I stopped in here looking for some government forms. Plenty of available parking. Nice vibe while wondering around. Nice selection of used books for sale. read more

Carmel Valley Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Diego, California

It's been some time since I visited this library branch, but i was in the area and did some browsing. I remembered all of the things I liked about this branch when we lived in Del Mar -- location behind Del Mar Highlands, convenience, parking, the librarians, layout and amenities ... the overall feeling of being here. read more

Open spacious and bright library. The staff are nice and accommodating. This is by far one of the best libraries. My kiddos love this library and is quiet for our study time. They have a patio open area that really nice. The open tables have power bar that are great for larger study groups. They also have cubicles that are cool for just independent study. I highly recommend this library. read more

Carmel Valley Branch Library - Non fiction section - Libraries Near Me - San Diego, California

Great library... Clean. Quiet. Spacious. I come to this one often. Sometimes it's the little things but the water fountain water here is ice cold and I love it. The staff is nice and professional. No complaints read more

It's clean, great hours, and well staffed. It's not as nice as other public libraries, but it's still good.

We're lucky to have a place like this, here with a very attentive and helpful staff, lots of community events, etc. Yeah the building is small, it's taxpayer funded in a part of town with expensive real estate. The Friends bookshop is great too, I've rebuilt a lot of my home library with $1 purchases from there. It's within convenient walking distance of everything else around here and has decent hours, 'til 8 some nights. Everyone's welcome but there's no seriously disruptive behavior permitted. I have to admit I do roll my eyes a little at some of the politicized displays/themes they do but that's just kinda librarians in general in the US, it's easy enough to ignore. read more

It's great to be back at the Carmel Valley Public library after a couple of years due to the pandemic. This is a great neighborhood library with a ton of events all through the week! There is Story Time, Bilingual Story Time, Art and Crafts, Lego club, Chess club and more!! IMO they do a fantastic job engaging the community. ++ Good selection of kids' books ++ Regular kids' events ++ Extended hours and open on Saturday too! ++ Friendly Staff - - Parking is tight when it gets busy I really do wish they host at least some events in their outside patio. They have a good sized outdoor space, it puzzles me why they wouldn't use it! read more

I love getting DVDS, including new releases, from this library and can keep these for many weeks, especially if no one else requests it. I regularly request many movies and some books from here, getting an email when the item is in and then finding the item labeled with my name on it in the Hold shelves. The self check-out machines are also very handy. The bookstore is also wonderful, including paperbacks for $1. The library hours changed recently so I'm attaching the new hours here. read more

Carmel Valley Branch Library - Summer - Libraries Near Me - San Diego, California

This library is rather small but has what you need for studies or research. There is usually plenty of teens though and they can get a little loud but one can go and find a quiet area to study or read. They also have outside sitting, which I love love because there us nothing like some fresh air to read or some warm air to regulate your body temperature out of the AC sometimes it does get quite cold inside the library. Again, they are small so they do not have many computers available. I would suggest using the reservation feature for a computer or simply bring your laptop. They do have kids story time, plenty of moms bring their toddlers and they do seem to have fun. You are able to hear them sing so be aware of the times you need to go in, especially if you do not enjoy the Sharky song (or whatever is called). Plenty of parking available too. read more

My friend and I stop by here for the mahjong game. We started to come by a few weeks ago, and didn't even know the basics. The group is super friendly and willing to help the new kids. Now a few weeks into it, we feel like we can kinda play. It's a great way to spend a few hours on a Thursday and make new friends. The Library offers a lot of other great programs like yoga, or music. Today, I even got a personalized book recommendation! How cool is that! One thing the City of San Diego Library recently did was stop charging late fees. I think this is fabulous. This allows someone, who maybe would have been blocked out by fees, to still be able to use library resources and learn (provided the return the book). Which is the goal of the library, getting learning to the community. I do wish that they had some offset hours, maybe like noon to nine, so that kiddos could sleep in during summer, go to the library. Or wait till their tall person gets home and they could go together. They also have LEGO builders at the library and family game nights. Go to the library. It's likely way more fun then you remember:) read more

Great location! Bookshop has used books for $1 each (rare books for $5 each). Parking lot is small but not too crowded; I was able to easily find a space on a Wednesday afternoon. The two staff at the circulation desk are helpful! The catalog computers are open, and the library was clean and felt safe. They also have flyers around advertising other resources available; I saw one for Senior Yoga and for state park passes available for borrowing! read more

Had to stop in to the library today to renew my library card - and I get the same treatment every time I am here - super friendly staff that are always ready to help. Now parking is not much fun during the busy times - generally right after school - so plan your visit. read more

I cannot agree more with all the other negative reviews that this library is just sad. Carmel Valley has significantly grown over the years and now there are a lot local children and upper middle class families settling here. It's shocking, and quite embarrassing, that our library is such a small, outdated building with limited tables and seats. It's only one story and the noise travels throughout the building. I came on a Sunday afternoon and its wasn't too busy but I can't imagine what it would be like on a weekday or Saturday when children come to study after school. The bathroom only has 3 stalls and has not been renovated in 20 years. They don't have built in speakers so the workers have to yell when it's closing time. Where the hell are all my tax dollars going?! How about putting our hard-earned money to good use and build a better library that will improve our community as a whole. If you want the younger generation to read more books and use less electronics, our local government needs to consider building a larger and more modern library where children and teenagers will want to come and hang out. This library does not align with the thriving and modern vibe of Carmel Valley. read more

We love this quaint library. The staff is always kind and it's never too crowded. For being on the smaller side, they have a great kids section. read more

This is my first library visit since moving to San Diego so I don't have anything to compare it to. The guy at the counter that I asked to help me in getting a library card was less than helpful and borderline rude. Not impressed by the arrangement of books or the crazy parking lot. Generally not a great first impression. However the building is going through a make over so maybe once that's complete it will improve the entire experience. (And the attitude of the employees) read more

Very conveniently located. Very nice and spacious library with many options. Friendly librarians. Great place to bring young kids for story time. read more

For a high family area like Carmel Valley and Del Mar I am actually pretty shocked at the quality of this library. The parking lot is quite small, and the interior looks worn down and dated, similar to the outside. The book cases and the desks look old and need to be updated as well. There appears to be a good amount of books, but the ones I've always searched for need to be requested from another library. While the library does offer story time, the room in which story time is held, needs a LOT of help. The room is too small to accommodate what is often 50+ women and children. There is hardly any carpet space for infants and toddlers to sit, because there are way too many chairs. When you have children under 2 years old, you don't need chairs, you need floor space!! Please improve this so families can actually enjoy story time and stretch out their legs. If you expect to have a vivacious librarian reading your child a story, or assisting you quickly when searching for a book, this location is not for you. If lack of funding is visible in this high-middle class area, it's the Carmel Valley Library - please Governor make some changes! For the sake of the kids. read more

Carmel Valley Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been to this library since childhood. A lot of light floods in because there are numerous windows throughout. There are plenty of tables to study at. One of my favorite parts of the library is that they have a corner where they stack their books that are in poorer condition or are not needed anymore. You can buy the books for 25 or 50 cents each. read more

Pretty good selection of books. Librarians are helpful if you are willing to wait in line. Weekly storytime for toddlers is great - Miss Bonnie is the best! Impressed that she maintains her cool while over 40 toddlers/babies/parents are running amuck. They have nice events for the kids around the holidays, as well, and weekly events during the summers. Wish the parking lot situation could be improved, though! read more

I like this intimate and very friendly library. The staff has some of the kindest, warmest, most gracious and accommodating librarians I have found...anywhere. If you don't find what you're looking for, these people are invariably willing to cheerfully hunt it down for you, order it and notify you just as soon as it comes in. Parking is a bit tight...that is if you happen by during a rush time. They offer free children's reading events...like storytime for your toddler. Carolyn (at the front check out) was gracious and helpful beyond words. Donna is invariably warm, helpful and smart! All the selection of a larger library but without the drive! read more

What a great library. There is security there and it is well guarded with parents as well. Computers to work on, nooks and crannies to study in. Very well lit on the back side of the library. Tons of books and magazines to read. Help desk with lots of people to help you find what you need. Parking lot in the front, which gets tight and pretty full. They will even let your child get their own card. read more

I was looking up current hours and saw all of the negative posts, which surprised me. I love this little library. All of the comments about the parking lot, etc. are true but let's face it, land is at a premium here and unfortunately the city didn't provide a big enough location. Dated furniture and decor reflect the state of money available in the city- just look at our streets and storm drain system! I have found the staff extremely helpful whenever I had a question or concern. I love the fact that you check the online card catalog and can have any book in the system put on hold or be sent to the library to be picked up. I enjoy sitting in the sunlit periodicals section reading bits of magazines or papers. This is not a "silent as a tomb" place. It's full of life and activity and I love it! Thank goodness for community libraries.... read more

Yikes... When I pulled into the parking lot I didn't see a sign that said "library" To be sure, I asked a girl who was in the parking lot. This library has a tiny parking lot with two allocated disabled parking spaces, the blue paint designed to indicate disabled parking was so faded, it was difficult to see that it was a disabled parking. I couldn't believe that a disabled person would have to scale over the steep hill directly in front of this disabled parking, in order to get to the library's front door. Disabled parking spaces should always be closest to the front door, not at the back of the lot. The individual markings for vehicles couldn't be seen either, that's how old/faded they were. I was using one of the three computers which are situated just in front of the teen center area. I came to the library to print out documents that were time sensitive, as my personal printer is waiting for Kodak print heads to arrive from Rochester, NY. The computer stations were installed too close. The keyboards look like they're right from the inception of computers... was that in 1901? They're so old when touching the keys they make a loud clacking noise, forget trying to concentrate. It might be best to bring some earplugs - if you dare come here... and maybe take a Xanax. The man seated next to me finished and within one minute a teenage girl came in singing aloud, slamming and banging her personal books, purse, etc. around. Really?? Who does that in a library? It didn't stop there! Then she put on her personal earbuds cranking the noise until it was blaring so loud... enough to be irritating, carrying into my space and beyond. I asked her several times to kindly turn her music down. I was given nasty glances and then ignored. I had to get up to report this noise problem to the woman working at the front desk. She said, "if you still hear the noise let us know." Really? Why didn't she send security over there to investigate? About forty minutes later, the same teenage girl got up hastily grabbing her things and took off in a huff; clearly upset that she wasn't going to get away without continued reminders to turn it down. I figured she was either deaf or soon would be with the volume cranked up that high. At best I would say she was surely inconsiderate of the library and those around her. DON'T go to the library right before 3pm, M-F. As soon as school breaks out, the library is saturated with a bunch of unruly kids who are running to the computers and yelling inside to each other. Wouldn't the parents living in this affluent area have enough money to buy them a computer? The same parents/grandparents brought them to the library and the parking lot was full by 3:15 pm. Think twice before using the Carmel Valley library, clearly it's not worth going there. If you want a real library try anywhere else in the county. read more

bad place to study if your in college. Not enough big tables, they have these little private desks that only fit one school book, not good for people who need a computer + 2 or 3 books open to do research or study. It also really loud, the lights buzz which gets distracting making it difficult to concentrate , lots of middle and high schoolers here...i dont know why there definably not there to study. Overall, good place to find a book and leave but dont go here to study read more

This library seems small and cramped. It used to have a patio where you could go out and read but recently that seems to be closed. Add in a fireplace that is never turned on and cramped parking and you have a woeful mix. Bored library employees that look like they would rather be elsewhere and limited computer databases and access. I realize this is a branch library but it seems small even for that task. I've been to better libraries - even Mesa College's LRC is better than this. read more

This library is definitely on the smaller side so I'm sure selection isn't that great. Besides the main room, there is a separate little room where people can hold meetings and such and an outdoor sitting area. It seems like a lot of middle schoolers find there way here after school and the library gets really crowded and frankly, a little noisy. The parking lot is tiny -- but we were able to find parking with ease on a Wednesday afternoon. read more

BAD!!! Really pathetic. I just found out that they're closed Sundays and MONDAYS!!!! They used to be open on Mondays at 12:30PM (which is still pathetic). For being in a "ritsy" neighborhood, this is a shame. People don't realize what a good library does for students, children and the community. I'm embarrassed to know this library is in the neighborhood. read more

Not a huge fan of this library. Free parking as long as no one sideswipes your car. It's a little tight. Yes, the staff is generally nice. My beef if that they switched to a computer returns system a few years back that totally missed a return of one of our books. I knew we'd returned it. It was a kid's book that I returned myself. I finally found the "not returned item" up on one of their shelves. read more

This library is okay. There was a fairly decent sized parking lot. Things seem a bit outdated at this library, but I do appreciate that they have multiple info tables throughout the library. It may not be as necessary since the library isn't that big or hard to navigate. There are a couple of tables throughout the library, but outlets near them are kind of nonexistent. Lots of people here even on a Sunday afternoon. Would try to find other libraries in the area, but wouldn't mind coming back here if I had to. read more

Very friendly atmosphere. Librarians always willing to help. Access to computers. A real Neighborhood necessity

What a horrible, small library for a community filled with lots of kids and educated people. I hope they build a new library for Carmel Valley/Del Mar (maybe near Pacific Highlands Ranch) in the future because this library is pretty sad. There's only a few tables to study, kids are loud and everything looks outdated. You would think, a community such as Del Mar/Carmel Valley would have a better upscale library. I really hope in the future, the community would build a better and bigger library. read more

They have a security guard walking around but there is zero respect for quietness here. Kids everywhere being loud without any parents or staff telling them to be respectful of people trying to study or read. I have never seen a library with such high noise levels and no sense of quiet or regulation. The designated quiet area is also loud and full of kids. read more

The library is a bit run down in rather unfortunate ways, For example, upon walking in, there is a slightly odd smell. In addition, the chairs are showing their age. That being said, the staff is quite helpful and the bathroom is always in good shape. A little bit of maintenance work would go a long way here. read more

Nice place for reading and having fun and rest with kids. The only major con is oldness of kids books. Though there is pretty good selection of adults books. Would be great to have wider verity of new kids books and self computer drop-off. Also how about some coffee shop with snacks and refreshments? read more

This library should be put out of its misery. Wifi is dreadful, better at starbucks. Not enough outlets. Poor planning in terms of space. The largest tables have no outlets near them.. What's the sense in that? read more

Was here on Monday after Xmas. Hours on their site said open at 9:30. Called their number and confirmed this. While I waited several dozen people checked the locked door. By 10:15, doors still locked. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. read more

My daughter and i love coming to this library! It's a very quaint and intimate neighborhood library. They have great events for kids that get pretty packed. The parking lot can get pretty full during after school hours but other than that plenty of spaces. Their kids DVD section is pretty big... we come here to get our movies as opposed to paying $5 a rental at blockbuster! The hours here can be funky so always call ahead to make sure they are open. read more

I second that this library is a "meh." It's nice and big, and always has plenty of patrons, which is a plus, but the parking situation is pretty awful, and the checkout service is very hit or miss. I can't expect too much from a library, but the service in the OB library is just top notch despite how small it is, and the cleanliness and general appeal is much nicer in the Del Mar library. Too bad you can't have holds sent there! read more

It's a smaller older location. There are some schools nearby so often filled with middle and high school kids. Sad to see graffiti on desks. They do have private study cubicles though sometimes all full in the afternoon but I can usually find at least one open. Sound can range. Often louder with people talking but sometimes a little quieter. I mostly come here because of connivence as I work close by. The Parking lot is a bit of a mess, it's a one way but people often don't notice so proceed with caution. Also spaces are very tight and narrow so park at your own risk with people dinging your car. If you want a little more protection you can parallel park on townsgate outside of library and if you have a larger car that might be your best bet anyway. read more

Parking lot is small,to top that people double park.Annnnnnoying.Library is ok,not a huge collection but still glad to have one close by.To the back of the library there is a sit out place,much nicer and quieter. read more