This is our favorite local library. It's on the smaller side, smaller than the RB library, but still cozy. Their kids section has little tables and a few couches to read with your littles. They also have coloring pages available for kids. It's always organized and tidy. The staff here is what makes the library. They're always so kind, I've never had a negative interaction. The library is very bright and open with lots of natural light overhead. They also have an outdoor area that's gated in which is nice if your littles need to run around. Highly recommend this library! read more

It is so easy to out books on hold and just quickly pop in to pick them up. They're quick about getting the books you place on hold. Their staff is kind and helpful. And now they automatically renew your books when you're about to be late in returning them, so that's an extra bonus. I accidentally handed in a book to this library that was supposed to have been turned into a local elementary school library. That library told me later that someone from the CMR public library had hand delivered it to the elementary school. Now that's what I call service!! read more

I was on my way to San Diego and checked a random San Diego library. The library itself is small. They don't have a big selection, but you can find variety of categories. They have outside patio area for your quiet reading.... I signed up for a free library card that can be used at any of the San Diego local area library. It quick and easy. The great thing about it is that you can check out the book for 30 days! Yes 30 days! And can only be renewed up to 5 times. Once someone places it on hold, you will not be able to renew it. I checked one book out for fun reading. All the staff were super friendly and helpful. read more

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One of my favorite city branches, mainly because they have the most friendly and helpful library staff. Every time I've gone, I always leave with having such a positive staff interaction. This branch is smaller than other surrounding ones, but there is still lot parking. Plenty of self-checkout stations and book holds shelf is easy to find/organized. Children's area also appears to be maintained well. Will have to make it to one of their many free program offerings! read more

A very good library in a convenient location. Parking lot for about 30 cars, lots of places to sit. Staff are friendly. Replacement library cards cost $1, and you can pay cash or with credit/debit card. They have lots of events for people to meet others - book clubs, classes, etc. Only con is the children's section is quite small and books are quite worn. read more

Great library! Came here for a playtime & story half hour they offer. It was a nice turn out with friendly moms & babies . So much to select from here from cds, books (of course) to dvds. There is a security guard that is friendly & patrols the area often. Plenty of parking & easy to find. Absolutely will be coming back here again! read more

Carmel Mountain Ranch Library - Parking lot - Libraries Near Me - San Diego, California

Great selection of books! The staff was very knowledgeable, it's just a little too loud to be a quiet study place

Beautiful library, lots of natural light. The staff is incredibly inconsiderate. They speak sooo loud! I am trying to study and they are standing in front of each other but you can hear them from the other side of the library. I felt like they're having a conversation right next to me because of how loud they are. One of them even came and talked on the phone near me! Go outside to take your call!! You do not need to speak so loud for the person a couple feet in front of you to hear!! Some of us are trying to study!! read more

This is a smaller branch than the other two San Diego libraries that we frequent. It is well lit, and the library desk staff is pleasant. Just thought I'd stop in and have a look. read more

I'm surprised this library has more than one star. This is probably the dirtiest, loudest and more unorganized library I have sat inside in So cal. Also the manager is not very friendly or mindful of people's needs. Don't recommend read more

This is the best library! I feel like they truly care about books and my little family. They're super kind and helpful, always telling us of upcoming book programs. Plenty of space and resources for everyone while still being quite a tiny location. They are very organized. I'm thankful and grateful for the staff here! read more

It's a good neighborhood library with plenty of natural sunlight. The staff is also very nice. Was hoping there was more toys/play area for children though. The selection of kids books was also pretty small and furniture kind of old. Def needs an upgrade. read more

It's bright, clean and spacious with ample free parking. This is a place where I plan to bring mini me frequently. They have books of coupons out in the front lobby. We were able to get a freebie kids meal at Chick-fil-A down the street after our nice trip to the CMR library. They have a larger children's area compared to the other libraries we have been to. They also have toys and puzzle for the kids. It's a great place to meet new friends and neighbors. The librarians were very helpful in finding books for us. read more

This is one of my favorite San Diego area libraries. To start, the building itself is quite awesome. Some guy even wrote a journal article about it's architecture and innovation. http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=860099&show=html It is a good sized library with a wide selection of books and helpful librarians. The kids section rocks...TONS of choices and series available. I always find something I want to read when I'm there, or else I order it and pick it up. I stop in between jobs to read, use free wifi, sit out in the outdoor garden area, or browse books. I wish they had later hours, but with a crappy economy I'm just glad they are around! read more

Carmel Mountain Ranch Library - Awesome architecture! - Libraries Near Me - San Diego, California

Well let me start off by saying this Library is a little small but it does have Tables and Chairs where you can sit and Enjoy some Quite time but it is rare here because it does get noisey in this Library . Also the selection here is not as big as the others but they do have movies you can rent and sometimes they got good deals on books if you check their tables you can find bargains!! The service here is ok !! And they also got Computers where you can look up things or if you want to check other Library's to see what they got . The parking is ok here not bad !! Overall I might return if I am in the Area or just want to look at Magazines or just strolling by !! I give it 3 Stars because of The Selection and it get a little loud at times when you are Studying or just what to read a Book . read more

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This library is wonderful ! They have sooo many activities for kids throughout the week! We love going every week to get books and enjoy programs. Ms Luz is wonderful with the kids ! She is reason enough to go the library because of her kindnness to my kiDs ! read more

I do like this library since it's conveniently located near my residence. I was always under the impression everyone has to be quiet when inside but people and children are allowed to talk normally (not whisper) and yell/scream (children mostly) when inside. This makes it challenging if you have to study or like to read quietly. Also, the place is kept neat other than the cobwebs on the window and the occasional transient sharing a desk with you :) read more

Super nice spot with lots of natural lighting coming in. If this were the library I went to as a kid, I'd be spoiled as heck. One thing - I don't get why no food or drinks are allowed. Not even water. What's up with that? Did something bad happen in the past? Do y'all just get a crap ton of ants? Some sort of explanation on that signage would be awesome. read more

I'm a big fan of libraries. This one is cute and quaint and has a little bookstore inside. The selection isn't the most comprehensive but that's what interlibrary loans are for. I typically only visit late mornings/early afternoons, so I don't know what it looks like when it's at its busiest. Hubby sometimes visits when he has to study and he claims it can get noisy when you need it quiet. But they do offer free wifi which is a nice. But all libraries should have free wifi by now, it's like a given. I haven't had much interaction with the library staff because they have the self-checkout areas, which is just fine with me. One less potentially grumpy person to interact with. They also have Sunday hours, which is something I completely appreciate here in San Diego. Library hours on a Sunday in LA County is unheard of. read more

As far as libraries go this is a good one. Despite not being an enormous library it has a huge stock of books and you can also order books to come from another branch if the title you are wishing to loan is not available. The place is not busy during the daytime. I have yet to visit at the weekend or in the evening. It is clean and there is plenty of space to walk around between the books. As well as books there is a large selection of dvds and books on cd. The cd selection is limited. Lending policy is 21 days for books, audio tapes and compact discs. 7 days for dvds and videos. Any items ordered will be kept for 12 days. A maximum of 25 hold items can be put on your card any one time. A maximum of 40 items can be loaned at one time. There are limits as follows: -5 books from the same author -5 books on the same subject - 5 videos & 5 DVDS -15 audio cassette titles -10 compact disc titles 10 juvenile book and tape sets 2 holiday books per family. 4 stars rather than 5 as my visit before last landed me with a cold. You cannot guarantee that the other people visiting will be illness free (or have enough manners to cover their mouths when coughing. I know this is not the fault of the library. Also a 4 rather than a 5 because it is not the biggest of libraries and I was unable to locate books on local history. read more

I prefer the Poway library because #1 it's usually open, compared to the two days in the week you'll find this one with decent hours 12-8pm because of it's odd schedule. It's designed rather well, small, the glass walls make the place feel comfortable. I'm usually here with just my laptop. Their WiFi internet is beyond slow for a library that gets half as many people as the Poway and RB branches. Might be because all the residents surrounding it are using it as well, which is unacceptable, at least have it secured. Overall I prefer the Poway branch since it has more hours, better WiFi. read more

I have gone here a few times and it is always pretty loud. I agree whatever happened to library's being a quite place. I was trying to study but couldnt get my mind off the abnoxious people that were yapping away. I give it 3 stars as no one attempted to quiet them down. Im sure therr is something they could do about the noise there! read more

This location rarely has newer books and good picks when you just stop and look. I find the best bet is to use their online system or app which is great to locate, search or find books and then place a hold to pick up here. The staff is always friendly and there always seems to be something going on so it is not the quietest library. The parking has lots of slots but be careful as it is pretty narrow - if you have long car or suv it can be tricky but there are two exits so you can maneuver either way. read more

great library right in CMR. I'm glad this is so close to our house! Fast easy checkout and everyone is very helpful. They even have story time with therapy dogs. Keeping track of any library hours can be challenging, but having a few late nights open a week is good enough for me! Placing items on hold via their website and Overdrive app is a breeze with a very easy pick up process. Very clean and modern :-) read more

Great place to work from if you need a break from working from home. The internet is slow but that helps me concentrate on work stuff, can't stream Netflix. There are tables or solo booths. read more

Love this library. It's clean, the staff is pretty helpful and they have a good selection of books and movies. It's not loud like some libraries can be (which is so annoying). It's convenient to get it and out of. read more

This is where the cool kids come. Nice quite place to study. Good lighting. Peaceful. But not exactly the place I would go for research.

I take my four kids here very frequently and it's fantastic. If items aren't available, the San Diego Public Library system has a great online hold process and things will arrive usually within a week, depending on how far the materials are traveling from. This library also has an enclosed outdoor courtyard where my kids can run around. It's also almost completely shaded, which is very helpful on very hot days. We go to the library, pick out books, color and play with puzzles, and then head outside for a little bit of shaded outdoor time. It's wonderful. The librarians know us and are always helpful, like bringing library activities to my attention (read alouds, gingerbread house decorating, etc.). read more

I've been going to this library since I was a kid and the thing that's always stood out the most in my mind are the huuuuge glass walls that make up the entrance of the library. Or, at least, they were "huuuge" in my 6-year-old mind. Anyways, the reason I give this particular library a 3 is because of my own expectations when going into a library. I expect 3 things: organization, friendliness, and selection. As far as friendliness goes, these librarians remind me of your stereotypical cookies-out-of-the-oven-oh-and-would-you-also-like-a-glass-of-milk-with-that-darling? grandmotherly types. They're helpful, quick to suggest alternative books to check out, and of course, very very courteous. The organization of the library isn't too bad either, especially considering that most libraries run on volunteer efforts. However, I've never really understood why the Children's Fiction, YA Fiction, and (normal?) Fiction sections are so far apart. Or why furniture seems to keep wandering around everytime I visit. Sigh. So as far as organization goes, meh, it's about average. The factor that drives down this library (sorry!), however, is the selection. As an avid reader, I pretty much blaze through stacks of books. So, yes, I AM that annoying Asian girl with the 20-book stack in the checkout line. Sorry... But that being said, the selection at this library (I absolutely adore fiction books) is a bit lacking /: Of course, that's not the library's fault- its just a bit unfortunate that all the newest releases tend to go to the Central Library first. Bottom line: great library, friendly people, selection is all right, but not big enough for intense bookworms. If you eat through books like a termite, the SD County Branch might better suit your needs. Poway Library? read more

Whatever happened to libraries being a quiet place to read or study? When I was there it was apparently story hour and it was in the main library, not in a sound proof room. So I had to hear the story too. Then I got to hear a bunch of men's and their toddlers talking and playing and running around and laughing. I'm not against kids, but I thought the main library was for the public and special rooms were made for group meeting and the like. Not once did I hear a mom or a librarian say "Shhh...." That is what I was taught. Whatever. Next time I need quiet I guess I have to go into a private room. read more

It's a great little library. Lovely building architecturally speaking. It's not as big as the other libraries but you can always put a hold /pick up for your choice of book if not available. It has a nice quiet patio space. My son loves to play out there too. A good variety of programs are offered. And the staff are very helpful and friendly! We love it! Good job guys! read more

Great library! Wide array of books with great customer service! The parking lot could be bigger though.......

I had tried to renew books online but there was a hold on my account so I could not do it. Because I was on a trip to Northern CA at the time and could not physically renew my books or do it online, I called the library to ask them what my options were. They told me to make sure I return them in person (not the book drop) as soon as I come back to San Diego and explain my situation. I was afraid my fines would continue to go up each day that I was away. However, the person that I spoke to on the phone said that she was not able to renew the books over the phone for me and that I would just need to come in in person and everything would be taken care of. WRONG! I was misinformed! When I tried to explain what I had been told to the older male librarian at this branch, his sarcastic response to me was, "too bad, no mercy." I understand the policy but why had I been misinformed and why was I not allowed to renew over the phone from Northern CA sooner to prevent a $56 fine?!! I am all about supporting public libraries, but their policies are ridiculous! And their staff needs to be better trained! read more

I like this library because its clean and they have individual desks for private study.

I have been coming here for the last 4 years and my family and I have always loved it until now. It's clean, great location and have nice children's books but the staff need to be better trained on their customer service skills. My account has always been in great standing and made an honest mistake of my due date of our books . My kids go through books like crazy so we had checked out 34 books and had a late fee of $52.20! I spoke with Janet, the person in charge at that branch and explained I have been in great standing for the last 4 years, can anything be done to help since I can't afford that. She told me no. I asked if there's such a huge fine, why wasn't I notified earlier? She said AFTER 30 days, they send a letter by mail. If I had an email listed with them, they send an email after 14 days. This policy needs to be looked into since it seems to be outdated. I asked to speak to the next person who oversees this branch so she gave me his number and said, "I'm going to tell you what he is going to tell you right now and his answer will also be no". I told her how can you answer for him? She said, it's our policy and that's what he will say. There were other witnesses there to hear that. She had said that multiple times to me while I was asking questions. As an employee, I would NEVER speak on behalf of my boss. A 16 year old at their first job even knows better than that. She was rude, had a snarky look at her face and enjoyed telling someone no. She could have been nicer to me in this situation since I had my kids with me and since my account was now blocked, they could not check out books. I called Robert who oversees this branch but is located at the central library. He was much nicer and understanding. He took $5 off my account which was huge for me! I informed Robert of Janet's lack of customer service skills and how she was happy to answer on his behalf so hopefully things will improve. I will not be returning to this branch and after speaking with several other families in this community, I was informed Poway is the better library to go to. read more