best library i've ever been to in my life except for my hometown library (wpl don't worry i could never replace u) beautiful building, great decor, AND RIGHT NEXT TO A TACO BELL CANTINA. THAT SERVES BREAKFAST. i've found my garden of eden in danville california. read more

Danville Library - awesome book bench :D - Libraries Near Me - Danville, California

While I love the Danville library for its 'classic' look, the high ceilings, the chandeliers, the huge glass windows and the environs, I am a trifle disappointed by the noise level, especially on weekday afternoons. I thought of taking my computer to work there and simply could not concentrate. There is a constant din, like in a restaurant. One might say, it was because of school students, but there were many adults who contributed to it :) The library staff needs to do a better job of enforcing silence. They should visit their sister library at San Ramon, where its a lot more silent. Or even the Dublin library, where there are designated 'quiet areas' and people are specifically told to converse in whispers. read more

Library is gorgeous - airy and spacious, with lots of cozy places to sit. There are also privacy corrals to study. A beautiful layout of newly released books, a considerable collection of novels, research materials, and media selections. read more

See all

Danville Library is a small, nice looking, single floor library. there's a small grass field in front of the library along with some benches for seating. (so unusual!) the parking lot isn't that big but it wasn't busy on a weekday. it's open 7 days a week. i came here to read some newspapers. unfortunately only the S.F. Chron. & NY Times were available. the bookstore inside is worth checking out for bargains. would be 5 stars if the parking lot and library had more capacity. read more

This library *should* get a higher rating. I mean, it is very well constructed and is within walking distance to Downtown. Nice grassy area out in the front for picnics or playing with the dog. Hours are pretty good, too. Parking is usually okay, but there's always street parking if the lot gets filled up. Unfortunately, the patrons here are rude and I have viewed on multiple occasions cantankerous people shushing each other, yelling, or even claiming that the seats next to them are taken simply because they don't want other people sitting around them. The people here are snobby which is too bad, because pretty much everything else about this library is lovely. read more

Great looking library. But don't go here to study unless you have a good pair of noise cancelling headphones. Like a really good pair. Never ceases to amaze me how older millennial and late gen x parents refuse to teach their kids to be quiet in a library. Actually pretty sad. As a younger millennial, I know your parents taught you better. Pass it on to your kid. Also, the amount of people who just take phone calls in the middle of this library is astounding. The audacity. Librarians are nice but don't do anything about the noise. I've see reviews on here complaint about how people shush people here. Serious question. Have you tried shutting up? It's a library. read more

It is in front of a beautiful green space and in a lovely neighborhood. The staff were very helpful and they are part of a huge library group (Contra Costa). My only complaint is that I was they had more copies of popular books! The books I wanted are on a super long waitlist. read more

I wish i had read these reviews before coming here to try to work! Danville library is the loudest library I have ever been in! If you are looking for a quiet place to work, study or read, this is NOT it! Workers are dragging rattling metal carts back and forth, kids are yelling, people are talking.... it's a beautiful library but not a quiet one. You have been warned. read more

I wish I read previous reviews before I came here to study. Yes, it's a nice library with amenities and a beautiful courtyard, but I think it should all be labeled a "community center" instead of a library. Babies crying, and people talking as loudly as possible doesn't make for a good recipe for studying. I have heard everything today, and I'm sitting at the opposite end of the library with my noise cancelling headphones on, yet I still hear all of the incredibly loud noise. I've always been under the impression that libraries were meant to be quiet, but I guess the Danville library has a different meaning for "Library" than all the other libraries I've been to in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. Disappointing. read more

Today's ROTD: a library. Never thought I'd see the day. Well, that reminded me that I had to make a quick stop at the Danville library yesterday, so I'll do a writeup on it. If you park on the street instead of the parking lot to the right, it's a grand entrance. That's so cliched, but that's the only way to describe it: An imposing newer building with the largest lawn downtown, with the sign making clear that this is the DANVILLE LIBRARY. Once you get inside, it's quiet, well organized. A place where you can spend hours reading, working on your laptop (if anyone uses laptops anymore), or doing your homework. It's comparable to the Orinda library. Unlike most of the other CoCo libraries, the Danville location rarely has people waiting to use their computers with an internet connection. Just walk in and get online. Which is a great reason to come here. If you need to check out a book in Contra Costa, this is one of the better places to do it. Please note that the San Ramon library is closed for refurbishing for 1-1/2 years, so for now, this is the place to come. read more

Now that I've learned my way around this library, I love it. We come here on a regular basis to borrow books for myself and for my son. I love the automatic check in and checkout functions (which seem to be ubiquitous these days). I also love that they have regular book sales to support the library. The selection of used books is surprisingly decent and they are super cheap. I have picked up a number of books in this way. Between the used book sales and the library itself, I hardly spend money anymore on books! read more

This one's small compared to other city libraries, but still stately in structure. It's right next to the community center (I guess where weddings & other events can be held) so the grounds are very well maintained. The library is divided in 2 sections when you come in: ADULTS to the right and CHILDREN to the left. I think that's kind of weird, but it gets the message across so whatever. I come with my little in the morning for a few hours to read in the children area. It's never been crowded or loud when I've come. There are 4 small couches and baskets full of toddler board books to go through. She's 2 & loves getting to spend one-on-one time together doing something she loves in a quiet place tailored to her age. Honestly, it's probably one of only two free things to do with your kids in that darn expensive town (the 2nd being visiting a park). read more

See all

I'm seventy five. I remember coming to this library and how quiet and respectful it used to be. It's ironic that the entrance is all made of marble and since then - see all other libraries built since it's inception, they have been built with carpet to muffle the noise made. The woman who runs it, the curly haired lady, has serious self-esteem issues. She really does not like herself... She is so loud and every person that comes in there - talks with her in the loudest tone possible..My friend Ashley told me, it's the loudest library in Contra Costa County. I didn't believe it until Mid July when I went in there with her, and, she was right. The ceilings are 50 ft high. But the walls are plaster..The kids were running around screaming in the children's section to the North wing and the study areas are to the south. The children's voices carried all the way through the marble section to the other side of the Library some three hundred feet long. It's a beautiful looking library. I'll never understand it-It wasn't built for sound You would expect people who build a library to be quiet and respectful and want to create and hold a healthy, supportive environment of integrity... Instead the manager is loud. like rock concert loud. As in louder than a starbucks loud. It's an insulting and desperate feature of a place that is supposed to be built for studying education. Seems like the only thing they are learning is how to be entitled and being loud. Something else I noticed. The female manager kept apologizing for people being confused when books were overdue. This showed me a very low sense of self-esteem and a clear reason why she let these kids run around and why she spoke so loud. She doesn't think what she says is valid, so she talks at full volume in order to be taken seriously yet the result of that is an extremely noisy environment to make up for her inability to run the library with a strong firm hand and integrity. In short, she is weak and it makes a hard time on other people's experience. The game seems - everyone who comes up front is supposed to be "loud" at the library when asking any questions or checking out at the front desk... This makes for a very toxic environment as well.. There is no room for peace in this library. Such as: "Who said what?" a giggle. "Oh. I don't know about IT!" heavy laugh. It appeared in my half a day there, a toxic place full of unhappy librarians who only care about their appearance and nothing to do with a healthy work environment. But with people like that I imagine they wouldn't want that. One woman yelled at a little boy for standing on a chair which was fine. But my goodness, his mask was just below his nose, and I am glad some philipino lady who was apparently, acted as stand in for the day. But wound up, made him feel bad - because the thing had slipped down his nose. Poor kid. Again, I'm glad they told him to be mindful, but these masks are not great at staying on anybody. So she ruined his day based on something she was dealing with? Again, thank you Danville Lib for having your services available, being mindful of covid too. But you don't know how to handle your own environment without toxic behavior. Be it from the kids or the adult section it appears. Sorry but I don't plan on going back to you any time soon. read more

This is a pretty large library located on a grassy set back area in downtown Danville. It was pretty bustling and the wireless reception was great. read more

I first walked into this library shortly after Tam moved to Danville a few years ago and my breath was taken away. It looked vast to me, w/ high ceilings, a central area you enter and then large rooms to right and left. In those days the Friends of the Library books were piled in the hallways on the way to the restrooms. Now they're nicely organized in their own side room, more cozy than grand like the main spaces. I've never looked for books here, but Alan has and today he found an unread one in a series he likes. Because Tam lives so close I don't hang out here. If it were closer to our home it would be a favorite place. I love the light fixtures and the soaring ceilings, the wood trim which makes it look classically old while still being shiny and new. You must remember that my frame of reference is the El Cerrito library, which is long past its prime and is awaiting rebuilding someday. Unlike the Carnegie Libraries of old, it lacks the architectural grandeur of antiquity. Poor thing remains grounded in the 50s or 60s. The Danville library, on the other hand, is magnificent. read more

The only library I ever really spent time in was the El Cerrito Library back in the day before cable and Internet when my friends and I would walk down to read excerpts from the Judy Blume book 'Wifey" (much more racy than "Forever"... Anyway, over the years, I have frequented libraries in both Contra Costa and Alameda counties but never felt like I was in a comfy place that I could hang out in for hours (kind of what those big chain book stores try to accomplish). This library is a place I could hang out at for hours at a time and it doesn't hurt that it is very close to my house. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, there are plenty of areas to do homework, lots of computers to use and there is an area with comfy chairs and couches to just hang out and read. The only down side is the fact it is not open late and if you use their free wi-fi, it is terribly slow. read more

Compared to some other public libraries, this location is a lot nicer than the other ones in the area. Unless you're going during peak hours (after school 3-6, pre-finals), there are usually enough seats and tables to accommodate various sizes of parties, whether single or a dozen. Huge emphasis on quiet in this library. read more

Okay..I admit it! I have a past of buying books that I haven't finish. Why? Because why continue turning pages to a piece of literature you aren't excited to be reading just because you just plopped down 15 bucks for the chance to read it (15 bucks?? What happened to those 7.99 paperbacks??). So, last year, I thought I'd try something I hadn't tried since the 8th grade...head to the local library and save me some cash. I mean really, why feel obligated to finish a book. All the libraries under the Contra Costa umbrella are awesome! Danville's I especially like because it's kind of tucked away off a path more well traveled and has a peaceful and serene feel to it as you walk to the front door. Once inside, the place is spacious and quiet and the help is always friendly and happy to help. For you parents, or for those of you who have a more elementary book reading interest, it has a wonderful selection of children books. They also have self check out so you no longer have to be embarrased checking out a book about Justin Bieber "for your kid". Between the 10+ locations, it has most of the newly released titles. Also, if your local location doesn't have a title you're looking for, you can have that title sent to your local location in a matter of days! So for those of you who still enjoy turning the pages of a good book (no offense you Kindle owners), stop by the Danville library. You won't be disappointed... read more

Green lawns and hedges, birds trilling sweet songs from the lush green trees overflowing with bright pink flowers - and that's just the walk from the parking lot. Twice while I was in the library I received work related phone calls and went outside to take them. I watched workmen putting up a gazebo-like shade structure in a large grassy area and skateboarders doing tricks on the sidewalk while I sat on the conveniently placed benches and talked. This place has a real community feel to it. We made this trip, our first to the public library, on a hunt for books to keep my six year old and eight year old nieces entertained this summer. The children's section, on your right as you walk through the front door, is full of a wide variety of books, both fiction and nonfiction, to delight children of all ages. We immediately started amassing a pile of books for both the girls and were thrilled when we were told we could take out up to a hundred items at once! Wow! And we're allowed to keep those books up to three weeks! We also have the option of renewing them twice - each for an additional three weeks, but the way these girls read that won't be an issue! My brother and I found some movies in the dvd section that we saw when we were children and plan to enjoy sharing these with the girls also! There was even a whole section of audiobooks available for kids and teens that's quite impressive. It's going to be a long hot summer, but the girls are set for reading material and I know I for one wouldn't mind another trip back this summer! read more

I'm downgrading the Danville Library. I had just moved back when I first reviewed it and was comparing it to the libraries of New Jersey which were pretty much one room buildings. But since I've been back here now for almost 2 years and have been lucky enough to go to both the Walnut Creek and the Lafayette libraries I realize, Danville might look beautiful but some crucial things were left out. #1-There is no book drop in the parking lot. Additionally, the front entrance is not close to the parking lot at all, so if it's raining, or you have sleeping children, or you just don't want to have to schlep your kids out of the car, you are SOL. Couldn't they at least have a book drop closer to the parking lot so you don't have to walk all the way back to the entrance? #2-Their selection of children's DVD's is sorely lacking. They have maybe 1/8th the amount that Walnut Creek and Lafayette have. It's horrible. I've rented The Nutcracker and Swan Lake ballet from Walnut Creek and Signing Time and Kids Love Spanish from Lafayette but Danville has...Denise Austin's Kid's Workout video.... #3-The librarians are pretty darn rude. They really seem put out and have no interest in helping your children. I'm trying to foster a love of reading in my children. If a librarian is rude and makes them uncomfortable, how is that helping foster this love? Anyway, even though it's the closest to me, it's my last choice. I would even go to San Ramon over Danville. read more

The Danville library is beautiful and so efficient. I love that I can reserve books online, check my books in and out myself using the self-service kiosk, but always have access to the friendly staff, should I have a question. If you haven't been to the Contra Costa Library - Danville branch yet, you have got to go and visit! read more

A gorgeous library, if a bit small. Whenever I walk in I always think that there should be a second floor - so much wasted space! It's nice and quiet here; when I was studying for my GMAT I never had a problem finding somewhere that I wouldn't be disturbed. Plenty of seating, too, though a good chunk of it is where the sun comes pouring in in the middle of the afternoon. The internet is painfully slow; don't use it if you have anything really important you need uploaded at the last minute. read more

This is an awesome library, everything is pretty new and clean, unlike some public libraries in contra costa county. The only issue I have with this library is that the "quiet study" area is in the middle of the library, which allows for you to be able to hear everything that is going on around you. If you are someone who is looking for a complete quiet place to study I would suggest bringing noise cancelling headphones or something similar. read more

Danville Library - Libraries Near Me - Danville, California

When I lived closer to this library I would come here and enjoyed what they did with the place. Except for one thing, the unusable space! From the outside the place looks huge and appears to have a second story, however that is not the case. The outside is nicely landscaped with lots of grass to enjoy and many nice trees. The parking is on the small side however I have never been there during a busy time and always found parking. Entering into the building you can go two ways right or left and going right leads you to the children's area. Going left takes you to the main area with lots of study tables and its well lit which is nice. While I like vaulted ceilings, on this building and its purpose it's just weird. The second level could hold more books, reserve books, local history of the city or the area, local art, or study rooms/seating area. read more

Ok, this building is admittedly MUCH better than the former location (which is now oddly, a funeral home), but I have a bone to pick with the architect, namely, "why the heck did you design a building with some much UN-usable space?". Seriously with ceilings that high they could have easily built a second story for, I don't know, more books?! The very least they could have done was build an interior walkway around the upper "story" to put reserve books (should they ever acquire any) or some artwork, sculptures, or something useful/interesting. Architecture aside, this library is pretty cushy with it's private study booths, reading areas, and children's corner. My nephew loves to come here for story time with my mom, so to that end, the Danville Library is definitely adding something very positive in the way of public service to the citizens of Danville. read more

Danville Library - Libraries Near Me - Danville, California

I remember when they were building this library what feels like a million years ago. I have been coming here since it opened and I still like it. The outside area is immaculately kept and while the inside is a bit small, they have a good variety of books. It is organized very well with children's books on the right and pretty much everything else to the left. I believe they do story-time readings and such, so it's nice to get some distance from people who need quite. My mom took some dance classes in the community center right out front when I was a kid and I was happy as a clam to just hang out in the library and look at the Star Trek videos and read random kids books. So I have fond memories of this library. Although, the old Library was pretty awesome. read more

Very nice place to relax and find something to satisfy your literary, fun or research project book searches. Great little used book store near lobby - found a couple audio books for long drives up and down the California coastline. read more

I love this library, it's clean, the location is great, and it's never actually packed to the point where you can't find a spot. BUTTTT, the internet speed is the slowest compared to the libraries around. It's not even a whole mega-bite. The speed is 0.96 Mbps......... I'm really disappointed. Who uses AT&T for business purposes anymore? Let's not be cheap a pay a bit more and get Xfinity or Megapath. Come on... This is very disappointing. One of the richest towns in the country can't afford to have decent internet access? read more

Cool singing class for toddlers run by very talented instructor! read more

Danville Library - Libraries Near Me - Danville, California

On the evening of the Friday before Thanksgiving, my mother and I were returning books and a DVD. It was 10 minutes before closing when I went back inside because the battery in my truck was dead. I asked the librarian (I inquired her position later) if she could help me by giving me a jump when she got off work. I told her I had cables and knew how what to do so she didn't have to worry. The look of annoyance and dismissive tone when she told me "No, I have an event to go to." gave me the chills. I was hopeless and disappointed. I went back to my truck put my hood up and saw that librarian drive past us without any concern. The Danville Library is as great as it's Librarian. read more

The librarians here must be castoffs of the DMV staff. When one thinks of a librarian one thinks of a person who loves books and can't wait to share that love to all that walk in the door. You will NOT find that librarian in Danville! They are RUDE and Unhelpful. They absolutely dislike children and are extremely annoyed when you ask where a book might be. Go to another library if you want a positive experience for yourself and your kids! read more

A book cover was torn so I went inside to tell them. They said, not in a nice way, that I owed them $40.00. I finally told her (the mousey woman) that she was a bitch, because she was. She was really mean for no reason. Believe me, she should not be an employee. I should have dropped the book in the box outside. read more

This Library is definately beautiful, and a huge upgrade from the old location. The design is stunning, but they should have made a second (upstairs) level for a more vast book and DVD selection. I found the staff to be helpful... when they choose to be. The parking lot can fill up at times, as this location is also a community center. The surrounding grounds are wonderful for the kids to play and picnic on a sunny day... read more

This WAS a great place to study/work but parking is awful. Also, what's up with the "teen zone"? Giving the BEST chair and the best part of the library to teens only is kind of ridiculous. This is AGE DISCRIMINATION. read more

While this library is beautiful and has a great selection, its open, end to end, single room design causes it to be the loudest library I've ever stepped in, no matter the time of day. Teenagers do not have their own separate sound space, the reading room is within earshot of any sing along or play ful chase in the childrens end, and there's really not much that can be done for the sake of silence outside of constructing a sound proof partition to the reading room or bringing a pair of earbuds. If you want a peaceful place to focus, this is not your library. read more

I'm done trying to go to this library. It is beautiful, and parking is easy, and the people who work there seem nice enough. But I go to work on stuff for my business and the classes I'm taking, and the wifi is TERRIBLE, always. The first few times I thought they must be having problems, but it's every time. I got sick of waiting for my page to load today and just left. Also, it is so loud. They don't seem to care about keeping people's voices down, and they definitely don't care about teaching kids about being quiet in a library (something I remember learning as a kid). So skip it if you need quiet and internet, this ain't the place. read more

The parking lot is terrible. I know they're trying to get as many parking spots as possible. But the lines defining the parking spots are so close together it makes it hard to get in and out of the car. veh read more

i love this library. I bring my children here. I dont have to wait too long to reserve books and it is always peaceful.

If you're looking for a *relatively* quiet place (compared to a coffee shop that blasts music) to study or get some work done, this is your place. I've been going here on and off for the past 20 years or so, and not much has changed. Parking situation: The parking lot is fairly small. Expect to circle around the lot a few times, stalk people coming out of the library, and compete with at least 3 other cars in order to snag a parking space. Ambiance: This library is fairly large, as far as small Danville libraries go (lol). How crowded this place is depends on what time of day you go. I've noticed that mid-day / early evening is the busiest, and in the late evenings the crowd starts dwindling down a bit. There's signs on the work stations saying "no talking" but this doesn't do as much good because sound carries easily here, and you can hear people talking near the community tables or the couches, or even a kid screaming their head off or loudly talking in the kids section. Still, I put on my noise cancelling headphones and it does a decent job of drowning them out. I prefer working here as opposed to a coffee shop because there's no loud blaring music in the background. Amenities: There's many work stations (both with and without computers) available for use, and there's couches available to lounge on as well. I prefer to sit in the work stations because there's walls on each side that allow for some privacy, the table is a decently big size, and there's a convenient study lamp above your head that you can turn on if you'd prefer. There's also 2 outlets at each space, which is nice for charging your laptop or phone, etc. (I brought along a power strip because I'm a nerd) Hours: I wish this place didn't close so early... This location is open until 8pm on weekdays, 6pm on Fridays / Saturdays, and 5pm on Sundays. If they would extend the hours until 10pm on weekdays and 8pm on weekends that would be amazing! Unfortunately, I always have to relocate to a coffee shop if I wish to continue my studying. Librarians: I don't usually need to interact with the librarians, but recently I did so I could get a replacement library card due to my wallet being stolen. When I approached the lady and asked her if I could get a replacement, she gave me a quick look and was very short with me. Yes, I realize I'm wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt but I'm a full time college student in medical school and I don't have time to care about my appearance. Or perhaps she wasn't judging me on my appearance and just had a long day (just to give her the benefit of the doubt) but no matter what her excuse was, there was absolutely no reason to be rude to me. I just shrugged it off, since the chances of me having to interact with her again are slim to none. Long story short, because my driver's license was stolen along with my wallet, I was told I'd need to come back another day with proof of residence in order to apply for a replacement card. When I came back a few days later, I interacted with another librarian who seemed to have very strict policies for obtaining a replacement card. She wanted photo ID, and when I provided her my school ID card she scoffed at me and told me she needed either a driver's license or a credit / debit card. (Mind you, my school ID was completely acceptable according to the rude librarian I interacted with the few days prior.) Never in my life have I been told that a government issued college ID is not good enough to serve as a picture ID. Nevertheless, I took out my debit card to show her my picture on that as well, which I found to be *completely* unnecessary. I showed her my proof of residence as well, and after she decided I was who I claimed to be, did she begin the process of handing me a new library card. At this rate I was expecting her to tell me I'd have to give a blood sample and give up my first born child as well. All in all, I experienced more of a hassle applying for a replacement library card than going to the DMV to apply for a replacement driver's license, which is completely ridiculous (DMV didn't require photo ID or proof of residence). -1 star for the rude librarian and the process I had to go through in order to get a new library card, and another -1 star because of the short hours read more

I finally found the parking lot entrance! Super easy to miss. Cool building. The paper back fiction books were separated from the hard covers...those hard covers get awful heavy when you are checking out 4 books at a time. Minus a star for the unkempt bathroom and the borderline cold library staff. read more