I reserve books weekly. The app is easy to use. I just grab my books off the hold shelf and self check out. Not even 5 minutes and that includes parking. read more

Great meeting room..large enuf for 10 people Needed 2hrs but limited schedule..booked up We only need it for 2 people Needed 2hrs..could of used a smaller room if one is available read more

This library is beautiful (they did a great job with the remodel) and a great location. The staff are friendly and helpful.

I wouldn't go here unless you absolutely have to, this library is a joke. This library is ran as if your friend had just remodeled their home, you funded the whole thing, but when visiting they will watch you like a hawk and apply random made up rules. Rule 1 - Common room (for everyone) - Probably sit 10 without Covid but with Covid everyone space out so probably sit 5. Which means if you're an adult it leaves you with very choices remaining. Rule 2 - Teen room (only teens) - same as common in-terms of seating. They will card you if they think that you're not a teen and ask you to leave even when the room is completely empty. Rule 3 - Kids area (kids only or if you have a kid with you) - Take up 60% of the library, empty 90% of the time, and no one is allowed in this area. Life hack - If you plan to visit this library best bet is to go rent yourself a kid, 100% you will always have a seat. However, if you're feeling bold, sit in the kid area and when they asks you point to a random kid and claim them. I haven't done this but they probably ask for a birth certificate or a DNA test (they probably have one of those in the back). Rule 4 - No sleeping. Was in here one day and was tired I put my head down for 5mins and lady came by to say "no sleeping in the library. I'm sure there are many other unwritten rules that I haven't stubbles upon but like I said before, best bet is to rent a kid and bring it in this library you will have VIP access. read more

Alright, first things first, I want to clarify that I am solely rating this establishment as a study space. I did not enter the main spaces except to wander and check out the space, so I did not have too much interaction with the staff, and primarily sat in the front room for studying. With that being said, I would agree that the parking lot is rather small, and when I arrived on a weekday afternoon, it was completely full, and it was hard to park in the spaces that were open as there were so many cars, so I ended up parking on the street a block away. Now as a study room, I found it to be extremely comfortable, the wifi was good, and there were enough ports for the people inside to keep their devices charged. I was in there for 3-4 hours, and enjoyed the studying area. There are also 4 bathrooms, each individual rooms, and the one that I used was very clean, so I was happy with that. I think if I biked there, I would give it 5 stars, but because the parking lot was such a nightmare to go through, at least for me, I would dock a star. But definitely go check them out for a nice study space. read more

See all

If I could rate 4.5 stars I would. This is a great library with plenty of modern amenities and a safe family vibe. My only complaints: - On the weekend, parking is tight. Multiple people circling the lot to find a spot. - The selection of books is limited. It's a smaller branch so I can't really fault them for that, just a consideration. Aside from that, it's a solid place. Definitely check it out if you're in the area. read more

1. I hate the way the books are stored and there are too few books, which is what I thought would be the main focus. 2. Instead of book storage, there are all these other areas, which look very underutilized. Maybe no one reads books anymore? 3. There is not enough parking....forget the playground and plants and give us more parking! 4. I understand the new Aptos branch is going to have basically the same plan and that is disappointing. I liked the old branches better. read more

This is a smaller branch library with an attached children's playground which has been serving Capitola. Note the use of past tense. It has it's own private lot which always has parking available even during the super popular children's programs. It's also within walking distance of the nob hill parking lot assuming you can manage a set of stairs or two and a pedestrian bridge over soquel creek. It's a nice walk even if it's not for everyone. This is small library more or less evenly divided between the children's section, a computer section, and everything else. One of the more unusual features is the locally made artistic doll collection above the checkout. It was an especially good spot for children as they could both enjoy s small program-usually reading, crafts, or the occasional small animal see and touch exhibit (The parrot was especially popular)-go outside and then go outside to run of excess energy in the designed specifically for children playground. As far as laptop camping/working this wasn't any too poor a choice as long as you are okay with people close by/behind you. Not a lot of seating here. However effective April 28th 2018 the building will be down for replacement/renovation which is expected to last up to five years. EDIT-the official time frame is 18 months which I find deeply optimistic. So in real terms it'll be two years ish. Probably. At any rate you've just under a month to come play at the park or enjoy this space. So long Capitola Library, you were tiny but mighty. read more

Unpleasant employees that are more interested in enforcing the private room rules than fixing their broken reservation system. 3 staff members just sitting behind the main desk not offering any assistance when I was walking around lost looking for a place to sit and take a zoom call without disturbing other guests. A very unwelcoming environment. read more

I was so looking forward to this library opening , I only go right as it opens or right as it is closing because the parking lot is a nightmare. Spaces so small there I've had significant damage to my car twice (of course no one leaves a note). It's like each space was meant for an antique VW bug. Can't wait til Aptos reopens so I can go back there instead. read more

Reading the other posts reassured me that I'm not off base in my rating. The employees need a lesson in customer service. It's a (very) nice facility, but the service feels like an inner city emergency room or DMV. I speak for my wife and literally every other couple I've discussed this topic with. I sincerely hope this improves. If the service was at least palatable, this would be an easy 5-star rating. Such a shame. Best wishes righting the ship. read more

This library may not be big but the inside is spacious. High ceilings, with a clean and contemporary design. Friendly and helpful staff. Lovely outdoor seating and children's area. I haven't had any trouble finding a spot to sit and enjoy a good book but that's not to say that there are lots of tables, I can imagine it gets busy some days. I'm grateful to have this cute little library nearby. read more

Small library in a great location. I live in capitola village and have recently started Hanging out and doing homework at this library. The staff are super nice and very helpful, the library itself is organized and very clean. There is plenty of rooms for one to study or simply read. Will most certainly be spending more time here. read more

From time to time, librarians forget their job (in this branch and other branches as well). Santa Cruz public libraries are for the public, and librarians don't have the authority to stop people from using just because they are not in the mood for it. I reject any "recommendations" from librarians about what the library is for and what it is not for. If I want to be in the library and read the newspaper, I'll sit in the library and read a newspaper. If I want to use the printer, I'll use the printer. I understand that sometimes people are crossing borders, and librarians also have to be wardens from time to time. Yet, no one is doing anyone a favor. If you work at the library, you need to do your job, and not annoy people who use the library, even if you don't like them doing their homework at the library. The Capitola branch has excellent facilities, but if the human quality is low, then we should close the library and change its purpose to something the public can really enjoy. read more

My elementary school's enrollment outgrew its facilities. I spent 3rd grade with a classroom in a portable building. This library reminds me of that classroom. While it is not a portable building, it is very very plain: big open undivided area, false ceiling, way outdated florescent lighting, the artwork on the walls and hanging from the ceiling.... It's got what's needed, but all very plain. A decent place to study or get some work done, but not very exciting or comfy. read more

I made an appt to get computer help on 3/8/22. Both the volunteer and employee were extremely helpful. Great service!

Good if you need a place to work as it has free wifi. There are 2 long tables of which you can sit, one has plugs, and one doesn't. Other than that, it's a decent, albeit old, library. read more

This is a great local branch! I love that it's convenient enough to ride bikes to. It has a decent kids section, which unfortunately is the only section I've browsed so far. Although the selection is not hugely vast if you're looking for something specific. The staff are friendly and you can choose to check out the books at the self-serve desk if you like. There's also a nice playground outside, after you're done getting your books read more

What a watse of money 13 million ????????? Should have gone to the police and fire departments

The librarians here are so nice and real. One of them recommends her favorite poetry books or inspirational books based upon the books I check out. I so enjoy it when she checks out my books for me because she always tells me about another book I will get to read when I return or offers to order it for me. This place, because of the staff and the one librarian in particular just warms my heart and makes me feel like the library, reading and discovery of writers is truly a magic that is contained in this special place. read more

Love this library. Very nice staff and it has a great kids section. I also love that there's a playground right outside. Perfect branch to bring kids to if you want to teach them about the library. read more

Quaint little community library. Has 5 PC workstations to work in 1 hour increments and they will extend if you're not finished! I saw the staff being so helpful to anyone who asked. Especially this one little elderly lady who was having challenges checking her email. Several staff stuck around and helped her as needed! Great little community library with a small playground for kids to play outside. read more