San Diego Public Library – Carmel Valley Branch Library

Yikes… When I pulled into the parking lot I didn’t see a sign that said «library» To be sure, I asked a girl who was in the parking lot. This library has a tiny parking lot with two allocated disabled parking spaces, the blue paint designed to indicate disabled parking was so faded, it was difficult to see that it was a disabled parking. I couldn’t believe that a disabled person would have to scale over the steep hill directly in front of this disabled parking, in order to get to the library’s front door. Disabled parking spaces should always be closest to the front door, not at the back of the lot. The individual markings for vehicles couldn’t be seen either, that’s how old/​faded they were.
I was using one of the three computers which are situated just in front of the teen center area. I came to the library to print out documents that were time sensitive, as my personal printer is waiting for Kodak print heads to arrive from Rochester, NY.
The computer stations were installed too close. The keyboards look like they’re right from the inception of computers… was that in 1901? They’re so old when touching the keys they make a loud clacking noise, forget trying to concentrate. It might be best to bring some earplugs — if you dare come here… and maybe take a Xanax.
The man seated next to me finished and within one minute a teenage girl came in singing aloud, slamming and banging her personal books, purse, etc. around. Really? Who does that in a library?
It didn’t stop there! Then she put on her personal earbuds cranking the noise until it was blaring so loud… enough to be irritating, carrying into my space and beyond. I asked her several times to kindly turn her music down. I was given nasty glances and then ignored.
I had to get up to report this noise problem to the woman working at the front desk. She said, «if you still hear the noise let us know.» Really? Why didn’t she send security over there to investigate? About forty minutes later, the same teenage girl got up hastily grabbing her things and took off in a huff; clearly upset that she wasn’t going to get away without continued reminders to turn it down. I figured she was either deaf or soon would be with the volume cranked up that high. At best I would say she was surely inconsiderate of the library and those around her.
DON’T go to the library right before 3pm, M-​F. As soon as school breaks out, the library is saturated with a bunch of unruly kids who are running to the computers and yelling inside to each other. Wouldn’t the parents living in this affluent area have enough money to buy them a computer? The same parents/​grandparents brought them to the library and the parking lot was full by 3:15 pm.
Think twice before using the Carmel Valley library, clearly it’s not worth going there. If you want a real library try anywhere else in the county.

For a high family area like Carmel Valley and Del Mar I am actually pretty shocked at the quality of this library. The parking lot is quite small, and the interior looks worn down and dated, similar to the outside. The book cases and the desks look old and need to be updated as well. There appears to be a good amount of books, but the ones I’ve always searched for need to be requested from another library.
While the library does offer story time, the room in which story time is held, needs a LOT of help. The room is too small to accommodate what is often 50+ women and children. There is hardly any carpet space for infants and toddlers to sit, because there are way too many chairs. When you have children under 2 years old, you don’t need chairs, you need floor space! Please improve this so families can actually enjoy story time and stretch out their legs.
If you expect to have a vivacious librarian reading your child a story, or assisting you quickly when searching for a book, this location is not for you. If lack of funding is visible in this high-​middle class area, it’s the Carmel Valley Library — please Governor make some changes! For the sake of the kids.

Just visited this library for the first time. It is a pretty decent library and it is neat inside. The staff is friendly. It has a good collection of children books. This is what I was looking for as I have a one year old kid. Found out they have story time for kids very week. Will check that out soon.

Was here on Monday after Xmas. Hours on their site said open at 9:30. Called their number and confirmed this. While I waited several dozen people checked the locked door. By 10:15, doors still locked.
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.

Parking lot is small, to top that people double park.Annnnnnoying.Library is ok, not a huge collection but still glad to have one close by. To the back of the library there is a sit out place, much nicer and quieter.

I second that this library is a «meh.» It’s nice and big, and always has plenty of patrons, which is a plus, but the parking situation is pretty awful, and the checkout service is very hit or miss. I can’t expect too much from a library, but the service in the OB library is just top notch despite how small it is, and the cleanliness and general appeal is much nicer in the Del Mar library. Too bad you can’t have holds sent there!

This is my first library visit since moving to San Diego so I don’t have anything to compare it to.
The guy at the counter that I asked to help me in getting a library card was less than helpful and borderline rude.
Not impressed by the arrangement of books or the crazy parking lot.
Generally not a great first impression. However the building is going through a make over so maybe once that’s complete it will improve the entire experience. (And the attitude of the employees)

The library is a bit run down in rather unfortunate ways, For example, upon walking in, there is a slightly odd smell. In addition, the chairs are showing their age.
That being said, the staff is quite helpful and the bathroom is always in good shape.
A little bit of maintenance work would go a long way here.

I really shouldn’t complain about the place that lends me books for free, and is so conveniently located. However, it is a very tiny, rather pathetic library. One saving grace is the inter-​library loan system where you can request a book from any other branch and then pick it up in Carmel Valley. I use that frequently. I haven’t interacted with library staff much but they seem helpful enough. My biggest complaint is the parking lot and the obnoxious parents who are always blocking it. The library seems like the most popular after-​school pick-​up spot for kids so there are endless minivans blocking the narrow parking lot. It seems to be a magnet for inconsiderate a-​holes. The parking spaces themselves are super tiny (and I have a compact car!) so most people tend to take up two spaces, and there aren’t many spots to begin with. On more than one occasion I’ve left out of frustration without even going to the library. I’ve also resorted to parking in the lot across the street. The amenities in the library itself seem kind of old and dirty, but again it’s free so who am I to complain? :)

My daughter and i love coming to this library! It’s a very quaint and intimate neighborhood library. They have great events for kids that get pretty packed. The parking lot can get pretty full during after school hours but other than that plenty of spaces. Their kids DVD section is pretty big… we come here to get our movies as opposed to paying $ 5 a rental at blockbuster! The hours here can be funky so always call ahead to make sure they are open.

BAD!!! Really pathetic. I just found out that they’re closed Sundays and MONDAYS!!! They used to be open on Mondays at 12:30PM (which is still pathetic). For being in a «ritsy» neighborhood, this is a shame. People don’t realize what a good library does for students, children and the community. I’m embarrassed to know this library is in the neighborhood.

The hours have changed dramatically with this place, and sometimes its not even open… but it does have free WiFi (which is the only reason I go) and it is never all that crowded.

I’ve been using the public library system lately to check out travel guides. Instead of paying thirty dollars for a single book, I ended up reserving and picking up around fifteen guides. Sure they may not be the latest edition, but I’m pretty sure tourist locations don’t change much over a year. Since every book on my list wasn’t in my local library I had to make a drive up to Carmel Valley. As previously mentioned by other reviewers, this branch is on the smaller side. This is all fine and good for me because as far as I’m concerned they’ve got everything I’ve needed so far… everything that I put on hold.

bad place to study if your in college. Not enough big tables, they have these little private desks that only fit one school book, not good for people who need a computer + 2 or 3 books open to do research or study. It also really loud, the lights buzz which gets distracting making it difficult to concentrate, lots of middle and high schoolers here… i dont know why there definably not there to study.
Overall, good place to find a book and leave but dont go here to study

This library is definitely on the smaller side so I’m sure selection isn’t that great. Besides the main room, there is a separate little room where people can hold meetings and such and an outdoor sitting area.
It seems like a lot of middle schoolers find there way here after school and the library gets really crowded and frankly, a little noisy.
The parking lot is tiny — but we were able to find parking with ease on a Wednesday afternoon.

I like this intimate and very friendly library.
The staff has some of the kindest, warmest, most gracious and accommodating librarians I have found… anywhere. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, these people are invariably willing to cheerfully hunt it down for you, order it and notify you just as soon as it comes in.
Parking is a bit tight… that is if you happen by during a rush time. They offer free children’s reading events… like storytime for your toddler.
Carolyn (at the front check out) was gracious and helpful beyond words. Donna is invariably warm, helpful and smart!
All the selection of a larger library but without the drive!

This library seems small and cramped. It used to have a patio where you could go out and read but recently that seems to be closed. Add in a fireplace that is never turned on and cramped parking and you have a woeful mix.
Bored library employees that look like they would rather be elsewhere and limited computer databases and access. I realize this is a branch library but it seems small even for that task.
I’ve been to better libraries — even Mesa College’s LRC is better than this.