Peninsula Library System

I’d like to compile a review for it’s music collection. So far this is what I got .
Locations with large music CD collections, but sub-​optimal browsing experience. The «world» category was alphabetically filed, instead of by region:
San Carlos Library —
This place reminds me of my college dorm, dubbed «the morgue» b/​c twas like a study floor in the library. This medium size library attracts abundant patronage on the weekends. It has a simple box layout, and probably the most studious atmosphere on my list. The top shelves of bookcases display DVDs in the same category as the books below, which was very thoughtful. My main complaint is the indoor temperature & stuffiness on certain summer days (but not all days). There are 2 outdoor «courtyards» with concrete grounds, adorned only with Adirondack chairs and potted plants. Seating was nowhere near any outlet and there were no tables to set down a laptop, so charge up! and prepare to cradle ur books/​notes/​computer. Back inside they boast an impressive collection of music CDs (& probably DVDs) — by far the largest i’d seen. They don’t have nearly enough shelf space for their music collection so their behind-​the-​counter storeroom also houses CDs. Indoor lighting was poor near the music section. Note to self: BYO light!
Redwood City downtown library —
It probably has a good collection as rumored but i wouldn’t know — because all the big names in music are missing. probably all checked out! On the other hand, I found its alcove study areas very lovely. Parking is metered in various lots within .3 miles. I think the best one may be the one on the same side of the road as the library, toward the city building — but they’re all cheap. A bonus is its long hours, and its pedestrian-​friendly location, with cafes, theatres & grocery stores (including a
…) handy.
The library, without a lot of music, that still gets a good rating from me:
Redwood Shores Library —
We love it! Hands down. One could work inside, in its modern, natural-​light infused interior, or outside on the wood-​planked patio. Or you could stretch your legs on the Bay Trail outside (hey stretch your eyes too!). Its music collection isn’t much. But the «world» category is sensibly organized by region. The Japanese stick to the Japanese, the Celtics stick to the Celtics, thank you.
The browser-​friendly library with a large music CD collection under abundant lighting (hal-​le-​lu-​jah!) They have a large «world» category too, albeit alphabetically ordered (meaning the Afro Pop sits next to the Hindu Inspirational, i dunno man):
Foster City Library —
You wouldn’t expect a big boxy building to feel so cozy inside. It must be the tall ceiling, the floor length windows, the flower boxes thus framed, or the blue monster in the kids room. On a May afternoon (Thursday, if you must know) it looked like the least used peninsula library on my list. In spite of a shimmering waterway just across the street, it’s surroundings did not invite a leisure stroll — i guess it’s too bright & sparse on a sunny day. A plus is its long hours & the 2 return stations outside the building (where items can be scanned & a receipt printed). Light dominates this space on afternoons, pouring thru ginormous floor to ceiling windows that make up the west wall. Even the blue monster seems to be muffling laughter in its sunny quarters.

Five stars! I love PLS. You can check out anything within the system, and the system encompasses a large number of libraries. You can drop off items from one library at another (I do this all the time). The hold system is very efficient, and you can find just about everything here. This is the one, big, redeeming quality of the South Bay (that, and the sunshine). I thought I would miss the Albany library when I moved here, but I have to say, PLS is even better. I’ve saved myself hundreds of dollars on books because of PLS. Apologies to all those authors making their livings off of royalties. ..

Okay you nati