Mostly I am just posting to combat the ridiculous commentary about this library that is dropping its rating. It is small and old school. It is what it is... and that is fine. It doesn't need to have a huge catalog. When I go there, I'm not looking for something specific. I see what finds me. I quit streaming movies a few months ago. Every time I pop in on my early evening walk they have something interesting on disc. Same with books. I've been introduced to a ton of interesting stuff by being restricted in my choice. To me, that's a good thing. If you need something specific you can head over to the main branch. And comments on it being "old and musty" -- omg, I'm not even going to comment on that. I'm grateful to have this branch in my neighborhood! read more

All Alameda Library branches are run like loud social clubs by staff. I have never been in a louder library in my life. It needs a separate building for the children's library, like they used to have in the brown shingle building next to the original Carnegie library. Plus, the visitors are often loud and the library staff make no effort to keep them quiet. Truly, the worst reading environment I've ever known, unlike almost all other libraries I've visited. read more

I typically have a great experience at this library. There is a librarian who works here who wears glasses and has shorter hair. She's very kind and has helped me as a regular patron and as a teacher patron. Today I went with a friend and her toddler. Mind you, the library is outfitted with tons of accommodations for toddlers. You can't have toddler toys, toddler books, toddler attractions in GENERAL be irritated when a toddler acts like a toddler. My friends son was excited, and playing with toys. This is only his second time in a library. Instead of coming to us, and supporting him in his second visit, this old horrible man (who may be a librarian or library tech)walked up and told us we need to restrain her child or leave. Honestly, it felt racially motivated, as we are all black. I am trying to figure out who to contact about this, because I am very angry. read more

What a cozy library! Lots of natural light and slow foot traffic. For my AC transit riders out there, it is located at a 51A bus route, has a stop right outside the building. I believe this is of the smaller "branch" Alameda County library as opposed to the main library on the East end. It's one giant room but has plenty of work spaces if you're into that. Only caveat is, as one would easily guess, you can hear everything. So if you happen to be trying to focus on a day where there is a routine book reading going on... good luck (I'd have to say though, it was kind of a cute distraction!). One thing I have noticed that I love most about the Alameda libraries are they have built in tables with dedicated desk lamps. I do appreciate this lighting which really helps when we have our lovely daylight savings... read more

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This library is our favorite. Ms. Virginia is the Best Librarian you could meet; kind, smart, and really cares. She and the other librarians here will help you with anything you need! This place in my opinion deserves a 10 out of 10. read more

I came here on a really hot day. Unfortunately, this library wasn't much cooler inside and the windows weren't open all the way so it was actually kind of uncomfortable. The space is small and the furniture smells a bit old and dingy (one of their sofas had an off smell as if it wasn't being wiped down at all). Although the library is small, I didn't get a cozy vibe to the library. I waked in and the librarians just glared at me before they returned to their work. It was almost as if they were not happy to see me coming in. I guess I don't expect a greeting these days but the glare was what caught me off guard. Maybe she was having a bad day. Street parking in front of the library can be tricky. Two hour spots and some days are closed for street cleaning so be sure to read the signs. It would be nice if they had a parking lot. read more

It's a nice charm in the neighbourhood. It's more for children and I could say chefs, other than that he Main library is more flexible with books. read more

Great place for kids & cooks, but that's mainly about it. Very small place w/ not much more than children's books and cookbooks. Some fiction books if you're interested... Magazines... I also feel like this location looks a lot bigger on the outside than it actually is on the inside. ... Hopefully in time they'll acquire a more diverse selection of material. read more

I really want to like this library. It's a darling old building and we don't live to far from it. I've given it several try's and it just doesn't work for me. Based on the other reviews it seems perfect for other people. Perhaps it's because they've been coming for a long time. We moved to Alameda in January. Having lived I several places I'm used to how libraries work and I we have a young child so I've tried to always make it a fun thing. Here are my issues. 1.) The hours. It just isn't open enough. It's open 4 days a week with random hours. For regulars who are used it it's probably not an issue but whenever I want to swing in and grab a few books it never seems to be open. 2.) The staff. Other people seem to love the staff. Again maybe it's just me but I feel like they can be a little snippy and not super helpful. I don't need to get into the he said she said stuff but I will say this. In case you forget your library card this is the only library I've gone to where they are unable to look you up using an i.d. So don't forget your library card. Lastly, if you have children don't expect the staff to be overly kind. Unfortunately for us we will not be going back here. read more

We love weekly Peter Rabbit storytime and the "1000 stories before kindergarten" program. Also, the bi-monthly crafts! Great children's section and art work. Not the most toddler/preschooler friendly, despite their best efforts. read more

The West End Library of Alameda needs some upgrades. It's almost like those old old small libraries you see in the movies. It's dark and musty in there and the books are dusty! Almost a little creepy if you ask me. I would not want to be in there at night. The one time I went inside, there were only a handful of patrons inside. No electronic check-out and the computers that they have are very few. I only stopped by once and brought my laptop to work on something. The wifi was acceptable though. Other than that, I only went by to return books at the book drop if I was too lazy to go to the Alameda Main Branch on Park St. read more

One half of this small library is devoted to children. It is a child friendly place. The warm wonderful librarians will happily dive into researching book suggestions for your child's interest of the month. They are kid friendly and do great storytimes with songs and stories. read more

We visit this small, comfortable and recently updated library once a week. The staff is friendly and helpful. The children's section has small tables, couches and chairs for browsing the comprehensive collection of books. We are very happy to have such a fabulous library on the West End! read more

I love this library. It is a neighborhood library (meaning not the main one) and thus smaller. The magazine/ cookbook selection is amazing. The service is friendly and parking is easy to find. Love it. read more

The West End Library on Alameda is pretty spectacular. It looks, on the outside and the inside, like a library in an old movie. One of the staff told me it was originally a WPA building, and it looks the part. It's tiny and doesn't have a hundred computers, but they have the Main for that. This is a branch library, so of course it's smaller! But it's super cute and has friendly, attentive staff. Plus there's some awesome art and a long wooden relief murals of birds and rabbits that's bizarre but totally add charm. They also seem to have a lot of programming for kids and families, which must make many of the area residents happy. read more