Adj: beautiful library with lots of natural lights What a nice library in the middle of nowhere, or so it seems. Technically in the Santa Cruz mountains and just down the street from Henry Cowell State Park, this library is very architecturally impressive. The inside has high ceilings and lots of windows up high to let in a lot of natural light. The whole space is bathed in sunlight. The children's section is so colorful and fun. There are several tippees for kids to read inside, what an innovative and cozy way to incorporate Native American culture into the kids area. There's plenty of desk for working and seating throughout the library for quiet reading too. There's also a seed library near the entrance and a big meeting room towards the back. There's currently an exhibit of individual's life stories who's been through homelessness hardships, very moving testimonies of the resilience of the human spirit. There's also lovely local art work throughout the library, and of course shelves upon shelves of books for all ages. Overall, this library is a wonderful local resource and a great community meeting place for intellectual exchange and knowledge acquisition. read more

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I was hesitant to go to this library because of a previous review regarding unattended backpacks. I came here from San Jose Airport to get a library card so I can access thier wi-fi should my phone run out of signal or battery. I had a heavy duffle bag and my airbnb wasnt available til 3pm. But ai had no issues - even when i went to wander the shelves. As long as I kept my duffle bag in sight, I was all good. The lady at the front desk was very helpful and I was able to secure a library card within minutes. Then, she helped me find a book I was looking for. The library is small but mighty, centered on community - providing a safe space for patrons to read, rest, check out books and surf the web. They even have brochures of services should someone who is un-house needs help. and they have a great book selection. I was able to sit and read for a bit before continuing on my adventure of exploring this town. Thank you to the Felton library for the nice respite. read more

The new library is a godsend to those in SLV. The old church was way too small, with a tiny bathroom. Now the bathrooms are nice, it is well lit, the staff are helpful and charming, the selection of books is impressive, and I like their recommended book section when you first walk in. I am a fan! read more

I love this branch, and use it fairly often, unlike the older hard to access building. There are plenty of seats and separate areas. I have used the study room several times when I had a Zoom meeting and needed quiet, and have attended outdoor community events on the patio, both very nice. I do miss the community jigsaw puzzles and hope they bring it back for the winter. I have had positive interactions with the staff, except one time when the lady leading a craft class in the back came OUTSIDE and told me to be quiet (I was on a knitting Zoom and was quietly chatting). That was a her issue, not the librarians, who are great. read more

The librarians, Jackie, Lauren and Arden have no regard or interest in the well being of children. I am a teacher and had been a regular visitor to this branch. The librarians are less than kind and have no regard for the well being of children. I was harrassed by them on a regular basis regarding the children's backpacks as the librarians didn't want them unattended. I have no grip with this policy. I do, however, have a negative experience with the way the librarians choose to enforce their policy. They behave in a passive aggressive way. They chose to create a problem where none existed to prove a point. Unfortunately, they chose to follow me to where I was working on a large, year long art project along with two other adults and 10 children. We were the only children in the library at the time, with about five other patrons in the library all together. the librarians chose to suspend me, because of three unattended backpacks that were left inside while we were outside...although every other backpack was outside, we clearly forgot three. They threatened to call emergency services on me if I didn't leave the library immediately. They did this in front of the children even tho I requested that we continue the conversation inside, they said no conversation will be had and that I needed to leave immediately. The end result is that none of the children in my group feel welcome or safe at the felton branch. Further, when I tried to resolve this issue with Felton Phil, he gave a less than satisfactory response, supporting his lying librarians and disregarding the fact that 10 elementary kids DO NOT want to go to the library any longer. The libarians got what they wanted! An empty library. My question is this, where was their kindness in their delivery or understanding of children? We had been there every week for almost two years and they were always short of being supportive. They are intimidating to children and have refused to own their mistakes regarding the incident two weeks ago. Further, after the end of the day, hours later I was collecting my vehicle and needed to use the restroom before finishing my day. After using the bathroom, a total of 2 minutes, Jackie felt it necessary to extend ANOTHER suspension for 7 days this time, because I trespassed. How ridiculous is that? She chose to follow me out, barking at the me policy that I violated. She yelled at me as I crossed the parking lot. She did this in front of four children that I was in charge of. How is this child centered? Why was this necessary? What was she trying to prove? Jackie is in charge of children's programming and I am left to wonder, what is her training and education regarding children? She showed no regard for their experience or well being. This was after Lauren and Arden harassed me in front of the children over "unattended backpacks". Remember, these are children aged 7-11. They forget. This library staff is awful and we will no longer grace this branch with our amazing learning opportunities. read more

The new Felton branch is beautiful! Just posting this as a warning, though, that you might want to return your borrowed books to the front desk and confirm that they are processed as returned. I dropped a book in the return box, at Felton branch, a week ago and it still shows in my account as out on loan. I can't reach anyone by phone, to correct this. The Chat feature on the website is off. I have emailed them, but...I have little hope that will help. I should not have to go through this much trouble to make sure they note my return. I don't want to be charged for a lost book! BTW, this is a common-enough occurrence that the county library system has a procedure for it, and if they can't find the book you get a note in your account under "claimed and lost." So, apparently, you get blamed even if you don't get charged. What a circus! UPDATE: I see that "Communications Manager" Diane Cowen has posted an official-sounding reply, explaining (blaming) the employee strike for this hiccup. But here is what she wrote to me about the lost book, in an email: "We do ask that you continue to check at home, not because we don't believe you, just because sometimes they turn up at home in strange places." What the hell? She is either accusing me of dishonesty there, or incipient dementia. I am floored that an employee of our public libraries can harbor that much antagonism toward library users. Maybe she needs to find another line of work? I have reduced this review to one star, based on the reply from Diane. read more

This new library space is amazing. I love libraries and different spaces have unique qualities and this one is one of the special ones, I think. Super accessible, clean, very helpful librarians! I really like the way they designed the space because it feels uncrowded and safe. Its a whole experience, the library, the courtyard and next door discovery park. They also have a giant moth on display! Thank you library! read more

Beautiful location and building, I watched them finish it up, even its own solar power installation. we are so lucky to have such a sophisticated library system in Santa Cruz. and its all free!! read more

During covid free wifi all day and night is a godsend. Thank you for having a parking lot open and wifi for those that need it!

Due to budget cuts this library branch is only open on Tuesday from 1-5 and Thursday from 3-7. I give whoever made that decision negative-5-stars... However, the lovely ladies who keep this beautiful branch running make the most of their two afternoons. The library is always clean and well-lit. There is a beautiful back patio area shaded by giant climbing trees that beckons readers to its breezy shelter. Yes, it is a really small branch. Yes, they have an incredibly limited selection. BUT you can browse the catalog online and have any book sent to the Felton branch for pick-up. Our family never wants for good reading material; the Felton librarians see to that! And good books always merit 5 stars in this family. read more

The big beef I have is that they have permanently closed off the handicapped entrance to deliveries only. This is a 2 story building with a winding 2 level staircase that is very steep. I use a cane and could hardly get up there.myself. This library is inaccessible to anyone in a wheelchair. I thought this kind of thing was illegal... read more

We agree with Sara B. that the staff and services are great. We also agree with Amber that the small space can get noisy. AND we agree with Beverly that the current building is inadequate in terms of handicapped access. That's why the library system has put Measure S on the June 2016 ballot to generate funds for long overdue capital investment throughout the library system. If/when Measure S passes, Felton will get a brand new library on donated land nearby that will be an amazing asset to the entire community. The other 9 branches in the system will also get repairs, modernization and improved facilities. For more info: www.OurLibrariesOurFuture.org. read more

Pretty building in nice location, but it gets too noisy sometimes. I was there the other day to do some studying, and a guy was loudly talking on his cell phone, for kind of a long time, and no one told him to stop. Staff even talk too loudly to other patrons sometimes. A young guy who looked disheveled and creepy was staring at me while I used the computer. I didn't stay as long as I had planned to- I simply couldn't concentrate. Libraries should be quiet and relaxing! read more