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    Joyce Ellington Branch Library

    4.1 (29 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

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    Backside of library. They're doing pickups here on this side.
    Debbie D.

    I've come here pre-COVID days because it's close to home. It's a bit smaller than what I'm used to because I grew up going to the Berryessa branch since I was young, but the selection is fine here. I always liked looking at the new books they have because they always have fresh finds at this branch. During COVID, they are allowing pickups (appt schedule online) on holds and you text them when you've arrived. They set up a table in the back and do contactless pickups. Returning books is the same, of course.

    Childrens Area
    Phish P.

    This is our neighborhood library and we are so lucky to have it. We regularly come here on Saturdays for story time. The library is always clean and organized. It has a great children's collection. The New Picture Books are always filled with wonderful brand new books. In December they have a holiday event filled with kids activities, face painting and photo op with Santa!! Please keep our libraries well funded.

    Janet D.

    It's been over a year since I came to this library. I think it deserves an update. Still clean, organized and kid friendly. Noticed kids love this place-but they're quite today. No day care today I guess. They have more references available from last year. I also noticed that their teen section got bigger in book selections. They do have tons of movies that you can borrow or watch in the library. Very cool! I'm a happy camper.

    entrance from parking lot
    M C.

    This branch opened on June 28, 2008. It was formerly known as Empire Branch Library [http://www.yelp.com/biz/empire-branch-library-san-jose-city-of-san-jose]. It's right across from a school, so I'm sure the kids will be filling the place during the weekdays. Backesto Park is just two blocks away, so the location is quite convenient. While the design of the library is the same as all remodeled libraries in this system, this one feels a bit more cramped than others. The computer room holds 25 computers, and there are just two study rooms. That being said, the main entry room feels very open. You'll find the audio CDs and floating bookshelves here. You can park on the street, but it's better to get into the lot between the library and the school. The exterior returns are here anyway. Because the library is on the smaller side, the selection is not as great. MLK isn't that far away if you really need to find something. So, Joyce Ellington is not a destination library, but if you're in the area, check it out.

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    3 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    18 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    13 years ago

    Nice friendly staff (Lost my DL -saved in a safe box) returned with no problems.

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    17 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Library is not good no book selections and the teen room is no food aloud no movies just a bad library in general

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    17 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Great library! Clean, the staff is always ready to help, lot of craft activities for the kids, and story times several times a week.

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    8 years ago

    this place sucks... stuck up girls. rude staff and too much noise. the only thing good about this place is the wifi

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    Ask the Community - Joyce Ellington Branch Library

    Review Highlights - Joyce Ellington Branch Library

    It's a great community of families that gather for family story time, and Miss Karolina always has the best programs for the kids.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Los Gatos Library - 2nd floor study area

    Los Gatos Library

    4.3(88 reviews)
    10.3 mi

    Our family has been coming to the LG Library for many years, even before they remodeled in 2012…read more This library is beautiful (both inside and outside), the librarians/staff are friendly/helpful and their restrooms are always clean. When my daughter was little, she loved reading in one of the cozy upholstered circular reading nooks in the Children's Room. Besides books/audiobooks/DVD's/CD's, you could borrow park passes, various kinds of board games, puzzles and kits (such as stargazing telescope kit, pollinator kit, ukulele kit, gardening kit, and sewing machine kit.) Recently, I've noticed that you could even borrow an induction cooktop. They also offer free 3D printing (1 per month), and drop-in tech help. They have a seed library as well. They have a technology lab, and you could reserve study rooms. The library also hosts different events for adults and children. I attended the "Summery Vegetable Success" event in the Technology Lab on Sunday. The speaker, a UC Master Gardener, was very experienced, and her talk was very interesting and informative! I feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful library in our community.

    As a college student, I spend a lot of time studying at libraries all over San jose. Sometimes you…read moreneed a change of scenery to stay motivated, so I decided to try the Los Gatos Library for the first time while studying Calculus 3. I'll give credit where it's due: the library itself is beautiful. Very clean, modern, quiet, and honestly one of the nicest study environments I've been to. I ended up staying there for a couple hours completely locked into studying, and I genuinely enjoyed the atmosphere. Unfortunately, when I walked back to my car, I found a $42 parking citation because apparently almost all nearby parking is limited to 90 minutes. To be fair, I take accountability because I missed the signs. I wasn't familiar with the area and was more focused on navigating traffic, checking out the new scenery and finding the library than checking every parking post. Still, I was honestly shocked because I've never been to a library where nearly every surrounding spot is capped at only 90 minutes. For regular visitors maybe this isn't an issue, but for students, remote workers, or anyone doing serious study sessions, 90 minutes is unrealistic. Most people don't go to a library to stay for just an hour and a half. Even moving your car around becomes stressful and inconvenient. So this is just a heads up for fellow college students and study grinders: the library itself is great, but be very careful with parking because one long study session can quickly turn into an expensive mistake. 42$ for me as a broke college student really left a bitter taste in my mouth even if it was my fault. Great scenery and study environment. Terrible parking setup for students. Great library - time limit = 2.5 stars

    Photos
    Los Gatos Library - Amazing atmosphere on the 2nd floor

    Amazing atmosphere on the 2nd floor

    Los Gatos Library - Wednesday Pre-school story time

    Wednesday Pre-school story time

    Los Gatos Library - Entrance

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    Entrance

    Joyce Ellington Branch Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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