When I say I haven't been here in 20 years, I am not lying! This was a weekly visit for me when I was in my early twenties and lived in the downtown area. I've always loved reading but I fell off once I had kids. But I have recently fell back in love with it and so have my kids who have been begging me to get them library cards. This time around I just had my youngest with me and it was an adventure. It really is hard to see all of the homeless around here and feel excited about entering a building where you have to navigate around them to get in but it is what it is and you do what you gotta do. It was so nostalgic for me entering this building after so long. It was just how I remembered it but it does seem as though there aren't as many books on shelves as it use to be. I get it because I am a strictly kindle ebook reader now and a bit of a germaphobe. The staff was friendly and helpful and made my daughter's first experience at the library a great one. She was able to quickly find five books to check out and is excited to return to get some more. read more

Beale Memorial Library - Libraries Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Went for the book sale. It was a welcoming environment. I wasn't able to explore much of the library but I can see they are doing renovations. Looking forward to coming back when renovations are complete. read more

Beale Memorial Library - Libraries Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I have been an avid reader all my life, so libraries have always been special to me. Beale library is beautiful. Spacious with high ceilings but feels cozy. There is a beautiful courtyard as well. The staff is friendly and helpful. It's a great place to get lost in for book lovers. They also carry some very helpful information for veterans. Take your children, give them a love of reading. Spend some time alone there to refresh yourself. Donate books and money if you are able. We need our local libraries. read more

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I have been waiting all summer for the library to have a book sale and today is the day . The sale started yesterday and continued today. I was so excited to walk inside to the sale which consisted of various types of adult books, cds, and dvds . The prices were fair for used books as well. I got 3 paperback or soft cover books for 5 dollars , what a deal. They accept cash or card too. If you need to fill your own personal library be sure to follow the library on social media to know when the sales happen . read more

Beale Memorial Library - Sign for sale - Libraries Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Been coming here for many months. I'm just glad they are opened on Saturdays. It really helps me and my daughter since we didn't have much time during the weekdays. My day has a great time at the library. read more

First time coming here but made a point to visit today. My niece lost her card so the guy at the front was super nice and fast to replace her card. The place is huge walking in and bathroom is on the first floor which is convenient. When walking in you see the book return bins out front so just case oh miss them you can still drop your books off on time. They had Charlie Brown on the ground right in front of the doors, seems like it was a chalk drawing which I thought was awesome bc you know your girl loves her Peanuts crew. Heading up stairs three flights of steps but not too bad if you look behind and up you'll see a beautiful pairing or drawing but it awesome so make sure to take a look. Second floor you walk up and faces with books of course and a help desk and seating. I was more interested in walking around and exploring. It's a typical library aka house of books. Walk to the left you'll see a section where you can study for your GED, ACT, Citizen ship and so much more. Last but not least I found the atlas section so many maps of each region of the world. The books are super big and worn but still use able. I thought the library was suppose to be a quiet place but it seems like they had a room full of people laughing and having a good time so maybe it's not a quiet zone, I don't know I was confused. Other then that I had a great experience and look forward to going back. read more

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The library works so hard on keeping the kids busy with summer activities, encourages reading, and the staff is always so friendly.

I recently started coming back to this downtown library. The staff is very kind and helpful. and the patron seem to be nice and respectful also. A nice, quiet peaceful place, I sometimes come after work. It is a good place to look for some books, and find some to take home. There is a big parking lot, and some spaces are shaded if you don't want your car too hot. A small area outside is provided with several book return bins. This flagship library is easy to get to from either Q Street or Truxton. read more

I've spent many afternoons studying away or just being a nerdy bookworm here at the Beale Library. This is the Kern County flagship facility, and it's pretty big. It has a cool kid's collection and a huge local history and genealogy collection. I've researched many papers and burned the midnight oil here. Librarians are incredibly helpful and the facility is always kept neat and clean. Audiovisual rentals run the gamut - from cool indie films to the one square-dance CD I rented (don't ask!). When the library moved to a brand-new facility about 20 years ago, it was very modern and the architecture was impressive. Now it's starting to show its age, but it still does it's job and is still a valuable and relevant resource for the area. read more

Beale Memorial Library - Libraries Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Words cannot express what a community asset the Beale is! This place is a real gem, and then some. The staff is always ready to go above and beyond for you, the place is neat and clean, and you always feel welcome. Public libraries are there to provide a service not marred, or driven by, corporate greed. Each employee really is there to help, and you can sense it when they're speaking with you. I was lucky enough to have a great aunt who worked there when I was younger and I would love visiting-- not just to see her, but to learn more and grow to appreciate books of all types. They have historical data, a huge variety of lit, and everything in between. There are always events at the library like children's story time, guest speakers, and presentations. Everything about Beale Memorial makes you feel safe and warm, almost like coming home. Take an afternoon and hang out, browse around, and enjoy yourself. This is the best place to beat the heat, take a nice break, and learn something new. Beale staff, thank you for all that you do. The services you provide to our community are priceless. read more

I think this is the largest library in Bakersfield at the moment, with two floors and an open floor plan. Magazines & fiction books are downstairs. Nonfiction books (using the dewey decimal system) is upstairs. :) I'm glad they have "self check-out" for books, similar to self check out at the grocery stores, so convenient. Also, it was easy to apply for a library card, there are applications on a stand right when you come into the library. Staff are friendly and helpful, which is nice. Plenty of parking spots. Popular best seller books are available, but usually not at this location or "checked out" so you have to enter a waiting list to get them when they're checked back into the larger library system. read more

Worst library I have ever visited! Went in to check out a couple movies and the guy at the desk told me since I was checking out with a library card from a different county but still part of the San Joaquin Valley Library system that if I wanted to check out the movies they were $2 apiece plus tax! That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard! I have used my card at libraries in different counties and never had that problem! Are they so desperate for money that they want to rip off the patrons that use them. Well suffice to say I will never, ever under any circumstances check out anything from this library. You are a public library for crying out loud, not Redbox! Seriously the worst library I have ever been to in my life. read more

I was employed with Beale Memorial Library from February 2018 - May of 2018. The treatment received during my time with Beale was unsatisfactory, on multiple accounts. The position ended unexpectedly, causing unnecessary financial, emotional and professional hardship. read more

The unmistakable smell of a library. It's an all too familiar smell that reminds me of childhood, education, and hope. There's just something about it that's hard to explain. There's plenty of little nooks to read or study in peace. Occasionally, a noisy child or unstable homeless guy will break the silence. But for the most part, it's a decent place to escape the heat and get your reading on. My one complaint is computer availability issue. Sometimes all I want is to lookup the location of a book and that's it. They need to keep a few of these computers available for those that only need to do this. It seems half of Bakersfield's homeless are hanging out using the Internet to update their match.com accounts. Other than that, Beale is your best bet for a local public library. Cal State reigns supreme for content, and Baker takes the cake for architecture and style. read more

This Library its horrible. You will get help whenever the staff feels like helping you. The thing that bothers me the most is that people who live n the streets gets to enter and fall asleep in between book shelves and when you try to walk by they will insult you in all ways possible. I entered the bathroom and there was someone trying to wash herself in the sink. I tried to ask for permission to wash my hands but she looked at me very upset and I just walked away. And Let me not even start talking about the guy who went upstairs, walked towards a table full of students and SPAT yes SPAT on the floor right infront of their table. I thought I was dreaming but they saw it and looked at me like WTF?! This library has a big problem, they all know it but look the other way. I am never visiting this Library again. read more

It had been over ten years since I'd been to the Beale Memorial Library, but when I returned this week it was like visiting an old friend. I am an admitted bookaholic. I have literally thousands of children's books in my classroom and quite a few grown up books for my own entertainment at home. I read many different genres: science fiction, fantasy, mystery, suspense, true crime, horror; you name it - I probably enjoy reading it. I may be computer addicted for almost everything else, but when it come to reading I can't quite bring myself to go with the high tech Kindle or Nook. There is something so tactile about the feel of the paper under your fingers as you turn the pages and the look of the print on the matte page. There's a smell that seems to permeate the older books (not mold - ew) that adds to the experience of reading. I enjoy reading the stories, but my love affair with books go so much deeper. Way back in college I lived in the library. When I was at the University of Oregon, my friends and I studied at the law school library. When I transferred to Goucher in Towson, Maryland, I had my own study carrel in the Goucher library, and spent many rainy weekends watching videos there. My friends and I rode the Goucher bus to Johns Hopkins to study in their library three times a week. The Med School library at Hopkins is the quietest place I've ever been to in my life. It almost felt sacrilegious to even whisper so we remained silent for hours at a time and studied rather efficiently. I still read, but not in libraries. I read in bed. I read in the bathtub. I read at Starbucks, in the park, on the airport bus, on airplanes, and in doctor's waiting rooms. Yet none of these books have been coming from the library. Instead, I've been buying books at bookstores, thrift stores, antique stores, garage sales; just about anywhere I can get my hands on them. When did I forget about the library? Who knows, but I'm back. This visit was to pick up books for a middle school student I am tutoring to do a research paper. The process to sign up for your very own library card is quick and painless; all you need is your driver's license. The catalog is online and extremely easy to use; it tells you which books they have, which branch of the library they are located at, and whether they are checked in or out. After copying down the call numbers (Dewey decimal system, anybody?) I was headed for the racks to find my treasures. Half the books were in the children's (nonfiction) section, which was located in a different area than the adult books. I found everything I was looking for and in the right spots, too, so they are doing very well at maintaining the organization of the collection. As I headed off in search of the adult nonfiction section, I saw that they had a number of different areas to sit and read, sections for young adults and even an area with computers in it for using the internet. Everywhere I went there was silence, and it was peaceful. All the workers there were friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful. I was trying to stay on a schedule, so I didn't have time to start looking for books for myself. However, since I'm allowed to take out up to 30 items at a time and I only picked up 5 for my student, I can come back at my leisure to pick out up to 25 for myself. Books, movies, audiobooks - Who knows? This card is burning a hole in my pocket and the sky is the limit! But first I really need to go buy some shoes that don't squeak. read more

Largest public library in town. Lots of sections and books available. They can also truck books over from other facilities if they don't have what you're looking for in stock. They even have audio books to check out! If you want to study in peace go to the second floor and talk to reference and have them check you into a private study room. That way the screaming kids won't bother you! read more

This place is amazing. The people are so nice and are always willing to help. They have so many books and it's honestly amazing. The kids section is always filled with happy kids playing. It's a great way to have fun with family and read a book. Kids and some adults should read way more. Reading is amazing and such a good way to spend time. This place is amazing please stop by and get your own card! read more

I checked out some books in December, one was a grinch book called max or something like that, it was new and the cardboard type book. I read it with my son, returned it in perfect shape, but was charged a fee for "creasing". Of course when you turn the cardboard book pages it's gonna crease a bit! Especially it being new! This fee was unnecessary. read more

Excellent customer service at the desk. Very informational and helpful. Ample parking. This library is very resourceful.

This library has not changed too much over the years. I had not been by here in about two years until very recently. It's like I never left because everything looked the same as it did even 15 to 20 years ago. This library appears not to have aged at all. I do not go here to do research anymore. The World Wide Web has made libraries almost obsolete. What I do like about this library is that it is very peaceful and quiet. When I went back to college a couple of years ago and back in my high school days, I loved coming to Beale Memorial Library. I would find a nice secluded spot and just study away. If I had rated this place 15 years ago, I would have given them 5 stars. Nowadays, I can only say they are A-ok. 3 stars. Times have changed, but this library has not really changed with the times. read more

Probably the biggest library in Bakersfield- good choice of books, and info is generally helpful. Unfortunately, the library is all the way across town, and it also seems to be the place for parents to drop their noisy kids off during the day. Overall: Great place to hang out if you wanna get your knowledge fix. ;) read more

Books, BOoks, BOOks, BOOKS!!! The Beale is pretty much the place to go if you want to get free books in Bakersfield. It has the widest selection on site, lots of desks and areas to study and read, free wifi, and friendly staff. You'll be surprised at the wide selection they have. The Beale is connected with the other library systems in the San Joaquin Valley, so you'll have access to their collections too. If you want a book at one of the locations, they'll order it for you and call you when it arrives. Overall great place. read more

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its really nice , the bathrooms arnt stinky , some homless come in to get aeay from the sun and dont abuse the place they simply read a book , sit and take a breather , and the computer rooms are very clean and everything is sanitized . the staff is really kind and help u look for things and help u on the computers . would highely recommend .! read more

Beale Memorial Library - Reading time! - Libraries Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I love this library but it really needs some love. We need to write to our senators to get the funding for getting the computers running again. The staff work really hard and are very helpful with answering questions. read more

Love this library cause it's the oldest in town, they are having book sales every month now super excited more people reading :)

Just so everyone needing to go tot the library they are closed till Jan. 1st Have a Happy New Year.

What a beautiful library. I spent several hours there yesterday working on my laptop. Great wi-fi connection. I could hear the person in the reference section answering questions and I was impressed with her kindness and patience. Their computers were down. All of them. That had to be stressful for employees and the public. read more

Absolutely LOVE the Bookmobile! We don't get downtown very often and the Bookmobile makes it SO convenient to get the books, etc that we order online. It comes to the Target shopping center on Rosedale once a week so we don't have to go out of our way to get the books we ordered. The bookmobile staff is SO nice and friendly. Love it! read more

So far the biggest library in Bakersfield or so I've heard. Overdue book fees are ridiculously expensive! 50cents per day per book. And it adds up REAL fast. On my first time borrowing books( I borrowed 3), I was late returning them and I ended up paying almost $25 for them! I've been to other cities and this by far has the most expensive fees. In LA, its 35cents/day. On other states such as New Mexico, they can offset late fees (no matter how much) if you use the automated system in returning books. Never coming back. I'd just buy my own books. read more

I went to the Beale memorial library on December 12th at 3:50 p.m. and was quite surprised how it's gone downhill. With the lack of funding I guess that's why they only have less than half of the lights on and it was even a sunny day with some light coming in the skylight. The upstairs reference desk was closed. There weren't many staff working in the entire library and with all the vagrants sitting around this dark place it was a somewhat scary place to be considering all the nooks and crannies amongst the bookshelves. I won't go there unless I have to. It's unfortunate with such a big building they can't just close off half of it but that's not possible due to all the books. The county should turn this place into a day-use center for the homeless and get funding because that's who is mostly using it. read more

This library is pretty big. I like the children's section but they need to update the books a lot of books are old. They need more modern books to keep the children interested. It's hard finding what you need in this facility. Sometimes the librarians are helpful sometimes they're not. The computer lab is always full and they give you a time limit on it. 1 hour max but I think that's reasonable. We went here on a field trip for head start and the kids weren't that interested. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE this library. It has everything you need. Good selection of research materials (both printed books and internet database access), novels and leisure reading material, free CD rental, and a section for kids/teens. They also have a lot of archives, with magazines and periodicals going back to the early 1900s. I could spend hours browsing them just for fun. read more

It's big, .. The restrooms on the 2nd floor are better then the ones on the first, the computers are fast, and you can get what you need done. Simple, I hate that now a days it's a computer that checks your books out, rather then a librarian. read more

This review is for printing only. On Friday they close early but on any day the computers at this library automatically shut down thirty minutes prior to closing. So favor that in when printing and give yourself enough time. You must log into their computers to print. No wireless printing or thumb drive to printer like Office Max. If you do not have a library card you will need to start at the front desk and get a guest code. Only some of the computers print and some do not. I took off a star because the lady at the front desk was very rude when I asked her why my code didn't work. She gave me the code and rather then having me try out two computers, and having to come back to ask why the code want working she should have told me which computer to use at the same time she gave me the code. That would have helped since I was crunched on time. Other than than, good printing resource. 15 cents for black and white. read more

One of the best libraries in town. Comprehensive in topics and great staff!

Libraries are no longer free! Back in the day, VHS movie checkouts never had a price tagged onto them, in my experience anyway. My disappointment in discovering there is now a charge to check out a DVD is very large, especially in a day and time where these same movies can be purchased and downloaded for cheaper than the price for one rental week from the library! What a shame, the library is not free anymore. read more