Mountain View Public Library - Mountain View, California

Angelica K

My bay area library reviews continue... I lived in Mountain View years ago and when I visit downtown Castro, sometimes I go by the library out of nostalgia, and because to me it's one of the most beautiful libraries especially with the lovely park outside, close proximity to the Caltrain and the lively downtown of variety shops and food spots to discover.

I used to babysit and bring the kiddos here in the afternoons, the children's and teens sections are awesome and have great selection and activities.
The second floor is bright and spacious with a lot of selections as well, computers, meeting rooms, tables. The only thing is cell service isn't the best, but I guess you can connect to the Wi-Fi to help with that. I also prefer to quietly do things on my own without any staff assistance or sit outside so I haven't had any negative experiences that some have mentioned, but to each their own. Ask questions if needed. Libraries are/should continue to be a place of helpful resource, peace and quiet, education and contemplation, and patience and kindness ?

Vignesh M

Pretty good library in the Bay area. ( -1 stars for homeless and smelly Bathrooms ) I have been to many libraries in NYC ( including ones at Columbia, NYU ), LA, SF( including ones at UCB) and this one is pretty good except for what I mentioned above. It's location is awesome and is situated right next to a park. I also like the fact that it's not pretentious and very functional. I have been to libraries which are hundreds of years old and their systems and amenities reflect that usually. This library has self checkout, which means you can scan and take books on your own. You can also drop off books in the weekend or holidays by using the drop off box which also scans and checks you out. I got a library card with 30 mins of work showing my lease and Id. I applied online in a form which took 2 mins to fill and the staff printed my card in 3 mins. The staff were super friendly as I was trying to do this all at a time with 12 mins left to closing time. Great collection of fiction and non fiction books. They also have Kpop and puzzles. The online website could definitely use a rework but hey at Columbia U where there were 16 libraries and I even worked temporarily in one and their systems are way more ancient. They are also piloting a book bot which goes around collecting library books on the main Street ( it was operated by a guy though ), I guess they are still testing this out. Plenty of seating and parking space.

Geekette Bits Great Bits, Tasty Bytes

Fantastic library. Non-permanent residents can still check out two books. Postcard verification can be sent to your temporary residence. Permanent residence can check out 100 items at a time. Very friendly and attentive staff. Additionally lots of resources and events!

Divya Agrawal

3/29/21 - Shout out for well organized, socially distanced grab and go book service option at the library which let's one schedule a pickup, or drop by and request pick up of items on hold in their name through the voice service.
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Update - Hats off to the staff who are making it possible for us to pick up books during the shelter in place. The lines are well organized for contactless delivery, and the staff brings the books out for each person.
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This public library has really good collection of books and other materials for elementary school kids. They also have a summer reading program to keep students interested in books during the long summer vacation.

I have been visiting this library for the last four years, and don't recount a single incident when the librarians were impolite or not ready to help.

In fact, my 8 year old has begun to talk to the librarians independently since they are so forthcoming.

The library also organizes events for kids and adults alike.. we have participated in magic shows, and music events for kids and absolutely liked the experience

B

lovely library with a section for children (they have their own little decorated entrance) on the first floor. there's also a teen section on the first floor. they have a section of video games for the switch and playstation and Wii. they have a second floor for adults. overall the ambiance was very nice and clean and well organized. the outside is also very cool with the toad's party which kids can recognize from children books. there are even creatures in the trees.

Bill Wang

It's clean. The view is very wide and the lighting is very abundant, you can watch the children play around in the park and it is in the city center.

Carsten Streichardt

just a conglomeration of illogical rules and zero respect for their patrons whatsoever. very disappointing as downtown mountain view as a whole is usually not half bad

i have given this establishment multiple chances as policies are policies, whatever. however, with each new time an arbitrary rule appears, the more it feels like they are okay with disregarding our experience. so while i do understand that “rules are rules”, they are doing a poor job communicating the reasons surrounding these bizarre rules.

Martin Reid

Beautiful, well-organized, and clean library. It’s not a big one, but it makes good use of the space it has. I love to spend time here. Computers are good library computers. The study rooms are well-kept, clean, and organized. The staff is friendly and extremely efficient. One drawback is that the entire inside of the library is a complete dead zone for cell coverage (at least it was for me with T Mobile), so keep that in mind. They do offer free WiFi, however.

Also, their selection of dance & electronic music is extremely well curated (most places that offer CDs to sell, rent, or borrow only have token coverage in the dance & electronic section). I have been an enthusiast of electronic music for nearly a decade, and I can tell you I’ve never seen a better public CD collection for that kind of music. All the classics and major artists are there, along with tons of the Fabric and Fabriclive series (including very recent additions), plenty of good mixes, and even some Burial and Arca.

I love this library!