- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Dublin Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
200 Civic PlzDublin, CA 94568
(925) 828-1315
- Hours:
Mon 10 am - 8 pm
Tue, Thu 10 am - 6 pm
Wed 12 pm - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
42 reviews for Dublin Library
42 reviews in English
-
Review from Sean L.
Walnut Creek, CA
I am currently volunteering for this library, and it is so much superior than my local one.
This library must have been either constructed or renovated very recently, because the design is very modern inside out.
The interior is grandiose: gargantuan windows allowing the natural light to brighten the library; tall ceilings; spacious accommodations; lots of comfy chairs.
The selection is abundant and runs the gamut from mangas to novels to magazines to DVDs.
The library also hosts free shows for children every week or so (during the summer, less often in school year). They are very entertaining, and kids love them!
Great library, great staff. Recommend. -
Review from Jhonatan S.
Dublin, CA
Very good library. Clean, organized, has different selections of books young to old, and sometimes quiet
TAKE MY ADVICE DO NOT AND I MEAN DO NOT USE THE BOOKDROP DVD DROP OR ETC. THEY SAID MY BROTHERE DIDNT RETURN ONE OF HIS BOOKS BUT WE DID RETURN IT. THE STUPID LADY DROPPED IT ON THE GROUND AND MADE US PAY FINES AND BUY A NEW BOOK.
WHAT THE HEC, THERE NOT OPEN O FRIDAYS?!!! -
Review from Grace C.
This library seems pretty new and has a good amount of windows to let some natural light in. It's pretty spacious - There are a couple of areas with study carrels, but most of the space available is at open tables. Some scattered couches available too if you want to sit somewhere comfortable.
It was decently quiet, with the occasional toddler running around, and the free wifi was fine (you don't need to bring a library card to use it).
On a Saturday afternoon, the parking lot was pretty full, but I was able to find a spot. You may have to drive around a couple of times, though. -
Review from Manisha P.
Louisville, CO
We didn't get to go in because of their strange hours. They are open late (8pm) only one of the week and till 6pm on Tues/Thurs. We got there at 6:30pm on our bikes on a Thursday. We were biking along the Iron Horse trail and took a detour on the Alamo Canal trail.
I understand that libraries are stressed because of budget constraints but I didn't expect the hours to be this limited. -
Review from Carl Z.
San Francisco, CA
Clean, immaculate, lighting is exactly right, the interior smell isn't unpleasant at all, and abundant chairs and tables for public usage. The restrooms are stocked well, spacious, don't smell awful, and clean too. The only downside is the lighting is little dim by the mirror.
Went here on a Saturday morning and it was delightful! Plenty of parking space too... the only disturbing factor was the nondescript exterior. There needs to be more big signs with the words, "Dublin Library" for people to more easily find this serene haven.
Oh, there is free, stable wifi here too!! Major plus!! -
Review from Bobby K.
Dublin, CA
A GREAT library for the whole family. My kids especially love going there on a saturday afternoon.
Clean, well lit and LOTS of books -
Review from Katherine F.
Dublin, CA
Went to story time in the children's section today with DD and DGD.
The leader was engaging and had fun and familiar Mother Goose rhymes, and songs. We danced, and pounded a drum...it was fun for a wide range of kids!
I would most definitely bring DGD back for a fun circle time again!! -
Review from Wilson C.
San Ramon, CA
I use to come and study here all the time until I found a library closer to where I reside. This is still a really good and quiet place to come read and surf the internet. Did I mention that there's usually a few police officers around so I've never heard of anything being stolen in their parking lot. You can find some really good places to eat in walking distance too!
-
Review from Lenny C.
San Ramon, CA
I finally got an alameda county library card and I really wanted to check out the Dublin library. This place is clean, organized and has a great selection of DVDs and books.
This library is quieter than all the other ones I've been to. It's a great place to study without having kids screaming everywhere.
If they don't have the book you're looking for, you can check other libraries to see if they have it in stock and they can send it over to Dublin. -
Review from Tianqi S.
San Ramon, CA
I am more than a little eeked by this library. First of all I was a fan of the old library. Personally I prefer my libraries musty and crammed with books. I used to have my favorite spot in the old Dublin library where I would pick out a book and be lazy. I'd just sit in that corner in peace, and because of it's size everyone was conscious of everyone so they stayed quiet. Also, being a small library, librarians could better keep track of people and there was less room for kids to run around yelling and screaming. Basically it was a nice and warm little library that you could go and read at.
Such is not the case with the new library. The way to describe it would be a very large, public conference room with an attached daycare center. The library itself is dominated by chairs and tables, not bookshelves. The children's books section dwarfs all other sections, which is sad considering that most of the kids who go there are huddled around the computers. Whenever i use the computers to search for a book (don't expect to use a library computer with internet access, it will be dominated by some kid playing Runescape so bring a laptop) it is almost never in house. The library is also commonly home to teenagers who are there to "study". (read: check up on Myspace and chat loudly with friends.) I guess my main problem is that not many people go to the Dublin Library to read.
Okay okay, so there are some redeeming features to the Library. Yes, the facility is nice looking. Yes, their DVD selection is pretty nice. Yes, they do have a quiet section that is ACTUALLY quiet. That, however, does not make up for the fact that it is a library devoid of books and that it has become some sort of "hang out spot" or just another place to leech internet off of.Listed in: My Neighborhood
-
Review from Rebecca H.
Dublin, CA
It's a nice bright building, much larger than it appears on the outside. There are plenty of tables and cubicles for studying, they have a conference room where seniors and the like can get help with taxes, and the magazine/book/DVD section is decent. I like the self service check out.
Why are the return slots all the way around the back of the building, next to a no parking area, without car accessible drop off? That's silly.
They don't have a lot of stuff (like only one season of the Sopranos? What the heck, I'll just skip to season 6), and the books look a little worse for the wear, but they are happy to get you anything you want, it just may take awhile.
I studied there for a few hours today, in the quiet section, and it worked for me. Other than the obnoxious person snapping her gum (seriously, who chews gum like a cow and snaps bubbles in the middle of a quiet place where people are being especially mindful to BE quiet? Total motards, that's who), who did stop and maintained only moderate smacking noises when I asked her to cut it out, it's a decent place to spend the day when you need to get away from home.
And you can use wifi or get an hour of surfing time on the computers there. The computers and connection are slow but rock steady.
I don't know about their kid offerings, but the adult stuff is fine. Their booksales are anemic, you are better off going to a larger library for that. -
Review from Arr H.
East Bay, CA
I believe it has been 3 years since I've stepped foot inside Dublin Library though I will always remember my weekly pilgrimages there back when I was in high school. I would borrow DVDs, CDs and sometimes books while everything is well organized.
Also, it helps that a very cute girl was working at the check out desk (oh I definitely CHECKED her OUT) whom I had a schoolboy crush on at that time (circa 2003-2004). Anyway, I've since visit the Pleasanton Library more often now because they have the newest DVDs but Dublin - you'll always be my first [library] love! -
Review from Jennifer F.
Livermore, CA
Love this library! It's so clean and spacious and huge! The librarians are really nice, willing to help if you need it. The self checkout thingie is pretty cool too and you don't have to wait in line for that. For all the people that have electric cars, they have chargers in the parking lot right up front- pretty neat since I've never seen that before!
The DVD section is pretty big, although it contains mostly older movies. -
Review from Joel F.
Dublin, CA
The Dublin library suffers from the same thing all publicly funded libraries have suffered from since the passage of Proposition 13--criminal underfunding. It's not the library's fault that the following things are true.
The new building is nice but there are hadly any books in it. The lack of books is cleverly disguised by comfy seating areas and many catalogue carrels.
The County Library system has access to a network of interlibrary loans that makes it possible to get more books than you could if you had to depend on your local branch.
It's the only game in town. I go there at least every three weeks. I wish it were more like the library I used to go to when I was in high school. It was in a smaller town and had at least three times as many books. The secret is funding. -
Review from Diana M.
When's the last time you've stepped foot into a library? For me, it's been decades. And back then, I didn't refer it as the library...I referred it as the LOVE-brary. That should tell you what purpose it served me.
So I decided to check out the nearest library in my hood. Wow, have things changed. Not only do they have books for you to check out, but they also carry CDs and DVDs? Not to mention free internet access. Dublin Library has WIFI! My company doesn't even have WIFI! There's other perks that they offer, like children's story time - go check it out yourself. It's clean, lots of tables and chairs, and very quiet.
One thing that really stood out the most - is to see kids hanging out, enjoying a good book to read. Not playing video games, not watching TV, just reading a book. Good for them!
I would have given this place 4 stars but here's why I'm taking one away - I was highly anticipating to check out 4 books. NONE were available. I forgot that the "popular" books may not be readily available. And it sucks that they may not have more than one copy. That makes me want to BUY a book; I'll pay for the convenience.
Regardless, I now am a proud owner of a library card! I got VIP access to all libraries throughout Alameda county! Woot woot!Listed in: In My Hood
-
Review from Carolen M.
Walnut Creek, CA
Out of all of the libraries in the Alameda County library system (and I've been to Union City, Fremont, Albany, Centerville, Newark and the bookmobile) and this library is one of the prettiest I've seen. Their DVD collection is also very extensive for those who like using their library as a free Blockbuster.
It may not be the most extensive book collection, but you can always request books from the other libraries. I really love the look of this place. That's why I love stopping by after work =) -
Review from Mona K.
Dublin, CA
I have been very happy with Dublin Library. The service is great, always got great help finding a book. If you're looking at borrowing a specific book, I recommend check their inventory online first, then pick it up. Save a LOT of your time.
Most of my needs though, are general topics. Never been disappointed. From international travel, US travel, interior decoration books, recipe books. They always have large collection, enough for you to get what you need!
The BEST thing in the library, aside from the book, is the self checkout machine!!! My total check out time for 6 books was less than 20 seconds (that's for first time use!).. That machine is very efficient. Dublin Library made a great choice on that investment. I wish self check out kiosk in supermarket are that fast. I'm very impressed! -
Review from Maricar M.
San Ramon, CA
Who knew that only after college, would I actually love going to the library?
I enjoy coming here because of the atmosphere.
I like the openness of the space, but you can also choose to sit at certain sections if you like enclosed spaces.
Great quiet place to do some lesson planning for my super cool math lessons. But it's not too quiet, that I feel self-conscious about making noises. People around me seem to be patient enough to allow some quiet conversation to happen.
And one of the best parts of the library is that it's really a simpler version of Blockbuster. They have a pretty large selection of DVD's. And you can rent for a week for free?! Doesn't get better than that. -
Review from Huy D.
Dublin, CA
Lots of selection. My wife made me come here with her. It was very clean and organized. The service was good.
There are plenty of computers to use without having to wait.
The biggest benefit is you can checkout books on to our Nook. -
Review from Doug J.
Castro Valley, CA
My first year at college I had to write a research paper on North Korea's society compared to Marx's ideal society. Fascinating stuff I know, but it was also a time before you could bullshit your way through your ge's with wikipedia.
So instead I went to the library and got a library card. I was finally complete.
Tragedy stuck though, when I checked out a rare book about North Korea and promptly forgot about it. To this day I don't know where it is and I've never been back to a library that wasn't on my campus since. I think I'm embarrassed.
Fast forward to last week. I'm bored, Im tired of studying at coffee shops, so I decide to swallow my pride and go study at the library.
That was a pretty tedious back story, but here's the review. The alarms didn't go off when I entered, and my face wasn't on any wanted posters so I guess they're over the book.
While I was there they had a fun reptile exhibit that I would have hated if I was a kid and probably cried when I was forced to go. I was a sad child.
There's a nice "quiet zone" in the back where people glare at you if you unzip your backpack. To use the wireless you need a library card which sent pangs of regret through me. I guess I won't be studying at this library any time soon.
They also have a lot of books. -
Review from Tanya P.
Great foundation with room to grow. By far the strongest library of the Tri-Valley region.
Much like the San Ramon and Pleasanton libraries, Dublin has a beautiful outside with a bit spartan collection with room to grow. Nice variety of materials that you may not usually every purchase - the books on tape, DVDs, etc. For all of the technology giants headquarted in the area, and the huge grant given by the City of Dublin, I expect to see even more variety of indie journals and periodicals. As for internet: 40 public workstations and public wireless.
Much like any of the regional libraries, after school hours this becomes a dumping station for kids. Luckily there is a special study room for students. Meeting rooms also available. If they could secure more copies of the more popular items, then it'd be perfect. -
Review from Matthew P.
Philmont, NY
I am a big fan of all libraries, but I especially like libraries that have tons of computers, lots of books, online search and request functionality, a network of dozens of other libraries (Alameda County Libraries), and DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks. The childrens section is outstanding. They even send you email reminders when your items are coming due and the items you have requested are at the hold desk.
Now if we can keep the government out of my library account in the interest of public safety, we will really be onto something. -
Review from T F.
Castro Valley, CA
I live in Castro Valley and the Dublin library is well worth the gas $$ to drive to. I am a big time movie viewer and am impressed with the selection here. Granted they do not have the newest release movies , but give them a few months and you'll be seeing it here. (Just finished watching the mini series: Backstairs @ the Whitehouse and will be returning it tomorrow. Be on the lookout for it...an excellent show)
Younger daughter loves to spend time in the children's library. Stocking up on Nancy Drew & American Girl magazines. Plenty of cozy seating for the kids. Older daughter checks out stacks of CDs...there is something for everyone.
One thing I didn't see mentioned is, there are a few book shelves in front selling used books. Most are pretty dated, but did see some recent titles. Prices are cheap! -
Review from Joie G.
CA
I love love love the Dublin library. I work remotely quite often and have found a new place to work.
Sign up for a library card or bring your Alameda County library card along to use the free wi-fi. It's quiet, lots of tables and plugs at mostly all of them.
Being in a library always makes me full studious and puts me in the best mood to think and do work. It reminds me a lot of being in high school and spending a lot of time at Guam libraries researching for papers. -
Review from Judy L.
San Francisco, CA
Clean. Quiet. Plenty of space. Interactive computer games for kids. And don't forget about the books. Many many books.
-
Review from Nina S.
Dublin, CA
The library is a great place. I'm in here nearly every week. This library building is open, airy, full of light and nice study places and comfy seats. It's a big improvement over the old claustrophobic library building. There's also a nice garden out back, with a view out over the creek. I take books out there sometimes. The library is quiet, I can work and read here and really get into whatever I'm doing.
You can bike here along the Iron Horse and Alamo Creek trails, and there's plenty of car parking.
I check out lots of books and movies from here. Movies are checked out for a week, but you can renew them. I canceled my Netflix account, since the library is free and has plenty of material. Also you can access the whole Alameda County library system, so I'm constantly requesting items, and they usually arrive within a week. The library has a good graphic novel section, I read the entire Sandman series by Neil Gaiman here.
My favorite place in town. -
Review from Amy J.
I really should go on a library tour since I frequent many different ones. This one is no different from the other libraries. The free information is what will make me come back though.
-
Review from Sabrina Marie H.
Hayward, CA
Very nice Library. I use to come here for study groups and project meet ups and this was the "middle" spot for everyone to meet at. Clean, nice, up to date computers, and great staff. This place isnt too small or too big. I believe they have a self check-out here (they were setting it up and just heard about it while there). Id come back here if in town again.
-
Review from John Z.
Dublin, CA
The Dublin Library always has a great selection of new books, magazines, and audio books in stock. The folks at the library are very helpful and will go out their way to assist. I also like to go to the Dublin library to check out DVDs - they have thousands of popular titles (all genres) to choose from!
-
Review from David C.
Dublin, CA
This is my favorite indoor place to take my son, particulary on Wednesdays and Fridays for children's story time and singalong called Mother Goose is on the Loose. The staff at this library is very courteous and helpful. Very large DVD collection for checkout, outstanding children's section w/ computer and books for all children's interest And besides books, this is place to get free information on the city. Very family-oriented (which I like) and well lighted both natural lighting and with bulbs.
If there's one improvement they can make, expand their periodical section. -
Review from Dwight R.
Dublin, CA
Very nice selection of books and DVDs. In particular, the kids section is quite nice. You want the Wiggles, Barney, Max & Ruby, Dora the Explorer, you don't need to buy the DVD when you can check them out free here. And they have plenty of TV series (The Wire, Firefly, etc) for those who commute to the city on BART. Good stuff.
-
Review from Maria B.
San Francisco, CA
LOVE LOVE LOVE this library! I can't say one bad thing about it. They have a great selection and what they don't have can be borrowed through Link+. I could spend all day here catching up on magazines, books and CDs. I also love their DVD collection - great selection of new releases along with classics, foreign films, and documentaries. It is also at the end of the Alamo Creek Trail, which connects with the Iron Horse. I love that I never have to drive here - I just walk or ride my bike and the trail goes right under Dublin Blvd., straight into the library. I always get overly excited in here and borrow way more than any human can realistically read/watch/listen to, so I always owe late fees, but I don't mind that my money goes towards keeping this library going.
-
Review from Holly B.
Dublin, CA
as a kid, it was always my dream to be able to check out my own books instead of handing them over to the scary old lady librarian and i'm so happy to see self check-out here at Dublin Library!! i remember the terror i felt when i had an overdue book but now i never have to be afraid again!
you can request books online after registering at http://www.aclibrary.org and the books will be shipped to your library location. the system also sends a message that the book has arrived. you can even re-new books online and search the library catalog from your personal computer. the library system even sends you a email a couple days before your books are due so you never forget!
the library is always clean, cool and quiet and it has a lot of visitors of all ages reading and utilizing the computer lab. i recently found out the library has an extensive collection of graphic novels and comics. cool!
best sellers are continually added to the collection too so you almost always find the book you want. if you want a specific book that is not in the library's collection, there is an option to "Suggest a Purchase" on the website. Just enter in the book name and some other info and a small blurb on why it would be a good addition to the library. then wait for awhile, and you will almost always get an email that the library purchased the book and that it is being held for you to check it out first. awesome. -
Review from Eric L.
This is a great library, I've gone here a few times to study for some certifications. The only thing that would make it better are more of those desks that have partitions to the left and right of them so you can really focus and get your study on. Either that or a some reclining chairs. I haven't gotten a library card yet, but if you do you can rent DVDs I hear.
-
Review from Pamela M.
Dublin, CA
Our new library is so beautiful. It is just great. The librarians are friendly and it seems to have a good selection.
-
Review from Sisi Z.
New York, NY
Once you get past the two cheesy statue-esque things in the front, this library is pretty hot. Sure, I agree with Tianqi, you probably should never enter the kids section if you want peace and quiet, but the back section is nice and bright with lots of tables. Alameda County has a great collection and you can always request a book via http://www.aclibrary.org. Parking is never a problem. A neat little quirk they have is the color changing LED lights under the checkout counter... random, but cool 8-).
-
Review from Chris R.
Dublin, CA
I took my four year old here for the first time since she loves books. They have a large corner section with multiple sitting areas and tables just for kiddies. They have computer for you to use for an hour per day. The building is very clean too.
-
Review from Gabriel B.
Pleasanton, CA
Great Library, very convenient, well stocked, very easy to access information and materials. The staff are very helpful and friendly. They also have a great kids section and have helpful hints and encouragement for the kids to use the library more.
-
Review from r s.
Dublin, CA
I dont' agree one bit with the rosy reviews of the Dublin Library. Yes... their old building was too small, but the county system is a much bigger part of the problem that the tiny building was.
For a cash strapped system, they went pretty spendy on the building. I much rather would have seen some of the money for the fancy building go to buy some books. The books stacks are pathetic. And if that isn't bad enough, the interlibrary loan program is a complete joke. If you search the catalog, you'll see lots of stuff, but it is always at some other branch. You can put a request for something coming from another branch, but don't hold your breath waiting. The larger branches in the system, like Oakland and Fremont main never seem to manage to check books in. And when they do, there are 17 other holds on the item.
Then of course there is link+, which is a fantastic system. I truly love it. Problem is that you can't get something via link+ if your library possesses the item. So if you want title A, and Fremont main has it, with 17 holds, you can't request if via link+, and of course it'll never make it's way from Fremont back to Dublin.
I'll agree on the nice building part, but it is hands down the worst library I've ever used. -
Review from Mrs. S.
Dublin, CA
I've always received courteous service at Dublin library and the staff seems knowledgeable. The only downside is that the Alameda County Libraries take significantly longer to transfer requested books among their branches than Contra Costa County Library does. Plan on waiting about a week to receive an available book or movie transfer from another branch.
