The San Pablo Library has been an incredible resource for my clients and our community. My clients absolutely love coming here, we have taken advantage of so many of the wonderful opportunities the library offers. Over time, the staff has become like family to us! The variety of programs are amazing. They offer yoga, family story time, story time for little ones, ESL classes for parents, teen gaming, art therapy, bilingual meditation, chess club, IT (any technical questions) and after-school meals during the summer and more! The library also has a Wellness Team available on Wednesdays and Thursdays, Vicky, Andrea & Natalie are absolutely thee BEST and provides valuable services and support for unhoused community members. What truly sets this library apart is its welcoming atmosphere. The staff is always friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help. The library is well-organized, AND security (Brittany & Nay) does an excellent job of ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable. The San Pablo Library is so much more than a place to borrow books--it's a true community hub. We are grateful for everything they do and highly recommend it to anyone looking for resources, programs, and a sense of belonging! read more

I would love to give this place 5 stars, but one of my last experiences for using the computer & printing was terrible. For some reason the lady at the front desk did not want to help me and referred me to wait over 30 mins for some sort of assistance from volunteers. All she had to do was just spend 2 minutes just to show me. I asked for help multiple times. There were several employees. Two at the front desk and the other was actually assisted patrons at the computers. I eventually figured it out myself. I do come here often and I enjoy having a clean, quiet area to study. Just not too fond of that particular employee. read more

They had a pop up sale here on a Saturday ! It was so fun and got some amazing stuff! Staff in the library great too! Sketchy folk hanging inside though ... read more

Went here with my girlfriend. Sick local library definitely will come back. Reception was very helpful and they had really cool library cards read more

If I am not mistaken in the 1980s the library was located off Market Street. In 2000s it was relocated where the old Safeway was at in the College Center across from Contra Costa College. Now it is located where Walgreen's use to be at off San Pablo Ave. and Church Lane. I will say that the current location is wonderful. It has a small market next door. I love the inside of the library. It is updated and has the latest technology of checking out books. Here is what I notice about this library...it is far away from schools which is OK because it won't get crowded with students waiting for their ride. Keep up the good work on the library San Pablo. read more

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This is my favorite library in the world! Literally. I love this place. I went to the other location a few times, but this one has books, music and other things. We used to use their conference rooms, buy my HOA was being run by a narcissistic maniac and we had a couple of blowouts too many. We also spent more time in the meeting room than we should have. Oopsie. But he's gone and our meetings are now 1 hour tops! But I love the books and the assistance from the people there. I appreciate all of their help for everything when I need it. I do occasionally have a problem with the Libby app and they help me with that, which I really appreciate. But as a young girl, who spent her time in libraries, because of the love of books, I highly recommend this one! read more

Amazingly friendly staff, smiles and very good introduction given to me about what features and such. Lucky San Pablo has a huge community room, and plenty of light and space for a library. I was encouraged to continue improving my literary Spanish ( stopped after upper div college classes). Large section of Spanish books. Kids room is my favorite part of the library. Check out machines:3 Parking...plentiful. For now, can only enter on SP-- but they're currently working on a way from Market/Church. love... read more

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I use the San Pablo library regularly. It is well run and the people at the desk are helpful. I love the lucky day book shelf. I mostly go to borrow and return books so haven't used the computers very often.The chairs are comfortable if you want to read a magazine article. Most of the programs are for children and the ones for adults are not usually well attended. There was supposed to be an attached cafe but it never worked out and the room where you could have coffee was uncomfortable and unattractive during the period the coffee shop was opened. read more

This library seems more of a kid friendly library to me. There is definitely more of a children's' and young teen selections then adult books; however you are definitely bound to find something to enjoy. Staff: very friendly and helpful, I had some late fees and paid in full at librarian gave me a small discount of my fees for paying it all in full, Thanks! What I like best of this library is the children's area; they have lots of books to choose from and also have a play structure for the smaller ones to enjoy. Overall this library is bright, friendly and always full of young kids on computers. It is also conveniently located next door to a Yogurt place as well as Chinese to go, so why not make it a fun evening out with the kids. Baby G Approved! read more

San Pablo Library - Libraries Near Me - San Pablo, California

Wonderful community hub, with lots of services and programs. Use the website to access the collection across the Contra Costa system.

Great staff...always super helpful and accommodating. Tech support can be great. I only wish it were less crowded.

Yesterday we went to the new San Pablo Library. It is 3 times the size of the original Library. It is located on San Pablo Avenue near Church Lane. All I can say is wow! It is quite spectacular. As soon as you walk in you can see the expanse of the space. The first thing you will see is the friends of the library book sale. There are several shelves of books, CDs, DVDs available at very reasonable prices. I found a Children's Songbook with a CD and several other books two DVDs for a total price of $5. What I noticed right away was that there are several comfy chairs and stuffed benches for patrons to sit at. There are also several tables for patrons to use. There are public computers, computer catalogs as well as checkout computers available. I also saw there was a print station next to the copier My favorite aspect was all the windows that made the library sunny and welcoming There is a community room that is accessible when the library is closed as well as several smaller rooms that are glass-encased for study or are clean and spacious. The staff is friendly and helpful what more can you ask for? The only temporary downside is the heavy duty Street Construction going on it. It is a little difficult to find your way into the parking lot. The new San Pablo Library is awesome! read more

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The staff at the San Pablo library is extremely rude and none professional. the security guard himself told me that he has a kick out the black kids while he lets the white counterparts stay. The San Pablo public library needs to hire African American employees to diversify their staff. I would not recommend this library. read more

They really need to work on the noise level in this library. People were extremely loud. Phone going off it really wasn't quiet time in here. I remember when libraries were really strict on this and it hard to study or getting work done. Other than that it's nice and clean but please please work on the noise level read more

When I made a quick visit here I was impressed. There were so many kids enjoying the library, from tots to teens they seemed to be everywhere. It made me happy to see that most of them were reading. There were also educational toys for younger kids. The West County School District and the San Pablo Library offer free healthy lunches and learning opportunities for children and teens during the summer reading program. I think this is the only library in the Contra Costa system that has a lunch program. This might not be my library of choice. I am giving them 5 stars for providing much needed help to the children San Pablo. Other activities like Lego and teen crafts keep this library busy. ESL classes are offered during day and in the evening. read more

This place is definitely tailored for children. It's really cute and new. If you prefer completely quiet spots for reading and studying (like me) I wouldn't recommend it unless you can get a conference room or have noise cancelling headphones. Depending on the time of day it can get pretty loud. Also, the staff is really nice in my experience :) read more

Newly built San Pablo Library is wonderful to the city of San Pablo. It's big, modern, and nice. Every Monday, I always try to take the little one to come here for the story time. She loves it. Staffs are super nice whenever I ask for help. read more

San Pablo Library - Monday night story time starts at 6:30pm to 7:00pm - Libraries Near Me - San Pablo, California

I have been wanting to visit this library since it opened. Actually, even before it opened, as I watched it being converted from a Walgreen's to a vibrantly colorful library. I understand that Walgreen's donated the building to the City of San Pablo after they built a new building farther south on San Pablo Avenue. Today was the day, after lunch and before Alan's appointment at Kaiser in Pinole. It is huge, light, comfortable and well used. There are desks w/ computers and desks where people can bring their own and work. The information desk is marked by the word "ASK" on the wall behind it. I loved that. There's a variety of seating, including couch-like padded benches and two rows of comfortable and attractive padded chairs w/ small round, moveable tables attached to the arms, presumably for laptops. Those are where we sat. There's a community room and a couple of group study rooms. The bathrooms are clean and modern. I had brought a book to read and Alan prowled the shelves, finding three books to check out. There's a coffee shop attached, although we didn't visit it. I didn't notice the friends of the library book sale area, but that's because I wasn't looking for more books to buy. It's a beautiful library and I'm envious that San Pablo has it and El Cerrito doesn't. read more

I used to go to the old library so this library is big for me. I love how well organized it is. Studying made easy. One thing I don't like though is its not quiet. Lot of people talk so loud. I wish there was a room where you could study in silence. But over all I love it. read more

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I'm really liking this library surprisingly. Pros: Great parking Quite Lots of areas to study and read at Internet connection Clean Cons: Sometimes the couches look a little stained I come here all the time to study and it's super convenient. Love it. read more

This is a wonderful library with very friendly and helpful staff. They have a great weekly Story Time for kids with time for the kids to play with toys before and after and a very engaging program with songs, movement, and books! read more

Loving the relocated location of the library. I take my LO to Monday evening storytime about once per month and he loves it. He mostly runs around with the other 1 year olds and gives me a work out chasing him around. Last June, we went to see the farm animals. My LO enjoyed them more from a distance. He was scared when the lambs and chickens approached. We also frequent the mobile farmers market on Fridays. They don't have a huge selection, but it is very convenient and they always have fresh herbs. read more

The staff is so friendly, helpful and patient! I needed a book that was not there, one of the techs there showed me how to used the online version and I have been using it and studying for my CBEST because of her help! I really recommend that library! read more

San Pablo definately needed a new library ! I was so excited to go and I'm so glad I did. Getting a library card was so easy, the staff is very helpful , it's so beautiful and even the kid section is adorable ! I'm so glad my son will have a beautiful library growing up . read more

San Pablo Library - Libraries Near Me - San Pablo, California

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I've been coming here for about a year now for story time with my toddler. I love it! Staff are friendly and they do arts and crafts. From time to time they bring in different acts and people from the community. We've done Zumbini, had a magic show, Persian Dance and more. Their children's program is really fun and keep my child engaged! read more

This is a great library with only a couple of minor downsides. The great parts: it's clean compared with many other libraries; it has two private study rooms you can reserve the same day; it has a good variety of multimedia items (books, movies, etc.); it has two separate large restrooms with many stalls; it has comfortable, cushiony seats in one area near walls where you can recharge; there's an area in the back with many seats where people can eat, near a cafe; the front of the library is a place where free food is given for the needy; it's located in a convenient place not far from Walgreens, and a little further down are two plazas with a gym, grocery shopping, the Dollar store, Starbucks, etc.; and it's near the I-80 onramps and off-ramps. Downsides: it is hard to find parking when the free food trucks block part of lot; one of the staff ladies could be more consistently polite and improve her communication skills (but the other staff are just fine). Overall, it's a great library. read more

This is my favorite east bay library, especially for kids. It has a great, wide open area for reading and lounging, an extensive book collection with diversity in mind, fun craft activities and friendly librarians. read more

Fairly small library, catered to minors. Would not recommend coming here to study if you require silence. They offer lots of great programs for children and teens. I used to take my baby sister there every week for story time. There's toys for children to play with, bean bags, and couches. This library usually packed with children playing, reading, or on the computer. I love how it's part of the Contra Costa Libraries which gives you full access to other libraries throughout the county. Very helpful when looking for books or movies. read more

San Pablo Library - Self check out - Libraries Near Me - San Pablo, California

The Contra Costa Public libraries as a whole are really impressive. I can almost any book I request on hold delivered to the nearest library within two days or so. My mom has a daycare so we often come to this library in particular when the kids want to read manga (japanese comics) because this location has quite a variety in the teen section. Most of the library is dedicated to kids/teens, even having textbooks for library use so kids dont have to lug the large literature books I had to bring home back in my day. However I did find some disturbing things at this library today. It may be because it is winter break but it was quite crowded and LOUD today. My sister witnessed a 6 year old boy trying to check out a rated R movie and when the librarian asked who he came with and told him to ask them if it was ok, the boy came back and said "they said ok" and the librarian checked it out for him even though I highly doubt he even ASKED. Also, there was a man without pants in just boxers on his laptop..... Nevertheless, this is a nice place to hang out while people are grocery shopping at the San Pablo Market across the parking lot but I prefer the Hercules public library. read more

I come here to study for my real estate board exam. Its new, clean. Staff if professional and respectable & always on top :) I always find a seat with a charger port ;) & parking so far I've always had parking right in front but is limited! Bathrooms are always clean & noise is also kept to a minimum. I always get a sense of community coming here because their group rooms are always occupied, I see many people of all ages here & last week the police had a gathering in one of the community rooms, then the next time there seemed to be a senior yoga/work out class and another time there was a teen spa day where they could make bath bombs! Love this small library! read more

Love love this library! The staff keeps it super organized and clean.. They have huge collection of books for every age group.. I love bringing my 6 year old here. He enjoys picking books and playing with those plastic horses... The staffs are pretty helpful in recommendations as well... read more

I like this library. They have a great story time for toddlers and a great children's area. My only disappointment is that some of the staff can get a little harsh with the children. They are children and even though the library should be a quiet place, some toddlers like mine may not always be so quiet. My son has been scolded by the staff. One guy have put his hands on my sons shoulder and gave him a harsh "BE QUIET".. that did not sit well with me at all. NO ONE should place their hands on my child. The childrens area has some learning toys that make noise when you use them. The staff tends to get upset when the kids make noise with the toys so I suggest that they replace them in order not to set up the kids for bad looks. read more

Not my idea of a library. It is situated in a shopping arcade. There are not many quiet reading rooms. And the worst thing ? The restrooms are locked, so you have to ask for the key at the front desk every time you need to pee, and you have to leave your ID in exchange for the key. Never coming here again, if I can help it ! read more

This library is like brand spankin' new! It has dedicated areas for children and teens. Plus, a corner designated for eating, since food and drink are not allowed in the library. What's super cool about this public library is that it has a mini market and coffee shop attached to it via the food nook!! My only gripe is the limited work space for adults, because I come here to study. It is sometimes difficult to find a seat at the table or desks if you arrive during peak hours. However, the teen area has plenty of desk space. The tables and desks are equipped with outlets for charging electronics. And, the restrooms are clean. Considering that this place is more geared for the youth of San Pablo, it is a bit loud. That can all be drowned out (for the most part) by putting on your headphones and listening to that "focus and get sh*t done" playlist you recently updated. Another cool thing to note- the library offers a free lunch program for kids and a lot of other activities to them for free. read more

Not a good place if you need quiet time to study. Kids talking and door open so you can hear the water fountain running. No quiet study room available; only a study table that is near the front door. Cute place but not good for hard studying! read more

Tiny little spot in the heart of San Pablo to get your reading on. We have a toddler, and while the selection of the library as a whole isn't the biggest, it definitely gets the job done when we're looking for new books to read him. This is a great place to bring little kids to play with the handful of toys that they have there. I've also spent some time doing work here: great place to set up shop for a few hours and hammer out some work in silence. It's easy to get onto the Wi-Fi, and there are a few tables that have power strips, so you're good to go! read more

Really good community resource. Contra Costa libraries in general are impressive. Clean, well-staffed, good selection.

An excellent source for computer usage, entertainment and information. An oasis of information in a small little town, where you can print important documents while your child listens to a story by the librarian. Can be extremely busy at times however, i feel that represents the importance of the library on the people of San Pablo. read more

Shame on the State Budget Cuts. A great Community Resource...

Good luck trying to find a parking spot !