I really love this library! The remodel was well done and it has made things really easy to use here. Lots of staff always milling around to answer your questions and help choose a good book, movie or whatever. Today I went and was asking about some books on cars for a toddler. The volunteer was so kind, she showed me a lot of information about the search tool that I hadn't known. I am familiar with the library online tools and requesting books etc but this was so helpful. She then went into the back and found some really neat books that both my sons loved! It was just nice of her to do, that is very common here. They do story time during the week and weekends for kids, I don't think they do that for adults though. Self checkout is a breeze, I've helped other people with printing a receipt etc. Don't bring your dog though, or food. Best of all its free! Way to go Novato Library!!! read more

This library needs to offer more for adults. Month after month they offer the same programs for adults on Saturdays - movie days and a trivia contest. Seeing at most a few people attend these programs, I emailed Novato library staff and asked them why they keep offering them. I also made suggestions for programs they could offer instead, programs offered by other libraries - museum talks, adult craft programs, local history, or nature talks. On the rare occasions they have offered something other than movies or trivia, such as a bird talk by Jack Gedney, they have had a great turnout - demonstrating that this is the type of program that resonates with the community. Staff did.not answer my question of why they keep offering programs that so few attend. They also would not tell me specifically how many people are attending these programs, instructing me to request this information from the County. I did, and the results showed that indeed on average 4 or 5 people are attending these programs. Why not try something else instead? Very disappointing. If you're going to show films it would be great if your selections included more diversity, or educational content. And why not offer computer help or classes, like other libraries? read more

Everyone is helpful at the Novato libraries! I like how they make requesting a book easy to do online or with a librarian - books usually come quickly and are easy to pick up. the case with new fiction, lucky day and Staff recommendations is right up front. the printer is easy to use. limited free printing and no overdue fees are the best perks. the only down side is the limited parking at certain hours - but rare, if you can choose when you visit. read more

From the outside this is a cute little library. The asphalt parking lot is immaculate clean without ever a shred of garbage on the ground anywhere even though children go to the library with their parents. You know how children are about holding onto papers. They lose them every where. However, the parents do an excellent job of making sure papers dropped are picked up by their kids. read more

I live the library and their services but they have no space to read other then desks. I wait for my child to finish tutoring and often can't find a place to sit. They used to have 2 comfy chairs but they got rid of those. I move a very uncomfortable chair to a spot that used to have a chair and today I was told I can't sit close to the books since I might block them. Wtaf. If anyone ever came near me I'd move so they could see the books but no one ever had. So now I'll sit in the middle of the room in a very uncomfortable chair and read my book and hope that this library someday remembers that people like to read in comfy corners. read more

Employees are the loudest of all people in the library. The internet wasn't working and I drove all the way from Oakland to work here while I waited for an appointment later in the day. Parents don't encourage their kids to be quiet. Half the tables for computer work didn't have any chairs. Pretty much everything that has already been said about this library is accurate. So frustrating. read more

The staff is much too tolerant of guests making phone calls and disturbing people around them. I reported one such person who plopped down in the shared space and went on her Zoom call. She may have overheard my conversation with the staff as she stormed out and became verbally abusive with me. When I reported the harassment, I was met with since indifference. Since she moved to a different part of the library and we were separated, problem solved I was told. Really??? If I had acted in that manner, I'm certain that I would be asked to leave. The double standard was shocking to me. read more

my husband and i went to the library yesterday to get library cards. beautiful library and wonderful staff. Ruth helped us with our library cards and also helped to answer many of the questions i had. Nicole was also incredibly resourceful with all the great, free resources the library had to offer, ie: free park passes, free museum passes, a credit for the copy machine, and the magazines/newspapers that are available to us, etc. thanks to Nicole, we were able to save money by cancelling one of our newspaper subscriptions! wish we had come here much earlier; had no idea the library had way more to offer than just books. thank you wonderful staff, Ruth and Nicole for your best-in-class service! read more

This library has been around as long as I can remember, decades...and is a bit dated. It's fairly quiet and well lit and has a decent selection of books. I believe they have removed periodicals and newspapers in reaction to covid. Just as a warning. There is a substantial homeless encampment in and near the parking lot and it always smells of weed. Trash is abundant and overflowing from garbage cans. Aside from the exterior, this place would warrant 3 or 4 stars. read more

I love the library! This particular branch has kind, friendly service and tons and tons of books and DVDs to choose from! I love the website where I can reserve books and then go pick them up. You can also rent a Nook here! It's what convinced me to purchase my iPad. I just wanted to make sure that I was able to read on an electronic screen without bothering me. A great branch to borrow books from! read more

Love this library. The children's area is complete with a small stage, puzzles, games and a giant stuffed gorilla that the kids can read to. I worked with two librarians who helped me set up a new account and gave my daughters these little bracelets. Love it :) read more

Novato Library - Posted near the front door :) - Libraries Near Me - Novato, California

Lovely experience with the kids section. Willow is a godsend! She helped all of my kids with their books, cards and even gave the oldest mopey teenager help finding new books that he likes! Also: cookbooks! Everything I was looking for! Yayayayayayayayay!! read more

I spent hours here as a child/adolescent/young adult before moving to San Francisco. HOURS. I love it... it's clean, well-lit, has volumes and volumes of works both obscure and popular... it's got something for everyone, and it's even got a cute little grassy knoll where you can sit and read. Not only that, but it's in close proximity to a FABULOUS bakery (Creekside Bakery, located just over the little bridge to your left as you exit the Library doors) AND a Peet's Coffee. What more could you ask for? A friendly and helpful library staff? A constantly-growing music collection? DVDs and VHS movies? Yes, the Novato Public Library really does have it all. :) read more

Use to be my go to place for studying but not anymore. The staff is not knowledgeable when it comes to finding a book you need. They are not the most motivated and seems miserable. The computers there are outdated along with everything else. The only plus side was the free movies or music you can check out but with streaming nowadays its past its time. Bathroom was nasty with the constant homeless people hanging around. If you are a self published author, they won't be supportive as well. The staff seemed envious at the time. If they have nothing to gain, they want nothing to do with you. The librarian was rude and unprofessional as well. It's time to look for another job. read more

I am sick and tired of the screaming kids in this library. They have a run of the place. Other patrons are not in the least considered. Yup, talk to the librarians . . . they say it's a public place, blah, blah . . . does that mean I can play my boom box in there, scream, play games . . . What are these people thinking? Why do screaming kids have rights and I have none? Couldn't even hear myself think to get a book out from the racket. I'm not going back there. read more

This library is very nice and the personnel is super-friendly and always eager to help. They have a large selection of DVDs,any public computers, free WiFi and their hours are very accommodating. read more

Novato Library - Children's section - Libraries Near Me - Novato, California

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The only thing I really like about this library is it's large space. On the negative side, there are not enough places to sit and I found it a bit cold and smelly which can be of great distraction, at least for me. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be coming back. read more

This is my local library, and I love it! I can almost always get whatever book I want to read, the audiobook selection is fantastic, and the staff is helpful when approached but is otherwise unobtrusive. It's always clean and tidy. I've done some computer work on my laptop in the work area and generally found it to be quiet and peaceful. I've been going here regularly for nearly 7 years with zero complaints. I'm a 100+ book/year reader, and get the majority of those books from the library. Love it! read more

I have to comment that the tents, music, etc between the library and the bridge has become kind of scary. It's like a constant party and has become a tent city. Looks bad and is uncomfortable to be there. You better believe when I get out of my car to use library services I am being watched. I feel like a unwelcome intruder. read more

I understand if you're having an off day, and kind of give poor treatment to everyone equally due to your cruddy mood, however when the cruddy mood is focused just on certain types of people but friendly and bubbly towards others, it doesn't sit well for me. I came to the Library to use the computers to print out Cal Fire applications and to print out my resume. mind you, i was not in my firefighting attire, I was wearing a oakland raiders hoodie and a fitted hat ( i guess thuggy looking) I waited behind a little old lady to talk to the man at the checkout desk, he seemed nice and interactive with the lady. As soon as i walked up, i got no eye contact with minimal response. I asked if I could get a library card so i could use the computers, he replied with "Im assuming you wont be returning frequently so you don't need a library card, ill give you a guest pass" then lazily tossed the little paper strip on the desk in front of me, still no eye contact. then as i was walking away he said to me, if you're going to use the printer, its not free , you need money for that. i ignored him and went about my business. I watched him from the computers when he interacted with other guests. little old ladies and people that looked as if they were teachers he was very friendly with, but every once in a while a "bad stereotype " would walk in and his personally turned into a dead salad. very rude. So then when I was done using the printer and computer, I went to give the guest pass back , he just stared at the paper and said " why would i need that back, its one time use" but i didn't know that. then before i left, i said ok well thank you, I'm done printing out all my firefighting applications, i hope you have a nice day. in which he immediately looked up and said " you're a firefighter? thank you for your service, have a nice day" the ignorance of some people is beyond me. I think the guys name was allan , aaron, or adam or something with an "A" read more

This library is awesome!! It has many computers to use if you need to go online or write a paper and you can print things for free! They have so many DVDs you can check out you may never need cable again. They also have a variety of classes available from art to tutoring! It's located behind Luckys if you want to walk over a small bridge. Otherwise it's located off Novato blvd and the parking lot seems to fill up quickly. read more

I thought libraries were supposed to be quiet. The people at the front were talking loudly throughout the time I was there. So frustrating. Novato library people...silence is golden read more

This library is by far the nicest library I have had the pleasure to use!! I don't even have young children and am so impressed with the children's section!! The personnel are the friendliest and most helpful also!! Oh, did I mention, I live in Vallejo and go to Novato just to use the library! I would love to see Vallejo turn our libraries into something we could be so proud of! read more

I think any place that encourages reading deserves the support of the community. Plus, I'm a nerd so I have always been fond of libraries. The only thing that bugs me about this library is that they start flicking the lights on and off about 20 minutes before closing. Which made me feel more like I was in a bar at last call. read more

one of the most beautiful libraries I've ever seen. If you're not a creep in a trench coat, go into the children section. There's a beautiful fireplace in there. We have been there for 'Story time' The storyteller gave me chills, she was so good. read more

Libraries are good, by definition. Some are beautiful, some functional, some dirty, some well-staffed, some inconvenient! I love libraries! I pay fines with a certain glee when they don't exceed fifteen dollars, after that it gets to me, but I digress. The Novato library is a decent, inherently magnificent public institution by my standards. The staff are helpful, but the place is small. They have Wifi, which I don't use. I come here for the books and the stacks thereof. The automated checkout system is one of the better ones I have used. Parking can be a tight, but so be it! It is the LIBRARY afterall. read more

Great place for babies n preschoolers my daughter loves it and on weds its twice yay check the site the have something for children daily.

Update to my 5/01/2013 review concerning the check-out terminals: on several recent occasions, they appear to work much better. Were buggy and kludgy at first, but all seems to have worked-out. Concerning the "New Arrivals" shelving-section in the old lobby, it still seems underused, under-lit and under-stocked. My original review was about the recent remodel only. However, I will add that the staff have always been excellent. read more

I was looking on line to see if the library was open and found a bunch of negative reviews. Just thought I would take a moment to say I fine it friendly and the staff helpful. Good selection of books on tape and staff willing to explain how to get books onto my phone. Also had free copies of tax books and some forms. Happy to print up one if necessary. 5 Star. read more

Great selection of movies both new and old, nice volunteers, convenient location and it's quick and easy getting out of there using the checkout terminals. Free WiFi too, and I enjoy using their online catalog from home for searching for items and putting books on hold. This is a great library. read more

You have read the good stuff now for a different perspective. First the wi fi connection is slow, I suppose due to the many patrons online, the download is about 1.5 MBps. You have to put up with your neighbors pounding their keyboards, violently shaking the tables when arriving, leaving or just all the time. You do get a few homeless around stinking up the place and shaving in the bathrooms and leaving an unspeakable mess in the toilets. There is a children s section and the noises spill over into the main section, and the children run up and down the adult section. Teenagers are all over the place making noise. In the study room/community room the tutors are talking to their students sometimes 6 or 7 might as well be in a Starbucks..what ever happened to silence in libraries? The staff is consistently grumpy when they have to clear the wi fi out for a meeting they just come in and curtly and rudely order everyone out like drill sergeants. All in all its overcrowded, for a city the size of Novato the space should be doubled or tripled but in these times of austerity for the poor and excess for the rich the city cannot afford it. read more

Definitely a small town library. Selection is sometimes lacking. DVD's are often so scratched they are unplayable. Tech books are seldom up to date. Library does keep the experience updated though. A good number of computers are available, free wifi and plenty of work stations if you need that. read more

This library has a vast array of books, magazines, videos, and ect. The staff are always helpful. My requested titles always arrive in a timely manner. I have taken full advantage of this location since moving to Novato a few years ago. Fantastic!! read more

I really like this library. The librarians are VERY helpful and there are many free resources for students and adults. They have a great magazine and newspaper selection that I use when my son is browsing for items. We borrow books, CD's and movies, we even studied spanish with language CDs in the car one summer. They have a big selection of large print books, which I used extensively for my mother. My three boys, (two now in their 20's) all grew up using this library and it served them well. I love this library! read more