Berkeley Public Library

Here is a review from my daughter:
This library is a great and peaceful place for me. It is precious and I love to read books. All these different creative shows from all these people. I appreciate how fun it is to be at the library. I love the creative designs of the library you can get. Once I go to the Berkeley public library, I can never wait to go back again and whenever I am at home and I look at my book shelf, I always want to read a book. One of the reasons it;s one of my favorite libraries is that there are so many books and it so close. I love many different libraries because I think books are special and libraries are special.

The most serene place to be when heavy thinking is required and a computer is an added bonus. Thank you Berkeley

This building is so beautiful, which is why I chose this as the library to visit and join. I love the fireplace with the fake furnace and cozy chairs. Wish there was a computer outlet in that area. It seems to only have one floor of books from what I have seen so far. Its a bit bothersome that the librarians refuse to check out books and insist on you using the computers. I really always prefer to have people help me even though I love technology, I want to keep people employed. They have this high tech appearing system for when you return your books. It scans what you return as it goes through a conveyer belt. For it to work properly you are only allowed to place one book through the return slot at a time and you have to wait for the red light to turn green. I am not yet an elderly retired person who has all day to be doing this sort of thing. So boo on that I say. Ironically though, there are no cameras to see if you are actually checking your books out or just standing by the computers, or using them correctly so it would be very easy for someone to walk out with a book that is not checked out. For all the insistence on using technology I thought they would have an online system to place holds on books, check your due dates, check the libraries data base but they do not. Its only impersonal inefficient hardware set ups. Its kind of a poshy place. One of the library books I brought home had a personal check for over a hundred dollars in it wrote out to a charity. I get the vibe that it might be an area where people have alot of money but do not know how to use it sustainably or efficiently. It would be so nice if they had interesting books on cd or music cds other than classical music. A broader cd collection would be so nice. I will probably have to join another library for that.

OMG not sure how I missed reviewing this place since I’m here like twice a week! Beautiful Spanish architecture, helpful librarians, VERY EXCELLENT selection of mystery book! Seriously, if you’re a huge cosy mystery fan, please check out the ENTIRE right-​hand side wall of the main room! The books are in extremely good condition. And if you reserve a book in the central library, they even have the option of holding it for you at the North Library location! I love taking pictures of the inside and captioning them with «But does YOUR library have a fireplace?!»

Wow, I cannot believe I have not reviewed this Berkeley Public Library branch at all. It recently underwent a makeover and a remodel which was greatly needed. I grew up with this library and I was not too keen on the low light, it was kind of dark.
We came back shortly after it reopened. It is much bigger and there have been many improvements. Some I can cope with and one not so much. I am glad books borrowed from any Berkeley public library can be returned here instead of making the trek to downtown Berkeley where parking is a bear and a challenge.
The set up is pretty much the same as I remembered. When I walk in, the Children’s section is on the left, the Adults’ section is on the right. The center portion of the library has been expanded to have a video library, a conference area, a computer monitor, bathroom facilities, and a teen area.
The aforementioned teen area in this library can be quite noisy when there is a gaggle of them. Hmmm, have we forgotten this is a library here?! The door and windows need to be closed and get some air circulated in there so the rest of the library patrons can have some peace and quiet. That is my only gripe about this place.
Other than that, I quite like the much needed improvements of this branch of the Berkeley Public Library.
Fresh Unilocal Review #96 for 2013

ACOUSTICAL PROBLEMS:
1-​Building did-​not consider absorbent and sound isolation material
2– A few staffs talk really loud (as the if they were shouting across the fish market)
3– A number visitors thought this is their private pub
PRO:
Since remodel, the ventilation system works really well.

Great remodel, still my favorite branch!

Ever have the incredible urge to throw something at the back of someone’s head? Just me? Oh, okay.
On days when its patrons decide to convert the study wing into a coffee shop sans caffeine, a big haha and best of luck to you, my friend. This place is great to study when its patrons in said-​wing decide that the concept of quiet is worth exercising.
Other than studying, I’ve only used the bathroom. Single stall, pretty clean. Oh and the study wing looks like a bigger version of where Snow White and the seven dwarves live. Very purty.

You’ve got to be kidding. This should be a pub not a library.
Even with the quietest library voice, sounds bounce every which way. I was blown away by how loud it was in there. I don’t think the architects considered acoustics.
And, there are only family style tables. I don’t know about you but I’m not a huge fan of sitting close to scrungy people who hang out at libraries for free wi-​fi.
It would get 5 stars if it were a bar/​pub. The design is super cool. Just not for a library.

Nice architecture and a pretty big kids’ section.

This was my first time back since they renovated. It was closed for months as they worked, refurbishing and maintaining the original building while adding additional space. They did a marvelous job, treating the original architectural details w/​reverence while adding modern touches like high round windows that open automatically when the temperature/​CO2 levels reach a certain level. All the windows now open, I was told by the lovely, friendly librarian. The tattered carpet and battleship grey linoleum have been replaced by linoleum-​like floor coverings in a warm tan w/​dark brown accents that look appropriate to the period of the building yet still clean and new. The new addition fits seamlessly w/​the original. It contains the bathrooms and other meeting rooms. There’s a downstairs but I didn’t explore it. There are sections for children and for teens, as most modern libraries have. There are computers and tables for people to set up their laptops. Outlets have been added for the laptops. It retains the charm and beauty of the original while adding increased functionality and spic and span neatness. It remains my idea of a perfect library. I was so happy to see it again.

I discovered the N. Berkeley public library in July 2012 while walking around the neighborhood, living near the N. Berkeley BART station, and getting into shape for living on «Holy Hill» where I am now living in housing at PSR and studying at the GTU. While GTU has the largest theological library in the world, the architecture of the library has a cold feeling (think concrete) to it despite the great views of the SF Bay, The N. Berkeley library, on the other hand, feels warm and inviting, even boasting a huge fireplace in the adult reading room. I’m blessed to be a PhD student at GTU/​UC Berkeley (not free), but also appreciate the free resources that Berkeley provides for the public.

Staff can be unfriendly or worse and extremely loud. Some staff members are nice, but it’s hit and miss.
Even though the place is brand new (refurbished), all the computer terminals are jammed up right against each other which is uncomfortable, and privacy, well, you can forget that.
The entirely library is painted WHITE, I mean, they just spent millions to upgrade it, couldn’t they splurge and add a color or two to make it more appealing?
And finally, the magazine exchange, which was very popular, was eliminated.
Not a big fan of how the place is run.

Been re-​opened for a week now, after its extensive overhaul and remodeling, being certain to preserve the lovely antique features of the craftsman-​like interior that I loved so much in the past. As I’ve relayed to Toni M., I lived a few blocks away from this branch in my yesteryear collegiate days; i’d bike here to get some studying awaaaaay from the campus (that wears on one after a while. especially studying in Bechtel! ickick).
Nice touches, a private room with large tables for studying and gatherings, spacious and full of light, I’m quite blown over by the transformation of the North library branch. Still can vividly recall the layout from a few decades ago… that rich musk of age… and the much darker interior…
Claremont is next on the facelift queue, and then south berkeley… Main’s already got it going on…

I love my little North Branch library so much. They always have something I want to read, and I always want something to read. My latest interest is geology and they have many wonderful books on that. Their hold system allows me to get any book in the entire system sent to the North Branch and held for me to pick up. And the building itself is so welcoming. Lots of warm old colors. Sturdy wooden tables and chairs which are so nice for reading. Children’s programs all the time. Handy computers. The people who work there are so lovely and helpful. It’s a Berkeley landmark and I will go there as long as I am here.

The new Walnut Creek and Lafayette Libraries are modern and wonderful additions to their communities. With any luck, they’ll become the North Berkeley Library when they grow up. It’s also an pleasant walk from home to both here and to the Albany Library.
The Berkeley North Branch Library, was constructed in the California Spanish style and designed by renowned Berkeley architect James Placheck. The structure, which opened in September 1936, was built at a total cost of $ 45,000.
This outpost offers Children’s Story Times, a Lawyers in the Library program, Teen services, a nice selection of Opera/​Classical CDs, and a magazine exchange. I really enjoy the multi-​generational and neighbourhood vibe, spacious seating, nice light, the cool architectural pedigree, and with the right quiet spots as you need them. The dearth of outlets might limit computer use, but that’s a plus in my book.

Went here on a Saturday afternoon to do work and was pleasantly surprised at how quiet it was. The place also has lots of sunlight and free wi-​fi. There’s a nice magazine and newspaper rack in the back of the adult’s room, and although the selection wasn’t huge, it was good enough for some light reading.
The teen’s room is more like a nook, and has one table with 4 chairs. However, it’s reserved for teens Mon, Tues, & Thurs 3−6p. and Weds 2−6p.
Laptop users: there are only two outlets (4 plugs total) in the entire library that you can officially use, located in the adult’s room by the fireplace. I used one in the teen’s room – which you might be able to get away with – but after a couple of hours someone walked by and told me I couldn’t use it.
I’ll probably be back again because it’s so bright, quiet, and the tables are spacious… not sure what it’s like on week days, though.

I *heart* the North Branch. Just a few blocks from my house and it reminds me of the library in the small town where I grew up — small, wood floors and neighborly. If you can’t find what you’re looking on the shelf, you can get it delivered from another branch (or libraries throughout CA thanks to the LINK+ program).
Keep your eye out for community events, especially the annual quilt show of local artisans.

I spent most of my after-​school elementary school years waiting for AC transit in front of the North Branch. (Bring back the AC transit 43!!!) Still down to hang now!
It is a snug little library with heart. They have a diverse staff of kind folks ready to help. I often request my items be sent here for pick up or reserve items here because I find it so convenient — really close to other fabulous stuff just down Hopkins and on Gilman.
Word of wise, post school hours be prepared for little humans of all varietals — K to junior high. Things slow down with the influx and if I am in a hurry I schedule myself earlier in the day.
Completely aside, for all plant lovers, the triangular median-​like-​thing to the southwest of the branch has an exceptional succulent medley. Really exceptional.

Went here today to study… my last study day before me PE exam! The place was small, quaint, quiet. There were only a few people when I got in around 12:30pm and it got busier in afternoon (I left around 4:45pm), but I still had plenty of space to spread out my 5 books and crunch through problems. The table and chairs were comfortable.
Parking was easy to find close by (street parking only).
I can’t comment on the selection of books since I was only there to study. There were a couple of people that sat near me that I found distracting: one with pretty bad BO and another that read (whispered) and laughed out loud as she read tabloid magazines. There were also a few kids that were running up and down the library w/​o parent supervision. hmph! That’s why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. Other than that, a great place to go study or do some reading. :)