Nice, clean, modern library with a great little Friends bookstore! I don't live in the area anymore - I was just there for the book crawl - but I would go back if I was nearby. read more

San Diego County Library - The Friends bookstore will be participating in the first annual Library Friends of San Diego book crawl from February 14-21, 2026! - Libraries Near Me - La Mesa, California

Very quiet and organized Staff are friendly and constantly asking if anything they can help with I went with my kids and they were entertained Good selection for both my kids and they have different reading levels Overall great experience and I will come back read more

The La Mesa Public Library staff is amazing. When I arrived, there was a gentleman in the front lobby area who greeted me and helped me immediately as I needed assistance with their printing services. The front desk staff were also very friendly and helpful. Thank you all for being so kind. read more

The library is a treasure trove of knowledge and imagination. With its vast collection of books and serene reading spaces, it's a haven for book lovers. The helpful staff and cozy atmosphere make every visit a delightful experience. read more

The San Diego County library system has 33 branches, two bookmobiles and several 24/7 kiosks. Any resident of CA can come in and obtain a free library card. The La Mesa branch is a superb library, modern, spacious and bright. My visit today was to attend a concert by Trails & Rails, which was excellent. There are several rows of computers and every seat was taken on a Saturday afternoon. There is not a lot of onsite parking at this location, but I had no problem finding a nearby diagonal space on Allison Avenue (not metered). This branch is open seven days a week, which is rare. The library is located between a fire station and La Mesa City Hall. I noticed that there was a full-time security guard on premises. A sign of the times, I guess. read more

See all

A typical, neighborhood library. I go to this library to study. like most modern people, I bring my own laptop/tablet and do my work on the largest table I can get ( call me greedy, but I like having the extra space for my notebooks, pens, etc). There was atleast one homeless guy there and one security guard. I suppose their logic is, its okay if the homeless guy hangs out as long as he behaves himself. The security guard is there to make sure people behave themselves. There are some complaints about the noise. 2 things to point out about modern libraries. one is that most people own a laptop / tablet and do not need to use the public computer, unless its just to print a document. Modern libraries are more like a place to hang out. There are classes going on, and kids reading / playing computer games. If it is that important to get a quiet library, I suggest making the drive to Alpine library. Its a comfortable library, and its out of the way enough that not many people go, hence its also quiet. I have not checked out anything from a library in years. If I want a movie, music or book, I buy a digital version. I have about a dozen or so books on my tablet. Why worry about late fees, when I can buy a digital version of a book and read it anytime I like. Plus, since I rarely buy physical forms of music, books or movies, it saves shelf space. My laptop does not have a CD drive. If I want to watch a movie on blu ray, I can set up my Playstation 3. read more

I started a goal to read one real book a month to help me show my son reading books in person and not always on my phone so I started making a monthly trip here with him. I always pick out a book ahead of time and put it on hold so I can quickly grab the book and do the self checkout with it. Afterwards we head on over to the kids area. My son loves to play with the toys that are there and we are always reading many books that are on the shelves. He always has a ton of fun and everyone is very kind about a toddler running around. The library is newer and in great shape but I always feel like it is busy there and that the library is small. I would think that the library would have been made a bit larger. There is a little bit of parking right in front of the library in a lot and on the street it behind the library is a large parking lot so there is always parking available. Overall, I'm always happy here and look forward to times that we can go again whenever we want. read more

Noisiest library in San Diego. Kid's activities all day everyday. I wouldn't go here if you're looking for a quiet place to study or work .

La Mesa is the most amazing neighborhood! The library is a cornerstone of the downtown area. Friendly and helpful staffWit excellent collection of books and other media. The children's library is particularly nice. As a teacher, they have invited my third grade class to tour the library and get their own library cards. I love that they have such a fantastic community outreach program. There is even a little store inside of the library where you can buy gently used books. read more

This library is open only on Tuesday and Thursday no Tuesday Wednesday and Thursdays from like 9:00 in the morning till 12:00 and after 12:00 it closes for an hour then it reopens up about 2 for 3 hours but you're basically it's just a wrinkle library where you can get books use the computers ,print it books you can read recorded CDs albums recorded books on CDs you can also use the computers to go online they have a nice little they have a nice collection of movies too on CD this is one of the best libraries I know of they do require that you wear a mask when you go in though this is one of the nice libraries though I like this is one of my favorite read more

What can I say, libraries are still a great place to get out to. They are indoor adventures just waiting to happen. You do still need a library card and depending on where you are at you will need a county library card but it's still fun to checkout books or videos but it's also a good place to get some work done if there are too many distractions at home. On a hot day it's nice because they have air conditioning so if you have not been to a library in a while you should reconnect with some old friends(books). read more

I came here to study and was worried considering my past experiences with libraries with loud children. Luckily it was quiet and there were places to sit and study as well as plenty of outlets to plug into. I'll definitely be coming back. read more

We're here often. Staff are kind and exceedingly helpful. We love our public library.

I just recently started coming to the Library because of my little girl, she loves this Library, possibly just Library's in general. Parking isn't to bad, there's street parking and some spot in front of the actually Library itself. It's right next to the Fire station which I think is pretty cool. I'm a big History person and usually find myself in these particular areas aside from the children's section. Speaking of, I remember Library's to be quit and usually getting into trouble if you make a lot of noise, boy have they changed over the years. The Children's area is quite awesome, a small play area (nothing huge) little tables they can sit and read if they wanted to and even little kid computer for age appropriate games and learning. I didn't even know they rent out DVD's (regular and Blu Ray) along with museum passes which I found exciting :D The La Mesa Library is amazing. read more

I come here weekly and while I love this library and would like to give it a higher rating the customer service is hit or miss. There are a couple ladies who are just rude and grouchy, so much for the "golden years." They should take lessons from the lovely ladies who volunteer in the Friends of La Mesa bookstore. One time a particularly grumpy woman came over to my son who was sitting with me in the children's section and was very rude and asked him to be quiet. News flash lady, the library is a public building, not your personal store. My tax dollars funded that new building and if my 5 year old reads too loud for your taste turn your hearing aid down. There was a loud guy on his cell phone in the movie section who was way louder, and the old bag ignored him. Today when I tried to pick up a dvd we had requested, the other grumpy lady was working and merely pointed to someone else, she couldn't even be bothered to answer my question, she just kept jerking her hand out, I stood there until she finally said something because I wanted to annoy her as much as she annoyed me... read more

If I write a glowing review for the Chandler AZ library I have to give kudos to the La Mesa Library also because this is the one that gets most of my business, so to speak. I sometimes go weeks without coming here and other times am here two or three times in a week, depending on my needs and deadlines. I check out mostly audio books and sometimes CD's and DVD's. The librarians are always knowledgeable and helpful. If I have fines I pay them cheerfully knowing they will go to purchase more books etc for everyone's enjoyment. Sometimes if I don't want to fork out the money for a certain CD I can check it out here and burn a copy before returning it. I used to practically support Blockbuster until I found out I could check out videos here for free. I will miss this old girl when they finish building the new one right next door. read more

This isn't a library. It's more like a cafeteria with books instead of food. I've never been to a library that allows patrons to speak in full voice. The worst part is the children's class on Friday mornings. They should hold those in a separate room or location if they are going to blast music while clapping and singing along. Why are they not using those sessions as an opportunity to educate the children (and the parents, too, unfortunately) on proper library etiquette? Is this a library or a daycare center? There is no point in having a quiet corner when the sound just reverberates throughout the entire building. Where I'm from, you'd get a dirty look for shuffling a book's pages too loudly. Here, it appears that no one cares about the purpose of a public library, which is to provide free information to the masses, thereby encouraging a more educated society regardless of personal economic limitations. This is just a glorified indoor playground. How are you supposed to learn when you can't focus?! read more

I love the County library because they often have books/ CDs that the San Diego Public Library doesn't have. The La Mesa Branch is great. I really appreciate the free and adequate parking. The absolute best part of the County Library is the Link System. If you can't find the book you want within the regular county library system, you can search the LINK system on their website and view its availability at other libraries throughout California. If they have it, they'll ship it to the library of your choice at no charge! Hints for using the LINK system: 1) Do not lose the book (It costs $115 to replace!) 2) Do not turn it in late (It's $1 a day late charge) 3) Pick up and turn in the books at the check out desk (Don't leave it in the book drop, just so you can make sure it's get returned safe n' sound) 4) Don't take the sticker or piece of paper that has your name on it off the book. read more

super weird never open, ive never even gone in because its never open, and little parking but yeah

Having a library close to my home is one of the most important decision factors for me when moving. I am so glad that the La Mesa branch is here. The kindest people working here (though there is one security guard that is rather creepy). Very cool kid space. Great selection of kids books. Large, open and organized library. Modern and efficient check out process. Open 7 days a week. Add a café and outdoor seating and I would be there all day! read more

I'm at the library at least once or twice a week. What can I say, my family loves our books. I'm a bit bummed that one of our favorite librarians just left. She's was sweet and gave my daughter many stickers over the years. I've always found the librarians to be friendly. The selection is pretty good but I order almost everything online and through the LINK system if SD county doesn't have it. I love the Fine Free Friday (last Friday of the month) but don't mind paying fees because I check out so many books. I love the little bookstore and often find gems for a good deal. read more

I found this library when I just moved to San Diego. Great location, convenient parking, warm and relax atmosphere, nice and helpful staffs, wide range of books. Thank you San Diego County Library. I love it. read more

Love the La Mesa branch library. The people are really friendly and the place is very clean. I am glad that I am close enough to come back here again. read more

This place always smells so stale to me. The selections are pretty good and the staff is always willing to quickly transfer books from another library. A few summers ago I think I read more books from here than I had read in my entire life. Oh, and the children's section takes me back. It's still fun to go sit in there some days and flip through all the books I used to love. I don't know when, but they are closing this place down and moving it a newer and improved library in the same parking lot, apparently a part of a La Mesa Community Building remodel. read more

A beautiful new, modern and clean facility! However, without alert staff, what's the point of having a brand new place without people to run it? The wife and I headed in here just to do a few photocopies and because of how it's set up, people can print from other places while you are standing there manually printing. So we spent 45 minutes standing there, paying for other peoples' copies, trying to make change for people giving us money, and sorting through piles of papers trying to figure out what was ours and what other people were printing. The staff on hand weren't particularly helpful - and the other people at hand weren't helping....especially with the jerk sitting at the computers checking his email and having an obnoxiously loud conversation. The guy was a jerk to begin with for having a loud conversation in a library but there need to be staff around to actually enforce things like quiet within a library. Yes, they have DVD's, video games, music, books etc etc etc all in this big new building - but again, if there's nobody around to keep things running smoothly.... what's the point? read more

Don't go here if you need to study. It's louder than a starbucks. Even the employees are talking loudly and there is no quiet enforcement at all. I gave it 2 stars since it is, however, a good library to take your young kids since it's ok to be noisy. read more

Even though there's a library within a mile of my house, I drive to this library. Even though there's another library another mile away from my house, I drive to this library. The building is beautiful, parking is plentiful (most of the time). The paperbacks are cataloged, unlike at the city libraries. So, those children's chapter books series that you have to chase all around the city at the other libraries? You can just request them to be sent to this branch (or any county branch) and pick them up once they are in. The children's area is large, although it'd be nice if it were it's own separate room instead of just off to the side of the large room. I do have to shush my kids more than at the mission valley city library branch. The computers for kid use are easy and my kids love using them. The little tables are nice, I often see older children doing homework there. The county library web site is much, much better/easier to navigate than the city library's. Also, the staff is lovely & forgiving. We lost a book and were never meant to feel like we are terrible people, unlike our experience at the local city library branch. When you get a library card, you also get a mini-card for your key chain - I'm never searching for the card, and it makes impromptu trips very easy. Checkout, as long as you don't have any fines, is a breeze (you check yourself out!). I wish the libraries that are closer to me were more like this lovely place. read more

San Diego County Library has stepped up their check out service. After you get your materials and place them on the counter and scan your SDCL Library Card, the machine just automatically knows. All you have to do is sign out of the screen, and your receipt comes out. It's crazy. I'm sure the attendant standing nearby heard me mutter the word, "Magic" when I realized how quick my check out process was. I assume they do it by weight of the book, but whatever, it's magic and totally something to trip you out when you do it for the first time. Gone are the days when you have someone else check it out, or you scanning the barcode yourself. The La Mesa Branch has plenty of parking and AC'd. However, it is smaller than the other SDCL branches. There is more room for seating and computers than the space that occupies the bookshelves. Each time I've been here, the computers and desks are all filled. I'm not sure if it's to escape the summer heat or people doing work at the library. It is a bit noisy, but nothing that those noise cancelling headphones everyone seems to have can't fix. That is unless you can't find a seat. read more

Wonderful library. You can reserve anything they have online, and they'll have it delivered to the branch for you to pick up. They have a really good in house selection of books, DVDs and CDs. My wife and I are also fans of the bookstore inside. A fairly eclectic selection, and a great way to pick up some books on the cheap, and support the library. The only downside is parking can be a bit of a hassle, especially with all the construction going on. However, T\the staff is friendly, the library is always clean and organized. Certainly one of the better library locations in the county. read more

This place was jam packed the day I came. If this is normal, they need about another 5000 sq ft of space. Great resource, has wifi (no pop3, imap, nor smtp), books, tapes, videos a plenty. They also have a water fountain A small kids section as well. read more

Nice, clean and quiet. What else do you need to read a book?

This is my local county library. I come here at least once a week. All the librarians are really helpful. One lady always remembers me, shes so nice! I usually request all my books to be sent here, but sometimes I just browse through the stacks. They have a really good selection of books here, I always walk out with way more books than I had intended. They even have videogames to rent! WHAT? Thats a bonus. The library bookstore also has a really nice selection of books to buy for cheap. I can walk out with 3-5 books for around $5. They have "fine free friday", so if you missed returning your books (which I tend to do considering my outstanding fine of $14) in which you can return all your late books without paying a fine. I believe it is the last friday of the month! SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY! read more

I enjoy the activities they provide the children. I like coming here for some peace and quiet. During the morning they have children in there so it can get loud. I'm not sweating it though. You do see some homeless(bums) but hey where else are they doing to go for free wifi. 1 or 2 I dont mind but sometimes you see more and its just something I would not expect. whatever Easy to check out/in books. If you have children I recommend checking out their schedules and bring your kids in for some singing or reading! read more

WiFi is 32.7 Mbps download, 6.3 Mbps upload, 12 ms ping on a Monday at noon. Always use a VPN service on open WiFi hotspots like this so other people can't sniff your data. read more

I like this library and might be going back today to pick up a book I have on hold :) I like how they give you a lot of time to pick up the book you have on hold too. Their music selection is great and is well organized. With the movies though (including random movies from the 50's) be prepared to be like number 30 on the list. Has happened to me every time! Parking does suck so I usually park on the street. There are also some sketchy people at this library so watch out. Once in awhile when I use the computer, the person next to me smells like urine. Just an FYI. Some librarians here are fine, but yeah others not so much. Avoid the older lady librarians. They move so slowlyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy and you will end up realizing you just wasted your time going to them for help. read more

Clean, quiet, various selection of books. They got a reading time for kids! Who hates on libraries? Definitely not me. read more

San Diego County Library - Outside the library - Libraries Near Me - La Mesa, California

This is the loudest library I've ever been to. People on the computers are watching movies and one guy is talking on his cell phone and no one is telling him to get off. Everyone here seems to be unaware they are in a library. No one seems to silence their phones or talk at a lower voice. Can't a girl just read a book in silence?! read more

Worst place to get quite time. No rules. Very loud and no one seems to respect each other quiet need. Staff also complacent

I just moved out of the SD city Library system, which has amazing libraries that I have been going to for decades. Needless to say I have high expectations for my place of borrowing. I like the new building here though! It shares a small very small parking lot with the new Fire Station/museum. People are always waiting for one of the 8 spots available. Lots of honking and blinkers blinking. Your best bet is to bike in or walk in. Mondays are always packed in here! Maybe every day is, because it isn't the hugest of libraries, but it is quite sizable for what they carry. A very large kids section, with all kinds of books, mags, and comics- even two computers for them! The largest music section I've seen at any library!! I don't even have to download music off the internet anymore, I just borrow cd's here and listen/burn them. It has led to some great finds. Dvd's are here by the car load too. I always thought they would have lame movies only, but they actually have brand new releases (for FREE) which is nice if you don't want to deal with the crowds at the big video stores, and pay almost 6 bucks for any movie. Great selection of books, obviously. There aren't really any too quiet spots to sit down and read though, because the setup inside is like a big room, no separation of kids/teen/study/internet sections. So, it is hard for a guy like me to delve into what I'm reading here. Just get what you need and get the frick out. The staff is pretty nice too, they always answer your questions. One thing that is weird to me- they check out video games now!? Isn't the whole point of the library system to get people away from that sort of thing? I know they just want to have everything to draw people in, but that seems odd. I bet some parents don't know about the games, and they send their kids to the library for kind of a punishment, and the kid is stoked because he can get games, hang out in the cave-y teen lounge, and check out dvd's of whatever cartoon they recently made about a playing card game. enough already. read more

Great library. Unfortunately, they allow many repeat weirdos to curse, watch porn, talk openly on cell phones, etc. An elderly one, named "Andr-w, arrives late evenings and uses obscene language, non-stop & out loud. There are others: bad body odor, pets, refuse to cover their sneeze/cough, etc. Then today there's another (short-haircut, slim) young man (very disturbed) on computer #8 (5:50pm) who appeared to grope an elderly red-head patron as she randomly passed by him. She was very upset. Then he cussed at a female employee and slammed the doors as he stormed out of the library. An elderly/disabled person or child could've been injured by this nut. He did this last summer. The police station is 20-steps away. Why are visibly disturbed patrons allow to return this library??? read more