A gorgeous library with a large selection of books and music. There is even a mini bookstore and cafe inside! The staff were very helpful in helping me sign up for a card, use my pin, and find the events going on. Highly recommend for families and individuals looking for a calm place to read or hang out. read more

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I needed to work so I stopped here for some quiet time and meetings. This library is close to downtown so parking was a concern for me, at first. Then I saw they had an underground parking garage - please note that it's not free. The library is on the smaller side but there two levels. I came during a time when there was a mommy & me group session, so cute. But it didn't interrupt my work. The best part is that there's a coffee shop attached to the library called Prologue. read more

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Awesome library that is two stories. You see a selection of new books at the front area. The library is nice and quiet. There is also a cafe that you can order drink and food if you are hungry and of course that area would be noisy. But good option to have a cafe near for those that finishes studying and wants to grab a bite or drink. read more

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The Walnut Creek library is so nice, and it's one of my favorite places to study! It looks clean, and there are multiple areas with outlets for charging as well as reservable study rooms. The second floor is relatively quiet, and there are multiple areas with windows for natural lighting and studying (although those areas can get busy on the weekends). I also love how there's a cafe inside for getting your caffeine fix with lots of yummy drinks. I love studying here as this library is clean, modern, and has plenty of natural lighting and studying areas! read more

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Really nice and beautiful library. Centrally located in their downtown. Only thing is not enough parking spaces, so the underground parking structure charges to park there, up to 4 hours and metered. On the first floor there's a general reading section to the left as you enter the library, along with a Friends of the Library Bookstore. Then there's also a cafe inside! On the right side there's the Children's section which is really colorful and inviting, with tons of books, computers, seating, and even a story time area with really colorful and fun furniture and a mural. The restrooms downstairs were a bit dirty and not well kept, there were paper towels and toilet paper strewn all over and on the ground in the women's bathroom. Sad state to see people not being considerate when they use a public bathroom. On the second floor, you'll find the teens and adults sections with tons of bookshelves, seating, and some interesting artwork throughout. There are also meeting rooms and some lounging areas by the elevator upstairs. Overall, this is a really nice and pretty library, and definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in the area and for locals, be sure to check it out and utilize this great resource. It's a beautiful building with so many books, tech resources, and near the Civic Park nearby. read more

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A beautiful library on all fronts but the part that struck me the most about the Walnut Creek Library was their bookstore. I've been to many a library bookstore and sometimes it's often set up as an afterthought - "here's where we put all the books we want to get rid of" bargain bin type of feel. But the Walnut Creek Library's bookstore could truly stand on its own. Beautifully organized, clean, and an impressive collection. I found myself browsing the shelves and thinking to myself "wow, they're really selling this one? for this cheap?!" You might not find any current hot reads, but you will find recently popular reads and classics. Not only that, they'll be in stellar condition, like you've bought it directly from a retailer. If you're looking to buy a book, consider checking this bookstore first. Support your local library over big box stores! Besides that, there's lots of parking (metered in the lot, street, and garage) along with some 30 minute spots for free. It's walkable to the park nearby and some restaurants and shops. Prologue is a cafe located within the library that I've heard great things about and will have to try next time. read more

a tranquil, small check in to the walnut creek library. full of different variety of books, yet you can come indoors to study, connect to wifi and clear yo mind read more

Walnut Creek Library - knowledge - Libraries Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Convenient handicapped parking, could use better signage inside for locating elevators. Would be nice to have a sign downstairs letting people know reference desk is temporarily closed BEFORE they make the trip up! Tough when you walk with a cane. read more

I'm so used to the rugged, underfunded libraries of Oakland that this one simply blinds me with its shine! This is what a library should be: accessible, brimming with space, plenty of rooms for the community to gather, and--get this--a banh mi shop on the premises [!!!] I mean... come on. It's amazing. I've been attending playtime Storytime here twice a week with my little one, and the turnout is incredible every time. It's such a fun, engaging way to connect with other parents and kids, and the staff makes it so welcoming and lively. It's honestly one of the highlights of our week (~ zoom zoom zoom, we're going to the moon! ~) If you're looking for a true community hub that actually delivers, this library is it. Clean, spacious, and so thoughtfully designed--it's a gem! read more

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This library was exactly what I needed. Super quiet, cozy, and comfortable. Perfect for getting into study mode! As someone preparing for the NCLEX after just finishing nursing school, I really appreciated the calm atmosphere. I found a nice spot to stretch out and review without distractions. Definitely a great spot if you're trying to focus and want a peaceful setting. read more

Walnut Creek Library - Libraries Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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I travel 30min by myself with 2 under 2 for this beautiful library. Love the staff , environment, everyone is so friendly! Best story time on Friday's ass well for the littles! read more

This would be an extremely convenient library and this review isn't for the library itself but for the parking situation that must have been approved by someone affiliated with the library. Parksmart has taken over Walnut Creek and even the public library now requires payment to park. This is beyond ridiculous and just speaks to the scam the company is running. I would love to use this library, I'm a medical student, I need places to study for long hours. I will not however, play the parksmart game and will go to the pleasant hill library with free parking until this policy changes. I'm sure the employees here are great, and I wish I had a chance to experience it. read more

While the ambience was great, our experience with the staff was disappointing. We understand the library closes at 6:00 PM, but we left at 6:01 and asked to quickly use the restroom before exiting. We were denied and told to take the stairs instead of the elevator. When I asked why, both staff members responded with attitude, which felt unprofessional. read more

Don't get me wrong; The library is a nice building, has great facilities, and a good staff. The problem is I came by to do some work here, but I got turned off when I saw the parking kiosks everywhere. I don't know if this was done by the city, the library, or both, but charging people to park at the library sounds and feels predatory. I understand that parking in Downtown Walnut Creek overall is rough, and it's hard to find parking, but I just don't understand why parking has to be paid for here. If you need a library in the area, you're better off at Ygnacio Valley, Pleasant Hill, or anywhere else. read more

Very nice library, reminds me a lot of the Santa Monica library, I'm betting it was made by the same people. Great selection and lay out. Self check out is a must and they have the machines all over. In fact, it's another library where you can order your books on line, come in, pick them up and be out in 2 minutes. This is good because the bad thing is the parking. I absolutely hate parking here. It's paid parking and it's ridiculous. You can't even park for free at the library? Sometimes the parking is packed too, which sucks. If it wasn't for that, I'd give 5 stars. That and the screaming kids. Note, the Contra Costa Library system is the only libraries I've ever been to that encourages children to run screaming throughout the library like a playground. This is not acceptable to anyone at the library except for the parents of the screaming kids and the people working at the library who think it's neat. It's a great library outside this little tidbit. Support your local library. read more

This is a GREAT public library. The interior is spacious, with lots of reading books, tables, and spaces for groups to work together. The children's room has a nice space where you are encouraged to read aloud, which I would have liked immensely when I had a young child. Patronize it to make sure it stays open. It's a valuable community resource! read more

This is a great library. they have a bunch of graphic novels/mangas which is great because I love those. they also have a bookstore and a cafe . they have tons of computers so you don't have to worry about all the computers being used. read more

I would not come or send my kids here anymore. Staff at library does NOT enforce the transients in front of library harassing patrons because transients are on "the sidewalk." While that is a technicality that may be true, the message we got was so if someone is "standing" on a street that isn't the library's responsibility but stabs someone because they're inches away from being on that concrete but in front of the library, they will do nothing. read more

30 minute parking. There is a cafe in the same biking but no entrance to library. The front desk is the same as the information desk and there are only two stations for assistance. I came to donate books and the young lady at the front was extremely anxious. There was no one around at 2:30pm on a Tuesday afternoon yet she decided that we were standing in a high traffic area and moved us despite us asking her not to move our things. There was no thank you for the donation. Just move out of the way. She didn't seem to like people. Next I asked for a library card and she said she needed proof of residency. I offered my lease and she said the lease was the only proof of resident they would NOT accept. When I asked why she said she was just a "worker." I spoke with the manager and finally got it worked out but even the manager seemed like she didn't want to be there. Really disappointing. read more

Walnut Creek Library - Small Spanish selection - Libraries Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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I love this library. I come here to do my work since I can't concentrate at home. I live in concord but the drive is worth it! Especially since the concord library is a little small/outdated-looking. The WC library is quiet, modern, and a good size. There's a children's section, teen section, and plenty of tables, arm chairs, and quiet work areas. You can even book private study rooms/conference rooms if needed. Plus, I love how on Mondays and Tuesdays it's open until 8pm. The only downside is the library wifi is a little spotty (for me anyway--not sure if this is the case for everyone!), so I have to use my phone as a hotspot, which I don't really mind. Also, you have to pay for parking (like everywhere else in Walnut Creek unfortunately). But those are the only two cons for this place! Other than that, it's a great place to get work done or relax and read a book. read more

Walnut Creek Library - Upstairs area - Libraries Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Staff is unwelcoming/not friendly. I went up to the counter and asked to sign up for a library card and the lady with the short brown/black hair with black glasses started laughing at me for wanting to open up a card. She then proceeded to have a snarky attitude while I was standing there waiting for her to sign me up. I just felt uncomfortable so I probably wont come here again. The other locations are much friendlier so definitely not going to come back again. read more

Great service with a twist! The library makes it really easy during these trying times. You can place a book on hold and you will get an email when it's ready. Once you show up you can text and let them you know you are there but no one was in line when I walked up so the guy waved me up. I was in and out in five minutes and it looked like the coffee shop was open so I will grab a coffee next time to show some support! Very clean and quick quick service! read more

Walnut Creek Library - Call or text if you're on the way. I walked up and was given my book within 3 minutes! - Libraries Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

This is a great place to study. It's pretty quite and they offer several small spots for solo work as well as a few rooms for group work. Plus they have a nice size parking lot below the building and a small coffee shop in the lot next door. read more

Even though all of the libraries in the library system had to remain closed during the pandemic, they were able to provide curbside service and excellent online service. That in itself was great patron-focused service! Thanks to this, I was able to learn about a ton of digital library resources that are free to the public if you have a library card. All of my pick up requests were always ready, and staff was there at the door during pick up hours. Online it was possible to log in and use Kanopy, OverDrive, and enki e-books, as well as a lot more. Once they opened back up, staff was available at the information desk and was helpful in finding books and more. They've re-located their holds section directly across from the information desk and self checkout. Patrons are once again allowed to go in and enjoy sitting, reading, and studying in the library. read more

I haven't been here in awhile. I brought my son today and remembered why I stopped coming. Kids were hollering. Whining. Fighting. It was ridiculously loud and not enjoyable at all. With civic park being right next door you'd think these parents would take their screaming kids outside. But nope, the kids who are actually trying to read can't even concentrate since there's so much excess noise. AND you're charged for parking. So you pay to be annoyed. read more

For a few years Ive been meaning to come to the Walnut Creek Library but never really had a reason. I enjoy my local Martinez branch so this location just seemed out of the way and unnecessary in my book life. Well, one day my kids and I decided to go check it out. Parking is a little confusing and I apparently parked in the parking garage that you have to pay to park. There may be a free area for library goers but I hastily parked and didn't take the time to find those spots. We took the elevator up to the main entrance and immediately went and found the children's wing. This library is massive. There are tables and comfortable seating everywhere. They have conference/meeting rooms throughout. Its a really great use of community space. The kids area had fun little interesting things for them to play with. Its designed so sweetly for kids. We played and looked at a few books. Then we went over to the young adult section for my son to see what kinds of chapter books they had. We found some cool science books and went and found a booth seat near the window facing the park. We read out books and talked. We had such a nice pleasant time. Then once my kids had a look at the outside area we were done and they just had to go outside to play at the park. We didn't check any books out but loved out visit and we would definitely make a point to come back if we are in the need for books. read more

Walnut Creek Library - Children's wing - Libraries Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

I went here yesterday, Saturday, June 22, 2019 to work on my laptop. I was very happy with my experience here. It was a hot day, and the air conditioning was blasting, even at 10 AM. I loved it! The floors also have plenty of air vents built-in. I was very comfortable. I chose a table to work. They have electrical outlets right at each one. The wifi was fast and strong. The restroom was clean. They were out of paper towels, which they absolutely should not have been first thing in the morning, and I told the reference desk. People were respectful and quiet, except for the dad who chose to sit around the corner from the laptop workers on a partition and had his young daughter read aloud. He told her to quiet down, but she kept it up. I then asked him to be quiet, which he did by leaving. He probably should have chosen his pace better. When young kids read, they do not know how to moderate their voices. Overall I was very satisfied. read more

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Best library in the local area. So many tables to study from, clean and cool on the inside. Rooms available for private study as well as conference rooms, and tables downstairs in the kids area where you can talk quietly (maybe for tutoring). There's a Peet's inside- you can carry covered drinks around the library, a small used bookstore, computer rooms, and a newspaper and magazine nook with couches as well. The only downside is you have to pay for parking (as it is everywhere with Walnut Creek)! There are limited parking spots for 30 minute parking- they do ticket here! read more

This is by far the loudest library I have ever been to. Perhaps more of a review on our society. The rule of libraries is that you are supposed to be quiet. We learn this in kindergarten. So many people talking at full volume, babies crying and parents letting them cry, refusing to take them outside to calm them down. Librarians sitting there, ignoring all of it. Definitely wont be coming back to this one. read more

Pros: Peet's Coffee on floor 1. Beautiful and clean building and location. Large two-story library. Several study rooms that can be reserved. Study rooms have outlets to recharge and some have a large screen. Many tables and quiet areas. Computers and internet work at a reasonable speed. Wide variety of collections. Convenient location near shops. Cons: very limited time for free parking in the lot, so if you are going to stay longer than a few minutes, you need to pay to park. You have to reserve study rooms in person, same day (cannot reserve ahead of time or online). A man who works on floor 2 (at least the last several times I was there) has a rude personality. As one example, he was very rude to me and my group when were just finishing up in a study room. We didn't even stay past time; we were getting our things when he barged in and said in a rude intonation that we need to leave. He could speak more politely to people and wait just one second to see that a group is already leaving. read more

Extremely helpful and great resources. I walked in with a particular mindset on books I was looking for but the librarian expanded my interested on a variety of books. A really nice place to sit and read. read more

I would really like to give this library a higher rating but the parking just killed it for me. This is the only library I know of that charges for parking, and it's a maximum of 2 hours. It's bad enough that there's not a lot of free parking around the area. I think it's ridiculous! Granted that this library is brand new and much bigger than neighboring libraries, it makes it difficult to come here when you know you have to pay. Also, this library is not open on Sundays. The library has a very modern look with 2 levels and 3 entrances. It has the essentials any typical library has - free Wi-Fi, computers and study tables; although, it has more computers that I've seen from other libraries in CoCo County. I didn't see study rooms like in Lafayette but there are plenty of places to study or read. There are no cubes but rather 4-person tables located everywhere or desks by the windows. Plus, the chairs are surprisingly comfortable. Because of the library's location, it's a good place to hang out. It's near restaurants and walking distance to downtown. Even when you're finished using what the library has to offer, dining and shopping are just steps away. [TIP] The 2nd level is quieter to get some studying or reading done, but quietest area in the library is on the 2nd level behind the nonfiction area. read more

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No argument here, the new Walnut Creek Main Library is gorgeous. Sleek, modern, lots of windows, overlooking Civic Park, free Wi-Fi, lots of computers, even a café and a bookstore, the new library has it all. Alas, before you can enjoy any of this, there's a more pedestrian concern: what do you do with your car? Unless you're coming to simply return a book, you can forget about the few spaces in the outdoor parking lot. These slots are all 30 minutes only, and I saw a meter maid on the way in and on the way out. That leaves the library's underground lot. This is NOT a free lot; the fee is one dollar per hour with a maximum of four hours. Note: if the lot is all full , you can find another public parking lot about a block further south on Broadway. You pay in a station located near the elevators, after noting the number on your parking spot. This is where disaster nearly struck: the pay station only takes coins or credit cards, no dollar bills, and on a busy Saturday, a polite note on the machine mentioned that, oh by the way, it's not reading credit cards today! Back to my car, scrounging through the glove compartment seeking a dollar's worth of coins, I had nothing. Fortunately, my son's scrounging in his car was more successful and we had enough coins for one hour for each car.I would've liked to stay longer, but the three credit cards in my wallet were worth zip to the library parking gods. Two words of advice if you want to visit the Walnut Creek Main Library: Bring Coins. read more

Walnut Creek Library - Bring coins. The parking pay station doesn't take dollar bills, and no guarantee on credit cards! - Libraries Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

This is quite literally as good as it gets, especially for a library in Contra Costa County. This two-story library is wide, spacious, airy, and boasts tons of natural light. There's a fireplace upstairs and plenty of areas for teens, adults, and kids to chill out with a good read, or free wi-fi if you're looking for a place to get work done. Plenty of computers, meeting space, and resources for job hunters also means you no longer have to grab an appointment and rot to get on the internet. There's a large periodicals section, as well as a Peet's downstairs so that you never have to leave. So happy to be a member of this library - they have a lot of newer books and the quality of selection is fantastic. They also loan out DVD's and audiobooks. High-tech checkout and returns (or online renewal) means you never have to bother the librarians, who still occasionally haunt my dreams after bad run-ins during childhood. I promise I'll never lose my library card again! :,-( If you're new to the area, do yourself a favor and check this place out! read more

This library is generally pleasant and in a good location in Walnut Creek. There is parking near by but you have to pay. The only thing that I would say is that the upstairs study areas are way too cold. What I tend to do is try to block the vents if there are no other options for seating areas where it is less cold. read more

I love this library! There are so many big, comfy, cozy chairs to collapse into and bright, quiet corners to escape in with a great book. Unlike many of the other libraries that I am known to haunt, I never have to search long for a seat or a space of solace. I often visit on my lunch break for a nice little slice of calm in the middle of a hectic workday and am always glad that I made the decision. Aside from the decent book selection (I'm not going to exaggerate here, it's just decent, nothing amazing), relative cleanliness slash organization and lovely aesthetic, I am always delighted at another pleasant offering here: quiet! For the most part, library patrons seem to observe the quiet rule quite well and for this, I am grateful and willing to drive on down to the Walnut Creek Public Library--even though a midday trip may cost me some precious patience due to a sometimes frustrating parking situation. read more

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Pros: Quiet, comfortable and bright library. Not all tables have plugs and the environment is fairly peaceful. Cons: 30 min free parking. Libraries out here in the burbs should have more free parking. Wifi wasn't working. It's 2020, there should be 99%+ uptime for wifi internet. read more

It's unfortunate to write a bad review (being that I love this library) but necessary since there is an employee that is so disrespectful and condescending to everyone he speaks with. I don't know his name. He always wears boots that lace up and shorts like some sort of person out of Jumangi but now pants since it's cold. Short hair. Someone please get him a communications or human relations class. He's so rude, so so so rude. Never go here if he's working, he treats kids like doodoo, adults even worse. Edit: there is no sleeping or shutting your eyes in this place. The police gets called or Jumanji pants taps you and ruins your meditation. SLEEPING ISNT ILLEGAL. read more

BEAUTIFUL. That is all I have to say about this library.. SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL. I heard/learned that it's eco-friendly too. Staff.. well, the one lady we encountered was super nice and even went to us to make sure we got everything we needed and if we needed help on anything else. We needed to use the computer to print out some stuff. In order to check out a computer, you'll need a library card because you will need to enter that library # to access the computer. Your pin # will be the last 4 digits of your telephone #. The computer and printing directions were easy to use because it was pretty much straightforward.. only $.10 a copy.. much cheaper than prints at Kinko's and the computer time is free! I didn't get a chance to check the whole place out but I sure will.. I love books. I love to read. This place is AWESOME. read more

Walnut Creek Library - Random guy w/ his kids and part of my guy's face. Haha. - Libraries Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

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I would give 5 stars because this is a lovely library and so far all my other experiences with it have been positive, but I just had an upsetting experience that I feel compelled to share about here. I went into the little bookstore to buy a book and the ladies working the desk were in the midst of talking about poor people in a way that, shall I say, reflected their privilege. And despite the fact that I have the appearance of someone in poverty, they continued their conversation the whole time I was there, very much within earshot of me. It wasn't the worst I've heard by any means, but it definitely wasn't cool and it definitely didn't make me feel good about coming back here. I know library staff mistreating the poor is commonplace in this country, but if a poor person can't even go into a library to spend money without hearing about how much the staff resent and fear us... I know Walnut Creek is a rich town, but come on. Edit: I also feel compelled to add that part of why I think they didn't really register me as someone they shouldn't be saying those things in front of, despite my obvious poverty, was that I am white and they are white, and even though they never mentioned race directly, some of what they said made it seem like they didn't really have poor white people in mind. Just throwing that out there... read more