Berkeley Public Library - Berkeley, California

Alex Vinogradov

This library is quiet and has plenty of study tables, which makes it a great place to study. Most areas have adequate lighting which is, i think, important as well. Librarians are friendly and helpful.

Anon E. Mouse

This is the central branch of the Berkeley Public Library system. The building is historical and is architecturally interesting, like many other large city libraries. The library spans five floors and also contains a small discount bookstore operated by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library. There is a great selection of books and media, as well as space for studying. Community events are hosted here daily.

Joy Liu

This library is a treasure trove!!! There are five layers. Make sure to check out the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library store on the first floor (there’s a section of “paperbacks well worth reading” for fifty cents), the ten cent microfilm reader in the fiction section on the second floor, children’s library on the third floor, and the art and music collection on the fifth floor. There’s so much interesting programming and it truly connects and serves the community. You can ask for hygiene supplies at the front desk.

Amanda Hotaling

Update: Well, have to drop my 5 star rating. They've started refusing to allow me to bring in my scooter to charge after nearly 4 months of no problems at all. It's been a real problem where I had to walk the last couple miles home in the dark pushing my scooter a few times in Oakland. Hopefully I can find a new place to charge for free. Feels so unfair. I suddenly can't bring in my scooter, but that guy with two large suitcases and a duffle bag? Sure, come on in. Hopefully you won't start screaming in people's faces! ?

Previously: Love this library! It's fairly clean and they're pretty great from what I've seen. I commute a good distance by electric scooter, so I often come in here to recharge for an hour or two for free since I don't have any spare money to pay for coffee at cafes every day or to round trip on the BART. I'll sit next to my scooter and study while it charges. The only complaint really is that a large number of homeless are here during opening hours to sleep or get shelter. I don't mind them really, but they sometimes start yelling at people like how some do in the streets.

Kevin Kunze

I go here maybe once every 2 weeks for books and movies. Staff is really friendly and helpful. Free 10 min parking outside. Better than the other branches in Berkeley. And you can also request books and movies online and pick them up in bulk. Huge time saver ? ?

Maria Yamamuro

The building may look rather old and historical from the outside, but it's so clean and modern on the inside! I forgot how much I love spending time at public libraries until I came here. All the rooms are labeled and easy to find, and the secured wi-fi connection is smooth as silk. They also have a computer lab area for printing and copying (although I'm not sure if it's free for everyone). Even if you're not much of a book worm, this is still a great place for quiet time with your laptop and a coffee.

Kasparov The God of War

Super helpful and super friendly Librarians ready to answer any questions.. Don't be shy to ask them for anything. they're there to help.

Albert Wu

Pretty nice public library. In deed, as pointed out by other reviewers, there are some homeless people hanging around inside and out, and 80% of the noise in the library does come from the staff. If the library does not keep two staff in each area, it might be quieter.

Parking is expensive. It’s 3.50 per hour. It’s only a block from BART though.

It’s generally good one as a city library, but the other BPL I know, Boston Public Library, is at least 3 times better.