Berkeley Public Library

Wonderful library! Better than UC libraries for recreational reading. Easy to use. They carry pretty much every book that is somewhat well-known, in my experience. They have a wonderful new books section organized by subject, with some books sitting separately as a highlight if you're feeling indecisive. They list similar titles on their online platform if you look up a book you liked and wanna find something similar. They offer free tickets to museums as far as you're a Berkeley resident. They offer laptops and self-service printing. The staff has always been nice to me, and the interior is pretty with lots of seats.

I love the fact that this place is now open. It has five floors of books and a good place to work, with tables and lounges that rival any co-working space. Too bad you can't take phone calls.

The Central Branch has a vast selection of books with consistently friendly librarians and a convenient new books/lucky day section. Library cards are free for any California resident. Currently you can place holds online, then pick them up in person.

The building may look rather old and historical from the outside, but it's so clean and modern on the inside! I forgot how much I love spending time at public libraries until I came here. All the rooms are labeled and easy to find, and the secured wi-fi connection is smooth as silk. They also have a computer lab area for printing and copying (although I'm not sure if it's free for everyone). Even if you're not much of a book worm, this is still a great place for quiet time with your laptop and a coffee.

Pretty nice public library. In deed, as pointed out by other reviewers, there are some homeless people hanging around inside and out, and 80% of the noise in the library does come from the staff. If the library does not keep two staff in each area, it might be quieter.

Parking is expensive. It’s 3.50 per hour. It’s only a block from BART though.

It’s generally good one as a city library, but the other BPL I know, Boston Public Library, is at least 3 times better.