I was so excited for the library to reopen as a Dana point resident but I brought my two year old for storytime today and there is absolutely no parking. None in the lot and the street was full too. I won't be wasting my time again. read more

This newly reopened is small, loud, the new chairs are very uncomfortable & the screens that you can look up books, etc. are way too low. I'm 5'6" and I had to bend down to use it. Most importantly, they put books on the very bottom shelf and as a senior, it's impossible to access them. I really hope someone of importance & management sees this review and can somehow make the appropriate changes. read more

Small and cute library close to the beach is how I would sum it up in a sentence. Ample parking for the local residents or even vacationers from nearby hotels. Decent selection, check hours before going and always respect what you borrow. Quiet spaces for reading and perusing. Location is excellent. read more

Dana Point Library - Libraries Near Me - Dana Point, California

This library by far is the noisiest library I have ever been. I am not sure if it's the "I don't care about other people attitude"... but I every time I travel through Dana Point and need to use a library, the patrons treat it like hang out place or community center. Yesterday, was the first time I said something to the library manager. Even though, she was super nice, she basically told me there was "nothing" they could do about it. People come here to get work done, not socialize. Even the big university libraries are super quiet. 1. It's exhausting to deal to be among a group of people that come across as " I do not care" about how they impact another person. 2. It's frustrating that this library doesn't enforce typical library norms of talking in a more quiet voice. 3. They don't have study rooms. With that said, I will do my best to avoid this library because I am realizing, I cannot get work done here. read more

To the reviews that state it is a very noisy library, I agree. One review was 11 months ago s d another 3 months ago. I was there yesterday and some kids were screaming. The staff clearly does not care. When I got home I filed an online complaint and the response was I should have told the staff. Clearly the staff knows. I don't work for the library your staff does. They need to remind the parents of these children to talk to their children about respect and be cognizant of others. It was ridiculous. I get we want the little ones to gain access and use the library. However, it's not a playground. read more

Too loud! Both staff and patrons. It's Impossible to study! Will have to travel farther to a better library. So frustrating!

For a fairly quiet place to study and a decent selection of children's books, this is a nice library to get some homework or research done. My son and I came by here the other day looking for books on missions. I hadn't been to a public library in years and found the customer service to be friendly. The librarian spent quality time helping us find the books we needed. This library has a great selection of magazines and plenty of decent seating as well. We also enjoyed looking through all the movies. There's free wi-fi and few computers that were busy while we were here. There's also a tiny used bookstore here, but it was closed on our recent visit. By the end of our visit here, it started getting pretty loud here. With kids running amuck, we definitely needed to head out soon. We were surprised how loud (even if it was for a brief time) this library could get. This library may be a bit on the older side but had enough resources for us to get some good research done. With a small selection of books, friendly service, and plenty of seating, this is a great place to get some studying or work done! read more

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A library with beach access. Hard to top that. The library sits in Sea Terrace Park, which has a tunnel under PCH. From there, it's a short hike to Salt Creek Beach, a popular surfing spot. The facility is usually overrun by screaming children. Parents can't be bothered to teach children the difference between a library and a playground. You're one of those parents if you're thinking, What? There's a difference? Library staff also make their share of the racket. No one makes an effort to lower their voices. Parking is tight. You may have to wait for a space. There are always several empty spaces marked "STAFF ONLY." Obviously every staff member--past, present, and future--gets a space. I think they have a few spaces for staff who have passed away. You can't use the library parking lot for going to the beach. A security guard is on patrol. Just outside the library, there are three or four coveted street parking spaces. Across the highway, you have to pay. Down PCH, take Selva Road for free access to Dana Strand. So what good is beach access? Suppose in your haste to pack for a day at the beach you forgot a good beach read. Just scamper up to the library and grab the latest James Patterson! If you can ignore the bedlam, the library is a relaxing, enjoyable place. The librarians are friendly and jolly. One blond librarian has a funny growl when she talks. If you're lucky enough to visit when it's quiet, you may still hear a psychotic dog barking in the distance. The park has a dog run. I suspect library patrons leave dogs there while surfing online. There is a "business table" with several handy outlets for laptops. Free wi-fi of course. There are several computers, with little or no wait. You can use them even if you don't have a library card. There is a comfortable reading area stocked with magazines and newspapers. The well-lighted interior space doesn't feel cramped. Being a small facility, you wouldn't expect the resources and services available at a large library like the outstanding Newport Beach library. Coastal residents don't know how lucky they are having such impressive libraries. The library has a tiny used bookstore. You can get decent books for a dollar. There are a few out-of-print volumes. The books are organized by category, but not sorted by author. It's too much hassle trying to find something by your favorite author. And don't ask a volunteer. They don't know squat. Just scan the titles hoping to stumble upon something interesting before a case of "bookstore neck" sets in. The inconsiderate volunteers practically elbow you aside attending to their duties. They have very loud conversations. By loud, I mean they bellow like jungle creatures. It's the most obnoxious jibber-jabber you can imagine. Old bags! Shut up already! read more

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DO NOT DONATE YOUR USED BOOKS TO THIS BOOKSTORE!!! They charge based on the year of publication which is ridiculous. My 7 year old daughter got gouged into paying $8 for a used book that was only $15.95 brand new! Take your used books to one of the other HONEST library bookstores nearby that won't extort a little girl's chore money. read more

Nice library with plenty of parking space, filtered water station, children section and close to Salt Creek beach. Children's section doesn't have play toys that will make loud noise and disturb other patrons. The library itself is small and one section of the library has glassed wall which gives plenty of natural light to the room. Great events happening every week. My favorite is read-to-a-pet happening every first Wednesday of the month. read more

This is a long overdue review. I come here to study often, and it's the worst place to be productive. I was wearing noise cancelling headphones, but I could still hear screaming children, parents trying to control their children, and just loud library visitors in general. No disrespect to them - but it makes it very difficult to stay focused. I understand Dana Point is not suited for students, but as much money as this community has, they don't use it to build quiet libraries. read more

This is not the typical QUIET LIBRARY. More of a day-care like/lounge like type of place. Not suitable for people who wants a quiet place to study/read books. The librarians are helpful and very nice though. read more

Super friendly staff. The volunteers in the book store attached to the library are super nice and helpful!! Great place for the children.

This is a small library in Dana Point/Laguna Niguel. I only come here for the toddler story time on Tuesday's so that's what this review is on. Parking is a little tough, there is only one lot with a few spots. It's not a big glamorous library but it serves its purpose. The toddler story time is awesome! My 2 year old loves it and she has really blossomed since we have started coming here. They read a story, sing, and play with puzzles and toys. The librarian who does it is great and you can tell she really loves kids. They have many resources and free classes to take advantage of. read more

Staff is friendly and helpful whether on the phone or in person. Even though the Laguna Niguel library is closer to me, I continue to use the Dana Point library because of the staff's attitude. read more

SO LOUD! I came here on a Friday because the SJC library is closed that day and everyone that worked/volunteered here was particularly loud when speaking to the library patrons. I always carry ear plugs with me so I was able to ignore it, but the staff is the one that sets the tone for everyone else. 15 minutes before the library closed, they began blasting music over the intercom. I had to cut my study time 10 minutes short because it was simply unbearable... and I know I wasn't the only one bothered by it. I found it to be a rude way to force people out; a few announcements will get the point across just fine. On the positive side, I have been able to find a wider variety of books to use for research at this branch. They also have adequate lighting and space for reading, but it's just too loud to focus. Unless I need to check out a book and run, I will continue to go to the SJC branch or drive down to San Clemente if I have to. read more

Eight years later, this library has not improved. Actually it's worse. Tutors with students giving loud lessons? Seriously? People talking on cell phones and not being called out? The staff are loud too, talking at full volume with customers and themselves. I drive the few extra miles to Laguna Niguel library which actually has professional management. read more

This library is on the corner of PCH and Niguel Road, right down the road from St. Regis Hotel and Spa. It is also close to the beach. As far as libraries go, it gets the job done. Books, magazines, computers, etc. On the downside, it is kind of small and the layout is one big room, so it is not the easiest place to study if you are looking for quiet. But, since it is so small, hardly anyone comes to use it and I've never had to wait for a computer. Did you know you can extend your session by 15 minutes for eternity? read more

I live just up the street, yet I will drive almost 20 minutes to go to the Mission Viejo Library because this one is so yucky! (and the Mission Viejo Library is awesome!!) Terribly selection (the whole OC Library selection is pretty crappy), cramped, stuffy and old! This library needs a major face lift!! At least the staff is usually nice, especially the childrens section lady with the long hair (who has been there forever!) But I only go here if I absolutely HAVE to. read more

This is a nice neighborhood library. I used to borrow DVD here very often. Now with youtube and hulu, I rarely borrow DVD now. The internet here is very slow mostly of the time. Nowadays, very few people need to use library internet anyway. read more

My son and I love this library. Good selection of books and friendly staff. We have visited the book store a few times and found some great book for cheap. It is on the smaller side, and would love to see some more activities for the kids. They do offer lots of book reading incentives for kids. Right now they have a program going with In N Out, which my son was excited about. read more

Do not come here if you need to seriously study. People bring their kids/babies, librarians talk loud, cell phones ring every 30 minutes. It's not a library, it's a day care. read more

I went to the library today, [Saturday], to visit the bookstore, which supports the library, I think. I live over an hour away, so I checked the website first for the schedule. The website states that the bookstore is open until 4, Monday through Saturday. I arrived shortly after 2, and two ladies in the bookstore said it was closed. read more

I thought coming here over Starbucks would be better but I was definitely wrong...squeaky door opening every 2 seconds and ppl talking up a storm...Starbucks next read more

Its unfortunate that one of the city's few freebies has to have such rude employees. Hadn't been to the library in years and was chastised for not knowing their computer usage rules & regs. WAs made to feel totally unwelcome. Horrible experience. Avoid this place!!! read more

I really love this place but said they raised all their prices. The staff is friendly and always very helpful

Great library. Friendly, helpful staff, great selection of materials, and fun things for kids to do & get involved with. Love coming here with it without my kids. read more

This is a library not a daycare. Such a joke. I actually wish the librarians here would fit the role of the stereotypical old women "shush!"ing everything. I'd have hours and hours of more work done. The amount of distractions here is unbelievable. Not only are there children crying, screaming, and banging incredibly loud on various plastic toys, but the librarians are basically yelling when they talk to customers. I can hear everything through my enormous headphones even while trying to produce music. You'd think it'd drown all the ruckus out, but no. This library makes me pray that one day I'll have a desk and workspace of my own so I don't ever have to bargain my time by coming here. this library makes me want to become an entrepreneur and open up my own creative space where people can come and work in silence. Dana Point Library, is the farthest thing from a library, and I genuinely hate this place. Yet i'll continue to come here because I've no where else to go! read more

This is a great quiet little library. It is small, and does not have a huge selection, but it serves its purpose. A plus side is that you can get to the beach by a short hike from this library, which is pretty hard to come by. It is a great library and has friendly staff! I have not seen that many events at the library, I think Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo libraries have more events read more

I love this place! It is cozy and never crowded. The staff can be rude sometimes compared to the staff at Mission Viejo library but I will put up with it because they are probably bored to death here. Good programs for kids. It would get 5 stars if staff were nicer. read more

excellent facility. peaceful, well designed, good balance between book areas, reading areas, lounging/reading areas, community meeting areas, great bookstore and friendly staff. a+ read more

My husband, son and I have lived in Dana Point for close to eleven years. We live within walking distance to the library. It is a gem to Dana Point. The Orange County Public library system is the second largest in the nation. I have no idea what the other reviewers were talking about in regard to the noise. We pop in here regularly as we are homeschoolers and it's quiet and peaceful. Perhaps I've just been fortunate during my probably close to 5,000 visits. It's peaceful and quiet and the staff is remarkable to say the least. I've found wonderful bargains at the Friends of the Library bookstore which is staffed by volunteers. The Dana Point library has saved us tens of thousands of dollars in what we would have had to spend if I had to purchase all the materials we use. We are often greeted by name and treated with the utmost respect. I adore the staff and am incredibly grateful to be able to take advantage of such a fine library. read more