San Diego County Library

From reading the reviews and overall star rating, I thought this place was going to be a less than adequate place to study. To the contrary, it worked out pretty well. I can’t vouch for any of their services but for a place to get some work/​studying done, it seems pretty adequate.
The library is adequately sized and they have a nice center table that is equipped with computers that can accommodate roughly 10 – 14 people (the end of the table doesn’t have computer stations). They also have several smaller to medium sized tables spread throughout the library which should provide decent work/​reading space. The staff is friendly and will joke around with the regulars and I also observed staff always organizing and putting books away. Additionally, the library is clean and appears to have well maintained restrooms.
A few notes:
–The upper parking lot is extremely small and you’ll probably have a difficult time finding a spot unless you’re there pretty early. Luckily, there is a lower parking lot that usually has quite a few spots available and has a stairway that leads up to the library entrance. They have a sign in the upper lot stating that there is additional parking.
–It’s right next to a middle school so you’ll find a lot of young children at this library which means that they’ll be wandering around and/​or making some noise. For some odd reason they kept bumping into my chair throughout the day, which was moderately irritating but kids will be kids. The noise wasn’t really an issue because I had my notebook out and was listening to music through my headphones.
–I didn’t see any easily accessible power outlets to plug my notebook into which might have been a problem had I decided to stay for an extended period of time. They could have been there but I just didn’t see them. Also, on a similar note, I can’t verify they have Wi-​Fi or how strong the connection is because I didn’t use it.
The library isn’t huge but provided the amount of space it has, I don’t foresee it really being much of an issue in regards to getting too crowded. I was here from 2:00PM-5:00PM on a Monday and it never got packed.
Overall, when I need to be in the area again but still want a place to get some studying/​work done, this place will probably where I’ll be dropping in to do so.

This review is on the library as a place to study, as opposed to its loan and reference materials.
On Monday 10am, the library was relatively quiet. Most tables are located centrally, as opposed to on the perimeter. Power outlets did not appear to be available at every table. Most tables were round.
During the morning, a junior high class came in for about an hour. Fairly loud, but I could still be productive.
By the afternoon, around 2:30pm., the library appeared more like an after school gathering hall, with nearly every seat taken by a student likely waiting for their parent to get off work. Still, I did not mind, as I had headphones and could block out the noise. Actually the library was quieter with these younger students than with the junior high class.
Around 3pm, a parent sat down with his two boys at my table to tutor them. This is akin to trying to read a book on an airplane with a conversation going on in the row behind you. I’m sure the parent and sons would have sat elsewhere if space were available.
A librarian did circulate to attempt to keep the noise levels down.
I’m glad to see the library getting used. It just doesn’t seem there is the same level of respect for quiet voices as when I was growing up and visiting the library.

The librarians have been great and it is close to work. but it’s been so noisy it’s hard to enjoy a quit place to read

I can’t say anything about the books, but as a college student trying to study here it is appalling. The noise level is unheard of in a library. It seems to have an area for small children, great. But it sounds like a day care and their cries can be heard all around the library. Staff don’t care either, they talk in full voices early in the morning. What ever happened to the sound of whispers and pages being turned? Come check out a book and leave if you want to read. Don’t even think about staying to read in peace.

The library is part of the solid San Diego County Library system. Unfortunately, the library is understaffed so there can be lines to get help. The computer mice and keyboards are also quite dirty.

I enjoy coming here for several different reasons. They have a wide selection of books and you can order them in either hardcover or epub digital versions for Kindles and Nooks. The selection of movies isn’t as good but it is cheaper than Netflix. They also have story time for both babies and toddlers. Good opportunity to get out of the house and to stimulate the brains of the little ones.

One of the better SD Library systems I have been able to visit. It’s a pretty decent size, and has a wide selection (much better than it’s Del Mar neighbor branch, which is very very small).
There is plenty of parking in the lots near the baseball fields. I’m not sure if this changes during the school day, as I went on a weekend.
I went on a Saturday afternoon, and it was not very busy. I was quickly able to pick out what books I wanted, and use the self-​checkout. No lines.

i don’t frequent the library much but when i do… i come here. the ladies are so helpful that they find out what my kids like and if they don’t carry it… they order the books in from other libraries for them!
oh and… it’s ok if you lose your library card… they keep your info in the computer system… you just have to show your drivers license! woo hoo

This library is so close and convenient, right next to everything/​where I shop/​go to the gym, etc. They are always very nice, and helpful. It is attached to a Junior High School, so the only beef I have is that the kids come in there and are quite loud and rowdy. The staff doesn’t seem to mind though, unfortunately. They also have Spanish/​Knit/​Art classes right in the library, so it can get loud. The little kids’ section is cute, with pillows/​chairs. My kids love hanging out there. I wish they had a better Books on CD collection, it seems quite outdated. Overall, I am thankful that we have a cute library so close to home. I love the automatic checkout! (See my Quick Tip)

I am a library patron and I very rarely buy books anymore. I patronize four libraries the most: Carlsbad (the largest and perhaps most comprehensive of the ones I visit), Encinitas (gorgeous), Rancho Santa Fe (cozy) and Solana Beach. Solana Beach is my favorite. This library is always hopping and the staff is so helpful and friendly. The collections are nicely organized. I can always find something interesting to check out at this library. Great children’s section, and a nice, separated young adult section too.