This is a beautiful library, very modern and state of the arts. It looks like a Barnes & Noble inside, not like a stuffy old library. It is bright and airy, very spacious with many rooms such as a homework center, a technology lab, a teen center, and an Arts and Science Discovery Center. That's why it's called a Library and Learning Center. It even has its own bookstore run by the volunteers Friends of the Library and they have a large selection of gently used books. Having been in many of the libraries in the Bay Area and as a parent, I think this is one of the best libraries around. read more

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Great library located in downtown Lafayette. They have a parking lot in the back with 3 hour parking which makes access easy. It is always clean, the folks working here are lovely and they have a great play area for toddlers. We enjoy coming here a couple times a m read more

As a parent who has been to most of the Contra Costa libraries, I think this is the best one for kids. This library has a beautiful outdoor covered area - great regardless of weather. The children's area is also large, allowing kids to explore and get wiggles out. My kids especially love the daily activities, like finding the blue dragon to win a sticker. To top it off, the staff is extremely kind and willing to help. read more

Beautiful library with lots going on at all times. Great for all ages. Amazing community work and beautiful building itself. The staff is exceptional. I have no complaints at all. Beautiful all around gorgeous and very clean as well. They are strict on what goes on and no funny business around this library. I am a strong believer in the arts. Such gorgeous books art and more wow I am stunned read more

This library is so maintain well. The tables are not dirty and very clean. This is the place to sit down, relax, and do work. The library has follow protocol of COVID-19. They provide wipes to wipe down your table. Please be quiet in the library and respect others that are studying. I have seen people abuse the library for their pressure to talk with people. read more

Beautiful library with nice staff, an excellent selection of materials, and numerous study and reading areas. It's been a great resource to be able to visit once libraries were allowed to re-open with COVID protocols in place. This modern library is ADA accessible from either the below grade parking garage that has ADA spots, or from the street level. There is an elevator, ramp, and stairs. The library itself is also easy to get around in and the automated doors allow patrons hands-free entry. If you need to drop off your books, the book drop is located in the lobby, so there's no need to enter the library itself. There are public computers available to look up items in the catalog or to log into for patron use. Holds are easy to find toward the front of the library and library staff are located nearby at the circulation desk in the middle. There is a teen area, as well as a children's area, outside seating, and art displays. When the Learning Center is open, there is a schedule of informative and interesting programming. read more

My wife and I, inspired by our visit to the Castro Valley library, are checking out the new, attractive libraries in the East Bay. In Lafayette for another reason, the library was quite close so we stopped by. For an initial visitor to the library, the first issue is parking. I knew there was an attached lot, but we weren't able to find where the entrance was, and ended up parking on Golden Gate Way, immediately behind the library. Parking signage could be improved. The street had free parking and was relatively empty at noon on a Wednesday (but was packed with cars at 2:15). The library entrance, from the rear, also wasn't readily apparent - we ended up walking around until we found the main Mount Diablo Blvd. entrance. The library itself is gorgeous - an open, modern layout with beautiful wood ceilings and decorative lighting. The book collection in the center is decent but relatively small compared to libraries in the past, and the books on CD are so quaint vs. modern streaming options. Nice tables by the window for studying or computer work, as well as several meeting rooms to insulate the library from additional noise. We were particularly impressed with the children's area, large and beautifully designed. They have blue bagged Stories to Go kits designed to be grab-and-go, with five books around a common theme: great idea. Outside the library on the First Street side there is an outdoor terraced area perfect for eating or relaxing on a nice day. Overall, not quite as large as the Castro Valley location (and I definitely missed the humongous Castro Valley parking lot) but a beautiful library for the Lafayette community. read more

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A great library - modern and well designed for study and relaxation. Just what a library is meant to be. Polite staff and lotsa books and tapes. And comfy chairs in which to read and/or study. What's not to love? And yet there's this weird one star review doing its best to skew reality. A quick read of it and of a well-considered rejoinder makes all clear. Maya N is spot on with her reply to Jane D's absurd one star review. Thumbs up to Maya and to Lafayette Library. To downgrade a library for politely enforcing the obvious function of a public library - namely to be a spot for the public to sit/read/study without the added "feature" of an uncontrolled screaming child - is very off base. My suspicion is that rather than being a "friend", Jane D was the mother in question. Hopefully she'll grab some parenting books and learn how to address her child's situation and perhaps grab some additional books for herself, to learn what it means to be a well functioning member of an educated society. Takes a village to raise a mom, apparently. Anyway, library is great, parking is easy and the books are free. What a deal. read more

Yayayaya!!! Lafayette Library is it! We went to the local library to start our journey through public books, reading, learning and sharing. Now that COVID restrictions are loosening, vaccines are accelerating and people are starved to be out of the house and enjoy human contact--even if it is from a distance--I am so happy to be back in a library. This library is very spacious, clean and in full COVID compliance for safety of its patrons and staff. Also, the staff helped us create our account, choose our card and get started searching for books. This library is perfect for families and inviting with ample parking. read more

The Lafayette library is impressive. The interior is modern, spacious, and filled with natural light. There are several other rooms on the main floor. The chairs are comfortable. I saw lots of computers; if you bring your own there are a lot of outlets. What I did not see was a lot of books. I did not spend a lot of time wandering around the library to see if they were tucked away where I did not see them. The library was being used by adults, seniors, and kids. This library is open seven days a week with extended hours Monday--Thursday. This might sound like sours-grapes; my local library is open fewer hours and has to close on Wednesday and the ones in other nearby towns are open even less hours. If Lafayette pays an adequate extra tax assessment then they should stay open, if not the towns near me are being underserved by the library district. read more

Lafayette Library and Learning Center - Lights in the main room. - Libraries Near Me - Lafayette, California

Absolutely lovely. It was by far the nicest library I've seen in the Bay Area. The design is very contemporary and unique made to look similar to a cabin. As soon as I walked in, I couldn't help admiring the area; all I wanted to do was look around. For the people wondering how big/small this new library is, it's bigger than the Danville Library and about the same size as the Dublin Library. However, the Lafayette Library blows both libraries out of the water in my opinion. This library has several types of rooms such as the Teen Center, Technology Center, Homework Center, and 3 "Small Meeting Rooms" that you can reserve for 2 hours at a time. There's even an outside patio in case you might to read/study on a nice sunny day. There are also plenty of public computers available as well as laptop cubbies with free wireless connection all around the library. But what really got me was their "Bicycle Parking." I've never seen such thing! All other libraries just have bicycle stalls but not this place. It is also very convenient to go here because it was walking distance from Lafayette BART and located right off the Mt. Diablo Blvd. exit from Highway 24. Not to mention, they're opening a "Bookmark Café" located just outside of the front entrance, but it's also walking distance from several fast food joints (i.e. Taco Bell and McDonald's) and restaurants. My only complain (hence a 4-star rating) is that this place is pretty noisy for a library. Both Dublin and Danville exercise the "silence is golden" rule a bit better. My tip is to reserve a room if you want to get some studying done or find a table in the back of the library (it's quieter there). Nevertheless, this is still my favorite library. [TIP] Parking is located underground on Mt. Diablo. Do NOT park in the small lot with the drive-thru espresso stand next to the library. read more

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Wow, this library is awesome! I love that there are so many rooms for different purposes, like the Teen and Homework Centers, technology room, and individual working rooms for meetings or tutoring, etc. it's a beautifully appointed space, with lots of relaxation areas, young children's area and several outdoor patios. Help on hand for navigating the resources and information. The library cafe with indoor and outdoor seating is near the front entrance. There's free parking below the building as well. It's in the heart of downtown Lafayette, with restaurants, stores and a park nearbyI am really impressed and look forward to visiting again. read more

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Came for a brief stay during yesterday's sunny sizzler. For the first time, I walked toward the back of the airy, spacious library to hunt for quieter pastures (reading a very detailed book about the CIA--that's culinary and not intelligence to you)... Indeed, some private nooks and perfect 4 star-like corners with ottomans, and even faux-down back cushions... how bad ass is that?! Study and read in luxury in a library... natural sun flooding in everywhere. When one heads toward the back and the right, there's a little door that leads out to a nice lanai/balcony with more really nice spots. I find this the perfect place, easy enough to spend a whole day here... researching, studying, reading... Cafe out front in case one gets peckish and needs to replenish 'dem brain cells. read more

My local library is such a gem for my son and I. In the world of purchasing books on Amazon, people seem to have forgotten the library. It's a wealth of knowledge and fun and it's FREE. You can borrow books, dvds, audio books and more. If they don't have them there then you can request for those items from other libraries to be shipped to your local library. Great programming! I have gone to see authors speak over their latest books. I went to a chocolate truffle making workshop and I left with delicious truffles that I helped create. And surprise! The teacher was the mayor of Lafayette. I have attended STEAM fairs for my son, my father attended Tai Chi classes during visits, and the list goes on. There are so many events happening at the library. Check out the event calendar and make sure you rsvp for events that require rsvps because they do fill up fast. The programming isn't limited to only Lafayette residents. I've met lovely people from nearby cities. CC Library system participates in Discover & Go and I have been all over it. Free tickets to view museums in the Bay Area (such as expensive places like Exploratorium and Cal Academy of Science). Ambiance: This is a smaller library but a new and lovely space. They rent out a larger multipurpose room. What are you waiting for? Go visit this library or your local library today! read more

This library is spacious, has multiple study rooms, has plenty of parking, and the hours are good. I used to come here to study when I was a student at DVC and I still come here from time to time to check out the books or use the computers. Conveniently located near the freeway too. read more

First time to enter the library. I am impressed by its modern style, clean, organized, quiet place to really enjoy reading and thinking. The staffs are very nice and polite. I requested for a place to have a meeting with a group of people. The staff showed us to a meeting room where there's WiFi, table, chairs and quite private. We use the room for a maximum of two hours. We have a good experience with this place. I highly recommend it. I would go back and check the other amenities it offers. Parking is quite hard, suggest go at the back road to park. Overall, a very nice place to go. read more

I have been coming here for many years since the library opened. The quiet study environment and the vast selection of reading material to choose from. It's a shame that COVID put a stop to all of that. At least holds on books can still be placed and picked up. The architecture and the plants are beautiful as always. A library's function is to be a quiet place for the public to enjoy, not a place for kids screaming and disturbing everyone else. read more

I was rather disturbed to hear that a friend and her children visited the library and happened upon an unpleasant experience, in which librarians not only called into question her parenting, but insisted upon the removal of her children from the facility. A library is a place for all - even a whining, fussy, or crying child. Not only is the library a place to go year-round as a haven, it is a great parenting choice to access the available space during the summer, choosing this over less scholastic experiences. Our children need to unravel a mystery with Nancy Drew, and experience magic with Matilda. They need to speak up for themselves like Anne Shirley, and love others fiercely like Sarah Crewe. They need to forge their own path like Meg Murry, and be brave like Lucy Pevensie. There is necessity to travel on these journeys across the written page. It is crucial to their development as people. It will, hopefully, make them more understanding and better people than the situation was handled by your adult employees yesterday. To insult a mother as deeply as possible is to call into question her parenting methods. I am ashamed on her behalf that library staff would be so cruel and unreasonable. It is simply unacceptable - and in my opinion, borders directly upon harassment and discrimination. Perhaps you should implore your staff to take a moment and rediscover the joys of the library and what it stands for. Be mindful that a message of unjust treatment is now floating through your community. Revisit your mission and values. Find it in your heart to be kind, helpful, and in service to others. An apology is in order. Remember that the library is a place for all. On behalf of decency, A community member read more

I'm one of those people that doesn't have an addictive personality. I may enjoy the occasional Gin & Tonic but my true blue addiction is for books. I get giddy at the thought of getting lost in a story. The places a writer can take my imagination makes me itch for more. During the week they had a children's event that I took my son to. I was initially overtaken by the size of the building. Thankfully all of the employees are so nice and helpful. There's nothing worse than a surly librarian. The group of kids waiting for story time were to eat lunch we brought, outside in this little mini amphitheater. Unfortunately it was scorchingly hot out. The librarian had us all move indoors to the children's area for the stories. The theme of the stories were different foods and we were read different stories that revolved around eating and food. My 2 1/2 year old would not stop talking throughout the whole thing. I apologize to everyone. Then it was craft time! All the kids got to make a strawberry. The library provided all of the supplies. Paper, glue scissors, washable ink pads. Me and a nanny with a group of 3 kids kind of got together and had our own craft corner. It was so fun. Once the craft was done we had cookies! Yes, the library provided delicious cookies to everyone. It was so wonderful. I love this library. You can tell that a great deal of love and effort went into designing the space. If you're a resident of CoCo county you need to come here. It's a book lovers wonderland. read more

Lafayette Library and Learning Center - Libraries Near Me - Lafayette, California

This is the most beautiful, modern and efficient community library I have ever been in! Carmichael, California (in Sacramento) is new and well designed, but doesn't come close. Granted, I am not a library person, because I don't read books, only periodicals, non-fiction and on-line info. But nonetheless, Lafayette and the Friends of the Library should be proud of this sparkling icon situated right smack dab in the middle of downtown Lafayette on Mt Diablo Blvd. - It has a spacious and beautifully designed modern architecture; - Covered garage parking for about 50 cars on 2 levels; - A large community meeting room for events and presentations; - A hands-on science and art discovery room; - Computers throughout; - Efficient and comfortable seating; - Great use of natural lighting designs; - High quality furnishings and decor; - Automatic bar-code reading conveyor belt book drop off return with printed receipt details; - A sunny southern exposed courtyard with benches; - A historical museum with an antique fire truck wagon: - And a Friends of The Lafayette Library (FLL) downstairs book exchange/second hand store packed with titles, for only $2 hard cover and $0.50 paperbacks! This is part of the Contra Costa County community libraries group, but at a time when libraries are threatened to be shuttered due to budgets, this one just opened in the middle of the recession due to the generosity of active fundraisers and donors. My favorite relative volunteers here, and she just bought 4 mystery paperbacks for a total of $2 dollars! 2 of the books barely look used! Not bad for over 1600 pages of reading! Kudos to the community! read more

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This is a great place for all. My youngest is happy with their choice of early readers, my middle schoolers puts her books requests online for her assignments and the different work areas within the library give ample opportunity for quiet research, pair or group work as well as your straightforward reading in the comfort of this brilliant building. You can conveniently park for free for up to 3 hours. Love this place read more

One of the most beautiful public libraries I've been to. Librarians are very nice and helpful, children's section is clean. Easy self check out stations and online hold section. read more

already thought the previous Lafayette library was great given that I grew up in Oakland and that one was so much prettier and more accessible than any of the ones I had ever been to. But this one takes the cake. This new library blows me away with it's light and space. I am thoroughly impressed with the design of the building and the grounds. They even have a cafe and a used book store attached. Who could ask for anything more? The staff was also incredibly friendly when I went to sign up for a library card and I don't even live in Contra Costa County. Makes me want to move back! read more

Lafayette Library is close to Bart, cean, classy & luxiorius. My first visit was to see acclaimed author Ori Hofmekler discuss his new book. The facility was easy to locate. I walked from the the Bart train in less then 10 minutes. Two friendly staff members welcomed me. Sarah was very helpful in making sure I felt at home during the visit. Very impressive facility and ideal location. read more

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Sir, Mam and anyone who bring their toddlers to this place. Tell your kids NOT TO SCREAM. Teach them mannerism. It's good for their personality growth. Won't you feel proud of having polite, humble and considerate children? Don't be selfish and act inconsiderate towards other people who come here to find peace while reading and studying here. I don't know why some parents could just let their toddlers screaming, nagging and crying relentlessly. Some even posted a review complaining about being asked to leave the place. Holy cow!!! Kids or adults - if they disturb other people, in order to be fair to other visitors, of course the staff should ask them to leave. I get that you love and proud of your kids' curiosity to learn; but nobody else does when they misbehave and you - as their parents - don't do anything constructive about it. You should feel ashamed. Can't get them to stop crying? Then take them outside until they chill. Basic common sense. Or go to the family sections, read some parenting books and learn tips and tricks on how to discipline your children in public. Don't be entitled believing the world revolves around you and that we all have to always be understanding of and okay with the disturbance your family cause (that you can actually prevent if you yourself can be more considerate of others). You want your kids to read, enjoy Matilda and whatnot. Well loan the book and read it at home or chill outside until they calm down, then you all can get back inside. This is a library, not a daycare. read more

This place is very centrally located, and convenient to find. It's literally on the corner of Mt Diablo blvd and 1 St. They have several seating area with electrical sockets near by (if not located directly on table). They also have a cafe, two stories, private homework room, technology center. read more

Thank you for putting books on hold for me Chris during this pandemic.You rock dude! Amy you too! God bless this beautiful library during this pandemic as the staff are genuinely polite and respectful:) read more

I moved to Moraga 1 month ago and have come to this library twice. Both times, I have had bad experiences and feel compelled to write this review. First of all, I am 40 weeks pregnant. About 2 weeks ago, I took my toddler to Spanish Storytime at the library. After getting my kid dressed and out the door with my giant pregnant self, I get to the library to be told "We're not doing storytime today because the woman who does it is pregnant and doesn't feel like it." Man, I wish I could get out of doing the things I commit to doing because I'm pregnant and don't feel like it. Other parents came too to be told the same thing. Rude and unacceptable. She isn't even as pregnant as I am, I later find out. The next time I tried to come to the library for storytime (which I read about on Lamorinda Mom's and although they had a link to the Contra Costa library website, it is byzantine and I could not find any information about storytime to verify), I am told that there is no storytime until the end of January!! So, the time when everyone is home with their kids because school is closed is when the library decides to take a break from storytime because... it's a big burden on them for some reason?? So, I sit down with my kid. We pick out a bunch of books and read them. Out of those, we pick out ones to take home. I go up to the desk to get a library card and I am told I can't get one today because although I have my drivers' license with my previous Oakland address, I don't have anything to prove I now live in Contra Costa county. In contrast, the Moraga branch let my mother take out a book with a temporary card even though she lives in NY and is here to help with the new baby. But me? No such luck. My disappointed toddler and I leave. I have to say, this looks like a nice library with good books but my 2 experiences have been so frustrating and negative, it will take me a while to go back. I think I'll go to Moraga and Orinda instead where they may respect their patrons' and our time more. read more

"Wooooaaah! I want to live here!" My son was pretty excited about the new Lafayette Library that just opened on Saturday, and it *is* very nice. Physically, I don't think it has as much shelf space as the main county library in Pleasant Hill (our home library) but it's beautiful and new, with fabulous furniture and lots and lots of library extras such as: - A high tech book return that scans your books and checks them back in as they ride a little conveyor belt into the library. - A Teen Center, Homework Center, Tech (aka computer) Lab and small group study rooms where people can gather behind closed glass doors for study and research. - An Arts and Science Center, as well as an art gallery - A small outdoor reading deck. - Children's and main libraries that are open to each other, but physically separated. - A covered kids activity deck off the children's library. - An amphitheater and community hall. - Underground parking (access from the back on Golden Gate Wy), complete with a spot for Lafayette's Model T fire engine. - Coming soon a cafe with outdoor eating space (a bit close to noisy Mt. Diablo Blvd for my taste). They are still finishing some of these areas. For example, the signage wasn't up yet on the stacks...but, at least for now, there were tons of helpful people (I assume some volunteer) to assist you. One guided us to additional self-check out kiosks hiding a bit to the left of the main exit when the ones on the right were in use. I have a feeling that we'll be spending as much time at this new library as we do at our home one. It's just that much nicer of a place to be. And the best part? Open every day of the week! read more

I had the pleasure of experiencing the Lafayette Library for the first time earlier this week. One of Gayle's friends was a key player in the building of this magnificent community resource, and when a friend invited me to attend an evening presentation in the Learning Center, I jumped at the opportunity. The speaker was Professor Donald Shoup from UCLA. He is a widely-regarded expert in the economics and availability of parking. His 2005 book "The High Cost of Free Parking" identifies the negative repercussions of off-street parking requirements. The comfortable and spacious room was full of interested city planners and community members from various parts of the Bay Area. I thought Dr. Shoup made a compelling economic argument for market-driven parking pricing and linking the resulting revenue directly back to the impacted neighbourhoods. On the other hand, the speech was about 20 minutes too long and often repetitious, the acoustics were uneven, and his political bias was an irritating distraction from his main points. By the end, I was struggling to stay awake and any previous thoughts of enjoying a drink in downtown Lafayette was superseded by my desire return to my free parking spot, and go home to my bed. Back to the Library. It's gorgeous and it's more impressive than most libraries that I have visited (including University branches and my beloved Carnegie buildings). I walked around before the speech and were first welcomed by the rising walkway that passed the Friends of the Lafayette Library Bookstore and a neat little amphitheater. The Main Library itself features handsome wooden supports, impressive art work, a cute little outdoor garden, small and large private rooms for studying and meetings, comfortable seating, lots of computers (and electrical outlets), and of course books. The main room also meanders around to provide an appropriate amount of seclusion. The Community aspects are strong too, not only with the Learning Center and the private rooms, but with an outdoor reading patio and various gathering places, lots of windows and light, an future coffee shop and an easy walk to the shops and restaurants on and around Mt. Diablo Boulevard. The Library is not only anchors Lafayette, but it's a destination spot itself. read more

If you're a mom with little ones, this is a fun place to go and check out a book. The story time however, is dreadful. They have story time in the homework room instead of the lovely recessed area in the children's section that was obviously designed for that specific purpose. Story time started out with the lady using a puppet to tell people that if you're baby gets fussy, take it outside. All right! Welcoming environment for moms and babies? Yeah... I was bored the whole time and so was my baby. The woman leading story time had zero energy, wasn't at all engaging and I wasn't impressed. I just hope she's a volunteer and not paid for that. I am never going back to their story time. Now the Pleasant Hill library has the BEST story time in the East Bay. Come on Lafayette, can't we poach that guy? It would be great to go to a beautiful library AND have a wonderful experience for my little one. Maybe I'm hoping for too much. read more

The library is gorgeous and the staff is friendly, but I give it 3 stars because it's not a great place to study for prolonged periods of time. The parking is limited to 3 hours and the garage is always full so you spend 20 minutes every 3 hours having to re-park. The wifi is slow, so streaming lectures is pretty much impossible. I had a 2 hour lecture to watch and it buffered every five minutes. I eventually gave up and just worked out of my books. Lastly, (and this only pertains to when it's raining out) there aren't any indoor areas where you can eat your food. I acknowledge that almost all libraries do not allow food inside, but most have a few benches in covered areas under which you can eat. I had to eat my lunch on the staircase. I would've eaten it in my car but I parked far away on a main street and it was freezing out. read more

The "new" Lafayette Library is absolutely stunning. I thought Danville/Walnut Creek was beautiful but they are nothing compared to Lafayette. Not only is is beautiful, it's energy efficient. They use solar panels for electricity and have a ton of large windows and sky lights which let in so much natural light that on a sunny day, they can even turn off some of the lights. We went today for a field trip for my daughter's kindergarten class. We were met at the door by the children's librarian, Donna at 9:30 am. She immediately greeted us with an adorable song and and the singing didn't stop there. Donna was WONDERFUL and captivating. The kids were so enthralled with her. She involved them in everything and had songs about the days of the week, spelling, word games, etc. She was so animated and friendly...everything a children's librarian should be, but so often are not. They also took the kids on a tour of the library including the room where the books are automatically sorted when put through the return slot. Even I thought it was super cool! I couldn't get over how beautiful and well organized this library is and found myself feeling so lucky to live in such an amazing community with so many beautiful and educational activities right out our door. My 5 year declared this library "perfect!". read more

Weekdays at 2:30, invasion of the young'uns commences. You have been warned! But seriously, children everywhere once schools let out. And that's not actually a bad thing. I mean, you've got the hardcore studiers in the far east corner of the library, movie or periodical browsers and computer fiends up front, a children's corner in the west wing, a cafe out front, and an almost sound-proof homework center and teen center for the already mentioned young'un invasion. There's a place for everyone here! Not to mention that the aesthetic interior is quite gorgeous. And who wouldn't love free parking? (Yes I'm passive-aggressively pointing at you, WC!) Four stars because I save that last star for the Bodleian and the LOC. Love Lafayette--Love its library too! read more

For such a kid friendly town, this is not a kid friendly library. As you can see from some of the other reviews, the patrons seem to want to keep children out of the library rather than make it a welcoming place for children of all ages to develop a love of learning. If the adult patrons are so annoyed by the presence of children, then lobby the library to build a better partition for the kids section. I truly can't believe people can be so unkind and meanspirited towards kids in their community. The staff is also unfriendly. So so disappointed. And Lafayette, so so entitled. read more

How I love thee? Seriously, speechless. This library is gorgeous. Now I'm really excited about the new one opening in Walnut Creek. It has some serious competition with this gorgeous specimen in Lafayette. This library is an extremely innovative and well thought out, not to mention beautiful and sleek. The staff is uber nice here too. Bravo Lafayette!! read more

Great library. Lots of open spaces and different kinds of seating -- couches, desks with power outlets, tables, etc. Wifi isn't particularly fast but they don't seem to block ports, which has been an issue at other libraries in the area for email, getting on IM, etc. There *are* a lot of kids/teens here but the staff seems to have upped their game in terms of keeping things in line. If you want a near-silent library, this isn't it, but it's a great place to plop down with a laptop and work if you don't mind a bit of activity around. read more

The Lafayette Library is absolutely amazing!!! My family and I are relatively new in town and this place was a blessing. Free Internet, librarians that are helpful and tons and tons of information and books. Love the fact that I can order any book in the county and pick it up here. Also like that they call you when your items are ready to be picked up and are due. This place adds to the reason I LOVE LAFAYETTE... Only wish they where open longer hours on weekends! read more

As you make your way into the Lafayette Library and Learning Center entrance, you are welcomed by a towering bronze of stacked books entitled "Speechless" which stands almost 16 feet tall and which pages of books are casted with actual literary passages. Unlike other public libraries, the Lafayette Library and Learning Center offers vast resources such as public computers, wireless connection throughout, spacious adult area with quiet corners for reading and studying, Teen Center, Homework Center, Technology Center, group study/meeting rooms, and separate Children's Area with kid-friendly shelves and "book nooks." If this isn't enough, there is also outdoor meeting and reading areas landscaped with native plants and shrubs! Overall, the Lafayette Library and Learning Center is an inviting place with its vast resources as well as with its relaxed, comfortable setting. read more

The truth is I hardly go to the library any more after discovering the Free Book Exchange in El Cerrito. Having said that, this is a particularly nice library. There's fancy architecture on the outside, underground parking and even a balcony outside. There's an attached café too, although I've never been. As for the book selection, well it's not huge, but there's plenty. Worth a visit just to check in out. read more