If you're looking for a great, free rainy day activity for kids in Davis, this is it! Our almost 2…read moreyear old had a blast playing with their play kitchen, trains and puppet stage today! I was impressed by the Student Art Exhibition as well! Looking forward to returning to explore more! SYOY! :-)

A good library, it looks to be older on the outside, but the inside is still pretty new looking…read more Maybe they updated it or something. This library is open everyday, so that's nice b/c none of the Sac Public Libraries is open on Sundays or Mondays. I can't believe this one is open even on Sundays, great for kids to hang out on a lazy Sunday afternoon. As I entered, there's the kids' area on the left side, it's like a separate wing altogether and it's nice and colorful in there. It's really big too, so kids must really enjoy that space and I saw quite a few kids there on a late weekday afternoon, maybe cuz it's summer time. Lots of kids books on shorter shelves and several kids' computers w/preloaded software for them. Back towards the entrance of the library you'll find the info/front desk where the librarians and assistants are available to help you find books etc. Then there's shelves of books and towards the back of the library, but still in the middle as you look in, there's a friends of the library book sale and an area where you can eat and there are a couple of vending machines so you can buy a snack and drink. There's even a charging stand with multiple cords for different phones if you need to recharge your phone. The right side of the library is where teens and adults sections are and there's a dedicated teens room, and a couple of study rooms as well as a huge and really nice study room named after some lady who's a local person of importance and the room is filled with old books and is pretty amazing to study in although it was kind of hot and stuffy in there so I just peeked in and didn't stay. Finally, towards the far right side of the library are all the circulating movie and TV DVDs and there were a ton compared to other libraries I've seen as well as CDs which interesting, is still popular here. And lots of seating and reading loungers, but mostly desk and chairs for studying. All in all this is a pretty nice and big library, older, but well-kept.

I really like the newly updated library. Not only has it been freshened up inside but the outside…read moremakes it even more inviting. The artwork and natural aesthetic makes one want to linger and take in the beauty. Well done!

This review is for FRIENDS OF VACAVILLE LIBRARY (FOVL) operating the WORDS OF WONDER (WOW)…read moreBOOKSTORE located inside this Vacaville Cultural Center Library. The WOW bookstore is open several days per week. It sells donated, used books, CDs, etc., and it is staffed by volunteers. I signed up to volunteer, and was really excited to learn more about donating time to the Book Store and its Board of Directors, as discussed with Volunteer Coordinator Michelle. However my experience when attending the group orientation onsite was met with prejudice and discrimination by Director Cathy. When I arrived for orientation the library staff at the Information Desk directed me to the bookstore located inside and to the right. However the bookstore door was locked. I could see the lights were on and someone was inside so I tapped lightly on the door. Cathy unlocked the door slightly, and looked at me sternly. We were face to face - less than 1 foot apart. I introduced myself, advised I was referred by Michelle, and was there for Volunteer Orientation. Another new volunteer walked up behind me, and said she "was here for the same thing." This volunteer remained about 2 feet behind me. Cathy smiled at her, opened the door wider, reached around and behind me, and shook the other volunteer's hand. Then while looking solely at the other volunteer Cathy told us where to find Michelle and the others (at a table 100 feet away). It was obvious Cathy didn't want to acknowledge, touch or speak with me. The other volunteer was not a woman of color. I am. And since I was clean, well groomed, and well dressed, I can only assume Cathy's indifference and lack of respect was because of a prejudice against women of color. At the very least she didn't feel I deserved the same basic courtesies she extended to the new volunteer standing behind me. Her actions said she didn't value me or my contributions. Shocked by Cathy's overt act of racism I managed to move towards and even participate in the orientation. Alhough I couldn't stop thinking about the way I had been treated. I did tour the bookstore briefly after the group session, at Michelle's urgence. She was excited that I had experience working on and with Boards, and wanted me to meet Cathy. I try to look for the good in people so I decided to give Cathy another chance. However after Michelle introduced us Cathy still didn't give me the greeting she had given my counterpart earlier. No hand shake, no greeting, no smile - just demanded, "tell me (her) about your work history" - with a snarl and superior demeanor. I stopped her interrogation-type inquiry and extended my hand stating I would like to "formally introduce myself." She shook it reluctantly. Still no pleasantries. There was no mistaking that she was speaking with me because Michelle told her someone was interested in volunteering in the bookstore and on the Board of Directors but when she saw it was me she couldn't hide her prejudice, again. I left there knowing I could not volunteer my time or services to an organization whose director looked down upon people and treated them differently because of the color of their skin. I provided feedback to Michelle, and reminded her we are a diverse nation, and expertise and contributions come in all colors. And told her that based on my experience I could not and would not be donating my time or services to FOVL WOW. As long as the Cathy's are in charge here African American or others of color won't be treated with the same dignity and respect. So that's a big no for me.

Cool library. Lots of computers for individual use. Plenty of tables with wooden chairs and surge…read moreprotectors for charging. It can be a bit loud with chatter, cell phone usage, tutoring, etc. If you can focus on what you're working on with audible distractions it's a great place to go for reading, projects, etc. Otherwise bring ear plugs. There are also comfy cushioned chairs for sitting. There is an information desk in the middle of the room for assistance and suggestions. The bathroom is clean and well stocked. Plenty of parking and restaurants nearby if you need to go eat.

This is a really nice library right in the heart of downtown. Make sure you stop by of course to…read moreget some knowledge and also check out whatever else they have to offer. You have games, cookware, and other things like gardening utensils to use as well.

Cute little library, located in downtown Esparto. It is usually nice and quiet during the morning…read moretimes, but when school gets out, its a mad house full of students using the free computer and wifi. The computers are pretty fast but getting one after school can be hard to get. There are plenty of book there (LOL) and you can pretty much find what you are looking for. Heck you can even rent CD's if you want to listen to some hot jams. All in all this library is pretty laid back. Try not to make the Librarian cuz she WILL put you in your place.

This old lady that works there called me fat and told me these exact word "Do not lean in this…read morechair because you are going to break it and I was with some friends that were skinnier than me so if they were leaning in the chair I bet she would not have said anything " and I was answering her and she said I was ignoring her and I am a minor and she is a grown man I mean woman, Also she told us to be quiet and we weren't Evan talking she's just looking for way to kick us out

My 3 year old grand-daughter attends the yoga classes with Miss Gabi and the kids get way more than…read moreyoga. They're taught listening, behaving, taking turns, friendship, appreciation and a calm rarely seen in any 3 year old. The instructor is patient yet firm and in a kind way. I think the kids are getting so much more than just the yoga. This program could be in every schools curriculum and be beneficial!!

Small public library with a variety of items. Besides books, there are audio books, DVD movies,…read moremusic CDs, instruments that can be checked out, and computers with internet access. Free WiFi is also available.

This amazing library is conveniently located by the Woodland Farmer's market! Live playing as we…read morewalked up the stairs! Our little family stopped by Saturday morning. I was impressed by their children's area!! Gorgeous story mural, fun pirate theme with a life size mermaid and pirate! Lot of books and a big indoor play area!! Our toddler had a blast in their play kitchen with other kids, putting together age-appropriate puzzles, playing with transparent tiles, stuffies, dinosaurs and more! They have great summer reading challenges for kids! For example 1,000 books before Kindergarten. Your child places a spaceship on the library wall to track their progress and earns prizes along the way! if we were residents, we would sign up! I would definitely recommend stopping by and checking out this popular library! Your kids will thank you and the staff are really sweet and welcoming! SYOY! :-)

This is such a cool library! I had never been before but popped by to check it out on a weekday…read moreafternoon. The library is absolutely gorgeous and is a historic building that has a large green lawn out front and a parking lot out back. It's deceptively large and very welcoming. The staff are super friendly and happy to help!

I am rapidly becoming an expert on reviewing libraries. I have the kind of job where I have to…read moreperiodically stop somewhere and have an online meeting or do some serious online work. And I have a friend who loves libraries. Turns out libraries are great places to work. In the UC Davis library is fantastic. It has more study space than most libraries, even university libraries. It's perfectly laid out. It's immaculately clean. There are plenty of electrical plugs for your laptop. There are rooms where you could have a small gathering and chat, and there are areas where you can study or work quietly . There's a museum exhibit on the main floor with an interesting display related to agriculture and food. Parking on the UC Davis campus is allegedly very easy, as long as you're willing to pay.

Shields Library is a neat library located on the UC Davis campus. It's open to the public. Parts of…read morethe building and elevators feel a bit dated, but that adds to its character and charm. It's a great place to wander around and explore. I loved looking at the collection of old books. There's a lot of space and seating for studying, reading, or relaxing. There are exhibits in the lobby too that were interesting.

Nice, clean, quiet outdoor square with businesses adjacent on both sides. There's a place to sit…read morefor reflection. Events are held here regularly.

There weren't any events going on here today but it's still a pretty area. I can see how a festival…read moreor farmer's market would fit into this space. Open patio, several tables, lots of shade trees and a pretty canvas awning. Plenty of street parking on Main Street and around the library on Town Square Place. I didn't spend too much time here though as there's really not much going on today. [Review 17574 overall - 370 in California - 1092 of 2022.]

What to say, this place has everything! Besides the usual books, videos, etc., they have useful…read moreitems to borrow,,,,,,everything from weed eaters to binoculers, and State Park passes, check it out. The art gallery, comfy seating (my husband usually falls asleep while waiting for me), interesting public speakers, and a bookstore to buy the CHEAPEST books ever. Finally, the staff goes above and beyond to help you with whatever .This place is AWESOME!!!!

Given its humble, controversial roots going back 30+ years ("Why do we need a library, anyway?!!"…read more It costs my tax dollars!!") this marvelous resource for a smallish town has developed organically and creatively into one of the finest culture, fun and artistic resources a town like ours would want. Over the years, they've never been shy about trying out new policies, events, concerts, outdoor equipment/travel loans, guest speakers and internet webinars.... At 75, I'm running out of breath. But it's crystal clear that they've developed a staff and volunteer team that has fine morale and structure, creative ideas, pleasant and supportive customer service, prompt assistance whenever able, and a truly welcoming atmosphere for the broad, diversified population that it serves -- from toddlers to we senior humans: great job Benicia Public Library! Seldom has persistence, respect and innovation paid off so well for so many. Graci! Rob Peters

My grandma was a staunch St. Helena Library supporter even before the current building...but more…read moreimportantly she was a woman of remarkable interest. Not just an interesting character. Grandma was truly engaged in life and interested in the things around her. A college graduate and one-time newspaper reporter, grandma read voraciously and never owned a television, she preferred to walk places so she could really experience them and made friends wherever she went because she was truly *interested* in what people had to say. Her house was lined wall-to-wall with books, books and more books...and yet the SHPL enticed her with stories and knowledge to be discovered. If you go to the SHPL you will find yourself in a well-lit space, surrounded on three sides by vineyards. And if you curl up near a window and become absorbed in a book, you will find that time passes quickly. When you leave, take a moment to ponder what you've read, and appreciate that your life is now just a little bit richer. Grandma was right, the SHPL is a wonderful library. In addition to a collection of books larger than one would expect for a town this size, you'll also find the SHPL has: - a large room dedicated to children's material - another smaller room of picture books for young kids - an extensive selection of VHS format videos (which Peter's Video no longer carries)...and DVDs too - free wi-fi for your laptop...and a number of PC terminals for easy yelping - the Napa Valley Wine Library collection - movie nights - an art gallery wall - friendly, helpful librarians A five-star library experience and a nice way to spend a SH afternoon. Open daily.

One of the nicer public libraries in the Napa Valley, plus they have a special collection centered…read moreon wine. St. Helena calls itself the Napa Valley's Main Street, so this is appropriate. Not only can you research wine, but they have excellent internet access. If you don't have your own computer, this is the place to go. In addition, they have a neighboring Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, one of the largest collections outside Scotland. The only problematic aspect is the parking. You'll have to do some parallel parking, since the public lots are few.