I don't live in San Ramon, but I enjoyed this library so much that I had to get a card before I left. I love the layout of this library. Everything is mostly downstairs, but upstairs they have a section for teens. My children are younger, so we were in the kids section mostly. They currently have some fun reading summer challenges. They also have cute play stations for kids. And a 3D printer. read more

See all

A quaint library in the area that provides plentiful areas to read, study or work in private rooms. I saw some people playing VR games. Overall, very clean and organized library with plenty of books to check out~ read more

The people there are so helpful and kind, and unlike all libraries that have damaged books, this one has zero rips on the books. I sometimes go there for reading. read more

People here are all ages, young and old. Busy. Lots of teen oriented sections and offerings, maybe for the summer? They have several areas set aside for: * Children * Teens * Jazz CD's (...death to the format) Small amount of actual inventory. For example, the health section (610), had 20 books. Coolest offering?: ============== * Laptop checkout read more

San Ramon Library is in a corner of the Marketplace Shopping Center. it's looks small, but there's a 2nd floor also. (i'm so used to libraries having everything on one floor). the elevator by the entrance is an hint. the parking lot in the general area is small. when Buffalo Wings isn't open, there's plenty of parking. i browsed in the "Friends" bookstore where donated books sell for $1-$3. most books were in the nonfiction, fiction, biography, history, business , or children's sections. most social studies books were in the non-fiction, i presume. didn't see anything interesting. read more

Not the best place if you're trying to get work done in a quiet space. There's a lot of kids and their quiet study section is not secluded so the noise still travels to the quiet area + it's a very small space they only have 6 tables total in their quiet space. Their upstairs area is more secluded and they have study rooms but it's only for teens. So if you're an adult and you need a quiet study area this library is probably not the best for you. The interior is very nice tho. read more

What a beautifully laid out, inviting, community resource for this county! If a child can sign their name and anyone who wants one, can get a library card here to access the multitude of resources including the vast selection of music on the second floor. The second floor also has private, comfortable rooms that can be reserved for studying and white board pull outs for meetings or classes. The children's section has computers, a vast array of wonderful titles for every interest, is colorful and inviting for the youngsters. The personnel are friendly, welcoming and resourceful- this is a model of a fantastic public library!! read more

See all

I have been to a few libraries I would say this is one of the better ones I've been to the people working here seem to be a really nice and friendly everything looks like it's run pretty well. Decent amount of books in nice study sections where you can sit down and have your own private section and get some work. I do like the axis of the easy parking here. And it very quiet here so you can get your work done pretty easily in peace. read more

My child loves Mr. Oliver and storytime. Great space for young kids and families. The kiddos always have a great time. Thank you Mr. Oliver!

It's true - the San Ramon Library is back and brighter and shinier than ever! And the wait was not for naught. The most visible change is the new sign and entrance on the Bollinger Canyon side. Inside, the SR Library now makes full use of its two floors and has changed the layout somewhat (but getting yourself reoriented is just a quick 5 min tour, or a quick question). The circulation desk is now an actual circle in center court, the checkout machines look like Eve's (from Wall-e) brethren, and you can even rent laptops for use during your stay. New arrivals are located just in front of the entrance and the used books for sale have a more official looking residence on the bookshelves where the previous checkout desk was. This humble locale still maintains its small-town feel, but its much more amenable to long sits and study sessions now. Every table has outlets on the table, and there are several private study/listening (for the music albums) rooms upstairs and two group study rooms downstairs. The upgraded kids area will provide a solid 30 min of distraction for any hands-on tot, if not more. Even with the small size, I've always felt pretty satisfied with the selection offered here, and if you put in an order via the regional library system online you'll usually be able to access any book you need. Granted you're not looking for your chemistry professor's PhD thesis. Bottom line, I totally wish this was the library I had back when I was in high school. But I'm really glad that it's here now for the community to take advantage of! read more

San Ramon Library - Now renovated and reopen! - Libraries Near Me - San Ramon, California

I really like San Ramon library. * They have a great variety of collections for kids to adults. * They have a good sized, separate children's section. * It's a great size, consisting of two stories. * They have a large number of study rooms you can reserve (same day reservation in person only though). Some are teen rooms, but they also make them available to you for reservation before school lets out if you are not a teen. * It's air conditioned and usually quiet, so it's a nice place to go to study or work, especially on a hot day. * It has a great location. It's across the street from Trader Joe's, a few restaurants, and other places to go shopping or eat. It's also very close to the freeway. * Most of the staff are friendly. * The internet speed is good. * Parking lot could have more shade. I have only seen about 4 spots that consistently get some shade. read more

After a $6.48 million makeover, the San Ramon Library reopened in April 2017. The San Ramon Library is a vital center of community activity. The library is located in the Marketplace shopping center (right next to Buffalo Wild Wings) across the street from Central Park and the San Ramon Community Center. The library includes a large children's area with a separate story room, teen area, public access computers and FREE wireless Internet access. Collections include materials in a variety of formats that support the educational and entertainment needs of the community. Programs for children, teens, and adults are provided with the support of San Ramon Library Foundation. San Ramon is particularly proud of the jazz collection and annual jazz concerts. You can park throughout the Marketplace shopping complex. Additional parking is available across the street in the City Hall and Central Park lots. Four spaces designated for visitors with disabled license plates or parking placards are directly in front of the library. Six spaces in front of the library are designated as "book drop only" for customers that are dropping off materials. Please be aware of posted restrictions in front of other Marketplace buildings. All parking is free. read more

See all

With the remodel, this library is a bit larger. Downstairs is still not that large, but now there's a new upstairs area. One of the features upstairs is a jazz music collection. There are also some teenage rooms upstairs. The library is still not that large compared to other libraries, but it's still pretty good. They have an automated checkout and check-in system too which is nice. The only real negative thing about this library is that the parking can be a real hassle. Last night, I could not find any spot nearby for over 10 minutes. I had to drive around the parking lot for a while. Don't miss the friends of the library book sale also. read more

Love having this library close by! It's great for kids and they usually have a nice selection of new books as well. I've also scored some great used books at their sale too. We're there often, come check it out! read more

In a more industrial area than the Danville library, but a much more pleasant alternative! This a bigger, two-story library. The people here mind their own business (and their manners). Hours are slightly more limited, but still good. read more

I am grateful to my local library! The kids area here is vast, kid-friendly (unlike Dougherty Station), and has plenty of great books and activities to support early literacy. I am throughly impressed with how well our Country Costa (CC) library system has been handing the closure of libraries due to COVID-19. I got a detailed e-mail at the start of SIP from CC library providing online tools and resources as well as access to secondary sites with file shares for e-books and movies. I have been loving watching the story time via Youtube with my kids, which is filmed in an age-appropriate and fun way in short videos (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpQrO7I8iHGXVCzu4lRuQg). They totally remind me of Sesame Street and now I can't wait until things open up again to take my family in person. My last praise is for the online system that allows you to request holds on books. I have been really satisfied with the time frame on being able to get books and audiobooks on loan in a timely, streamlined fashion. read more

The changes they have made to this library is outstanding. Since I have two little kids, we frequent the kids area often.The kids area is full of interactive, hands on activities for young kids. They area is very spacious and my favorite thing is that they have chairs large enough for you to sit and read a book with one or two children. It's cozy and makes reading a book very comfortable. One thing I miss about the old library was the quantity of books available. At this new library, shelves seem empty and there are no books available that fit a theme or the time of year that I can see. It's thanksgiving time, where is the stack and displays of thanksgiving or Christmas books? I see no books anywhere with holiday themes. The new library is more hands on then designed for reading in my opinion. read more

Drove by here this morning and saw a father with his 2 little kids carrying book bags going to the library. The littlest of the children had a book backpack that was almost as big as the little girl - who must have been only 2 years old. It was so cute. And the father was taking pictures of the kids - I think it must have been the little one's first visit to the library. I would have taken a picture myself, but I was driving. That is what libraries are all about - getting kids interested in reading and learning. And that is what this little library does best. Yes it is small, Dublin and Pleasanton are bigger - and Livermore has the nicest in the Tri-Valley area. And yes, the selection of books isn't the best. But they have nice programs for the kids, a decent children's area, and they are in the regional network - so if there is something they don't have and it is in another library in the region, they can get it. read more

I've been going to Contra Costa County libraries since I was tiny and am so proud that some of my tax dollars still go to such a worthy cause I started out with storytime, summer reading programs & tiny chapter books but now go to the library for books on CD. Whenever I have a long drive, this is my go-to place because why should I spend $30+ on a set of CDs that I'll only listen to once? I know that you can also do some e-books through the library system, but I'm one of those that read a good book over and over, so I don't like to borrow. This library is not as "nice and new" as Lafayette or Danville, but it is clean, has super nice librarians and lots of parking (although sometimes it's a bit of a trek as Buffalo Wild Wings is their neighbor). It also has decent hours so I can come at my convenience when needed. For a great library, that has lots of stock offered to all Contra Costa residents FOR FREE, with super nice people, Yay! I'm a fan. Yelp 100 Challenge: 74/100 read more

Small and simple; in fact, you wouldn't think this place was a library if it wasn't for the sign. This place is average in comparison to its neighboring cities, but the library staff is very nice and helpful, and the collection of reading materials is extensive as any library out there. There are no private rooms around, and the study cubes are so narrow and small, I felt like I was rubbing elbows with my neighbors. Plus, there doesn't seem to be enough to go around. I can only imagine how crowded this library is during finals. Also, a lot of the lights are not working because it was "deemed unsafe for children." It's safe to say that I had a difficult time finding a perfect study cube. This place might be older than and not as high tech as others, but it's still a good place to go. You can't beat a library that's in the middle of a shopping center, surrounded by places to eat. read more

See all

This is what I would call our "home library". It's closest to our house, and if we have time or if I reserve books from Contra Costa libraries, I have them sent here. Overall it's a decent library, but it's dated and small. I would love if they had a small play area like the Pleasanton Library has (with a train table, kitchen, etc). We have stopped by for story time, and my son enjoys it. The computers are okay, but other libraries offer many more computers for young ones to use. read more

For the most part, a library is a library in my opinion. There are a few things that can set one apart from the other, but all I ever use it for these days is to pick up my books from the hold shelf. So, why the review? I brought the little one along this past time to pick up some books and he absolutely loved the little kids area near the hold shelf on the first floor. There were a few toys, some built in interactive elements, and he LOVED being able to walk along the shelves and pick out the books that were at his eye level. We sat for a few minutes in one of the big chairs (good call on being sized for two!) reading one before we picked up a few extras to take home. He loves his books at home, but it was just so cool to see him interact with the space that way. It's definitely an incentive to bring him along more often and let him be engaged! read more

Make sure you come in with a picture ID and proof of residency if you're new. They take identification seriously. This library is beautiful, big, and organized. I came in with my 3 daughters (one who is extremely inquisitive and chatty). Corrie was extremely helpful and patient. She helped on and off for an hour to make sure we had everything we needed. The other patrons were respectful and kind. The staff was helpful in running after a few "runaway" babies as well! We'll be back! read more

We are quite new in the area and the library is a good place to have some quiet time to study or read. There are comfy seats and desks, all with usb outlets and power outlets. Very clean and cool (cold in areas but that's okay). Borrowing and , renewing books so convenient with the drop box/bar code system (and you can do it online). I am excited to try the free ebooks you can borrow online using the app Libby; as well as free access to Lynda and Rosetta stone. The teen book selection is good enough, but I have not checked if the other book selections are updated. For my purposes though, it is a nice space to have book time and me time. The big windows in some reading areas offer amazing views of the san ramon vistas. Truly appreciate this. Thank you San Ramon. read more

I love libraries. There I said it, and I'm proud. Since I love to read I found buying books becoming too much for my budget with this economy. So since the San Ramon Library is my way home from work I can stop there a lot. LOVE - that I can use the website to place a hold on books and then get notified when they are in - have books that aren't in San Ramon be shipped over to SR - the "new book" section - that I can donate my BART tickets and they help out the SR Library - I can check out the books myself - the high ceilings and magazine section I only wish they had more seating but I can't tell you how happy I am I got my library card. I even got my fiance to get a library card and check out books instead of buying them! read more

** 4.5 stars ** First I'll preface this review by saying that I love books. I love to read. I love to learn. Story of my life. Suffice it to say, I like me my libraries. The San Ramon library does not disappoint! I love coming to this place. Let's count the ways, shall we? PERIODICALS - extensive collection from cooking to investments to hobbies to animals to lifestyle, you can pretty much find it here. There's also a huge section of past issues, at least 3 or 4 years back. MUSIC - definitely the biggest collection of jazz music I've seen. There's an old school jukebox that you can choose music from, but also a section varying classical to pop music. I've definitely had some random finds here. MOVIES - the selection isn't that great here. They've integrated the videocassettes with the DVDs, which goes to show that their collection isn't quite that extensive to separate the two. But it's okay, you can always request it on-line (more on that later...) BOOKS - hello? The foundation of a library, right?! I've found that this library stays pretty much up-to-date with the latest and greatest of books. The New Releases section is always a good place to start. It runs the gamut from mystery to non-fiction. They always try to get the latest editions of series (e.g. Fodors travel series). And the stacks are always neat and clean (which seems like a tiny point, but it's SO not.) ON-LINE - the San Ramon library is part of the Contra Costa County library system, and its website is such a great source. Access www.ccclib.org to check your account, reserve books, on-line tutoring and so much more! They even boast - wait for it... - a MySpace profile. I kid you not. Check them out at: www.myspace.com/ourlibrary, and add them as a friend! "But if you love this library SO much, why hold out on that last star?!" Okay, I held out on the last 1/2 star because I've found that sometimes the selection isn't that great. And with 20+ libraries in the whole system, there's just no excuse. Also, I think that it could use some more studying areas and open space. But these are just minor gripes. This library always keeps me coming back for more. :) read more

I stopped by to drop off books for donation. I must have left about $500 worth of books, many new, that I just got tired of toting around each time I moved and never got around to reading. I didn't get much love. I asked for a receipt and the lady at the desk seemed completely annoyed by my request. The library seemed clean and quiet, so I'll see if I like it better after a second visit. read more

The front desk staff are fairly rude Not enough desks for the amount of patrons on weekends Very few electrical outlets available read more

I hesitated on how to write this review as it is really more for the library patrons than it is for the actual library. I took my four year old daughter to PRESCHOOL story time today and was shocked and appalled at the experience. 10:15 is designated as "toddler" story time and 11:15 is for the preschool kids. When I walked in, story time was just starting and the sweet librarian, Ms. Pria, was trying to get the attention of the children. A vast majority of these kids were under the age of two (in a group of about 20-30 kids plus their parents). They should have been in the toddler story hour and should have left when that was over. It was very challenging to hear over the cries and wails of fussy toddlers and babies, (yes, babies); however, the most disturbing trend I noticed was the absolute rudeness of many of the parents in the room. They were talking so loudly, you would have thought this was a Starbucks or another social gathering for them. They showed complete disregard for the fact that the poor librarian was practically having to scream (not exaggerating here) as she was reading the story. I don't know how she kept her cool. I mumbled my disbelief, and another parent there said that it is always like this. As a teacher myself, I see why so many of my students I've taught behave the way they do, why they talk when they shouldn't be. We ended up walking out mid-story and just going to check out books to take home and read on our own. The children's area was busy, full of more loud parents, socializing. I don't know how anyone can actually read here. We are new to the area, so perhaps that's acceptable behavior in this state (?), but where I'm from, libraries are at least relatively quiet places, and we certainly did not have full-on conversations when someone else was reading out loud. The door buzzer went off as we tried to walk out with the books I'd scanned correctly, so I had to take them to the front desk. We're going to try another library in the area next time; we will not be returning here except to bring back the books. read more

This is a nice resource for the community, especially the students. Kids can study here and also volunteer as a public service - also a learning experience. They have lots of interesting materials, although not a very large facility. read more

San Ramon Library - Library at corner of shopping center. - Libraries Near Me - San Ramon, California

So this newly renovated library has a very pretty children's area ... where kids are not allowed to run or talk. The toys and puzzles are limited and the staff is not child friendly. Go to the Pleasanton Library where my kids go up to the desk and talk endlessly to the ladies behind the desk. read more

Check out the online selection. You can get many great books on "tape" (audiobooks) and ebooks. You can check them out for 1-2 weeks and download to your iPod. The software is very good (Overdrive) and installs quickly on your PC and then transfers quickly to your iPod (or other audio devices). I haven't tried the eBooks yet. You don't need to go to the library - get your library card online free and then get your books online free. Great service for the community! read more

This place is nice. Lots of book selections. They can order books for you also. You can even download in your kindle library book! I know, I'm behind the times on what libraries have now. Great light and spacious in design. read more

So this library has been remodeled, and I've got to say it's pretty awesome inside! There's ample seating and outlets for those who want to study. Everything looks a lot more welcoming and less gloomy. The children's book section is huge. There are more exits from the library. It's amazing what changing the interior can do to the place. read more

one of the best places San Ramon has to offer, the local library! very well kept, organized, and up to date. I love stopping by atleast once a week. read more

too much kids inside this library, I could not even read my books, they were playing , laughing and no body said anything to them. this library does not have a group study room so whenever I and my friend come here to study there is no place to study together. read more

I love libraries... I love hanging out in libraries.. Love reading... Love not to pay for books... But this library... I'm sorry... Rude librarians... With hella attitude... Sorry library.. 1 star read more

Recently fully remodeled with lots of upgrades like music listening area, meeting rooms, more multimedia material. Lots of serious people doing some serious standing here as well. Fun and open floor plan. read more

Fairly clean library. Selection is enough but you'll need to reserve books to have everything transferred over. Not a fan of the librarians who try to control everyone and everything. They just sit there and try to police you over every single thing like how the metal detector goes off even though your books are checked out. They will stop you and blame you for not scanning correctly but will never go out of their way to resolve the root cause of the issue which is their metal detector. read more

I have to come here to study and take my tests on the weekends, I'm in an online program. My WiFi at home is terrible, that's why I come here. You guys need to post bigger signs in the quiet study area that people shouldn't be talking on their phones or watching loud videos, etc. every time I come here there's always some rude people having a full on conversation on their phones when I'm trying to study. read more