Nice, small library situated next to the community park. My toddler enjoys the Mini Makers sessions here and then we go to the park for some outdoor play. It always makes for a nice day. read more

What a beautiful space for a library! Only concern was the multiple number of steps. Didn't have a chance to spend time exploring so maybe multiple steps from the parking area to entrance and then the long staircase to auditorium had alternative access which would be more handicap accessible. read more

This is my local library ideally located and so well run. We benefit from all books in coco country libraries and the system to pre order is super easy to navigate and never fails to impress me. Staff are courteous and knowledgeable. The work area is well designed. The kids' corner is well designed. read more

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A nice quiet library in Orinda. Every Thursday there is a Food Truck event 5pm-9pm. What I like about Orinda is that there is a cafe below and tennis court. Plenty of parking outside or the parking garage. Inside the library is quiet. It is big inside and pretty maintained. read more

Orinda Library - COVID-19 Test - Libraries Near Me - Orinda, California

What a lovely facility to browse good reads, or just get some work done in a very pleasant environment. The library is large, spacious, and clean ... and the staff and patrons understand that a library is a place to do your thing in QUIET, not to catch up on gossip, or host Zoom calls. And all just ten minutes from Rockridge! (Warning: traffic through the tunnel intensifies around 2pm on weekdays.) read more

What a great library. The last time I had come, the libraries were open, but not open to patrons, due to COVID. We were able to come for a visit a few weeks ago and we thoroughly enjoyed our time. My preschooler really liked the children's area and all of the seating areas inside. We will totally come back again. read more

I went here many, many times in 2013 and 2014. This is one of the best public libraries in Contra Costa County, although there are better ones in the Silicon Valley. Pros: 1. They are open on Sundays, from 1 PM to 5 PM. Most of the libraries in this county are not open on Sundays. They are also open from 10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Thursday and 10 AM to 6 PM Fridays and Saturdays. 2. The wifi is very strong and fast, and reaches well outside the library. 3. There are at least four private carrels, with electrical receptacles nearby, and many tables, also with electrical receptacles at each one. These are also cubbies in the large windows. 4. The restrooms, though outside the library in the building hallway, are large and clean. 5. It is a very plush and tony library. There are few or no homeless people who hang pout here. Not that I have anything against homeless people, but I have seen them cause trouble quite a bit in other libraries. 6. There is a nice reading area, with fireplace, where many people gather. 7. The staff is nice and competent, for the most part. 8. There is a cafe, museum, and Friends of the Library store, and community center right in the same building. 9. Though technically against the rules, the head librarian said she did not mind if you ate or drank, as long as the drink had a cap and you were not making a mess. Cons: 1. Parking can be hard, unless you arrive early. There is a garage right under the building and a small lot outside, but they fill fast. There is also a three-hour limit, though this is routinely ignored by the patrons. I have never seen anyone get a ticket. Parking on the street is limited. 2. The staff doesn't care about noise. When I complained once, they said unless a child was crying non-stop, there was nothing they could do. They also allow tutoring, both for-profit and non-profit anywhere, even though it is technically discouraged in certain areas, which can be disturbing if you are trying to work. 3. Kids play computer games on the public library search computers, which can be annoying,with constant pressing of the keyboard and accompanying sound effects from the kids themselves. The mother was oblivious to her kids' behavior, as she was always in other areas doing her own thing. Ugh, the library is not a day care center. 4. There was one guy, possibly homeless, who arrived from the Bay Area Rapid Transit train (BART) train and was there all day on the public computers. He coughed with a loud, sickly, death cough every 30 seconds to a minute for the six to eight hours he was there. This lasted for months. This can be disturbing if you are trying to work. Sometimes he also wore the provided headphones, but you could still hear the noise from them. 5. Sometimes they forget to turn on the elevators, so you have to use the steps, which are far away and long. This can be hard if you are wheeling a suitcase with laptop and other items. 6. One librarian pursued me down the stairs and into the parking garage after I set off the exit alarm and refused to stop. I set her straight the next day when I complained to her supervisor. 7. One time a young woman came each morning at 10 AM, set some throw-away notebook on one of the four private carrels, then left for five or six hours. This way, when she returned after school, when the library was already crowded with students, she had her own private space all waiting for her, as she had "reserved" her spot. I put an end to this when I reported the behavior to the head librarian and she came and confiscated her belongings. read more

This is one of my favorite places when I visit Orinda. My friend and I would grab a sandwich at the affiliated sandwich shop (which is excellent by the way) and hang out at the benches or at the outdoor tables. Great vibes. Highly recommended! read more

A smaller library, but well-kept and has plenty of parking and good hours. Never any problems with the patrons or staff, and I've been coming here since it was located across the street from Safeway. Eccentric outdoor art and paintings by local artists inside. More bathroom stalls here than other library bathrooms. read more

I love it here, I even like it better than the Walnut Creek library. I used to come to the library quite often, so much so that I could type my number in without looking. I didn't have a computer and was new to California so I chose to visit the libraries in and around the general area. I feel like contra costa county is very vast and diverse and I find that the orinda and Lafayette locations are far more state of the art then let's say...Antioch or Pittsburg. There's tons of places to sit and 2 hour computers, it's always quiet. They're not necessarily sticklers but I just feel like some folks are more mindful. This area tends to have a more mature crowd, people that are saying less and doing more. I get the vibe that people aren't very warm but surly everyone's cordial. Maybe one day I'll finally published a book that'll live on the shelf here one day, maybe. read more

This must be the swankiest library in the entire county system. Of course, this *is* Orinda . . . Newish building, I don't recall where the library was before. Cafe on the ground floor. Great place to take your kids. There's a fountain outside, and you go up lots of steps to get to the entrance, both turn-ons for the littler set. Close to the Community Park. Many Saturday mornings have a reading time for the under-5 crowd; usually pretty small crowd, so they get good attention. My girl found a great book about someone who found some socks she loved, refused to take them off, and they got stinky . . . Shhhh, this is the library. It's quiet in here, too quiet, so if you need no noise, this is the perfect place to work, read, or chill. Large selection of books and computer stations, and many places to lounge. I had to give it three stars, though. Parking is horrendous in this area. There is a parking lot under the library, but it's hard to get in and out of it. The stairs are pretty bad for seniors or those who are physically unable to tackle them, but there is a (slow) elevator available. read more

Best library in the East Bay.... and I have been to almost every public library around... from Livermore public library (which is a close second), to my hometown library, San Leandro Public Library, which is my third favorite-- all three of these are quietest and cleanest public libraries you will find. Studying is pretty much what I do for a living so I take my study-space seriously. Noise Level: Orinda library is the QUIETEST library, sometimes too quiet to where you might find yourself dozing off (it has that "home" comfy feeling to it)... so make sure you have some caffiene to keep you up while you read! There are plenty of study areas to tuck yourself away in for hours and get some great studying in (and also napping in the window cubby bed spaces if you need it!--I don't recommend that!)-- if you find yourself getting sleepy, just go outside and stand by the beautiful waterfall fountain, or take a jog around the park which is adjacent to the library! Food: The cafe downstairs opens earlier (6 or 7am) if you happen to come before the library opens... they have amazing sandwiches and drinks (and the customer service is always so friendly)! This is a library located in an area where you can leave your stuff on the table if you have to make a bathroom or food run and don't have to worry about your stuff getting stolen (although I would not recommend that either!). LOL. Parking: You do have to move your car to a different spot every 3-4 hours but at least the parking is free, and no time limits on weekends. If I didnt live in San Leandro and it wasn't a 20-25 minute commute, I would come to this library every day if I could. But if you decide to make the drive, it is well worth it and you won't be disappointed! Happy Studying! read more

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First: I absolutely love the window seats... Nice cushions to relax on, in your own little window cubby space. Perfect to get lost in a book. Second: parking can be scary, but if you drive around once or twice you should find a spot. Overall: the library is on the second story. There are stairs and an elevator. They have a bookstore next door. I believe they only have self check outs and even book"self-check-ins". Haha! I'll add a pic soon... The book selection has been good so far. The layout is spacious. They have computers. They have a wonderful kids section. They have lots of tables. And those window seats!!!! :D I love libraries, but the window seats here keep me enthralled. read more

Orinda Library - Awesome poem book! I loved it. - Libraries Near Me - Orinda, California

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This library is a pretty good place to study - clean, looks new, pretty quiet. On a Saturday afternoon, there were plenty of people there, but you could still find a table or couch to sit at. There were also enough windows that it wasn't depressing inside. It's got its own parking lot. The bathroom is clean. When you get hungry, there's also a cafe (with sandwiches, baked goods, gelato, coffee, smoothies) downstairs with a little bit of indoor & outdoor seating. Plenty of computers to use if you don't have a laptop, but you need a Contra Costa County library card # to use them. My only gripe is that for the first 2 hours I was there, my laptop (I have a Mac) couldn't get free WiFi due to some weird glitch. After 2 hours, it magically started working - not sure what happened there. read more

I am sitting in this library with maybe 15 other patrons (a library word for customers). Everyone is engaged in some productive activity such as reading, online, studying, browsing magazines, combing foreign newspapers and all that good library stuff. Each person has enough space around them so that it feels like you are in your own personal library. As the day is overcast, there is no one napping in the snuggly, upholstered window seats. They are first-come, first-served on sunny days. Okay, I've procrastinated enough and need to get back on task-- editing my picture book manuscripts. I wish I could come here everyday to work or relax. The best library I've ever found-- a gem. and the librarians are super cool and helpful! read more

I take back what I said in my review of the Orinda Theater. THIS is the reason for Orindans to be proud of their city. Sure, the library sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the (ugly) ranch style architecture that pervades the city, but it is an astounding place. The City and community poured a lot of dollars, hours, and love into completing this library, and it shows. The best part about the library are all the nooks and crannies designed into it. If I'm doing light reading, I love plopping down onto the fluffy pillows in the jumbo-sized window sills - perfect for just stretching out comfortably and reading the latest magazine or silly book. There are many tables scattered around, with 4 plugs and nice table lamps - good for lighter studying. Then, there are the cubby-desks. With little walls built up on either side of them, and head-phones plugged in, you can sequester yourself from 90% of outside stimulation or distraction and really do some power studying. I spent 5 weeks straight here while studying for a big test. And it paid off! After your marathon studying session, or just browsing for books, you can head downstairs to the cafe for what is a surprisingly good cappuccino, or walk down the sweeping stone staircase into the large plaza and sit by the fountain. How many libraries have cafes, plazas, and fountains!? I haven't seen any. They also have a great selection of Orinda-related materials - tons of very interesting topographical maps and the like. Really fun to look through! I would be hard-pressed to give any library less than 5 stars, but this one truly deserves it. read more

This is still one of my preferred libraries for many reasons: #1: The librarians are helpful and nice. They will go out of their way to make sure that you find what you need, and if you cannot, they will assist you in finding a similar resource. They will also keep an eagle eye on kids to keep them safe if they sense that there's someone suspicious in the kids area!! #2: Speaking of the kids area, it's just right for small people to sit and read in the window seating steps, at the little tables and chairs, or on the couches with adults. They have a good collection of books for all levels of readers. Plus, there's a "family" reading area nearby with kid-sized low chairs : ) #3: The events on the weekends are educational and fun! Where else can you take kids that you're babysitting so that they enjoy themselves and learn something in the process? All you have to do is check the website for the event calendar! read more

+1,000,000: I was sitting at one of those partition desks, minding my own business, trying to compel myself to memorize this IPA (International Phonetics Alphabet) chart for my linguistics class when someone sat down on the other side. I didn't think much of it because I was too busy figuring out the difference between a voiced bilabial fricative and a voiceless bilabial fricative... still haven't gotten it. Anyway, some time goes by when one of the librarians came around with his cart to shelve some books. As soon as he passed by the person across from me he stopped and said, "Look, I appreciate the female form as much as the next guy but you can't be doing that in a public library." To which The Creep replied, "Uh, uh, yeah. Uh, sorry." The librarian went back to shelving books and The Creep hurriedly packed up his stuff. I used to ask myself who in the world would watch PORN in a PUBLIC library?! Now I know that the answer is the Creepy McCreepster who sat within two feet of me. :( In all seriousness, thank you Orinda Library for having a ROCKIN' staff that politely, but firmly, tell creeps where to go. :) read more

Good God this place is beautiful! Is it really a public library? You could host a gala in there. I'd prefer to just check out the stacks (not to be confused with checking out the racks). What's better is this: You can drop off your selections at any library in Contra Costa County. How easy is that? read more

A diamond among rocks. For the past year and a half, I've been looking for a place to call my studying home. I searched SF, Marin County, San Mateo County, etc. Eureka, I have found it --- and it's just right on the other side of the Caldecott Tunnel. If there's a word to describe this place, it's cozy. It's warm with lots of natural light. The chairs are soft and cushy. The only downfall is that there's WiFi access, which always seems to cut my studying productivity in half. For the studier, there's a cafe downstairs (with coffee) and ample food choices across the street. For the studier who doesn't want to drive, the Orinda BART station is a ten minute walk away. For the studier who doesn't want to drive and has a bike, the Orinda BART station has one of those nifty extra-wide fare gates to push your bike through. I regret not having found this place sooner, but alas, there is but another year-and-a-half left in this dog-and-pony show we call law school. read more

I have been to this library throughout the years and it is always a great community resource! When I was a student it was a great place to study in peace and quiet outside of my house. As a person who enjoys reading its a great way to get access to tons of books to read - now I can even get them for free for my ereader and some are downloadable audiobooks as well and this isn't just for the Orinda public library but all public libraries. Now that I am a new mom - I was looking for things to do with my DD. I found they have Peek a Boo Time - for prewalking babies and I took my DD - we both really enjoyed it - books were read, songs and toys to play with. My DD was the youngest at 3 months old but I figure its never too early to instill the love of reading and play. It was mostly attended by nannies with the babies they care for and the same was true with the Toddler lap sit time that I observed before the Peek a Boo time. I also really like that the Orinda library has covered parking under the building, that there is a cafe downstairs to grab a bite to eat and just a stones throw away is the big park with a playground. This is the best library that I have been to in the San Pablo Dam Area. read more

Why do I need Netflix? Why do I need Amazon? Why do I need a ham sandwich? All can be satisfied free of charge at the Orinda library (except for the last) read more

Probably one of the best libraries in Contra Costa County. The staff is great and will always go out of their way to help find the exact book you are in seeking for. My son always can spend hours here looking at the lego books and Disney stories. They have a great little book store as well that sells lightly used books. Additionally downstairs there is a great little cafe where students often study while enjoying a coffee or croissant . read more

Orinda Library - Libraries Near Me - Orinda, California

This is probably one of the nicest libraries in the Contra Costa County area. I bring my son here every other week to get three or four books at a time and we've always had a fun time just browsing. They have a few computers that you can use for an hour at a time, if you have a library card. You have the option of self check out, which is quick and easy. And you can even go online to recheck out your books if you can't return them when they're due. Can't get much more convenient than that, I'd say. read more

It's nice, clean, and just a good place to study. It's the ORINDA library! You can't expect any less! This has to be one of the nicer libraries I've seen. AND it has it's own parking lot, which just makes it so much better! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this library. THE perfect place to study in the area! read more

This is an amazing library with many special features for such a small city. This is a new library building (circa 2003?) with lots of natural light, interesting architecture, hidden & comfy reading spots, plentiful Internet access, and more. I'm not s huge fan of much modern architecture, but this place has some very nice features. Out along the main street, there are several grassed lawns which gradually terrace downhill, perfect for a spring or summer day. As you continue, there is a small (external) coffee / pastry shop on the bottom floor of the library, which opens onto a large patio area. And this all connects to a small fountain outflow, which originates at a large, dramatic two-story waterfall (as dramatic as one can get in a town of 12,000, that is) that rushes down a modern, honey-colored stone wall. Its lovely at night, and inviting on a hot summer day. The library is open seven days a week, and has several programs for children. There are a few small conference rooms, three banks of Internet computers, and a small underground parking garage. The library can be accessed by either stairs, or an elevator. There is also a larger detached community meeting room, and the staff is pleasant and helpful. read more

parking is easy to find. 3 hour limit near the library and inside the garage but if you drive down toward the community center (next door) there are 4 hour parking spots. Pretty quiet compared to other libraries. I wish they had more cubicles but even the shared tables are pretty quiet. I also felt safe leaving my things at the table while I go to the restroom (in the hallway outside the library). Internet is easy and quick to connect to. Of note: they have a dog reading program on Wednesday for the kids. So cute! read more

Oh my sweet Nirvana. Every town should be judged by their library. In this case, Orinda's is the perfect balance between form and function. It is worth the trip to take the kids and hang out for a while. Check out a couple of books and go downstairs for some hot chocolate. read more

It's a beautiful space. I was in the courtyard and then the theater and I was amazed at how nice the community spaces are. They've turned it into a destination in Orinda and really made a great meeting space. They've got lots of art too. A good showcase for local artists even if the prices are crazy. I do wish the signage was a little better. read more

Wonderful library... except it's never open. I understand we are living in the days of COVID but they close for smoke and any other excuse they can find. Also the hours online are incorrect. It's says they are open from 1-5 on Sunday and of course they are closed. If I park and walk up to the door one more time looking like an idiot and wasting a drive down town I'm gonna loose it. read more

I love this library! It's beautiful, has ample space so you're not rubbing elbows with the people next to you, they have a vast array of books/magazines/videos/cds, and the best part of all it's CLEAN! read more

One of the loveliest libraries in the bay :) However, I definitely have a bias as I spent a great deal of my time here growing up. It has books--paper and audio, cassette tapes, VCRs, and lovely art right outside. The ambience is really quite relaxing and pleasant and there is a small park just outside. read more

Truly one of the best libraries in the Bay Area. Kind of a hidden gem. I love everything about this place. The seating. The little alcoves. The staff. The selection. The design. The courtyard outside. The restaurant downstairs. The park next door. It's one of my favorite places to work. Highly recommended. read more

It certainly didn't hurt that my first view of the exterior of the Orinda Library was drenched in winter sunshine. Even in the absence of the glorious light, the approach to the building is attractive and welcoming. There are lines of arbors perpendicular to the street parking in front heavy w/ pruned back wisteria vines that will be in full beautiful bloom in a couple of months. Walking toward the building there's a plaza w/ tables, chairs and umbrellas outside the Caffe Teatro. There are also a couple of intriguing sculptures that invite scrutiny and past them a beautiful fountain w/ water cascading down a wall into a pool. The ledge beside the pool provides a place for people to sit. A tall, complex, colorful kinetic sculpture several yards away moved in response to the breezes. I think it was called "Wheelie Peacock". Beneath it is a bench which invites readers to sit and in front of the bench is another water feature which looked like a different sort of fountain, although it was dry today. There are stairs up to the library behind the fountain as well as an elevator behind the cafe. Past the Friends of the Library book shop, the library itself is large and light w/ a variety of places to sit. There are chairs next to occasional tables, chairs at long tables well set up for computers, easy chairs clustered around the enclosed gas fireplace and other nooks where people can curl up in chairs w/ books. Alan and I sat for a while in comfortable chairs and read our books. Architecturally it's very attractive, w/ high ceilings and lots of windows, large windows at the back of the building and well as narrow vertical windows higher on some of the interior walls. There was a repeated architectural motif I recognized, though I couldn't name it. It had a Prairie School/Arts & Crafts look and was repeated in the cement and the wisteria arbors in front of the building, in the railings behind it, in the windows and in decorative etched glass patterns inside. It was a beautiful look. I asked at the Information Desk about it and the very helpful librarian looked but couldn't find its precise inspiration. Nor could I when I got home. I didn't think to ask Alan to take photos so I could post them, but if you click through the library's link above there are some beautiful photos others have taken of the building and the fountain, although not of the architectural details that intrigued me. Not only is the library beautiful, it's functional w/ its stacks full of books. There is a station where you can check out books yourself as well as a desk where library staff can check them out for you. It was built in 2001 and still looks fresh and new, yet timeless. I left w/ a serious case of library envy. Of Contra Costa County's new (or newish) libraries, Danville, Layfayette, Walnut Creek and Orinda, I think it's my favorite. read more

The library is very nice, but the librarian Pat Partridge has the worst attitude I have ever experienced. I haven't been to a library for about 20 years and was going to show my 3 yr old daughter how to borrow books for her first time. We went up to the counter and I asked Pat about getting a library card for myself and possibly one for my daughter. She gave me an annoyed look and gruffly gestured to a machine behind me to fill out my info and also said my daughter can't get one unless she can write her name. Her attitude was such an awful representation of libraries, I just told my daughter that I'll just buy books for her so she doesn't have to deal with librarians like Pat. Pat makes me question why we even need librarians at all! The library by itself is very modern and beautiful, but unfortunately not enough for me to return. Maybe in another 20 years when Pat is not around anymore! read more

Took my 5 year old there today for a few minutes to read her some books. Beautiful space, but I won't be going back. As we were sitting at one of the little tables in the children's section and I was reading my kid a book, a library employee came over to inform me that people were studying and if I wanted to read out loud to my kid, I could do so on one of the couches over there somewhere. I have visited a number of public libraries from Oakland to NYC and have NEVER encountered a library that didn't allow reading out loud in the children's area. The reason I'm giving the library two stars and not one (or zero) is that one of the other librarians there was actually very nice and helpful, and went to some effort to track down a book that my daughter had requested. Clearly, some of their staff understand what the profession of librarianship entails and some do not. read more

Unfriendly staff at the front desk, difficult parking usually and hassles getting internet access.

It's a little outta the way from Pinole but this library is SO GOOD. The chairs are so comfy, lotsa parking, cafe downstairs, kids section & an outdoor section for me to take my obnoxious phone calls. The only thing that sucks is getting outta there going back onto San Pablo Dam but I guess that's not the library's fault so 5 stars! read more

Awesome place to study and to reflect. They have free wifi, they have clean restrooms and most importantly its quite. Great place to just read or to just spend some personal time if you need it. read more

Beautiful library with very sweet people working there. They're happy to help, go above and beyond and make you feel welcome as if you're in a home, getting cozy with a book. Internet access is simple, quick and printing is cheap, too. There's plenty of parking in a private lot or along the street, and the library is in a walkable neighborhood with lots of restaurant choices nearby and a cafe inside. The main entrance to the library was a little tricky to find (it's upstairs, or there's an elevator). read more