Alameda Free Library - Alameda, California

Barbara Y.

This library is an absolute gem! I recently requested a few academic books and was impressed with how quickly they were available for pickup. The quality of the books is fantastic—well-maintained and up-to-date. The staff are always helpful, and they provide personalized recommendations based on my reading interests. I find that the library offers great value by providing access to countless resources for free, which is perfect for someone on a budget. Truly a top-notch facility!

Alisa F.

Our family loves coming to this library branch. We predominantly are in the kids section (though have also borrowed from the upstairs manga section), & appreciate the wide variety of books available. There are also a lot of kids books in other languages too which is helpful for language practice! Beyond kids books, there are puzzles, toys, board games, computer games, coloring pages, reading time & probably more we haven't done still. The staff, in our experience, have been kind, & helpful.

Lei N.

The Alameda Free Library is a great spot for book lovers, offering a peaceful environment to browse and study. Compared to the West End Library, this location has the added benefit of a parking lot, although it can sometimes be a challenge as a few people tend to take advantage of it without visiting the library. The library is spacious, with two stories filled with books, study rooms, and computers for public use.

The staff here is always friendly and helpful, making my visits even more pleasant. There's also a little café in the back offering pastries and simple drinks, perfect for a quick snack during a break. I really enjoy wandering through the aisles to discover new books. The book drop-off, pickup, and checkout process is straightforward and efficient.

Requesting books on their website is easy as long as you have a library card. If the book you're looking for isn't in their catalog, they offer an interlibrary loan program that lets you borrow from a wide variety of libraries across California, which is a fantastic resource.

The library hours are decent, though I do wish they opened a bit earlier. Overall, it's a wonderful place to spend time, and I always leave with something new to read.

Kris J.

Came in on a Sunday afternoon to print a document. The printer steps were complicated. A front desk woman named Vanny was SO helpful and friendly. Thank you!

Chandra

Treat people the way you want to be treated......with respect.

I was reading and I lost track of the time. Suddenly, I am startled by the sound of a loud voice giving the order,"Time to go." I looked up and realized, it's not another patron. . It's someone who actually works at the library. What he really wanted to say was, Get Out!. It's pretty much the same thing. It made me really mad! I was enjoying this book! Plus he was loud so I felt singled out and embarrassed Total momentary mood killer. And a bit of a downer. Thanks a lot. I was already having a bad day and trying make it better by doing something positive.

I didn't hear him tell anyone else around me: Time to go. ....🤨, Is excuse me or some other form of verbal etiquette too much to say? Does it really take that long to address someone with courtesy? Please go get yourself some manners. They are actually free to anyone who wants to use them. They really do make interactions more pleasant. Perhaps he felt like I was ignoring him by just sitting there pretending to read? Or maybe he just didn't care and wanted to go home. Either way, being rude helps no one. And it certainly doesn't encourage a cooperative reaction.

Thank goodness one of us has impeccable manners 😊

And what if I'd reacted with rudeness and aggression? That's how you literally instigate unnecessary conflicts by being thoughtless and inconsiderate in approaching someone in any setting.

I wanted to say something to him but, I didn't think he'd care. So, I decided this was a safer way to express my disdain for his lack of professional etiquette . I'm at the library on a Saturday because I love to read , it's peaceful and it's a very positive inspirational environment. Usually anyway......

This is a public library Mr whoever you are, not your own personal space. I don't expect to be confronted with disrespectful behavior from any staff here. . I'm not rude, so why be rude to me?

Then I see him holding the door open. So obviously I opened my own door. It's just the principle of being ejected from the library by someone who thinks I'm not worth being polite to. No thanks Rudeness. I'll open my own door

Manners are still relevant, expected and appreciated at any library from those who work there. 👎

Herbert Y.

Rich collection of books, CD, DVD etc. Quiet, nice and clean environment. Love it. With books in other languages, make it turely international and global friendly library.

Ericka H.

Went for their after hours event, Black Resonance. Very good show on June 29 with James Spooner, creator of the Afro Punk documentary. My daughter's band performed, Chimera. We traveled from Los Angeles for the gig and it was well worth it! Nice and clean with friendly staff. Well lit; felt safe. Wonderful show!

FD

A wonderful, clean, well-lighted place. Plenty of nooks and chairs in which to sit and have a good read. Nice staff. I personally really enjoy getting a cup of coffee at the Friends Cafe downstairs.