very nice library , just small . also just to comment about the comments where people are complaining about kids here , DONT COME TO A KID FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENT IF YOU DONT WANT TO BE AROUND KIDS. Kids are just being kids and people are being karen's and complaining about the children , grow up. read more

This is an older library that serves mostly the underserved. The staff was nice and the space was welcoming. Great little Friends bookstore decorated so cute for the book crawl! read more

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One might reasonably expect a public library to offer a modest sense of welcome--perhaps even a bit of professional courtesy. Sadly, the El Cajon Library appears to operate under a different philosophy. The security presence is particularly memorable. Rather than projecting quiet competence, the guards favor a style that can only be described as amateur theatrics. Intimidation seems to be the preferred mode of engagement, delivered with all the refinement of someone who has never been taught the difference between authority and posturing. It is classless, unprofessional, and frankly exhausting to encounter when one simply hoped to use a public resource in peace. The librarians, for their part, have perfected an impressive performance of busyness. Questions are met with the sort of abrupt, distracted replies that suggest the asker has interrupted something far more important than, say, the basic function of the library. Approachability is clearly not a priority. Library management, if it is paying attention at all, seems content to allow this atmosphere to persist. The cumulative effect is less "community resource" and more "why did I bother coming here." It is a genuine disappointment --especially for those of us who still hold the outdated notion that libraries should feel like places one can actually use without being treated as an inconvenience or a potential problem. Perhaps standards have simply evolved beyond the expectations of ordinary patrons. In any case, the experience is consistent: unwelcoming, unprofessional, and thoroughly deflating. read more

Well the question was asked what could improve. The way I believe you could improve is by letting seniors with weary eyes from reading sleep a few moments. What would it hurt? I realize it ain't the Holiday Inn and that this facility was not designed to sleep in but I fail to see why I ask a senior Veteran was so grossly disrespected. I feel that it is a shame they have nothing better to do than startle a senior who just closed his eyes a moment. At first my strategy was to just plain stay out of this place. today I happened to be in El Cajon so I decided to give them a try. I would have been treated better had I just gone to ll the Chula Vista Library. My New Strategy is to continue coming to this library and continuing to report on how poorly the treat seniors. I could see their problem if I brought in a pillow and blanket and laid down on the floor in people's way. But I'm on a chair I am not harming anyone by closing my eyes for a few moments. I feel it's a big waste of money to pay a security guard to harass seniors. I've already did other reviews so I won't address other areas of the library. read more

Wanted to find a quiet place to study, and this location was not too far from us. Parking is spacious, and there's a big playground at the entrance but it didn't look available to use due to construction. The library is spacious with open aisles and displays for staff picks. The front desk is extremely helpful, informative, and kind to children. There were many tables, some with built in outlets or next to wall outlet. Today seemed a bit busy, more with adults using the internet than reading/studying. There are designated children areas, and there are study rooms you can rent out. I felt generally safe, there was security at the front. Would visit again. They close at 5. read more

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I came here recently to do computer work and i was surprised when i saw how clean it was inside and how well the AC worked. There's a security at the front and even metal detector bars which help me feel safe. There was homeless outside but they weren't harming anyone and were just sitting there. They had about 20 computers for public use and a section for teens only. For everyone else there's plenty of space. It might be busier at certain times but i went at 4 pm and it sort of packed. The bathrooms were clean and everyone inside the library are respectful and considerate of eachother and kept library voices on. I would definitely go back and i recommend this place to anyone who needs somewhere fresh and clean to sit and get Hw done or read a book , do computer work, etc. I wouldn't come here to talk because it does get quiet. There are rooms you can sign up for at the front desk. I guess sometimes there is a waiting list. read more

El Cajon Library - One of many tables to do work , to the left towards the back - Libraries Near Me - El Cajon, California

For a librarian to accept the nervousness and respect the quiet concentration of an individual clinging onto his application process for a dream job Michael provides the comfort and professionalism and courteousness the library has to offer. Hats off whenever the extra services are exceed expectations. He sets n the bar in services offered. Thank you on a.business level. Heart warming gentleman. Noise reduction identified and removed also. read more

As a college student, I love studying at the EC library. It is peaceful and quiet and I am able to get all my school work done. The AC is a great plus! Bathrooms always clean. And if you want to buy a new book, they start at .25 cents! So if you need a place to study/do school work, this is the perfect place to do so! read more

This library is a wonderful oasis of air conditioning and intellectual freedom in the hot, sometimes (usually) conservative East County. The librarians are really awesome and are always helpful. They have tons of music cd's, the latest (and classic) films on DVD, tons of magazines, and free Internet access. Even if the library doesn't have the book or DVD that I want when I visit, they will order it from a different branch and will usually have it for me to pick up within 3 - 5 days! What great customer service! read more

El Cajon Library - Trees in Bloom at El Cajon Library - Libraries Near Me - El Cajon, California

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The librarian there is very attentive for the patrons who came thru to utilized its services. I was there for the free legal aid workshop on Wednesday afternoon. They help the attorney to get setup with their papers and a stand for others to sign in. Although some of the "free" attorneys are a bit -- half ass in their answers to the people whom are there to seek help. I guess you can't asked for much for these "free" advises. Luckily afterwards I asked my lawyer friends out in the East Coast for clarifications, since these West Coast Half assed answers leaves much people in their high regards to their professional capabilities read more

this library has everything. Wifi, large tables, plugs, a private laptop room, kids area, adult area, self checkout, and a water fountain! Oh, they have books too :-) Only downside is that they do not provide POP3, SMTP, IMAP email service (like all libraries :-( Can only access email through a web browser, like if you use yahoo or gmail read more

Not a bad library at all. It's definitely MUCH better than the one I used to go to in Oceanside and the other library in OB. Looks are deceiving, however; it looked brand spanking new on the outside, but when I entered it, it looked like the library I went to when I was in elementary school (not that I'm complaining, but just my pov). Everything you need and want is provided for you: books, internet, and plenty of desks to occupy. There is also a used book section near the entrance, and sometimes you can find some good gems. There are a lot of interesting people who frequent here, however; usually I see a couple drifters and one person with their cute dog and cat. I know this is downtown El Cajon (which I actually think is great and nice, contrary to how some people view El Cajon), but...I remember when I was walking out of the bathroom this lady was talking to a younger woman about how her daughter had the same color hair as the younger woman, but it grew dark as she got older. The older lady then remarked, "I don't know how her hair color is now, I haven't seen her in years." I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but she was talking loud...then as they walked out of the door, she remarked, "The last I heard she was in jail. I don't know if she's out now or not!" It was my sign to leave at that point. I tried not to laugh. read more

Why write a yelp review on a library unless you have a grievance to air? Your complaint won't make or break a staffers paycheck. If you are startled awake or asked to use headphones, don't take it personally. Employees certainly don't want to defend or determine who is the worst rulebreaker. The El Cajon library branch has saved me on several occasions with printers, copiers, wifi and computers and I try to try return my gratitude by being clean, quiet and pleasant. El Cajon, is a city of great diversity, and staff seem to handle all of their patrons quite well. So thanks! read more

I haven't been here many times but have been content when I have. It is a smaller library but will get the job done if you are looking for a book, movie, music, or just to use the computer. Since it is smaller though, don't expect a huge variety. The staff was friendly and especially helpful when I was getting a library card. Parking is easy with a good sized parking lot there. There is also a playground so you can send your kids out if you need to look for a few new books to read. Overall, an okay place to go use the services. read more

This library is extremely helpful and has alot of useful resources inside for needs that our not discussed in El cajon. I was homeless and nobody helped me except for Erica . Erica has encouraged me not only to get off the street but to also seek mental, dental ,and spiritual help as well . Thank you El cajon library and I know I was a handful but your in my prayers every night . God bless Erica read more

Great quite library in a great neighborhood, stopping by to donate books. I love super convenience places like this. read more

El Cajon Library - Libraries Near Me - El Cajon, California

This library has gone down hill. The way this library is ran is a joke. DO NOT come to this library and think you will have a quiet place to study and read. NOPE not here. Children are allowed to scream and even encouraged to by the staff. I am not kidding! When I complained about a baby that was screaming to the library manager , I was told, " we want to welcome people here and telling people to be quiet is not welcoming" OH WOW, REALLY!! Since when is it protocol to let loud screaming and loud conversations go on in a library??? I know the staff has no control over the quality of patrons who frequent the library. But they could set some rules in order for people who need to study to be able to concentrate, instead of be distracted by inappropriate screaming and loud conversations. I wish the manager would realize how much harm she is potentially causing to children using the library to learn. I bet she would't care even if she did, based on here lame way running things. read more

I want to love this place, I really do. I am a avid book reader and so are my children and I love this library.. Once you get inside the children's section.. But the array of drunk homeless people make me not want to take my children here. Now I know that sounds horrible and i feel horrible writing that but let me just set the scene for you. Me and my two young daughters parking by the fire station and start walking.. First set of people were laying in the grass with the man touching the women.. Wow advert Children's eyes.. Get closer to the door hear a couple men talking about drugs and what vein.. I mean come on! Even once inside the library in the bathrooms where my kids need to go there is a women laying on the floor inside there and after dark it's just scary around this area especially with young kids. But I love the kids section here my daughters absolutely love reading and no other libraries close to me offers what selection this branch does. read more

Place is pretty good quality with nice staff and utilities.. but as with lots of libraries during the day it's literally CROWDED with drunk homeless people. Bring headphones. read more

I'm typing this on my mom's Account. ANYWAY, My Mom were walking to the library I was distracted buy people Riding Bikes And holding they're Skate Boards. And while I was distracted, My mom saw drug Dealers, Homeless people, And People Like that! I'm sure she is Telling the truth from the reviews, It WOULD Be nice if You would Tell those people to LEAVE Please read more

Libraries are such an amazing contribution to society! Are there homeless people hanging around? Sure, but think about if you were homeless, wouldn't you want somewhere to use the bathroom and to cool down in the AC? Have some compassion people! I have never been bothered by the homeless outside or inside. As far as the actual library goes I have had nothing but good experiences. My books are delivered fairly quickly when I do an inter library loan and whenever I have a question or need to pay a fine I am helped quickly and usually by someone with a smile on their face. read more

I went on-line and found that you can borrow books electronically. There is also an option for audio books. I love love love this feature! I have a 40 minute drive to work and really enjoy audio books to pass the time. Sometimes I will finish an audio book on c.d.'s and don't have time right away to make it to the library to get another. Now I can go on the app on my phone and borrow one right away! On android phones the app is OverDrive Media Console. read more

Even though it is not a new library (like the one in La Mesa) I prefer it to any library in east county. It is huge and has a wonderful selection of books, audio books, DVDs and CDs. My kids enjoy the video games and the large selection of kids games and books. And it is free! What could be better?! A word of advice- make sure you know how to log on to the online website www.sdcl.org so you can request anything you want and have it delivered to the local library of your choice. It often makes our visits run much more smoothly since 2 year old doesn't have much patience for the non-kid section. =) I often do my 'browsing' from home and then I have a few things to pick up next time we go! We try and frequent the library at least once a week and never leave without checking out no- less than 15 books! The staff are very helpful and have always found them to be polite and pleasant. I LOVE the new(ish) check out system! So user friendly! The ONLY thing I would suggest is that for the after hours drop-off you have to drive around the building - and since you can't just drive around the building you have to drive a block over and then you can drop off the books through the drive-thru drop off, which is convenient. I just wish the first few times I showed up after hours I had known I couldn't drop them at the front door. I had parked and gotten the kids out of the car, loaded all of our books up in our bags and walked to the front just to have to turn it all around and pack it all back up. Take advantage of their FIND FREE FRIDAYS! The last Fri of each month they will forgive ALL fines on any library material. **As long as you have not renewed an item with a fine on it...((If you have a DVD with a $1 fine on it and you renew it then the $1 fine sticks. If you go overdue on it again and turn it in on the FFF then the additional fine will be forgiven but the 'renewed fine' will not. I learned this the hard way.** If you go to the sdcl.org website you can check out the MANY MANY free and fun activities for ALL AGES that they offer. read more

Should be zero stars! This is the worst library I've been to! Trying to study on a Sunday? Looking for some quiet time? Forget you won't get it here. People talking loud. Kids screaming, people burping and coughing up thier lungs and not covering thier mouths. It's sad because even the library attendant was talking loud. No rules for this library can't concentrate at all! They need to upgrade this place. Don't come here unless you want noise and listening to people's conversations. And flies and nats flying around the library. Don't forget the homeless people hanging around too. read more

Love this library I come here with my kids quite often , the only reason it's not a five star is because there is always homeless people outside hanging out, it's a bit uncomfortable The library has a small bookstore at the entrance and the prices are dirt cheap read more

I love this library so much their children section is amazing, and I love the fact that they have a playground right outside. I also love that they are open on the weekends, so sometimes when I do not know where to take my kids on Sundays this is my place to go. As for trancients, yes you will see some, like any other library I been too, they are no harm and security are always in alert. Just a reminder this is a library and not a hotel, so for those complaining about security being on your face when you sleep, that is why they are there for. If you want to sleep go home, or rent a hotel room. read more

This seems like a fine library, but it's really busy. This is a tiny bit closer to my house than the Rancho San Diego library, but when we came for a visit on a Saturday afternoon it was quite loud and crawling with children. Since I'm looking for a library where I can study, this one just didn't fit the bill. I also prefer a newer or remodeled library. This one was just dated, although not dirty. We decided to spend our afternoon at the Rancho San Diego library instead and loved it. read more

Getting 26 Mbps download / 7.7 Mbps upload / 7 ms ping WiFI here as measured by http://www.speedtest.net. Always remember to use a VPN service on open WiFi hotspots like this so others cannot packet sniff what you are doing online. read more

This is a great library! The children's section has recently been redecorated and it is very fun. It is also ginormous. We live our little library but when we want to splurge we come here. read more

El Cajon Library - Band new toddler area. - Libraries Near Me - El Cajon, California

The San Diego County Library is an example of local government at its best. I've lived in quite a few places around the U.S., and no library system has even come close to the SD County system in terms of access to other branches and catalog expanse. The El Cajon branch is great for many reasons... it's spacious, there are lots of activities, and the service is excellent. I love all of the various cultures of people you will find at this library too. I shop at the library bookstore as well. I rarely see a book priced higher than $1, and there are some real treasures here! The Story Crafternoons for kids are a little crowded, but still a fun event to attend with children. I've visited the La Mesa and Rancho San Diego branches, but this one sees me the most for various reasons. The new RFID checkout system is awesome too! So fast! read more

This library was very dirty and the people outside were very scary. I would say the library belongs in El Cajon. As a resident of San Diego I can say I would never live in El Cajon and after going to this library I can say it's not safe for my children. The standards for this library I'm much like the community it's within; a hell hole and a shame to the people who live there. I can say I will never be back. The staff and the security however we're very friendly to leave a little bit of credit due. But the fact that it's a homeless hang out and a dugout for degenerates, I would say the place would be better off burned to the ground and turned into a parking lot or actually a halfway house. I had to go home and shower after being there for only five minutes. read more

What an awesome free assistance program that benefits everyone and yet we forget to use it. Thank you City of El Cajon read more

I am a respite worker for a nonprofit and my patient's favorite place is the library. He has a handful of health conditions including autism. But this library has made it so difficult for me to even take him here. A woman named Sandy was my first bad encounter. I was in the teen room and a woman earlier asked our ages, I said 18 and the boy was 11 1/2, 12 in a month. She said that that was okay for today, but I understood. Sandy then walked past later and asked our ages. My patient doesn't know his last name, let alone his birthday, Sandy said to my patient's face "what kind of 11 year old doesn't even know his birthday". My patient then felt upset, since he has issues with socialization (which we go to the library TO WORK ON) and only when I told her my client's conditions did she let us off. When my patient gets rowdy, as he sometimes has random word outbursts or sounds he makes, I sign in to a study room so he can be in there without disturbing others. Sandy had come by one day when we had stayed after, given that there was hardly anyone in the library on Sunday in the early afternoon. She then kicked us out and kept complaining about every where else we sat. I got a library card because one of the workers said my patient could use the computer since I am considered his guardian during these sessions. Sandy then came up and said he had to get off since he personally didn't have a library card. After. I eased him off it, she came back and told us AGAIN to get off. I didn't want him to have a tantrum in front of the whole library, it's a process not an instant thing. Then the manager, Josh, quite the character. He is always respectable but so passive aggressive. One time I checked out a library laptop, emphasis on the ONE time because you need to provide every SINGLE form of documentation when you check out a laptop. I gave them my passport and library card, but instead you needed to ALSO have proof of address with a bill, since I attend SDSU and do not have a San Diego address on my license. At the time, an older man was at the resources desk and was helping me with the laptop. I had to show him my addendum for my apartment to check out my laptop. I let my patient use it, not because he needed it but he was being specific and was jealous that I had the library laptop and asked if he could use it. I didn't know it would be a problem, but it was. And Josh came and said he couldn't use it. My patient began to cry and then ran and hid from me. Josh was completely inconsiderate in this situation. My patient then hid and I couldn't find him. Josh then came up to me and handed me THE RULES OF THE LIBRARY and said he knew of my patient's conditions but that his behavior is too distracting and disruptive to others. He then OFFERED HIS HELP TO PICK A NEW PLACE TO GO FOR HIS SESSIONS. I just don't understand how these people working at a PUBLIC LIBRARY can be so rude to a little boy who just wants to spend time here, yet let all the people outside smoking and sleeping all on the floors and chairs inside. It's disappointing to go here, as I see the dad attempting to accommodate to the library's demands just to make his son happy and go here every Sunday. It's more disappointing to see my patient feel bad about himself from the judgement of these employees. This library doesn't even deserve one star. read more

The librarians here are on a total power trip. My 3 year old and I ventured out for a children's concert. The librarians were obsessed with where the children and parents sat and stood to an extent that ruined the total experience. It was absurd. Children were being chased back for being an inch over a taped line. It was ridiculous and we will not be back. It was a shame the librarians ruined such a nice event. read more

The El Cajon Library is the best public community library I've ever been to. You can find an extensive video and dvd collection, a ton of manga, local and underground cd's, plenty of workstation computers and a very helpful staff that are patient with you when you ask outlandish requests. Its great! read more

When you're trying to study and not in the mood for the level of noise at Starbucks, this place is pretty great. All the employees are always very nice. The place is pretty clean and I love checking out their books too. read more

First off, the selection is excellent, and the location is easy to find. BUT... The librarians are just unreasonable, and unreliable. I am finally writing this because I have been going to this library for thirteen years, and they finally irked me enough to forewarn others: They have claimed that I did not drop off items two different times, calling me repeatedly. In both instances, they did "find" each item somewhere in their disorganized system, not after I had torn apart all my house and cars looking high and low for the "lost items." I never would have known that they did find the items, because they never called to tell me the good news. Nice. In two other instances, they more than let me down. I wish I had better things to say about my local library. Today was hopefully my last visit ever to this location. read more

First time coming to this library, and I must say I was disappointed! Staff were rude! Not fond of homeless people surrounding the area, but I guess that's pretty typical for El Cajon, coming from Serra Mesa we're not used to seeing so many homeless people, although they don't bug you I must say I was a little uncomfortable walking by them. Looked around and didn't find much to check out, won't be going back to this library again! read more

Great Library. I would say that County libraries are soooo much better than SD libraries... more money or what I dont know but the selection of movies, cds, and books is amazing. I came here and checked out a huge stack of great cds, and a book my friend recommended that you would normally not find in a library. i love you el cajon library! read more

Jeanefer Burski or whatever the hell her name was was a bitch. I walked in she was completely inappropriate and rude. And I'm younger than this lady and I swear she was the one that was a child. It's crazy to me if you don't like you job or you are having a shitty whatever don't take it out on the customers. I have worked in sales and retail and food. So there's no fucking excuse for how rude she was . I will NEVRR go back to that library again. And she was like I'm the manager . Manager my ass that's probley why that location is doing crapy you have crapy management your gunna be a crappy location. read more