And they're open! Hooray! The San Marcos library was closed for 3 months for renovations. They recently reopened and we stopped in for a quick visit. They remodeled the reference desk and moved it to a different spot. It looks so modern now! I think the rest of the project was behind the scenes because everything else looks the same. I'm a big fan of this library. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Looking for something to do? Their calendar is full of activities for all age groups. Cheers to 2026! read more

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Always Vote "Yes" On Libraries: San Marcos Version As a teacher, I see firsthand how important spaces like the San Marcos Library are to the growth of our community. This library isn't just a place to check out books -- it's a critical resource that supports students, working adults, families, and lifelong learners. It offers a welcoming environment, updated technology, educational workshops, and a carefully curated collection that reflects the diversity of our community. In a time when educational gaps are widening, the San Marcos Library serves as a bridge -- providing access, opportunity, and a safe place to learn. Protecting spaces like this isn't just about preserving tradition; it's about investing in the success of every generation that walks through its doors. Libraries will always get five stars. AMENITIES *Air conditioned *Clean *Study rooms are first come first sign-up *Ample parking *Great hours *Safe *Accessible read more

The kids activity seems well planned/organized.. .my grandchildren are enjoying this make it and take it...they look forward to these activities...the people who were in charge of the activity seemed well organized.. read more

It's been a long time since I visited a library. I renewed my library card, which was quick. The first two times I came here (about two weeks ago), I left pretty quickly. I thought libraries are supposed to be quieter. That one day, there was a child screaming/crying. Then people talking were a distraction. So, the 3rd time I went, I brought my earphones, and it was great! Had my music playing and I couldn't hear the people conversing nearby! Next visit, I borrowed some books. I haven't had time to read for pleasure for so long due to my busy work schedule. Loved to find the time to read again. The ambience of this library is pleasant, comfortable, and the people who works (or maybe volunteers) there are nice and helpful. I love that there is plenty of parking space!! read more

Small Library not many books to check out its smells like mold in there and homeless are always in there read more

Disappointing this library isn't open until noon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I should appear an hour ago to realize they didn't open till noon. I ran some errands and came back and now it is 1220 and they're still not open even though that's supposed to be posted hours. Strange. read more

This library is pretty cool. Not crowded ever. It's clean, warm inside, you can use a private study room for extra quietness, and they even have a 3D printer! They have computers and printers, books, DVDs, tapes, magazines, and more. Please help keep our libraries open and running by getting a library card! read more

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Somebody littered Study Room B with Hot Cheetos fries, but other than that, this library is pretty clean, quiet, and the librarians are kind...just like Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Escondido libraries, respectively. It's a quaint library, and I love it since it's the San Marcos branch! I completely missed the bookstore last time, and they sell books at a fraction of their original cost and also holiday cards! What a neat find today... read more

Very clean & neat. Helpful staff. A great kids play/read room. Lots of children's books with a nice size area & kids tables. Easy accessibility with a huge parking garage right there in front of library. read more

Small library, but the book selection is good. Children's book section has a lot of quality educational books. They had Science books on display, with a good selection of new books. Atmosphere is bustling, tends to be a bit noisy due to the stone tiles echoing noise. Not too dirty, not too many homeless hanging out. read more

Dear San Marcos Taxpayers, The average civilian works 9-5 Mon-Fri. Your library is open 9-4 Mon-Fri. When is anyone who pays taxes expected to visit the library they are paying for??? If this library were only open Saturday and Sunday you would save more than twice your revenue and you would actually be able to go inside the library. Stupidest hours ever. read more

I came here to check out any activities that they have. They gave me a calendar with upcoming events. I also stopped at the bookstore and and bought a couple of books. Very nice place read more

The librarian talks so loud that you can hear her from the other side of the library. I had AirPods in with noise cancellation and could hear her clearly from across the room while trying to read. Kinda frustrating. read more

There is a lot of parking and it's a very quiet place and the best part is they are open on Sundays!

Oh my...where do I begin: 1) Zoning is bad. Very hard to find this place with its turns, one way streets and google maps didn't even do a good job. 2) 3D printer runs loud right behind the librarians so you won't get quiet here--please put your 3D printer in another room. 3) No toilet seat covers in the lady's room 4) the staff micro manages you with how and where you sit in there. So I would give DOVE LIBRARY in Carlsbad a 5-star compared to this place. this place is hit or miss...depending on how loud they allow it..and how the staff is on any given day. read more

I like this library, lots of parking, clean and quiet. I do take my kids for story time so it can get a little loud when that happens. I do a lot of holds on books and they are always easy to pick up and return. Staff is helpful. read more

Usually they are helpful at the office The books are organized and stocked Seem to always have a community event or group I. Doing some service I know this branch has been very helpful with the local HTH school allowing art shows and such read more

This is our new location for a volunteering, and what a difference after practically being forced out from the Vista library. Here is a regular crowd - mentally challenged adults with the chaperons, a few homeless people, a lot of kids (well behaved) with parents in a separate area and there is only one security guard. Chairs in the rooms for classes could be better (they are too hard, required us to bring extra cushions), bathrooms are OK, plenty of the parking space including for a disabled persons, a free Wi Fi to use, a nice selection of the current daily newspapers (Wall Street, NY Times, LA Times, USA Today, U-T) and magazines and very impressive collection of the foreign language books (other then Spanish). read more

It is not welcoming... the library's atmosphere is low and not inviting. There are not enough new books and helpful friendly staff; the nice security staff could help check out materials. This library was warmer, a friendly, and interesting spot for many people before the pandemic. But right now, there are not many visitors. It is so empty...I go there and just pick up my books. I don't stay there even if I have time. My kids also do not want to. They used to check books and read books, sometimes doing homework there. Right now they choose to go to bookstores or cafes instead. There are many reasons especially due to Covid 19. But there are not many new books coming. There is always the same lineup. The most books had been read already. My teen has requested one book since the beginning of August. Now she is No. 15 on the waiting list of 45 kids in the entire San Diego county library. Also,there are so many empty spaces...and uncomfortable chairs need to sit ownself. They took away comfortable couches and sofa sets a few months ago. It is sad... read more

As a local, I can definitely say that I love this quaint little library! Small, yet great selection of fiction/nonfiction, YA books, and lots more. The "Friends of San Marcos" bookstore is something I'm not too familiar with, but will definitely check out in the future. I come here a lot to do schoolwork and check social media on the computers here, and the staff are always very nice and helpful. The location is beautiful & convenient ( right across the street from the San Marcos Civic Center SPRINTER station ). Until next time, fellow Yelpers! :) read more

Library now has different hours, the ones posted are incorrect. But the library is great, cute little kid play area

Wow so few books here especially the non-fiction section! You can walk through it fairly quickly! The children books area looks bigger though. It's a small, OK library that provides a quiet space for work and some books to borrow. This branch itself is just alright, however, I come here to pick up my holds that are shipped from other branches. Also, as part of a big library system in San Diego, not only I get a wide selection of books (you have to wait though), their online ebook and audiobook selection is also bigger, as compared to the Serra Digital Network to which Carlsbad city and oceanside public libraries belong. Often times I found what I wanted from the San Diego county system but not the other. The staff were decent. She helped me with a few questions. If you're looking for a library to spend your day, then this is probably not the place. Try Carlsbad city or Oceanside public libraries with a bigger and nicer space. This branch is good only because you can take advantage of the big system it belongs to. I still like it because of the convenience! read more

Hours are incorrect online. They open at 10am and Tuesday 12pm. Very inconvenient, I hope they change or fix the hours online.

I love this library it's my favorite place to go. It's not always very quiet because it's a public library and there's a lot of kids that go in and I'm totally good with that because I have two small children who love to go there and explore. They have fun arts and crafts activities for the kids as well that are completely free. They encourage kids reading with their small prize program. I used to get distracted by a lot of noise but I found it helpful to just bring noise canceling headphones if you need to focus. The staff is always super friendly and very helpful. I've never had an issue with this library. I even had a wonderful librarian suggest books on notes when I went to go pick them up from holding. I love how they make it for your personal when you go in. read more

My wife and I LOVE the kids area of this library. Lots of activities and fun decorations. The whole area is perfect for our little one. They even have a separate 'discovery zone' for toddlers, packed with kids books that can all be checked-out. They've had a few activities we've gone to, parking is abundant, and they have a great selection of dvds/blurays that can be checked out for a whole week! Definitely didn't have a library like this when I grew up. Fantastic community resource... one of our favorite spots for our daughter read more

I came here to study, do homework, and take an exam. They don't encourage quiet voices here. In fact there is a customer being helped by an employee right now and they are both very loud. I can hear them with my ears plugged. Not the environment I expected at a library. They get a couple stars because they are clean, have free WiFi and parking, and appear very organized. read more

Wifi needs an update big time, very outdated. Time to get 5g network. Doing so doesn't cost you a dime. With current wifi network it is very slow due too many people on it. 37/30 upload is terrible. Please upgrade ASAP. read more

I went to the library on 3/30/19 at about 2:00 pm and I have never been judged so horribly in my life. I went to pay my overdue fees and the woman at the customer service counter gave me this look that made me feel like I committed a felony. Her nonverbals and tone made me feel such shame. I'm close to never go back to that library. I understand that this may be an reoccurring thing with people, but when you stand there judging someone not knowing if they have been going through a hard time, or had a loved one in the hospital for months, or whatever the case may be, you should stay professional and maybe thank the person for paying their fees. I gave it a 1 Star only because I had to put something there. read more

Great children's reading group. The staff is super friendly and helpful. Love this library.

Standardized testing time! Typical Library : Quiet :: San Marcos Library : ? A) Peaceful B) Conducive to studying C) Easy to find D) A total shitshow If you selected (D), then you've obviously been to this branch, before. I came here in an attempt to get some studying done and found it to be more of an exercise in annoyance than anything else. My first stop off was in the Teen Section as it was the farthest away from the screaming kids running around the children's area. Here, I was able to study for a solid 45 minutes before being asked to relocate as there was a college info session being presented by FIDM. Evicted from the one quiet sanctuary in the library, I next found myself in the center section where I had to listen to some lady's asinine conversation about whether or not to enroll her precious little angel in doggie day care because it took a crap in her favorite heels (I believe this is known to those in the industry as a 'pump dump'). No matter, I was only allowed to work in this area for about 20 minutes before getting the boot in preparation for another event. My last shot at productivity was kicked squarely in the balls as the "other event" turned out to be a goddamn concert in the middle of the library. It was at that moment that I had to leave for fear of totally losing it, shoving somebody's head into the book return and closing the door on it repeatedly. *Extra star awarded for parking and what little remains of that new library smell. read more

I love this library, I really do. Its not as big as some of the others around but its clean and quiet and organized. If you need to use a computer they are available there along with printing for a very small fee. I love to read and so I walk here about once a week to just enjoy the peace. What I love most about this library is its built in a very peaceful city hall atmosphere. There are always family activities going on, a park nearby and friendly (yes) friendly librarians. read more

It takes a lot for a library to get bad reviews... I wont be starting a new trend! I love it here!

Great library for little kids! Their kid section has a nice assortment of books and activities that makes it fun for the little ones. My 4 yr old loves the computer activity games. We go Thurs morning for Chinese story time. The teacher is excellent and my son is learning a few Chinese words and songs! I am very thankful for these kinds of programs. Also, the library partnered with In -n-Out burger to encourage kids to read by earning burger coupons. Not the healthiest option but it gets my son excited. Now if only they have such a program with souplantation or somewhere healthier. My only complaint is that their bookstore used books section is a little overpriced. read more

This library may seem small but it is mighty! There is a great selection of books, music, and movies. Anything you can't find there is likely available by request through the SD county library system and they hold it for you there. The stock is constantly revolving and there is a great supply of newer movies as well. Also present is a great computer lab and a 3D printer. They hold various events at this location, from ESL to cooking. All those working or volunteering have been kind and helpful. Very happy to call this my home away from home. read more

Staff is very nice and helpful with a smile. Used PC for Internet services, Printer (Copies are 15 cents a print). Very clean and organized, bathrooms are very clean. I really enjoyed my visit. read more

When last I had gone to this library (about two days before this past Thanksgiving holiday), I asked the kind lady at the desk about a prospective job "interview" for an open (at the time) position there. I was told that nowadays, such applications are done online, and that I could fill out the necessary form(s) on my computer at home. After going through hoops trying to set up my account with San Diego County, I started to fill out the online forms. Lo and behold I had to jump through more hoops doing so before I tried to submit my application. I had finally had enough when it (the online format) kept "asking" for my name, address and telephone number. I gave up in disgust because I knew then that It would NEVER accept mine (apparently, it "thinks" that I am someone else who's posing AS MYSELF. (Have I lost anyone yet?) This is why I'm being "generous" with just the one star-rating. Oh, well.... read more

The older gentleman in this branch, is very helpful. I love, love, love this library. What I love most is their automated system in which you get a RECEIPT when you return your books, or a book. Online books are searched for throughout San Diego County. One can request a book and ask that it be delivered to the branch you select. You get an email when it comes in. You go and take it off the shelf and check it out, again, in an automated system and again with a receipt. I've tried other libraries in North County to discover that I had to wait in line (in the Oceanside Library, NOT a full library, and they are very limited in their selection). I love that I can just walk in and walk out. They also have tables with selected books displayed. I am a sucker for the cover. If it has an interesting cover - well done, not too flashy (unlike the Janet Evanovich series, which I never would have picked up because of the cover, if a former friend had not told me about this author [she's wonderful]). I have picked up more great books off of these tables and I so appreciate the care in these choices and how well everything is displayed. Unlike a lot of other libraries, this one is well run. Thank you staff. You are not the friendliest bunch, but you do your jobs, and you do them well. read more

A great selection of books but super loud. Stopped in here to study today and sat at one of the tables. I could hear the computer games and the staff talking and laughing. I haven't been to a library in a long time I remember them being really quiet. I guess things have changed. read more

I love this library! The staff has been so helpful given the current circumstances with the pandemic. Thank goodness we still have access to materials. read more

My kids and I come here every weekend. It's awesome to be able to order books, CDs, and DVDs from other locations and pick up here.