Small library with a shaded, closed in patio and kind and helpful staff. There is a small parking lot in the rear. read more

Willow Glen Branch Library - Enclosed and shaded patio seating. - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

This library is fantastic, situated in a lovely location. Although there is only one study room available for a maximum of one hour, it would be great to have more options. It would also be beneficial to have more San Jose library cards for renewal purposes. The staff is extremely friendly, supportive, and willing to assist. They went above and beyond to help my mother with obtaining her library card, showing great care and kindness. The collection of books is extensive, however, it would be wonderful to see an increase in French and Arabic titles, as they are quite rare in this library as well as other San Jose branches. Overall, I have a deep appreciation for this library and highly recommend it to others. read more

Our neighborhood library! This is a great downtown location and close to shops and restaurant yet still tucked away in a quiet area. My daughter and I love coming here. When she started to read, we would frequent here as she is fascinated with a lot book selections for easy readers. Up to this day, she and I would come for quiet hours where she can get lost in books and for me to work - Wi-Fi is free! There are a lot of spaces to sit down. They also offer activities here, check the website for a list of upcoming events. If you forget your library card, they can help you with figuring out your card number and can easily check out. Parking is free but limited spaces. There are also a few 5 minute parking spaces for your quick returns. read more

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I've loved this branch for a long time but they have really helped me through the pandemic with their minimal contact book pickup. You reserve online and then go during specific hours to pick up: Tuesday to Saturday 2-6pm. You call or text and give them your library card number and they bring the book to you. They let the books sit for four days after they're returned before lending them again. The staff is always masked and the have a whole setup outside with distanced tables to keep you socially distanced. Staff are always friendly and the process usually takes about 5 min. Super smooth. read more

Love this library !! All the employees are always so so kind and eager to help if you have any questions along with with very knowledgeable! In addition, my daughter just lovevveesss the children's section ! So much to do and choose from.. you won't regret coming to this library ! read more

I love coming to this Library. They simply have a ton of computers that are available to use almost at all times. If you're a parent I see tons of children there, which I think it's an amazing thing to expose your kids not only to reading but that reading is fun and you can meet people. I also see a lot of adults using the computer section or reading some of the books for adults as well. I use this library often and the staff seems to be super friendly and helpful. I have lost my Library Card multiple times and they have been super helpful and understanding of giving me another one. Also they have a printer and they show you how to do it if it's the first time you are printing. I wish they had a scanner as sometimes I need to scan documents but they always recommend people on going to Minnesota Market where they have a faxing machine. They also used to have a vending machine which they recently got rid of but I hope they bring it back. read more

Great community library. Staff are very helpful. Plenty of parking spaces. Clean inside and out. read more

Willow Glen Branch Library - Kid area - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

What a great visit to my local public library. Haven't been here in a while so when I needed to renew my library card, BRETT was extremely professional and respectful to my request. I simply needed to print out some documents and received such a great experience during my visit that I felt the need to HIGHLIGHT this library immediately. Thanks again and I will be back soon. read more

Willow Glen Branch Library - Willow Glen Public Library - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

Ok, I'm a regular at Willow Glen Branch Library and just wanted to give a shout out to this branch for their stellar customer service skills after witnessing entitled behavior. The teen room (in which the lady was complaining about) is clearly marked for 12 to 18 year olds. Staff was probably only allowing her to use it be nice, when it's their policy to reserve that room exclusively for teens to have a safe, private space. After seeing how this staff is treated by some who are entitled (it's Willow Glen after all) like D.R.'s review, I just wanted to give them kudos. They always go above and beyond and we're so thankful to be living close to the Willow Glen community. read more

This was a really cute book sale, and not just because you pay a dollar per inch of books ;) The Friends of Willow Glen Library Book Sale takes place behind the Willow Glen Public Library on a semi annual basis. It has some great positives and a couple negatives I'll talk a little bit about. On the positive side, a dollar per inch is a really great deal. It's not quite a dollar a book, but for the thinner books, it really allows you to go whole hog. The ladies staffing the front were also incredibly friendly and sweet and really made the experience a fun one! That being said a few things could have made the experience better. I'd have really liked the books to have been in some sort of genre order. They were grouped by Fiction and Non-Fiction in no particular order, which meant I spent more time than I wanted just trying to find the finance books I was interested in. I'm also not thrilled the Friends of Willow Glen Library doesn't seem to have their own website. We just happened to be at the Library today, but had we not we wouldn't have known there was a sale, because nothing on the sjpl.org website lists the book sale (very much unlike the Evergreen and Santa Teresa branches). It was really only listed on the Willow Glen city page - which I have to say I've been negligent in checking. All in all I had a great experience at the book sale, but I feel it definitely needs better marketing if it's going to bring people in! read more

Cute, little library. I came her to sign up for a library card so that I can utilize my ipad to check out e-books plus introduce my little one to a library. I've checked out a few books on my iPad and the process is a little confusing. Some books are available through different applications so you have to download that app. There's a fairly large space for kids and toddlers. There are 2 computers in the kids room that has programs to learn shapes, alphabet, animals, music, etc. Lots of books for kids and the way they display the books makes me want to read them. The only downside is that I didn't see many board books available. Nevertheless a great local library! read more

the staff needs some humanity training Based on the treatment my boyfriend and I received today, it appears that the librarians on duty could do with some training in not making assumptions. Rather, a lot of training because it appears that one librarian assumed I was a teenager (I'm 43) and clearly hates teens. The other librarian, to her credit, tried not to make assumptions but was still ultimately pretty rude. Libraries are public spaces. The public comes in. They may not know all of the public. Some of us middle-aged women aren't automatically tethered to children, and we use libraries for reasons other than an aid in child rearing. ...the librarians should know this, right? read more

I just finally stopped in to check out the new digs after all that renovation and what a truly lovely building. It's SUPER cozy in there, they have a fireplace, an internet cafe, a separate quiet room and plenty of seating to relax and flip through books. I happened to go during the after school time and the place was full of tweens and kids. It was pretty loud in there, which is why I think so many adults had escaped to the srsly quiet room that was paneled in glass with the door closed. It's a very small location, with a very limited amount of books. However, that is why you get online and "order" your books from the huge library system in place and get them delivered to this neighborhood location. Plenty of staff on hand to help you out, but they have the self-check out computers so you will have to do it all yourself. For the electronic challenged the most consistent experience I have had with them is that they don't stop to read and watch the pretty pictures on the computer that show you exactly how to check out your books. HA. at a library, not reading things. HAHAHAHA. Anyway, I digress, the point is that this is a very lovely community spot and its just a truly lovely building. Kudos San Jose Library!! read more

This library is somewhat removed from the busyness of downtown Willow Glen, and I find it to be charming, cozy, and well-organized. However, there are two things about this branch's location that I find challenging: 1) The limited parking, although nearby street parking is also available; and 2) Coming from the Lincoln Avenue direction, I almost always miss the library's driveway and end up travelinv past the building. I don't think that there is an easy solution to either of these issues, though. read more

Good, comfortable library. Also it's clean and most of all, it is quiet. One gripe that I have about the library is that it is tiny. I've gone to both the Alum Rock and the Tully libraries and those libraries are much larger. It could be that it is pricier in Willow Glen. The only other gripe is that the vending machines have only diet sodas. Why does it have only diet sodas? Even though it has the two downsides, I still like it and will come as I work nearby. read more

This review is for the story time only, it supposes to last until 11 am but the story teller always ended early, at least 10 mins sometimes which is quite a bit of a time, this is not included the time she announced the announcements at the beginning of the session. read more

Love three children section here is very big and love that it has its own room! The parking isn't that great so beware. Don't recommend coming after school hours. There childerns story time is very crazy so if you do go be warned. Not recommend for Childer under 3 years old since it is very busy and a little crazy. The library is very clean and the libraries are very nice. read more

Cute neighborhood library. Has everything you need without being overcrowded. I was amused there was a snack machine for the days when you're studying or just need a snack while reading a book or surfing the net. The self checkout is great but also find it convenient that the staff is always walking around to see if you need assistance. The children's section has a wide variety to choose from and it was very easy to sift through books that I needed for my classroom. The only thing that I dislike about this location is that there are only about 20 parking spaces. There is 5 minute parking to drop your books off but I think next time I come here, I'm going to have to ride my bike. read more

It's a beautiful space, for sure. Clean, has a fireplace, an internet cafe..love going here during my lunch hour for a quick office reprieve. My major gripe with this library is that it's not good for browsing. at all. they don't have a huge selection on books for adults--just a handful of bookcases. They do, however, have a great children's book selection. My favorite way to use the library is to request a book to be dropped off at the Willow Glen branch for me. Then, when I go to the library there are books that I want to read waiting for me. Hooray for sjlibrary.org! read more

Not open anymore? I'm visiting from Seattle, WA where libraries are open 7 days a week. This stupid thing is closed? No hours posted on either the front or back of the library? Boo. One star. Oh, and it's dirty. Look at all the newspapers piling up in back - see photo. read more

Willow Glen Branch Library - Dirty library with newspapers piling up. - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

I can honestly say I really love this library. I'm currently doing my second Masters and I come to this place because I can get a lot of work done. They have a private study room that people can utilize, but I also like the fact that they have an open patio where one can study. This is especially great if the weather is awesome. All the times that I have been there it has never been too noisy, even the children area is pretty quiet. In addition, they also host a lot of great activities for both kids and their families. Overall a great place and the wi-fi is easy to connect to. read more

Mr. Ned, the librarian, who does the children's story times is a "rock star!!" My daughter and the other children adore him and he puts his heart and soul into EVERY story time. On an aside I am a children's librarian and educator so I'm extremely picky and have been to many story times in the bay area. The library staff is helpful and friendly and as a resident of Willow Glen I think our library is a gem! I just wish it were open more days!! read more

I can't believe no one has Yelped this place. Its almost 4 days since it has opened up :) I think this is by far the best San Jose LIbrary that I've visited. San Jose Library system is great by itself, and this library is like a Cherry on your Sundae The library is in a brand new building and has a very contemporary design. Inside, its stocked with lots of books, computers, movies etc. Now that's expected, but here's why I think this one is special: - Most books I saw were brand new! - The children section is (still) neatly stacked, and has got a mind boggling selection - This library has tons of Audio books. And YES, they are CDs (Some other libraries have tons of audio cassettes) Audio selection is limited, but that doesn't matter to me. The library has a nice courtyard, and also a fireplace with a nice seating area. It has bike lockers outside as well Overall, nice neighborhood library. read more

Beautiful library with a decent selection of books. They don't have a ton, but you can order them from libraries within the system and they'll send you a notification via email. Easy to use web page to order and search for books, and the library staff is very helpful. Parking can be a pain during peak hours, but there is street parking as well. read more

This is my new favorite place in the world since going out on maternity leave over 4 weeks ago. Since recently re-vamping, the place seems kind of tiny. Well, that could be because the time they were rebuilding, I went to the King library. However, it really has everything you need in the smaller space. There are tons of new release DVDs, including many TV series and foreign movies. This library is always clean, never crowded, such a nice, cool atmosphere, and is most importantly, quiet. Some other important features: this library has a huge, wide open kids section for all the kids in the neighborhood. It also has a teen room where all the middle-school age kids seem to hang out in (under close watchful eye of the employees). Also, they have a fairly popular computer lab, which gives users access to technology when needed. The fiction/nonfiction section of the library is rather small, but I always find at least a book to check out with minimal effort (unlike King). The lack of selection gives way to easier access. This library is beautiful and my favorite. :) read more

The parking lot is REALLY small. What could be worse? People driving the wrong direction in this small lot or driving in reverse to get into a space. Rude people use the 5 min space for more than the allotted time. Why do I bother trying to be a polite citizen? So, I walk here. The problem with returning books when the place is closed is that you have to walk in the road to get to the box. Yes, with aforementioned clueless crazy drivers possibly running you down. Also, the first time I went there, the librarian haughtily told me that I could not get a library card there- had to apply online for it. I ended going to the main MLK branch and got a card in minutes. Other attempts to interact with librarians have been less than positive. So, I ignore everyone and just use self checkout. Yes, this is Silicon Valley. Why bother having human interaction? Pros- great children's section. I really want to support public spaces like this. However budget cuts have left this place with really limited hours. read more

Such a cute little library - especially if you have a little one! They have an ADORABLE kid's area section, where it's toys & books (duh) galore. From infants to grade school kids, it's a super happy place! Moms with infants sit and chat with other moms (go, resource, go!) while toddlers interact with each other to make new playmates. Some moms are busy trying to read to their super mobile kids, and other moms are just enjoying this atmosphere. Love it! Very limited study areas available. But great for moms in San Jose! read more

I really love this branch. The staff is very helpful and space is very well deigned. They always seem to have interesting and new books that I love to read. They also have a kids area and lot of selection for kids. There is so much rich content here so really don't waste time reading junk content on social media and visit your local library instead. read more

So easy and efficient to open a new card. The setup is nice and easy to follow and easy to find the right book. I was looking for a specific book and the main librarian was so helpful and looked up the book for me. It was currently on rent, but i had the option or reserve it and pick it up as soon as it was returned. 2 days later I got an email saying the book was ready to pickup. So easy and convenient!! read more

I feel like many San Jose libraries are a lot nicer than many of the ones I went to in San Diego and Willow Glen is no exception. Everything looks nice and new. They have an "internet cafe" area with vending machines as well as nice tables, couches, and chairs. This is a good place to study though I wish it were open later, but I guess you can only expect so much from a place that's government owned. Beautiful children's section as well. Haven't had a chance to browse the other sections yet. Definitely want to check it out again sometime. read more

Such a cute, cozy library. My girls love this library! They also have different events there that are enjoyable for kids and adults as well. Their hours have changed, and they are now open on Mondays from 1-7, Tuesdays-Wednesday from 10-7, I believe. Thursday- Saturday, hours are the same. Deducting 1 star because the parking lot is small. read more

My San Jose library card is older than most of the people who work at the library. And I admit up front, I do not like the SJ Library system. Aside from the Link+ service, there is little this library system has to offer me. The inventory is so small at the Willow Glen Branch, browsing is useless. When I search for books, many are "missing" in the system. No holds are allowed on DVD's, so the small WG library is not useful for DVD's. When l use the Link+ service, the WG staff is reluctant to give me a receipt for returning a Link book, in spite of the warning that I will be charged $115 if the book is lost. But the Link+ service is very useful and I will continue to use it. If they stop the Link service I won't need a SJ library card. I will be paying the $80 to continue to use the County library system. It works out about the same price as Netflix. read more

Love this library. You can tell this library was designed well with a lot of thought. It has designated areas for everyone's different needs and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. read more

Picture this Saturday afternoon maybe three people in the library I was on a bike ride decided to stop in to take a break and do a little reading unfortunately I forgot my bike lock so I bought the bike in and put it on the side away from anything and everybody a few minutes later some guy who I guess is the main employee comes over and tells me that I'm not allowed to leave my bike in there because it's there policy.. fine I understand although it wasn't blocking anything and there was nobody there to speak of I grudgingly moved it outside and put it off to the side against the wall completely away from any blockage or impeding of the entrance .I go to sit down and continue my reading and this guy who happen to be very unfriendly and just apparently not open for exceptions came over and gave me another lecture about how I'm not allowed to leave my bike along the wall even though it wasn't blocking anything and that I had to use the bike racks which are farther down and away from line of sight so it could be easily stolen -this guy had no need to be so strict on a quiet Saturday and I was just trying to relax but he ruined my day with his uptight and unnecessary "rules" whoever he is he is definitely a killjoy and not cool in the least. No need to be that uptight...lame read more

Moved into the area just less than a year ago, and I love this little library. Love how clean, friendly and walking distance from where I live. I also love how easy it was to get a library card. Happy to have this place in our neighborhood. read more

Great library for some fun reading time with baby/kid or for some adult time to read and study. I am currently studying for my CFP exam and go to the library often to study and find the library to be a nice quiet atmosphere to get work/reading done. Also, I just had a baby a few months ago and I take her to the library often to enjoy some fun reading time. She loves the library. This library is small but is very well used by the community. The staff are friendly and I like that I am almost always able to find parking...and when I need a break, I just walk down the street to Starbucks. :) read more

This is an inviting, intimate library with many friendly staff to assist. Anna F. is especially friendly and helpful.

Books and books and books and books. Some in nooks, some on hooks others Just-On Bieber looks. Buy a horse learn of divorce or just take a masters course. Return it early, return it late you can even wait wait wait. Read of love read of hate, search M.L.K books on tape. Learn to skate, get a date and all about that dirty snake. Drive the hood, walk the wood, read of little red riding hood. Fix a widget, trick a midget they moo and moo and moo and moo, they just wont make me hummus stew. Collect a zoo, learn to brew and all about that that thing called glue. Listen here, listen there, listen anywhere ITS TRASH! ITS TRASH! ITS TRASH TRASH TRASH! Rock is trash -- just listen to the Clash. I'm wrong of course, just not about that flying horse. Click a mouse, check a box it's fantastic Mr. Fox. Find time to live a rhyme -- its a spouse, get out out the house you dirty rotten little grouse. Is he green? is he red? This is where to get ahead. Checkout Seuss, be a moose or go and read Mother Goose, learn to quack learn to sing it's as simple as a string. THE QUEEN! THE QUEEN! She has a moat. DING DONG DING DONG, it's that Billy Goat. Caffeine! Caffeine! I need a boat. KING KONG KING KONG, I've been misquote! See our table? Tell a fable. Flip Flop! Flip Flop! Are you able? Flat-top, stable mop, roller skate, cable hop. Up high, down low paint the gable, go dog go. Try, try, try to reach the rack, turn the page, jump the track, it's Flo Jo! Flo Jo! she won't look back. Find the card, read the bard, find the map, track a cat. IT'S - JIMMY JIMMY what a brat! It's not hard to get a card, it's not far to fix a car just use that pickle in a jar. Books on books on books on books. Some on brooks, some on crooks still ever more Just-On Bieber looks. read more

this place is fabulous, lots of bike parking. only gripe is why the heck its closed MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS AND SUNDAYS???????? WHY read more

This library is pretty small but it had a great kids section and a small computer lab. I prefer the MLK in downtown but it's really hard to park there so it's nice to reserve for pick up at this location where there's a lot. The staff is really nice and it's close to bills cafe which is one of my favorite brunch spots in the south bay. Books + brunch not a bad way to spend a lazy sunday! read more