Berkeley Public Library, Central Branch

The Berkeley central library is really good for families. They have a whole floor dedicated to children, so the kids can lose themselves in the stacks while the parents get some very important work done (like, say, Unilocaling).
Also they have free wifi, although it can bog down occasionally.
Last but not least, props to the entire Berkeley library system for maintaining a great set of libraries in this age of manufactured austerity.

The reference area and periodical section are great. There is a pay telephone conveniently located on the first floor. I recommend bringing sound blocking ear muffs because every now and then a person with an apparent mental illness comes through the door whose rant carried through the open air atrium to all floors above. The bathroom was out of order on the second floor so I recommend going to the third floor when necessary. Most persons looked studious or somewhat professional. A person wearing vagabond attire and sunglasses did sit immediately across from me at one of the reading tables. He took the one electrical outlet in front of me to charge his Nokia phone. Thankfully I did not need to plug in a laptop or outlet as there is roughly one outlet per two seats. Thankfully the person sitting across from me smelled okay so this did not ruin my experience. The lamps are super convenient for reading. The staff seemed professional with respect to answering questions on how to apply for a library card for the patron ahead of me in line. I also like the electronic card catalog and self-​checkout computers too.

Pretty great library, I especially like the staff picks, new books section and all of the different places to hide, sit and read. This is my kids’ favorite branch.

I really like this library. The selection is expansive, and they have an entire floor dedicated to children. It is so nice to have a comfortable space where the kids can look for books and not worry about being too loud. The children’s librarians are helpful and offer good suggestions when the kids have a topic but not a specific book in mind. Also, I once returned a book here that belonged to the Marin County Libraries, and the people at the circulation desk were friendly and prompt in finding it and returning it to me.

A pretty decent library. I’m spoiled in that I grew up in a town that boasts two of the best libraries in the country, but BPL is all right. I like their holds system and the facility itself is nice. Their selection could be better, but it’s decent enough. I like that you can check yourself out.
BIG complaint: I have been yelled at TWICE by staff members. Once because I asked for a temporary library card (which had been given to my boyfriend the day before) and another time for asking for my flash drive. Someone from the library called and said they had found it and were holding it for me. When I finally made it there a week later a man yelled at me for not remembering the name of the person who had called. He was so rude I actually turned my back and walked out while he was still yelling. So I sort of hold a grudge on that account. That being said I have also been treated very nicely by others on staff (usually women).