I'm new in the area, but this library is nice! Much Character and a park attached. Spots inside restricted and good security guy keeping an eye on things. Areas upstairs warm, air not circulating. So seek what you'd prefer. Study rooms available too. Performing arts school nearby. Underground parking there as well as street & regular library lot. I'd go here better than Sunnyvale in my opinion read more

Love this library! Airy, organized, great selection. Lots of places to study, and lots of interesting g classes. Thank you to the staff!!

If you have toddlers this is the library for you! Their pre-covid summer concerts are amazing! During covid they have put their story times online and live. Ms.Sharon is my daughters all time favorite teacher and she is so engaging! read more

For my 400th review, I should probably write about someplace I spend a lot of time at. As a grad student, this would be the public library. See, I can't study from home. I have two cats that prevent me from doing this. From walking across my keyboard at odd moments, to demanding to be on my lap, they are a...distraction. However, the Mountain View Public Library has no cats that I know of. This is a huge bonus for me. I usually sit in quite zone level #2 to get my homework done, study, and occasionally surf the internet. The internet connection is wonderful, and unlike sitting at a cafe, I don't feel awful for not buying a second cup of tea. Have I checked out a book? No, not yet...but occasionally to take a break, I will wonder around the non-fiction section, just to stop and smell the...books. So... +1 No cats +1 Good Internet +1 Don't feel guilty for not buying a cup of tea +1 The smell of books +1 I actually get my homework done. Most of the time. *meep* = 5 star review. Thank you Mountain View Public Library! read more

Do you know about the Mystery Section at the Mountain View library? I discovered it by accident, behind the staircase leading to level 1. Go past this stair case and you will find yourself in front of thousands of mystery titles and authors to choose from. I highly highly recommend this. If any one here knows more great stuff like this in the library, please share. read more

I really like where this library is situated! It is in the ideal location for a full day of hardcore writing/studying! There's a park besides it (good place to take in some sun or take a nap when you want to take a break) and PLENTY of restaurants just steps away on Castro St. Bean Scene Cafe is right on the corner of Castro and Mercy so you can make your coffee runs easily and grab a quick bite to eat. At first I thought there was only the small parking lot adjoining it but then I discovered the underground parking on the other side! The library itself is smaller than I expected but it's still quite functional - outlets are plentiful on the second floor at the tables and the long wooden bar. I did find the Google-provided internet slower than expected and that was disappointing, but if you are spending a day writing or reading, this is a great place for that! read more

Oh wait, you can review libraries now? Anyway, the MV library is pretty awesome. It is two stories so it has a nice selection of books. It especially caters towards teens and kids with a HUGE kids section and a nice teen room where I occasionally spent days doing homework. Not only that, but they also have homework tutors! Way to go MV! For the adults, they obviously have lots of books and a pretty great magazine selection with a reading area. The upstairs is also absolutely silent so it is a good place to get work done. They are also very strict on the no cell phone policy. Parking can sometimes be a pain with the small lot. There is some weird stuff that costs extra and a couple of odd policies at the library. Since it is MV, you can only return books to this library which isn't that big of a deal. The librarians have always been very nice and helpful. Pretty decent library. As a magazine and book reader (even thought I walk and read), occasionally I'll dwell here when I am in the mood for one of those bookie afternoons. Yes, I am a book reading nerd. Whatcha gonna do about it? read more

I am not a member here. But I am a novice gardener. Gardening is an expensive hobby to begin with. Pots, soils, composts, mulch, seeds, gloves etc etc. I heard from a colleague that they have free seeds here and went in yesterday. Boy o boy! not a lot of variety but I was very impressed by the seed library. They have their heart in the right place and it is amazing! read more

Yay a library in my own backyard! It's at a great location, on the edge of downtown and usually not too crowded to drive here. I haven't had an issue with parking. I've gotten a spot in the parking lot every time I came here. Really easy to sign up for a card and check your reserves online. This library is a lot bigger than what I thought it would be and has a wide selection. I love their DVD section. I like to go here to borrow movies. They have some pretty new movies too. Awesome! I have some pros and cons with their return system. It's this robotic thing outside the door. It's sometimes slow and you can only do one book at a time. Whatever happened to just dropping them all off at once? read more

First library card I've had in 10 years! So worth it. Lots of places to study/read and a ton of natural light. The study tables have plenty of outlets to plug-in. Designated quiet areas and other areas that are not-so quiet but there is plenty of both. Nice selection of magazines that fill up my extended study breaks :) Tip on Drive-Up Return in the garage: If you're short and drive an SUV, pull up and get out of your car to follow the multi-step process. Way more convenient than calling for my Inspector Gadget arms! read more

My first review, and I'm yelping about the library. Mmmmmmmmmmm. Anyways, I like this place. Lots of space. I got my own cube. I sneak in some food. All good. read more

Since the remodel of the kids' section, the library has been such a draw for my little ones! It's a veritable playroom - kitchenette, train set, baby floor play area, and more! MV's library has always stood out in terms of its children's collection and ORGANIZATION. Now it really has set itself apart for our family. Well done! read more

I already have a San Jose and Santa Clara library card, so I decided not to get a Mountain View one too. I know I should get one though, because I come here a lot. I love the atmosphere. I usually bring my laptop and homework here. I love the view most of the time when I look out the window. My go to spot to do my homework! PLUS,there's not always someone looking over your shoulders every 15 minutes, like the library in Santa Clara. My favorite library! :) read more

Great local library that is modern and somewhat sleek. I had a membership card here when they first opened in this building (anyone remember the old portables out on Middlefield?) but have let it lapse unfortunately. If you're in desperate need of an internet connection and information this is a great place to go. One of my old housemates during the summer did a lot of Law School studying here. How all libraries should be. read more

After spending the past 4 months of my life studying while holed away in libraries, coffee shops and isolated corners of bookstores, I've gotten to know a few libraries better than I would have liked. Some were just BLAH, others had areas of the library that seemed to attract only creeps *cough sunnyvale* and others were just old. Mountain View library was by far MUCH better than the rest, hands down. It's much quieter than Santa Clara Library on the weekends (much better parent/child control!), nicer than Sunnyvale library in terms of architecture and layout, and the staff seem to care much more there. I also really like the study nooks that are upstairs, so you don't have to sit next to someone who is completely distracting and looking at porn (i swear, it's happened to me way too many times....) The only quip I have is that their parking is meager, but more often than not you can always find a street spot, especially since the library is further away from the downtown area. I can't wait to actually visit and use the library for what it actually HAS to offer, besides being a quiet place of calm and reserve. read more

Mountain View Library has been great so far. LINK+ is awesome; you can request a book from any network library (of which there are many), and they'll transfer it to the library of your choice. Denver County had the same concept, and I really value this. The convenience is outstanding. On LINK+, I had a book moved from SF to MV in just a couple days. Pickup was a breeze, too. The book was waiting for me at the customer service desk. Yay for reading! My only complaint is that audio books are in the form of CDs and not MP3. Bummer :( Don't forget to check out the slabs of the Berlin Wall out front. As someone whose family is from that area of Europe, it is truly incredible to see this in California. read more

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I don't live in the city of Mountain View but I always find myself commuting 15-20 minutes to come to their library. I like this library because it is absolutely huge. You can always find a spot to sit at, guaranteed. The hours are also pretty student friendly. The one downside is that their study room reservation policy is pretty strict, so I would recommend having a backup plan in case something goes south. read more

Nice modern building. Great selection of books, magazines, DVD's, CD's, and even books on tape. They also have a great International section. Many quiet areas to study or work. Free wi-fi is great! If you're into Art, there are several sections through the library. Everything is computerized and convenient. When you're books are not turned in close to the due date, they send you an e-mail to remind. You also have the option to extend via e-mail. It may not be big deal but it's convenient for us. read more

Clean and a great place to study, which was my primary reason for coming here. There parking available underground too so finding parking wasn't an issue. The internet was fast...I could stream my Netflix show without issue. They have designated spots for studying (green, yellow, red depending on how strictly quiet). The library is two stories and has computers readily available. read more

Great community asset! Bring your children and use all the programs and events to instill positive reading habits.

They have a nice program at this library, you can drop off old eyeglasses and the Lions Club will give them to the needy. http://www.paloaltolions.org/Eye_Glasses.html Also, on the second floor they have tons of internet use computers if you have a MV library card and 2 computers if you don't. They allow 15 minute use, no printouts on the two non use card machines, fine to check emails. They have lot and street parking. read more

Mountain View Public Library - Front from Franklin St. - Libraries Near Me - Mountain View, California

This library is a mixed bag. It's a beautiful library, very spacious, warm ambiance, plenty of places to sit, read, and plug in my laptop. The wifi is always reliable. If I get here when it opens, the parking is plentiful and free, I can find my table and get lost in my work. The staff are usually plenty friendly and helpful. Security does a good job of monitoring and keeping the homeless under control. There are people who don't understand the common courtesy of a library is to be quiet, and they may take calls on their phones, get loud and chatty, or show absolutely no awareness of the noise they're making. Anytime I bring these noise-makers to the attention of staff, staff has been prompt and effective in addressing the matter to my satisfaction. Nice place to study if I can get my spot, get in the groove. On the other hand, I have never heard the bookshelves being stocked more noisily than at this library. The staff here who stock books must hate their jobs, because they all slam the books they put back on the shelves. Is it too much to ask that these people more quietly stock the bookshelves? This is a library, not a warehouse! I'm here on a Thursday at 3 pm, day after Christmas, and the two young ladies are both really slamming the books as they put them on the shelves, completely oblivious to the enormous disruption to the peace and tranquility they both are creating by this repeated book slamming beat. This library can also get pretty crowded. I prefer to sit in one of the booths or at one of the circular tables, and both fill up fast. Finally, it would be nice if this library had a cafe so patrons wouldn't have to leave the library to get something to eat. Surprising that such a big beautiful library was built without a cafe. read more

Um... where do i begin ... Plus : Pretty good books and video selection in the library. Great upper level. Helpful staffs. Minus: Check-in system is frustratingly slow and prone to error esp if you have lots of items to return. Check out system sometimes over-sensitive to placement. It could be a fish market at the lower level on bad days with cell phone chatters, crying babies, screaming kids and i-m-not-there parents. read more

Mountain View Library is one of the most beautiful and large public library around. For families, it's a great place to bring your kids and they have lots of programs like story telling, sing along for the children..all for free. They even offer some parenting classes from time to time. It's wifi equipped so you can just bring your laptop (or ipad). Lots of seating areas and even study rooms. The best part is that there is an outdoor area where you can relax & lounge after getting bored with books and lots of great restaurants in the downtown area. read more

I was going to give this place a 5 star at the end of my visit but as I'm sitting on the second floor minding my own business/doing my homework right now, a gentleman who works here came over to me, politely, reminded that SHOES are required to be in the library!?!?! WHAT!?!? I'm wearing slippers as it's freaking summer season right now and I got that treatment from a librarian!?!? I don't understand!!!!!! This is unacceptable! He even said "You're not in trouble or anything as we don't have that posted up, but just to remind you next time..." What?!?!? I'm so confused read more

Really good organization of books for kids. There are a lot of details the library did to make it little kids friendly, such as the kids door, the basket with wheels, the play area without digital distraction and the bookshelves by alphabet/holidays. read more

Pretty library. Decent parking. Lots and lots of books, computers, different zones for different ages and activities. Sort of like an educational zoo :) I like all the windows with views of trees. Close to downtown! read more

Clean library and very relaxing, it is not very busy, easy to find seats. A lot of plugs too. But there is no vending machine for water :( I like the stair shape, very Arty; feels happy walking on it. My favorite library. However it closes early on weekend. read more

I love this library. I'm going to be reviewing this library on the basis of their study hall, and nothing else! So let's get down to business, this library has a HUGE area for studying. I'm currently in the process for studying for the GMAT, and I can't say enough great things about having an amazing library literally 3 miles away from work. This location is great because there are so many study desks, the wifi is fantastic, and the staff is friendly! Their Sunday hours do sort of suck, but that's no biggie for me! I definitely love studying here. read more

Way better atmosphere here compared to Mitchell Park Library is overrated. This is now my go to library! As a good practice, it is best to scroll down the page and look for "other reviews that are not currently recommended" Yelp likes to hide reviews good/bad through their "algorithm." read more

This library is wonderful! Librarians are very knowledgeable and friendly. Very large variety of fiction, non-fiction, travel books. Mountain View public library has probably the largest section of international books and DVDs among all other libraries on the Peninsula. Also, children's section is wonderful and is set up very conveniently to spend hours with children at the library. There are many events for children, families, and community in general. Everything is organized very conveniently at the Mountain View library, and plenty of parking is available on the street and in the underground garage. read more

I have been a customer, user, patron - whatever you want to call it - for several years now, and without exception, every problem or incident I have had with the MV Public Library has been swiftly and courteously resolved to my complete satisfaction. I could not ask for better library experiences. read more

The library is great but the problem are the kids. I mean, a library is suppose to be a quite haven where you hopefully go to read/study. I am studying for my bar exam (I hate to study home) I come here at 10am sharp so that I can find a good seat (which btw is not easy to find) and then, comes along some annoying kid crying or shouting!!!. Once I told this kid's mother that can she please ask her kid not to cry, she asked me to change my seat!!! I guess she doesn't understand that voice travels and no matter where I sit her kid's crying noise won't leave me alone. I wish parents either behave their kids or library should ban kids from the reading section. I wish they had some rule regarding annoying kids/ at times adults. I hate to sound like a kid hater (which I am not) but we come here to study/ read in peace, I so wish people can respect that. Otherwise this library is bright, has free wifi and enough charging station. I don't use their books much so don't know much about their book selection. Library staff if you are reading this pleaseeeee make a rule for people to be quite in the reading section atleast. read more

Beautiful Library, great resources beyond just books, friendly staff, convenient evening hours. I wish we had a library like this closer to my home up north! read more

I've recently wanted to have a steady volunteer gig and I was recommended that I should literally do something in my neighborhood to help. Luckily, I found Mountain View Library and I had never even been (I just have to OWN my books), The parking is very easy though I haven't gone during peak hours for downtown. It has its own little lot and plenty of street parking. Additionally, I get lost every where I go but fortunately I didn't this time and it was easy to find. The inside is really well laid out, clean and was shocked at how nice it was. After being introduced to my volunteer with the "Friend of the Library" gig, I wandered around and found the library so large, very organized and the staff incredibly polite. I especially enjoy seeing the teen lounge though I wish I had seen actual teens in there. Also, the kids section was so cute and I loved seeing parents reading with their children. This would be a great place to study, browse, teach or learn. I will enjoy actually becoming a member and look forward to owning a library card - it's been like 25 years! read more

Being 2 stories high, this library has everything! From self-help books and sci-fi/fantasy to YA novels and video games or movies/TV shows, this library is so organized and has everything you could be looking. They have so many activities to be involve in both at and away from library that there is always something to do for kids, teens, and adults; You'll stay busy just trying to do all the cool stuff they offer. Also, definitely use your library card to check out museum passes; It's a great way to get out and see parts of your community you never even knew existed! read more

Makes me wish we had libraries as awesome as the MV Public Library back home! This two-storied library has many tables and outlets for you to use while surfing the net (free wifi or ethernet outlets), enjoying the daily paper/weekly magazine/current book. You need to have a library card to use the computers and the printers, but it's free and quick. I am not from Nor Cal, but I am a big fan of this library. When I am on vacation, but still want to get some work done, I plop myself down at this library and work for hours on end. The seats are comfortable and clean, the temperature just perfect, and the people are generally quiet. Of course there are always some questionable people here (e.g., man who keeps breathing LOUDLY very so often, another man who seems to have a mental disability wandering around), but you find those people everywhere you go. Nothing new, right? There is plenty of street parking surrounding this library as well as a small private lot. read more

This is by far one of the best libraries in Northern California. Be it the location, the building and layout, the free parking; to the helpful staff, above-average selection of materials (both in quantity and quality), quiet atmosphere, and the comely and clean surroundings, this is a nice place to study. The building is located adjacent to a grassy, nice park; in fact, there is an exit that leads directly onto the park leading to city hall. Inside the various areas are spacious, clean, and easy to negotiate. There are specific quiet areas that actually are enforced quiet areas, including a 'no cell-no computer' area, so you are not bothered by incessant talkers, texters, and typers. Here, again, the seating is spacious--you will not be forced to sit inches from some pathetic middle-aged man looking to score or download porn; moreover, this library has few, if any, weirdos loitering about, unlike most other libraries in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Lastly, this library is upholding to a tradition of library decorum that was the norm when I was a child; that is, the library is to be a calm, clean, and organized place for leisurely reading and serious study, in which the patrons recognize that this public place is to be shared and treated with respect. The library personnel, therefore, will enforce appropriate standards of conduct, for the overall benefit of everyone who uses the library as well as to the benefit of the library itself. Proper library decorum, with which many are either ignorant or apathetic, does not include, among other things, you being allowed to break out a meal and slop it down your gullet wherever and whenever you like, spilling junk all over the floor, tables, and books; it does not include you lounging around, as if you were in your living room, with your nasty barefeet up on a chair; it does not include you salivating in the corner as you stare for hours at every female who passes by; it does not include you showering in the bathroom sink; and it most definitely does not include you annoying the crap out of me because you rudely act as if I want to hear you talking or farting--there is a time and place for both activities but neither ought to obtain at the library. So, if you're self-absorbed and are a cry-baby because you cannot put your feet on the tables, pick your nose, sneak your Coke and Togo's sandwich, or move in and start a peep-show, then go to a library where they virtually condone such classless behavior--try the Redwood City or Sunnyvale libraries for all your discourteous and immature needs. read more

Since becoming an independent contractor in 2010, I have worked from numerous libraries and coffee shops. I am now a library and coffee shop snob. This library is very good (probably among the ten best in the US/Canada west coast). However, definitely a cut below larger libraries such as the Vancouver, Canada Seattle, WA and San Francisco, CA main central libraries. For a fairer comparison to medium sized cities, the Bellevue, WA library in my current hometown is also a cut above this one. All the libraries that I just listed have far more outlets, coffee and better architecture. Nevertheless, this library is very good for a city of this size. Kudos for ample street parking with no time limits (nearby proper downtown Mountain View has 2-hr limits almost everywhere). I was surprised that it took 3-5 mins to connect to the Google wi-fi in this library, considering that this is Google's home city! (In my opinion, the reason that the Japanese and South Koreans outperform US students is entirely explained by their super fast wi-fi leading to less time wastage and less frustration). read more

One of our favorite haunts, the Mountain View Library is a HOT spot for learning. Not only have we enjoyed checking out scads of books, videos and DVDs over the years, we've thoroughly enjoyed many of the programs available here. We've learned about Diwali, celebrated Cinco de Mayo, listened to stories read by firefighters on Reading Day (Mommy especially liked that!), played with puzzles and puppets, participated in arts and crafts and took in stories told in Mandarin and Spanish. It's obvious that a lot of care and consideration of our culturally diverse community goes into the children's programming here and we appreciate it in our household! read more

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