San Pablo Library

Really good community resource. Contra Costa libraries in general are impressive. Clean, well-​staffed, good selection.

Tiny little spot in the heart of San Pablo to get your reading on. We have a toddler, and while the selection of the library as a whole isn’t the biggest, it definitely gets the job done when we’re looking for new books to read him. This is a great place to bring little kids to play with the handful of toys that they have there. I’ve also spent some time doing work here: great place to set up shop for a few hours and hammer out some work in silence. It’s easy to get onto the Wi-​Fi, and there are a few tables that have power strips, so you’re good to go!

Not a good place if you need quiet time to study. Kids talking and door open so you can hear the water fountain running. No quiet study room available; only a study table that is near the front door.
Cute place but not good for hard studying!

When I made a quick visit here I was impressed. There were so many kids enjoying the library, from tots to teens they seemed to be everywhere. It made me happy to see that most of them were reading. There were also educational toys for younger kids.
The West County School District and the San Pablo Library offer free healthy lunches and learning opportunities for children and teens during the summer reading program. I think this is the only library in the Contra Costa system that has a lunch program.
This might not be my library of choice. I am giving them 5 stars for providing much needed help to the children San Pablo. Other activities like Lego and teen crafts keep this library busy. ESL classes are offered during day and in the evening.

I like this library. They have a great story time for toddlers and a great children’s area. My only disappointment is that some of the staff can get a little harsh with the children. They are children and even though the library should be a quiet place, some toddlers like mine may not always be so quiet. My son has been scolded by the staff. One guy have put his hands on my sons shoulder and gave him a harsh «BE QUIET». that did not sit well with me at all. NO ONE should place their hands on my child. The childrens area has some learning toys that make noise when you use them. The staff tends to get upset when the kids make noise with the toys so I suggest that they replace them in order not to set up the kids for bad looks.

Shame on the State Budget Cuts. A great Community Resource…

This library seems more of a kid friendly library to me. There is definitely more of a children’s’ and young teen selections then adult books; however you are definitely bound to find something to enjoy.
Staff: very friendly and helpful, I had some late fees and paid in full at librarian gave me a small discount of my fees for paying it all in full, Thanks!
What I like best of this library is the children’s area; they have lots of books to choose from and also have a play structure for the smaller ones to enjoy.
Overall this library is bright, friendly and always full of young kids on computers. It is also conveniently located next door to a Yogurt place as well as Chinese to go, so why not make it a fun evening out with the kids.
Baby G Approved!

The Contra Costa Public libraries as a whole are really impressive. I can almost any book I request on hold delivered to the nearest library within two days or so. My mom has a daycare so we often come to this library in particular when the kids want to read manga (japanese comics) because this location has quite a variety in the teen section. Most of the library is dedicated to kids/​teens, even having textbooks for library use so kids dont have to lug the large literature books I had to bring home back in my day.
However I did find some disturbing things at this library today. It may be because it is winter break but it was quite crowded and LOUD today. My sister witnessed a 6 year old boy trying to check out a rated R movie and when the librarian asked who he came with and told him to ask them if it was ok, the boy came back and said «they said ok» and the librarian checked it out for him even though I highly doubt he even ASKED.
Also, there was a man without pants in just boxers on his laptop…
Nevertheless, this is a nice place to hang out while people are grocery shopping at the San Pablo Market across the parking lot but I prefer the Hercules public library.