoffish and maybe hates the fact that she has to work at a library. My final word of advice is to make sure you do laundry, shower and scrub carefully after sitting down anywhere in this library. The previous person who sat in your seat probably slept in a gutter just hours before. Take care you don't get scabies or bedbugs from the furniture here. read more

This is a ​pretty good library, but compare to other libraries, the Campbell library is relatively old, the chairs are still made in hardwood​ without arms, which is pretty uncomfortable​ after hours of study. Hope the library can get some money to upgrade. It hasn't upgraded​ for many years. read more