I love this library. It's bright and open and clean. There are plenty of desks and tables where you can work if you bring your own laptop. Almost all of the desks have outlets for charging, and the whole library is supported by Google Wifi. The best part is that the library is open late, and you can handle a lot of things online once you've got your library card (like if you need to renew a book check out). I love the selection of books - it's not your typical outdated donated books. I've been able to read a lot of fairly recent books by people in my business field. If I had one complaint, it'd be that I wish they had more online business resources. But considering they have a large selection of e-books, online databases, and a solid inter-library loan system, that's a fairly minor complaint. Keep on rockin', MV library. read more

This is one of the nicer public Libraries I have been to...and its in Mountain View! I have not checked any books out, but it is a perfect place to study, if you can find a spot! It is quiet and not to crowded. There are outlets for laptops and the there is ample workspace. It is better than a cafe, because you don't have to buy something to sit there for hours on end! read more

Barring the library in redwood shores, no other library than the MV library comes close to the best that I have seen. I love this library for the convenience - the service here is excellent, the online platform works great, borrowed several very current and very popular books, got reminders on time and returned them on time. The grounds surrounding this library are beautiful. I have several times packed a lunch for myself, had a picnic here.Especially since I work from home and there are days when I feel myself slacking that I come here and bring the efficiency back. Tons of movies to choose from, great section kids and young adults, fiction and specifically the graphic novel section is good. I use their friends of MV library bag to do my groceries, I highly recommend that you share your love by either donating books,buying those cute handy bags or just volunteering as this library has several events that are beneficial to the community. I love this library.period. read more

I love my library, its one of the best. Tons of workable computers with itnernet access and tons of privacy. If you have a group and you want to study in a private location - this is the place. Tons of new and old books, videos etc. You can't go wrong here. Plus the location is to die for. Across the street or behind I should say you have the BofA then down the street from there you have sorry Wells Fargo then across the street bank of the west then on the other side of El Camino Washington Mutual. Along with all the banks, theres a ton of resturants. From India - Mexico - Italy -Chinese-Vietnamese. Then we have Starbucks right around the corner as well. Plus!!! We have plenty of underground parking with workable cameras and a plush green park where you can sit under the huge trees with your favorite book and starbucks and enjoy yourself. read more

I just feel like braggin'... My library is better than yours and that's all there is to it. It just got remodeled and it was already spectacular before that, but now it's super-duper amazing. State-of-the-art- check out system that some how magically knows what books I want to take home with me and numerous computers to surf the web on and free wifi! How cool is that? The best part is the people watching. I could write a book about all the strange individuals I've seen and the even stranger activities I've seen them participating in while at the library. (Well, on second thought maybe I shouldn't ) That's all. I just logged into Yelp today cause I felt like braggin' I'll be watching for you at my library. read more

Great library. Beatiful and clean building. Dont know the selection yet. But the wired internt access seemed really bad! Slower than the google wireless connection! Any one else notice that? read more

This library has a surprising amount of books (plus online) for being in a recession, which, I believe, doesn't come from higher taxes but from staff, patrons, and good people busting their humps to do better for their local library. The computer system alone puts many libraries to shame! read more

The Mountain View Public library is a treat! Nestled at the edge of Castro street and residential homes, you can walk, bike, bus or drive to get here. There's ample parking on the streets and in the underground garage. Make no mistake this is no dark and gloomy library; this place is beautiful! Bright natural light filters throughout the building which is easy to understand why this place was packed on a Saturday afternoon. There are various sections for books, a wide selection of new and old DVDs, a huge magazine area, and internet access, just to name a handful of amenities. To say that I was happily overwhelmed, as soon as I had my new Mountain View library card in hand, would be an understatement. I giddily walked around for over an hour. Self-checkout is handy and phone renewal and automated returns are so convenient. All of the library staff that I have encountered have been nothing short of friendly and helpful. I have found a new local treasure!!! read more

Library is great. Internet sucks! Awesome selection of books! Clean, lots of sun in the sitting rooms upstairs. If you are here for the internet, really, you should go somewhere else.. read more

I love to read and like to take my reading on the go so I just LOVE the audio books! I can listen in the car and various other places and it is just the most wonderful invention ever in my opinion!!!! I decided to give the library a call to see what time they were open until so I could pick up some new books. I ended up calling the wrong number, and didn't want to hang up so I left a message that I was looking for the library and must have misdialed. Although the Library was closing in an hour, I had just enough time to get there and make my selections. The women are always very nice and know what I am looking for so they set aside some titles they thought I would like. I ended up getting a few good selections but wish they had more! About 2 hours after I got back an unavailable number showed up on the caller ID so I didn't answer. I don't know about any of you, but I like to know who is calling me. When I see a private/unavailable phone number (or a number I don't recognize) I don't answer the phone. If it's important they will leave a message. Anyway, here, when I go to listen to the message it was a sweet older woman calling me to tell me what the Library phone number was! She was the wrong number I called! What a sweet woman!! She made my day today! If anyone here would like to get a book/audio book club started let me know! read more

Clean, well-maintained facility. Lots of magazines and books to read. I've been to many libraries in the Bay Area and this one is probably far the best one. Occasionally I hear people talking on their cell phones. Hope they understand that there are other people in the library too. I also love the internet book search system. I recommend it to anybody who's looking for borrow books or just to see if they have the books you are looking for. Love it! 5 stars read more

They have a great selection of Dvd's, CD's, and books. I love the bathrooms here too and Its very close to all my happy hour locations. I used to come to this library frequently. I really like it. The parking is great too. read more

Love the kids play room. The story time on Saturday at 10:15 for toddlers is awesome. Friends of the Library book sales are great. The small used book store has a great, well-priced selection of kids books. read more

Mountain View Public Library - Decoration for Valentine's Day. This library displays awesome art by kids. - Libraries Near Me - Mountain View, California

Personally, I love this library purely because it is up to date with the latest technology. Not only can you browse the catalog on line, but you can also reserve a book you want from the comforts of your own home. This is not one of the bigger libraries, but it does serve me well enough. Sometimes though the wait for a book can be really long, but the library makes it simple for you to pick up a reserved book without going through the hassles of red tape. Only wish they had more new books in there though. read more

It's a nice library. I don't like that the fiction aisles are so close together or that items are so tall - it makes browsing harder and my eyes almost start to cross from squinting at titles. Also, when I told the librarian I was new to the area (and CA in general) and that I was curious about nearby libraries with bigger selection, she didn't even point out that how their interlibrary loan works. For the longest time, I thought I had to hunt down each book that I wanted to check out. But there is a lot of open space, free WiFi and a nice reading room. And overall, everything seems pretty relaxed and chill. read more

This library is pretty nice. I went there once a few weeks ago and found a parking spot in their dinky little outdoors parking lot. While walking to the library entrance, I saw street parking, and later learned they have a parking structure as well. I really like two story libraries. This library has plenty of tables and study rooms for a student like me! The older lady who helped us get a study room had an attitude problem or something. She had a perma frown and gave my friend the stink eye for using her cell phone in the library. This is the strictest library ever! Oh, and the day I went, there was some guy cutting his hair with scissors in the library.......... very weird. read more

If you are looking for a quiet place to study this place is for you. They have two silence area and one doesn't allow electronics - so no typing or music through earbuds speakers to worry about. They have a big collection that is supported by interlibrary so if they don't have it they can order it from a different library system. I like their phone apps. It makes it easy to look for items at the branch. They have lots of computers and a cute little bookstore in the lobby. I don't go here often but it is a great library if you are looking for somewhere to do a project. read more

I LOVE this library. I get excited to come here every time. It is the best library I've ever been to. I'm from Maryland and I've lived in Virginia as well. All the libraries there don't even come close. I've moved to Campbell so now I go to the Campbell library and let's just say Mountain View has ruined me for life. The facility surroundings are gorgeous with the park right outside and the building inside is super clean and organized and enormous. The space just draws you in. In terms of materials? They have books that have been released the same WEEK. That blows my mind. I've always had to wait for books to show up at the library as they are 'on order.' Not the case here. One book was released on a Tuesday and I found in on the stacks on Saturday. It can get busy, it's in the heart of downtown mountain view and very popular, but that is the price you pay I think for such a current library. They have friendly staff, great hours, a super easy online catalog and just an incredible collection. read more

Good location with quite easy parking and near several transit routes/ google shuttle station. The children's library has some interesting features and events like story telling. Good place to get engaged in the community. Love the chairs outdoors so i can go on with my work even when the library is closed. read more

Pros Underground parking garage Great children section DVD Rentals friendly staff Cons I cannot think of any read more

Out of all the libraries I have been to, this is my favorite library! They usually get new books in fast and they have a great selection of books. The workers here are very helpful and nice too because if you ask them about a book, they would help you check it to see if it's available in their mobile library so you would be able to check it out. I like their self check out because you can stack like 4 books on top of each other and put it on this platform & it's able to detect all the books. I'm always amused whenever I do self checkouts as well as returns. This library is really clean and well kept as well, which is a total plus! read more

The only thing I don't like about this library is the internet. You need to bring an ethernet cord to have good internet. The library is very clean and organized. Plenty of seating. Sometimes it's hard to get parking here, but since it's downtown, walking from a parking space is not difficult. read more

Great place to study with plenty of outlets and desks. Best of all, it's open til 9pm M-Th!

Great library...there's always parking, and the place looks really nice. The only gripe I have is that whenever I walk in...it seems kinda warm?? I get used to it though, but initially, I feel like they don't have the A/C on or something. Could use a few more private study cubicles...this has got to be the busiest library I've ever been to...I couldn't find a place to set my laptop down! But it's pretty comfy once you stake a spot out. The Google wifi was giving me trouble at first (can't seem to figure out the Secure wifi no matter what, and I'm pretty tech savvy), but I think it fixed itself and worked pretty well...just gotta be careful since it's not secured. And the bathrooms are clean too. That's always important. read more

A beautiful library! They almost always have the books I'm looking for and I can always use the LINK service for items they don't have. The only thing missing for me is longer hours and a service where they can pull and hold books for me (so I can pop in & pick them up - I know other local libraries offer this service). read more

How do I review a library? It's not something I ever thought I would do. It's kind of like Mozart trying to produce an album from Jay-Z. You just never think it will happen....but then it does. Anyways, this library is great. In short, it has everything you want from books, DVDs, cds, computers for use, napping areas, studying areas with quiet zones, Google Wi-Fi, etc. It's quite perfect. It also seems very kid-friendly with shows for the kids on the weekends! read more

What a lovely library! I don't think I've seen all of it yet, but what I have seen is just wonderful. Sections are well-labeled, books and other materials are easy to find, staff is friendly. There are lots of computers and printers available, as well as many library catalog stations. Check-out and return stations are high-tech but easy to use, very suitable to Mountain View. There is also a visible community presence in the fliers and bulletin boards around the library. The only thing that I'm not a huge fan of is the parking situation, but I'm willing to live with it. read more

What a beautiful place to be especially if you have little children. We came here today for the first time with our 2 year old boy. We met up with friends who are coming here at least once a week. The library was packed and our son loved pushing the little strollers they offer to gather books. The staff here were friendly and helpful... Their outdoor space is beautiful and great space for children to run and explore. They even have status from the book (Toad and Frog). Will be back! read more

First time here. Quiet and cosy. Great collection of books, movies and music. I will visit again.

Dude, what's not to like? - The snazzy RFID-enabled checkout machines. Just plop your books on ledge, scan your card, and you're done. It's like magic! - Large DVD collection and you can reserve movies online. - Lots of interesting new books every week. - Great people watching on weekends. - Plenty of computers to lookup books and surf the web. - Free Google wifi (yay Mountain View). - Drop off books without leaving your car. - Free printing. - Great used book sales. - Email reminders when books are about to be due. - Plenty of seating. - It's free! The only thing I miss from my old library is being part of a county system so I can reserve books from other libraries. But really, a small sacrifice. read more

I love this library. Granted, my only other frame of reference is a much smaller library for a much smaller town in Illinois, but this library is great. Lots of DVDS, lots of new books, lots of spaces to study in a newish, light-filled space. I studied here when I was preparing for the LSAT (the no-computer reading room was especially awesome for that), and when I was studying for the GMAT (the plentiful desks with lots of outlets were really great for this). It boggles my mind that there are always so many people sitting at the desks and working or studying, but that's just the kind of place MV is, I guess. But my personal favorite? The library book sale (once every 2-3 months) which benefits the Friends of the Library is not to be missed. Lots of bargain books for $0.50 - $2, and foreign language books are especially cheap. The titles tend to be about a year behind what is currently on the best seller or buzz lists, but it's like finding treasure if you are patient. Why less one star? I miss the cozy feeling of a small-town library, where I know and recognize all the librarians. I guess that's the tradeoff when there are so many other resources and materials available! read more

We feel quite lucky to have this library as our local library. The facilities are very new, clean, and modern. With young kids, their children section and the programs they provide have been an incredible resource. When the kids were young, we attended their Young readers program and loved the fantastic "teachers" that engaged our children with animated story-telling and fun crafts. Now that kids are older and able to participate their summer reading program, they've also enjoyed keeping a record of their reading and getting a prize at the end of the sumer. The programs are so well run that it's almost hard to believe that it's free! (ok, so I'm paying thru my taxes but still....) We still visit the library at least twice a month to borrow books for the kids. The librarians are very resourceful when we inquire about certain subjects and are also very helpful in tracking down titles. We're glad that our kids have this facility in our neighborhood to develop good reading habits that will benefit for the years to come. read more

I came here to meet up with a study group to work on a project together and I'm quite impressed by this library. The building is very clean and looks like it was newly built. There's even an awesome open spaced park out back behind the building. The study rooms were also pretty nice compared to other libraries I've been to; they actually have windows for natural lighting and it's pretty clean. The only reason why I knock off one star is because some of the staff members at this library are quite rude and very strict on when the library is available to public, especially the security guard. Regardless, this is a pretty nice library to study at. Parking was sort of hard for me to find, but after the 2nd drive around the city hall/library block I found out there was public underground parking. read more

Wow, this library is gorgeous. 1. I love that there's free underground parking so I don't have to deal with the stress of trying to park near downtown MV. 2. My favorite area is upstairs behind the nonfiction adult books where there are desks by the window. A great quiet area to study, and each desk has its own light and power outlets! 3. The rest of the building seems very nice and pretty, modern and clean. But I mostly stuck to the area mentioned in #2. I don't live in MV so the location isn't super convenient for me, but I like this library a lot and will definitely stop by when I'm in the area. read more

A great library. Why I love it: 1. Friendly staff and lots of 'em. 2. A large selection of books (2 stories, to be exact). 3. Very clean, well-lit, fancy. It's like the Whole Foods of libraries. Drawbacks: Lots of people love it and use it. Expect delays on the popular books you want... read more

This has got to be one of the best libraries on the Peninsula!! The atmosphere is open and airy and very welcoming. The selection of books, DVD's and videos is excellent. The staff is friendly and knowledgable. There are plenty of computers to go around as well as free WiFi for those who come already equipped. The chairs are comfy, the bathrooms are clean, and the hours are extensive. Oh yeah, be sure to check out the History Center on the 2nd floor; you'll find anything and everything to do with Mountain View History (check hours of operation as its not always open.) About the only thing I'd like to see improved is the online hold system. It would be really nice if they let you place holds on items that are currently on the shelves, similiar to the way Santa Clara County Library does. read more

Great location, usually quiet, beautiful building, residents can reserve books (electronic) and be notified when they arrive (small fee), free wi-fi, large numbers of recent releases, easy checkout, tons of CD's, friendly staff (although the security team does monitor eating... so snack outside!). Generally quiet for studying, there is a quiet room on the second story that rules! Open reasonably late for a community library! read more

Great selection of books, work stations with power, efficient check out/return stations and a relatively new building. You can request books, and if they don't have it, it comes from another Santa Clara County library. The staff are quite helpful and friendly, provided you aren't rude to them. read more

This is my favorite public library. Such a quaint little, BIG library. The location of this library is what I love most about this place. Beautiful park in front of the library which is good for a picnic or nap-- or reading, but who does that anymore? haha I absolutely love the little bookstore within the library. Ironic that I only like to buy books at a PUBLIC library. read more

Wow, the libraries down the peninsula seem to all be very nice. I grew up in SF libraries, and so I am used to very small spaces and non functional bathrooms. This place is very fancy in comparison. There is free parking on the street since the library is in a residential neighborhood, and they also offer underground parking for free. They have bike locks at the front and back entrance. There is a pretty big fiction section on the bottom floor and some videos that you can rent (DVDs and I'm sure VHS). The librarians seem to be nice, although I have not had to interact with them much, since the place has self checkout, which is awesome. Upstairs, there is a section for magazines and newspapers, which is nice, although you probably don't want to study here since there is a lot of noise. And best of all, there is a quiet area, where no noise is permitted. The desks are very nice and the place has free wireless internet. When you're at a table, you also have the option to use the Ethernet ports, but you have to bring your own cord. People are pretty respectful and quiet. My only complaint is the ventilation. Sometimes it gets pretty hot in there, especially towards the end of the day. Also, during finals week, it tends to get very very crowded. read more