Very cute library conveniently located right downtown in Monterey. Free street parking is available with a two hour limit between the hours of 9AM and 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. The staff are friendly and are usually available to help you with any questions. read more

Monterey Public Library - Library exterior - Libraries Near Me - Monterey, California

I grew up coming to the Monterey Public Library, where staff used to proactively keep patrons safe. Unfortunately, under Director Brian, that is no longer the case. Recently, while studying, another individual targeted me with vulgar verbal harassment over a table dispute. Despite my attempts to share the space, she continuously whispered explicit insults at me ("you're a pro***tute," "why do you care about studying"), completely disrupting my safety. At other libraries, this behavior is absolutely not tolerated. I should not have to leave, especially when I need to use this specific location for certain reasons. When reported, Director Brian showed zero urgency and seemed annoyed to be called away. His immediate solution was asking me--the person being actively harassed--if there was "somewhere else I could go." Rather than addressing the perpetrator, his default response was to displace the reporting party. Imagine if it was someone's kid being harassed, seeking help only to meet an incompetent solution like this from the director. Or imagine if you're a student who clearly needs the facility; I would hope for parents reading this or working students, you would not be ok with this.To make matters worse, he claimed he "checked in with people nearby" and, because they didn't notice her whispers, heavily implied I was fabricating the story. Most people in the area were elderly or wearing headphones; of course they didn't hear her calculated, quiet insults. The moment he spoke to her, her behavior stopped, proving she was entirely coherent. When faced with his dismissiveness, I was the one who had to state that if she did it again, I would report it again. I also had to explain that I hadn't recorded her out of respect for everyone's privacy. Only after I said this did he finally offer the weak response that I could report it again and "actually record since it is a public place." Asking a patron facing harassment to move or leave is a massive failure in communication, reasoning, and conflict resolution. It is entirely unacceptable that standard procedure here is to penalize the person reporting the issue. read more

Staff were very kind and helped sign me up for a library card! They have a lot of events going on at the branch and I recommend checking them out! There is a large selection of books and the library is well maintained! read more

Cute library that simultaneously feels old school and new. The views are beautiful. Theres a little gaming area for the older kids and a book nook for the younger ones which is on the opposite side of quiet area on the first floor. read more

Monterey Public Library - Back entrance with ramp - Libraries Near Me - Monterey, California

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So many fun things to do at the library. This place is great. Love Brian! When I needed research papers they help me find so much more than I ever would have found on my own. read more

A bibliophile's dream come true, the library is a veritable bacchanalia of volumes to satisfy any and all literary desires. This library includes everything you could possibly want, from historical books on American westward expansion to comic books (even if you didn't realize you wanted them). It's quite easy to navigate through its extensive selection, and my experiences have always been good. The staff responds quickly to inquiries and is well-informed. Their promptness is evident in the minutes it took for me to receive a free library card. This library definitely deserves a fantastic 5-star rating in my opinion because of its user-friendly layout, nice personnel, and prompt services. read more

It's ok the books always amazing of course. The issue is that apperantley although the librarians have actually reported those who are disruptive in the past they have failed to recently do so. There is a man that goes there about closing time to be disruptive including scaring people and loudly yelling obscenities if someone else is using his preferred table. It's concerning truly because while anyone can easily call authorities, the librarians need to also be proactive where this behavior is not tolerated. Mind this man had no shame in loudly saying se*ual things out loud including ra*e. Imagine being a student trying to study quietly or a parent with their kids or anyone just trying to enjoy the public library and have to deal with someone like that. I have never felt so unsafe but have no other choice in the mean time to make the most out of it. Someone else told me they actually reported him to the librarians and they're actually aware of it but looks like they never reported it to the Monterey Police Department as when they called to report it Monterey Police Department officers actually had not recent reports of this happening but did vouch that Monterey librarians have reported such behaviors in the past and there is a process when people are behaving this way for everyone's safety and suggested anyone can call Monterey PD shall they every feel unsafe. While that's comforting, simultaneously it seems we can't count on the librarians to be the first to step up when these scenarios happen as if it is a matter of "to each their own". The reason I give it a three is because of lack of better protocols on behalf of the librarians when this happens but they're great when it comes down to normal service and are kind indeed and helpful and they actually encourage teens and children. If anything happy kids in there expressing their excitement has never been an issue but recently the one man who acts so inappropriately. I was told one guy was forced to leave because he was also being inappropriate so I'm unsure why this one gets leeway especially if they're aware or why he's even allowed to enter after so many times he continues the behavior and they're aware of his patterns. read more

This place ... is not much of a library, if it can really be called one at all. I am a library connoisseur, but I only came to this one because I had just joined the very friendly and welcoming one in Pacific Grove, and this one was included in the card ... so I checked it out. Mistake! The, um, 'librarians' or whoever those people were had zero interest in any interaction with the public; they were enjoying laughing loudly and gossiping. It was pretty disgusting. I waited, then finally had to interrupt to ask a question -- and was treated with apprehension, distrust, and unpleasant very pointed questioning. The bathrooms (or restrooms, or loos or baños or toilets) are -- as so many have said -- more for homeless people than for patrons (or matrons!); of course I hesitate to say such a thing because clearly the rest of the government is not doing its job and so it becomes the job of librarians to do what this socialist-fearing everyone-for-themselves culture is not doing anything about (See 'The Public' -- a great film about just this -- if you have not!), so I cannot fault the library or librarians or 'librarians' entirely but ... their attitude is lacking, they are unfriendly, unprofessional, and it is generally an overall very unpleasant environment not conducive to the kind of study potentially offered by books ... and the people who care about them (of which there was no clue or sign in this establishment). read more

The Monterey Public Library is a very much needed facility in the heart of Old Monterey. The friendly outgoing staff - Sarah Nolan and Chanomi (pronounced "Shanomee") are always ready to patiently answer the most obscure questions with honesty and grace. Settle your "Late Fees" with a donation of a can of food. Enjoy the fresh air of the upstairs patio, bring a picnic lunch, borrow a laptop, read a book, watch a video, take a CD home! I give it a 5 star rating even though their hours of operation are way too short. All the best, Rev PS. To those who have written about the "homeless" in a negative way, and have never known one by first and last name, never offered any one of them succor, shelter, safety or solice SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!! read more

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Welcoming staff at this unique Library. Outside may look like a mix between an 60s church and a 60s middle-school. Once inside the church-gym, there is a comfy aura mixed with pictures during Monterey's more eventful eras. Side-note: bring hand sanitizer because there is a very diverse group of people also enjoying the Monterey Public Library. read more

I feel guilty handing out three stars to such a stellar library. I was seriously impressed with the staff, the collections, and the study areas. The three stars is not just because there were homeless people hanging out (I swear!!!), but because someone (perhaps a child?) came in after about half and hour and I couldn't escape the urine smell. I was into it until the smell, that god-awful New Orleans-after-Mardi Gras smell of stale urine. This happened to me at a BJ's restaurant in San Jose, and I felt guilty about that too because I was trying unsuccessfully not to blame the little old man two tables down. He was not eating much, just gumming on some fries, but drinking beers like they were water. Whoever might be going around peeing in restaurants and libraries is neither here nor there, I don't like smelling it. read more

Can you say free wi-fi? Hells yeah! The library itself is also beautiful, with lots of wood paneling and red metal support beams that remind me of being inside a ship. There's balconies from the second story where you can get a good view of the rest of the library, pretty neat! The out-door patio is really good for chillaxing and hanging out on, too. It's interesting how the hobos and regular patrons mingle here, with hobotastic couchsurfers like me bridging the gap. I would actually say this is a great place to visit if you're sight-seeing or passing through Monterey--especially considering it's a good landmark for the beginning of downtown and very near the main transit center. Have a looksie! read more

Q: What did you do on your vacation? Me: Visited the library! Q: .... Me: Yeah. That's how I roll. It's true. And you know what? Monterey Public Library is one of the best libraries I've visited! First and foremost, there is a plaque at the entrance stating that the Monterey Public Library, established in 1849, was the first library in California! How cool is that? In these modern times, the library offers free wi-fi throughout the building, and a wonderful outdoor patio to relax on. The librarians are super friendly, helpful and innovative. Since I'm a big fan of travel, I marveled at the 'travel kits' - guide books, maps, and fiction that relate to a destination - all in a handy zipped-up tote! There is a similar set-up for storytime books based on themes (dinosaurs, feelings, etc.) If you're into local history, there is a California History Room upstairs where the archivist will help you find anything you want. Historical newspapers, ephemera files and an Ed Ricketts collection are highlights in the room. The reading room may be small, but the archives are extensive! Speaking of extensive, Monterey Public has a great collection. I could have spent days in there... hmmm... sounds like another trip to Monterey is in order! read more

The last time I spent more than a minute here was when I was in 5th grade. I aced my Massachusetts state report thanks to MPL. I think this is the year before we got a computer (yeah way back) so I did everything on an electronic computer. Funny thing... my sister chose Massachusetts for her state report and my youngest sister... you guessed it... So original. read more

One of the better public libraries I've visited! MPL always seems to be doing something new for its members. Recently it has been adding a seed library for our local gardeners and having ukuleles available for checkout. I know it's not literature, but I really appreciate my community library trying to reach out to a more diverse crowd. Pretty much everything at the library is free of charge, so it really feels like they are trying to include you as part of the community. Other things I like about this library are their hours (pretty reasonable given all our budget cuts!) and their multimedia selection. There is a vast collection not only of DVDs and CDs but also kindle books as well! I love how open MPL is to expanding their collection. I do wish however there were better lighting in the study cubicles! There is overhead lighting, but it would be nice if there were desk lighting as well. I'm only in my twenties thinking this, so I'm sure the library's older patrons have thought the same thing! read more

I really want to give this library 5 stars but alas, 4 it is. To start with, the library has an excelent selction of just about any book you could think of, the staff is friendly and attentive, the self check-out is easy and fast, they have a nice used book section (the money goes to charity), they carry a large selection of DVDs and CDs (if you are wanting to catch up on any shows you may have missed). Even though I don't spend my time there (mainly just pick up and drop off), there is no actual area for quiet studying or reading. Well, there is a designated area for that but, its always ccupied with what seem to be obviously homeless people. And honestly, the smell is not something that's appealing. If not for this, this library would completely deserve 5 stars! read more

Staff is friendly, book selection is decent. They do not have any Quantum Mechanic books or things of that nature unfortunately. Atmosphere is a mixture of students, elderly, homeless, and a few incognito hackers. However, the bathrooms often become dirty due to homeless using them as their personal bird baths. That is fine. Just would prefer if people cleaned up after themselves or have the janitor stop by more often to make it more pleasant. read more

Went to this library for many years until moving. Not a bad facility, decent selection of books, decent amount of new books. However, I would never allow a child under junior high school age to come here by themselves. Just too many homeless people, as well as the occasional prostitute or two. Have been solicited by a prostitute upon coming out of the library. Have seen them walking around inside the library. Doesn't make for a comfortable time. read more

Free internet and parking included for free! Lots of great services for the whole community. read more

We where in Monterey for the day & decided to check out the story time ! All I can say is the staff was AWSOME FROM THE BEGINNING!!! & the lady who does story time has GOT HER STUFF TOGETHER!!! My daughter & all the other kids where having a party!! read more

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Having moved to Monterey from Silicon Valley, I got very used to the very hi tech re-done state of the art Santa Clara library - after being here almost two years, I finally joined the local library. Great news to report - you can do almost everything on line for stuff you know you want, and then turn up to pick up the books you've reserved. And then there is the library itself - I wandered around and really liked the historic photos and the outdoor patio. The reserving books and picking them up was even better than Santa Clara - no need to get in line - just go find the book in the reserved already shelves and check it out on the machines. The only negative side to the whole place is the local history - but I was spoiled in Santa Clara with their history pavilion, it's more how good Santa Clara is rather than anything else. Bottom line, I should have joined a long time ago - it's a great library. read more

2018: just adorable...kids area has a great selection & the librarians are very sweet. A 1 star deduction bc the parking, although uncorrectable, is in the back lot which several homeless guys hang out (including a few in a car smoking dope). With young children it was annoying. Otherwise, several teens hanging out, but they weren't bothersome. read more

I should start by saying I LOVE LIBRARIES. I love fancy new ones and I love oldies, too. This older library was great. Free wifi, comfy couches, lots of natural light, computers to use and laptops that can be borrowed to use for 2 hours. The only glitch is this.....the free access to computers has attracted the homeless. It is cool that they have a place that they can get access BUT they sit in the front on the library and smoke, sleep......BTW, why are there so many homeless people in Monterey? Especially younger 18-40? read more

Pretty good sized library. I like there are some designated study, quiet rooms. Not a fan of all the homeless people, although they mostly sleep and are in one area so easy to avoid. It's kind of scary at night but I appreciate the extended hours. Also, the high school kids like to use this as a hang out, make out spot, they're kind of annoying but they are usually only around from about 3:00 to 5:00. Parking is also annoying, it's two hours all around until 6pm. But all in all, it provides quiet, study area and it's not freezing or loud like Starbucks or other cafés. read more

I went there on Wednesday night, right before they closed. Had a good experience, so I returned on Friday afternoon to study. Do NOT go here to study! I went to the designated "Quiet Area," but all the seats/desks were taken by bums. Even if there had been an open seat, the stench was too overwhelming. So I went to the open areas, but as soon as I sat down, the bums were surrounding me with their stench their too. They're just sleeping. I'm sorry, but the public library shouldn't be confused for the homeless shelter. Next time I need to study, I'll go to MIIS Library down the street. At least there, if all the seats are full its because there are a lot of people library-ing. read more

I love this library. I go to check out books...use the self check out and renew my books online. I think it's super easy and efficient. Upstairs next to the fiction area is a great outdoor space with tables to sit in the sun and read a book, although the sun can be very bright. I love checking out the bi-lingual kids books and there are lots of new released books which I can put on hold online and pick up in the hold section. I don't use this place as a hang out place and I don't use the computers, but the rest is great. read more

Great, friendly, enthusiastic service at the info. desk. And the California History Room is a treasure. I love the clippings files, and photocopies are only 10 cents a piece. Anyone who thinks that all the useful info. in the world is online have a thing or two to learn. read more

Homeless shelter/nursery/restaurant/library, this place has it all. Hopefully in the future they'll allow pets. Can't wait! This is definitely the place to go if want peace and quiet and some modicum of civility. read more

This is one of my favorite places in Monterey. This is exactly what I expected of a local library in a small town. There were a grumpy old guy who kept asking noisy high schoolers to be quiet, a local weirdo who talks to himself, nice smiley female librarians, old carpet, squeaky floors, and etc. Despite of its long history, the library has a nice, up-to-date, website and slow but free Wi-Fi. read more

I love how you can continue to renew books online so you can keep them out for several weeks. They have parking in the back and usually there is a spot free. They have a large Spanish section too which is great as I'm learning to speak it! read more

Remember the days of library's being quiet? Well not here. And the self checkout? Last time a mom was letting her toddler check out the 2 dozen books all by himself. Wow. That took twenty minutes at least!! And their mystery section shrinks everytime I walk in. So sad. I used to love libraries but this one is experiencing a downhill decline. :( read more

Yesterday we had to check out of the B&B by 11:30 and couldn't check into Highlands Inn until 4:00. So where do we go after we've wandered through the aquarium (they were just in the process of closing down the Jellies are Art exhibit to make way for a new exhibit on seahorses that opens April 6th; I caught a glimpse of the Chihuly glass at the entrance through a partially opened set of plywood gates.) and had lunch? To the library, of course. We had the laptop, so I could check in w/ Yelp. We tried Pacific Grove, but the library was closed on Mondays so we went to Monterey. The library is large and light, high ceilinged w/ lots of windows and several tables upstairs and down w/ people working (or playing) on laptops. There were the usual bunch of books for sale, but I got distracted and neglected to check them out. At first glance they seemed to be mostly hardbound, less practical for travel than paperbacks. It was a very hospitable place to hang out until we drove down to Carmel Highlands. read more

I am a low income college student. I started school and forgot to renew my awesome cookbooks and belly dancing videos before the due date. The library then decided to smack me in the face with $96 in overdue charges. Turn your books in on time or renew them because they have no compassion and will steal your money. I understand it was my bad for not turning them in/renewing them on time but really?! $100?!? I would be okay paying $10 in overdue but $100!!???? And no forgiveness when I brought all the books back in person. Got me in tears how horrible they treated me. I will never go again!! read more

This place has been a sanctuary for me. They seem to stay on top of the current top-sellers and new-releases, which is a treat. They also have a good selection of magazines you can check out, which I do often because I read magazines of all kinds. There's also a dvd and music cd selection; sometimes its nice to take a leap of faith and listen/watch something you've never heard of. It's not that much of leap anyway... it's FREE! How many times can you say that for a pile of books, music and subscriptions you can borrow for two-four weeks? Thank Heavens for public libraries for letting us explore the world through books, free of charge. read more

Efficient Staff and strong in internet support to the community. Laptops an be checked out without a fee for 2 hours and the desktops are available for 30min slots twice a day at no charge. Multi levels. Lacks private nooks and limited plug in for power cords. Lesser seating areas than most larger libraries. High school students overwhelm this library at times and it's out of control with noise levels. People exit when this happen. Lacking in discipline from staff to excercise conduct management to young adults. Although staff reacts quickly to adult requests, but usually they let it go. Resources are adequate for research. Strong children books area and reading area. Two private rooms for video presentation on powerpoint and small group discussions. A fee is charged unless you are a nonprofit. read more

This library is really a gem. The staff is super helpful and friendly. I've never been steered wrong with book recommendations for either myself or the kids. I enjoy the ability to place holds on books with my online account; then pop in a day or so later, grab the books and go. It's a timesaver!! Also LOVE being able to renew online. The Children's librarian is wonderful, and the library offers great programs for the littler ones which instill an interest in reading. My middle school aged kids enjoy the selection of books, though they sometimes get frustrated when they learn the library only owns a handful of books in a particular series. Inter-library loan sometimes solves that problem, just depends on whether PG has the 'missing' books. The large print books section is good sized - a must when Grandma comes to visit. So, why not 4 stars? Well... The homeless do have a way of congregating in certain areas, especially upstairs in the adult fiction/mystery section and the quiet study areas. It can get a bit 'odiferous'. I know the homelessness is not always a choice, and that they use the library to keep in touch via e-mail with family & friends, to search online job postings & apply for jobs, to clean up & to rest... all understandable... but, some days it is really bad. The staff is working towards a solution, I hope they find one soon. read more