Castro Valley Library

Great local library with good selection and lots of meeting rooms for events. My only complaint is the bookstore is a bit on the small side.

This library is nice and clean. The setup is really good for all. You have the adult side and the children's side. The activities for kids are really nice for young children.

Clean and nice library! Usually has what you are seeking or you can easily place it on hold. Has self check out machines which convenient. I honestly had to remind myself to use the library. It's so easy to just order a book on Amazon but I had to think why am I buying when I could just borrow! Well lesson learned! Use your local library!!!

Friendly librarians, computers for public use, open tables for collaboration, large children's section, teen room, reference librarian and materials. Most space is designated for talking, but there are traditional quiet areas in the corners.

The library fills up with students when school gets out so table space is limited from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. Parking may be difficult around 4:00 p.m. for the same reason. Library hours are different on different days of the week.

Great library where you can find lots of books. There’s teen room where you can study or research in a quiet environment.

It's a nice library

NOTE however they don't have bookable small conference rooms, just the larger group event rooms

This library is so nice and quite and its such a great experience coming to this place. Really nice and modern with a lot of seating area and huge windows. Its so spacious with a great selection. And the staff here are wonderful, always ready to help you out and answer any questions you have. I would highly recommend visiting this library. You won't be disappointed.

First time in over 12 years. Treated me like a daily visitor. Within no time I had a replacement library card. Up to speed on using wireless network.

Wow...The library I grew up with was a little one room converted school house. I think I must have read pretty much every book in it. This library is awesome. It's large, has a great selection, yet still feels cozy and has neighborhood charm. I can't wait to start taking my newborn son here in a year or two.

If I could not even give 1 star for the library staff I would!
The staff needs to remember that when they are dealing with the public that they should all take a class on respect and communication.

When you are explaining anything to anyone of any particular subject then you must be courteous, professional and especially polite with due respect. Not take whatever your emotions are and reflect them on to the public. I felt as if I were in the mean public school system being talked about and bullied! I realized when I brought my little baby Chihuahua in there that it wasn't the best idea due to the policies. I had to turn in my books on this particular date and it was very hot outside so I could not for the life of me leave my precious cargo in the car. I held him the whole time and didn't even try to do anything else but turn them in and ask a question when I disgruntle employee with blond hair came out and started to tell me about my pet and I calmly replied "I understood" meaning I knew it was wrong but I really in my heart had no other way but to take him in for a second or two to ask a question and turn in my things. I thought she would know I was an adult and completely understood her but NO! She had to rant at me 3 more times while some other disgruntle looking lady and other staff started to stare at me. This is totally unprofessional in the way that it was clear, cut and dry that I understood her but for some reason she had to drive it home with a bulldozer.

I just told myself that she and the rest of unprofessional staff member who were glaring over had more going on in their lives than me and to forgive them for not being very Christ like. I will never ever be comfortable to seek any information from any of those who don't really know what it's like to work with others in a public setting and know that they are truly representing the whole community. We have enough going on in this world we live in today and just need folks in our own community to treat one another with some respect and decency. Sorry for this but I feel it is important that we say something instead letting them think they can treat others in this manner as well and represent the library in this way. If I knew their names I would have put it in this review as well.

Great little library. The volunteers sell books daily and hold 3 annual weekend book sales. Also, if you have never checked out the LINK arrangement with other libraries, you owe it to yourself to learn about it and use it.
Currently masks are required, the volunteers are back and attendance is still noticeably less than before COVID.

This review is for this library's Job Lab program. Firstly, this service is amazing; it's free, you can print job stuff from their laptops, they have current samples of resumes, cover letters, and interview questions, etc. Secondly, and most importantly, the Job Lab volunteers are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. One thing to note is that job help is offered on a first-come basis, so you may have to wait a little before someone can spend 1:1 time with you; once someone does, it's worth your time!

Huge kid area. Love being able to pick up books I've requested online that they have set aside at the front. You can check out museum passes. If they don't have a book you want, they will borrow it from another library. What's not to love?

Went for the outdoor Bookstore Book Sale held each Saturday morning. Always glad to support Friends of the Castro Valley Library. A quick visit to check new books in the library itself. Not busy, 11am.

I love this library. It is closed right now because of the covide 19 pandemic. This is a state of the art library. It is a state library rather than a city library. That means if you don't live in Castro valley you won't be charged for a card, or to use their equipment. This library has the best collection of DVD and CDs I have ever seen. They have at least 6 computers fully ready with internet, and printers. Their check out is done with a scanned code, and computers. They have a large and well stocked children's section, complete with little chairs and tables. The parking is spacious. They have books in other languages. They have a book shop. They have a cute cafe that sells great coffee. I just can't wait till they open.

My boys and I love this library. It is bright and functional. There are outlets on table to plug in my laptop, ipad and phone; I am a multi-tasking working mother. While my kids play I get serious work done, we feel safe.

A true gem.

I absolute LOVE this library! You can catch me in the back in the quiet area enveloped with great reads like Jared Diamond, Michelle Alexander, Neal Gabler, Murakami, Mark Levin or Fitzgerald. I love getting a seat facing the window, it offers a good break from reading/studying. I always sit facing the window bc of the views. The windows are huge and offers natural light to enter in and is even more beautiful on a rainy day.

An exceptionally well-designed and well-run library. There is an automatic checkout AND return system that is very convenient. The location is also great. It is in the center of town but is removed from any other businesses.

I enjoy the environmental concerned design of the landscape and building. I also appreciate all the friendly and helpful librarians and staffs here. I like the preown bookstore and their annual book sales too!

Excellent source of FREE BOOKS, DVDS & LIBRARIANS' WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE to help you navigate ALL THE FREE STUFF!