John Steinbeck Public Library

Usually this is a really good library, but the decision to close the library 24 Dec — 2 Jan seems very questionable and troubling. Kids are out of school with time on their hands. Senior citizens often find the holidays to be somewhat depressing. Many of us depend on the library being available for computer and book and newspaper access. Disappointing that it wasn’t open for at least a few hours 26 – 31 Dec. It’s a 4 or 5 star library normally, but it doesn’t rate any stars for the leaving the community out in the cold for the holidays.

Went into the John Steinbeck Public Library because I saw a video of it online & since I went to the National Steinbeck Center had to check this out, they have a nice sculpture of Steinbeck out front.
The video had Snappy the Turtle on there so I had to go see him. He’s near the entrance on the Left. It’s nice to see a live creature in a library.
There’s a New Books section, John Steinbeck collection, many computers, Teenage area even w/​video games to play.
If I lived closer I’d use this library.

On a recent trip home, I discovered a place much improved even from the last time I visited it. The library has significantly upgraded its facilities, including the addition of an impressive digital audio and video editing room that is likely a headache for the librarians to monitor. The expanded teen center includes a large plasma screen TV with an Xbox 360 and a decent selection of games, as well as a modest collection of graphic novels.
The literacy center, near the A/​V room, also appears to have benefitted from the technological retrofitting. I can’t speak to its effectiveness from any personal experience, but the center is a long-​time staple of the library and a vitally important source of assistance for any community.
Although some of these changes have resulted in a slight scaling back of the book selection – at least on the main floor – they should help attract the younger crowd the library obviously hopes to reach. These improvements underscore the dual role a facility of this type can play as a destination for spending time in addition to researching and checking out books.