Good because of its location. Bad because of sign in/out of the bathroom with a key as well. With adults can't just go beyond a certain point of the 2nd floor (juvenile/young adult). By the way they actually kept the doors open because of still of COVID/-19. When they shouldn't have. I would just rather skip here for another library/book store to begin with. read more

Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. Okay, I DID get a lot done sitting there in that lone little chair at that tiny wooden table under the window. It was quiet.... But, oh, dear readers, 63 years is too damn long to wait to upgrade a library--a center of culture and education!--please. Oh please. Please, please, please, please, please. read more

E. P. Foster Library - Cultural events advertised in the ... "lobby"? Anyway, by the bathroom. - Libraries Near Me - Ventura, California

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I love this library! If you read a lot, get a card and go online and pre-order books. When you get there go to the back to the "Hold" section. Your book will be waiting and you can either see a teller or check it out yourself at one of the self-check stations--so easy! They also have a great section of "New" books in the back and the people who work there are friendly and knowledgeable. Plus, they have done away with late fees! What's not to like? It's across from Fluid State, so you can go grab some pizza and a beer afterward. read more

Came here to study during errands that keep me downtown. Had a hard time finding anywhere to plug my computer in. A few homeless were sleeping in cubicles that had plugs. Glad there is a place for them to be but frustrated the certain space they're taking up read more

The main library in Ventura is located in the middle of everything downtown area. I passed by it many time walking on the main drag, so as a book lover, I had to go inside and check it out, even if I don't live in the area. It's nicely laid out, it has few reading and computer areas, bulletin board, free magazines, restrooms, water fountains. The staff is nice. It's pretty big and has a nice selection of books and DVD-s. I also like their tiny bookstore where they sell gently used books, I found some decent titles here a few times and couldn't resist since the prices are reasonable. If you're a local and love books, movies, this is a cool place to satisfy your hunger. read more

The Atmosphere of the library could improve; variety of books could be more diverse as well.

This library's policies are hostile and uninviting. Locking their bathroom behind a timed sign-in sheet is clearly designed to police our unhoused neighbors. The result is humiliating and awkward for all patrons. Libraries are supposed to be public spaces open to all. read more

E. P. Foster Library - Libraries Near Me - Ventura, California

I recently learned about this library, as we are new Venturians. I love that it's in the center of downtown, making it so convenient to grab a good book while perusing the fun shops in that area. The library itself is older but well maintained. Inside, it's clean, smells fresh, and has plenty of natural light. Everyone that works there has been more than helpful with finding books I've requested. They also extended a check out for me over the phone when I was having difficulty doing so. Currently, I have a book to return, and I'm looking forward to spending some time here in the next few days. Will definitely be coming here often! read more

I love the library. I order books online and pick them up in the hold area. The people are very helpful. I want to learn about e-books soon. However, I prefer reading physical books. I assume that e-books wouldn't occur fines. I tend to forget to renew online. Therefore, I pay fines. When I had the flu, I sent my husband with my library card to pick up my books on hold. The clerk kindly assisted him in this venture. Yea!! Cool fact - You can return your books at Kimball Park. As a frequent patron of water aerobics, I find these large metal bins highly convenient. They are located near the pool parking lot. If you like mystery, I recommend Linwood Barclay. He is my favorite author. I like the green parking spaces out front. I can always pop in and pop out in no time. read more

Can't get over with local libraries, and one closer to me is E.P. Foster. They have sufficient stack of books, magazines and make use of your library card, as it is used to be. The place could improve though to attract more readers of hard copies. Still I can't trade this place with e-books, the library is dear to me, maybe I'm an old soul. Well expecting this place can be leveled up as every one deserves to drop by and spend time in silence reading preferred materials. Books donations are welcome. Let's support the advocacy. read more

I got my new Ventura County library card!!!!! This close-to-home branch has a shitload of books, thousands of DVD's, plus over 20 computer workstations for web surfing, job searching, or even www.yelp.com just because you love it so. [1] For some of you that haven't tried reading an actual book for enjoyment purposes, give it a shot. As far as I'm concerned, there's few activities more relaxing than kicking back and reading a couple of chapters uninterrupted. Footnote: [1] A gutless attempt to protect that little red badge of cholesterol courage that I've earned at great personal expense. read more

E. P. Foster Library - The Cool Library Card - Libraries Near Me - Ventura, California

My go to spot for travel books, music, and arcane books. I love books so I wander the shelves and try out a new author, all for free. Their online services are amazing. If I am looking for a specific book like a Ngaio Marsh's book which seems to be out of print, I go online, place a hold, and after they email me, it is waiting for me at the holds section. There is even a little bookstore inside where you can buy paperbacks cheap for that long plane ride when you don't want to use up your tablet batteries. Some of the non-fiction books on the shelf I recognize from high school (and no, I won't tell you how long ago that was), but sometimes a book is just better and more in depth than any Google search when I just want to know about something. This library does have a large new book section, so they do try and keep up to date. read more

A well-stocked branch of the Ventura Public Library, featuring many cozy places to sit and absorb some knowledge! You can easily look up book locations and reserve books from their self-serve kiosk or at the front desk with the helpful employees. Check-out can be quick and self-automated with the help of your library card. Community rooms and private parking lot in back, as well as the convenience of an after hours book drop make this an obvious gem and resource for Venturans and visitors alike. read more

I drive all the way from East Ventura just to go to this library, it's my favorite one in Ventura! I'm usually in the children section with my young ones. They have a vast amount of selection and I love the way they organized it by age, group and genre. Both my girls love coming here! You can leave with over 20 books for each library membership. It is super convenient since there is a drop off box at Kimball aquatic center. read more

Coming from a family of avid readers, its only natural I spent a good party of my childhood at the local library, I loved reading so much I would volunteer to read to younger children at a local elementary school, just so I could spread the love of reading with others. Being a person with an active imagination, books helped to shape the creative side of my personality, there is nothing better than to get lost in a great read and helped to add to my passion of writing short stories. One E-readers came in my trips to the library have unfortunately become non existent, and that's a shame, because there is something about touching those bound novels, brochures, autobiographies, and so on that make reading much more special. E.P. Foster is a wonderful Library in Downtown Ventura, they have large conference rooms to hold lectures and seminars, parking is in the back or you can also park out front (but don't forget the meters). I really recommend we longtime readers, put our e-readers down and make a point to visit the library more often, it will be worth it. read more

It's ok. The collection is decent. The staff is friendly. The layout, design, and community space are still stuck in the early 90's. There are very few tables to work or study on. Many lack any source of power for your laptop or device. There are only 4 "cubby" style study desks. I love libraries and check them out when traveling. Many libraries are adding coworking spaces, with great study tables, nooks, desk type work spaces, etc. This library does better for kids and teens, but adults are not allowed to use those tables and are not even allowed in the space unless they have kids with them. Maybe that's due to unsavory adults hanging out there? Ventura is a rad town, and every rad town needs a rad library. I hope they have plans to bring the library up to date and create actual usable community space. It's our tax money. The library should be an awesome place for everyone. read more

E. P. Foster Library - Libraries Near Me - Ventura, California

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If you forget a book, they send you to a DEBT COLLECTION AGENCY. I like libraries, but man, if they get any more donations from me, assume I'm dead. As a side note, their selection is really bare. Maybe its from people spitefully keeping a book after getting their credit trashed. Never setting foot in this place again. read more

Before I bit the bullet and had internet service at home, I was dragging my happy ass and homework to the Foster E P library on Main Street. Perks: +Free wi-fi. You get the best signal if you sit near the center pillar on the first first floor... We all like a little in-and-out, but not when it comes to our internet connection. +Public computers for your internet surfing needs. +As Jack said: A shitload of books! Seriously, I got a gift card to Barnes and Noble for Christmas and couldn't find anything I wanted to buy because my first thought was: I'll just go to the library--duh! +public restrooms--but be warned: some people are backin some serious chocolate cadillacs out of the rear garage. The people who frequent this library are *eclectic*... but it's Main Street, ya know? read more

I sadly admit - I haven't utilized a library since my long-gone college days (when living in a loud sorority house in Isla Vista rendered it completely necessary). But I am stoked to be taking advantage of my tax dollars -- here, I can access computer usage FREE and printer print-outs at only .10/page -- my grand total for 1 hr on their computer and 2 prints: $0.20 -- YEEEHAWWW! (Just last week, I paid $4.84 at Kinko's for 8 measly miniscule mins of computer usage and 2 printer pages!) BUT WAIT: There's more!!! I checked-out the DVD selection at EP Foster Library and found 5 wonderful movies to rent -- for 3 weeks! Grand total for 5 DVD's rental for 21 days: $0.00 (can I get a "YEEEHAWWW"?!?!!!) I used to think the $1/day for 1 DVD rental was cheap. I - realistically speaking - never get around to watching the movie until the next day; THEN i usually miss the [very impractical] 6pm return-time deadline. So I realistically end up paying at least $2.15 or $3.21 (dont forget these rentals are taxed) for 1 single DVD for 2 or 3 days' rental. Those days are OVER -- from now on, its 5 DVD's for 21 days for FREE -- THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO OUR OWN TAX DOLLARS WE PAY, TO FACILITATE FINE ESTABLISHMENTS LIKE EP FOSTER LIBRARY! read more

I am a mom of 12-year olds, and they can always find plenty of books at the library. The area for kids (toddler to young adult) is upstairs and completely segregated from the adult area. This has given me peace of mind when I let my kids roam the stacks. Adults are not allowed upstairs unless they are tutoring or with their children. I even have to go downstairs to use the restroom. AND they police it: once when I was reading alone at a table while my kids were searching for books, I was approached to see if I was alone or not. I appreciate this for the safety of our children. There are also DVDs and videos to check out, which we have used as an alternative to paying at a video store. The upstairs is clean and friendly. I have not spent as much time in the adult area downstairs. There seem to be a lot of DVDs and nonfiction, but I have found myself frequently confused with the shelving system when looking for a favorite fiction author. That said, the desk staff is always helpful when I need it. read more

I started coming here to tutor some kids and it's become a designated study area for me. The second floor is a great area if you have kids and want to motivate them to study. You can talk and pick a book from the shelfs as study aids. The best thing is that the second floor is ONLY for kids and adults with kids. If you're a person who thinks you can get away with it you'll be wrong. They strictly monitor the upstairs area to prevent adults with no children from staying upstairs. The first day I came to tutor they asked me if I had any kids with me. They're serious about their KIDS ONLY rule. When I'm not tutoring, and only studying, I love coming here because the free parking area is adjacent to the library so you don't have to worry about parking and paying on the street. They have free wifi that has consistent strong signal. Plus, they have a great stock of comics and graphic novels which I hardly find in other libraries. I have checked out history books along with Batman comics. They also have a wide selection of DVD's. I've been looking for a place to study in Ventura for a while now and it's awesome that I found it in Downtown Ventura. There are restaurants close by and on a nice sunny day you can walk down to the beach. In regards to the library, I love their wide selection of books. Plus, you can place orders from other libraries to get out-of-stock books. The staff has been extremely friendly to me. Regardless of some of the "interesting" people that come in that can test a person's patience, the staff is cordial to everyone. The cons: 1) they need to monitor their online catalog; 2) improved monitoring of their public computers. 1) The online catalog will say they have a book, but when I go looking for it it is either in another section or actually out of stock. 2) I normally bring my laptop, but when I leave my laptop at home, and decide to use a public computer, they're normally taken by someone watching YouTube videos for like 40 minutes. Love this place! Going to continue coming here for tutoring or to study. read more

I am a huge supporter of local libraries and businesses and raised my children at the Wright library that closed down. I donate and purchase all my books from the used bookstore at Foster. NEVER AGAIN!! After being personally affected by Vegas Shooting, The Thomas Fire and the Mudslides in Montecito I took my computer and my (expensive) straw purse full of paperwork and a new file folder to the library to sit and relax and go through my paperwork. I picked a table (almost all were empty) purchased an audio boo slipped it into my computer and began sorting. I had a stack of paperwork to throw away (trash can was across the room) and 3 or 4 other stacks to file and the file folder on my lap. I am a successful business woman, not a vagrant, and that was clear by my dress, computer and overall appearance. To make a very long story short, the rudeness "security" guard I have ever encountered came over and started harassing me telling me to throw my papers away and that I had no right taking up the whole table and that it was a mess!! It was so bad another man from the library came over and said it's not a mess and leave her alone. He threatened him with a misdemeanor!! The guard said this is a library and a place to learn why didn't I file at home!!!! I let him know I was affected by the fires etc and he said that wasn't his fault. I said I'm out of here and he continued to harass me to the point I was in tears and so angry I could t even sleep last night. There is so much more but just know I will never step foot or donate to that library ever!! Shame on this man!!!!! read more

Fantastic place. Great comic section- and they gave me great recommendations on apps that work with the public library system. I've been listening to audio books all week in my commute, and I was even able to check out the latest addition to saga, that they have available on the app. Great choices inside as well! read more

5 stars for this awesome library. From out of town picking up a library card while on vacation....a cool perk living in CA! Hope my kids can use their electronic resources for school, fun, etc. Love that you must have a kid to hang out upstairs in the kids section. Huge kids floor! Would love to visit again. read more

Its a nice library , i just wish they would stay open a bit later, for studying purposes and i dont get out of work till 730 pm so i end up missing being able to go and check out book when i want to . they have good activities for the kids in the upstairs area and workshops for children but i would expect alittle more from this library being downtown. read more

Spoiler Alert: this place is like Netflix but for books. They even have literary versions of movies that have not even come out yet like Hunger Games: Mocking Jay, Gone Girl and The Hobbit. I could see these becoming real popular, even though you must know how to read to enjoy it. Minus one star for not streaming instantly. read more

Clearly, libraries are not a priority in Ventura. Too bad, honestly they're like the worst libraries of anywhere I've lived. Is everyone at the beach? No interest in reading or civic engagement. I hope this changes, I love libraries. read more

Being one of only two libraries in Ventura, E.P. Foster is really stepping up their game. Their selection has grown so much in the past few years and the kids section upstairs is amazing. Keep up the good work! read more

The staff is old school helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. There is one exceptional employee who really stands out but I don't know if you are allowed to personally name a public employee online (let's just say, her name is NOT HEIDI) but look for her if you have an especially weird or tricky request. I love the upstairs kid-free stuff, especially how story time seating is ready to go...the library is magical and kids will embrace reading when you make it a hands-on fun experience...this place hits the mark. Heck it is fun for the grown-ups too. read more

Pros: -Decent overall catalog for a public lib -Top floor is dedicated to kids only. Nice view from top floor. -Self-service checkout. -Huge mural around the back of building. Cons: -The staff leaves much to be desired. It's a generation of burned out baby boomers who are quick with defensive answers, sloppily attentive, and have on many occasions been befuddled by and are rude to children with simple questions of book location. The staff doesn't seem to be capable of dealing with normal humans, but only with the fringe element who use the library as their main restroom source.Sheesh...Not cool! -Building is a hideous shade of putrid green. -Their network catalog moves along at blazing dial-up speeds. (I looked up materials faster with my 3G piece of crap phone than on their own internal networked stations.) -Patron juice stewing leaves smell of feet in most locations. read more

Brought my kids here to find books to take home. There Is such a wide selection for youngsters. it's great. My daughter got her 1st library card and it was so easy to get too. The checkout system is so easy. We are excited to go home and read our books and go back! We love the library! read more

This library has a vast selection of books and media (CDs and movies) available and the staff is normally approachable and helpful. Sometimes the new publications can be very difficult to find and are not catalogued correctly. The wifi is very hard to connect to and there are few places to plug in a laptop. There are no computers for public use but some for library catalog searching. The location is frequented by transients being in the downtown area so be aware of that and there is no air conditioning so it can get very hot. In fact they closed early a couple of weeks ago due to the heat. The library in Oxnard is much better but this one is good to pick up or buy books and scram. read more

This is really Ventura's homeless shelter under the guide of being a library. It is hard to find a place in this library that doesn't reek like a portable urinal. If you need a book, it's good source to duck in and grab one. But if you are planning on doing research here, bring nose plugs or a personal air freshner. read more

Located downtown. Great selection of kids books! A lot of early readers we didn't have at our old library in OC. There was no fee to get a library card, but they do require an ID with current address. Parked in front at the metered parking, but I'm going to check out other parking next time. read more

I love the children's floor of this library. The entire 2nd floor is dedicated to children. They have their own play area, reading areas, computers, and their own restrooms. We park in the back of the library and use the back entrance that leads straight to the 2nd floor. You can check out unlimited books. My family of 6 checks out about 20 books each time we go. We love it!!! I can't complain about our experience at this library at all. It's great for kids! read more

Ugggg. It's 11:30pm at night and I'm cursing the library AGAIN. I forgot that I had written this review several years ago! My current frustrations are as follows (1) User unfriendliness. A few months back I misplaced my library card. Had some books on hold at the Ave library and they barely let me take them out because I didn't have my card on me (I did have ID). They told me I needed to get another card (for the fee of $1). So I did. Of course I had to go to the main branch for that. Two days after I get my replacement card, I realize I need to renew the books I took out from the Ave library. Can't find my card! Think I actually left it at the Ave library a day ago when I was checking books out for my daughter. Either than or I'm a total disorganized disaster. Of course now I can't log into my account to renew my books because I don't know the number of my now misplaced replacement card. It's insanity. Oh, and when I asked for a key chain card at the main library they said they don't provide them anymore. WTF???? Every together library I know does. They also said people were "abusing" using their drivers license/ID to check out books. Basically, that requires library personnel to check out the books for them so it's considered "abuse." On to my other complaint. (2) Heat. Did you know that the library shuts down for excessive heat. In 2015 they shut down for 12 days. Again, insane. Does the library staff get paid during that period? Who knows? I am so disgusted with the City of Ventura and its lack of support for the library system. Given the wealth in this town we should be ashamed of our poor infrastructure. read more