My son and I are readers, and the Friends of the Library sell quality books cheaply on Saturdays. We visit there every few months or so. In need of cheap middle school books and thesauruses, I went there last Saturday and found three thesauruses and a number of other fine books for my classroom. One great find was the graphic novel for The Giver. Parking is ample and easy. read more

Need to get a grip on the book shop pricing. Last week the girl tried to charge me $7 for books. Then the other woman told her it's $3.50. She tried to charge double on 3 of the books. This week, April 29th, the same woman that tried to over charge me, overcharged me this week. I told her what the last lady said. Paperback is $1, hardback is $2. She said, no, the paperback was $2, and it's based on size. I told her before the person said it was all paperback $1, hardback $2 You need to get a grip and speak to the woman's boss, she was working in the morning. Why would we pay $2 when we can get paperback books at every other library shop. It's the older lady with red hair. I asked her knowing that she was wrong like the week before. What makes you determine what's $1 or $2 on paperback. She showed the smallest novel you could see and said that's $1. Training to make sure that everyone understands it is important. I just paid it. It's not the price but the principle of the matter, and probably the price too knowing she's charging double of everyone else, including your staff and other library's. read more

Fountain Valley Library - Libraries Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

Great selection, friendly staff, quiet and safe space. Often times you will see junior high and high school aged children after school finishing up homework. The friends of the library often have plant events or book sales. Just attended the book sale today, and it was fill a bag for a buck. read more

Fountain Valley Library - Libraries Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

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I wanted to open a library card at this location but I met the rudest person ever at the circulation/information desk. From the moment I asked her to help, I can tell I clearly have bothered her. She pointed and told me to sign up at the computer way in the back when there are like 5 computers around, like how am I supposed to know which one to use? She didn't tell me what to do after signing up and how I can get a physical library card, the computer just shut down on me after putting in my application. At this point, I don't even bother anymore. The library is so clean and beautiful inside but this one person completely ruined it. read more

I grew up behind the library so I went and stayed here often. I came back recently for the bookstore and wow, they have an amazing book selection! I forgot to take a picture of the inside, so I'll post them next time, but their used book section is quiet large IMO. Would definitely come back again to buy more books! Great prices too!:) friendly staff as well! Also, the interior of the library itself has changed a good amount, for the better, to be more up to times, in the sense of open tables and wider international selection. Was pretty quiet but well filled when i went. read more

Fountain Valley Library - Book store hours - Libraries Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

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I don't agree with how the staffs work here. Came here 05/15/2024. The staff was the lady wore yellow cardigan, she came and told a black man to not use such a big plug for their outlet, which was fine and completely normal. She also did tell him to plug at another outlet. However, the guy was clearly need a place to work at. She could at least be a bit more empathetic. And the weird thing I noticed is that there is a white guy with that many plugs. She didn't even bother him at all. I felt so uncomfortable and weird that she let that slide but not the other guy. I don't want to make any assumption but if you dont like your job then leave. Don't make people as miserable as you. read more

Book selection great, quiet place NO. Kids play on computers and they get really loud and no one is stopping them. My Junior year girl always prefers to go to Huntington beach Central library when we live right across the street of Fountain Valley library. It's disappointing read more

This library has a pretty big manga and graphic novel sections. I thought the large Vietnamese section was pretty cool. This library had a pretty big children's book section. read more

Fountain Valley Library - Exploring the Graphic novel section. - Libraries Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

This was the library that I grew up with and decided to come back to study for my exam. Sad to say that I will not be coming back. The place smelled, there were kids running around playing sword fights with their flutes and using books as shields, teens doing kick flips inside with their skateboards and playing minecraft/ roblox on the computers being loud as if they're the only ones there. I looked around and all the old guys was giving the stare including myself. The staff definitely saw what was going and didn't do a single thing about it. read more

Very nice and quiet public library. Free book, Great staff and good computer laptops here. Nice size library in the childrens isle and magazines and often childrens book for sale. It can get a bit wild with the after school bunch coming inside and making a little bit of noise. It doesnt bother me if im there because i am not studying anything. All in all, They have good staff to keep everyone in order. read more

I love this library. Free. Books. No complaints here. This library has an excellent selection of young adult novels. The books are current and high interest. I used the quiet reading room quite a bit while completing my master's, and I had no problem with the noise. If you require ABSOLUTE SILENCE you can get some ear plugs at any pharmacy, Target, or Amazon for just a few dollars. If you're super sensitive, you can use the ear plugs with noise cancelling headphones. Again, you can get a set for about $10 on Amazon. The Friends of the Library bookstore is a great place to find all sorts of books at unheard of prices. The volunteers and patrons are (mostly) lovely, but I did get into things once with some MAGA clown talking loudly about the perils of allowing immigrants in the country. Bah. This is a public library, and, alas, the public ruins everything. But before you complain too much, remember: they only let YOU in because you're part of the public. (It's the same reason they let me in. I asked.) read more

cute library, kids love the coloring pages.

The quality of reviews on this library is very good. I found myself agreeing and remembering certain aspects of this library while reading the reviews. The pictures shown in the "Are these photos helpful section?" are good, too. I think it's a nice library. The outdoor area is attractive. The bookstore has yielded some finds at very reasonable prices. Lots of people study at this library, it's quiet enough. The comments about the staff in other reviews are pretty interesting. For some of the comments, I think I know exactly who they're talking about. Let me go back and see if I UFC'ed those reviews. read more

I went in looking for materials to help me get my granddaughter ready to learn. It's a convienient location

Great place to study, couple minutes away from Mile Square Park, different languagues books available. Wifi, private table for studying. Nice people and very quiet. read more

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This library is definitely showing it's wear and tear as time goes. That being said, the staff do what they can to keep the place tidy and clean. Parking is ample, depending on when you go - I went late Tuesday evening and found the place relatively quiet - with more than a few empty desks/study booths available. There is plenty of books, a good stock of current magazines and periodicals - which is always a plus considering the digital age we live in. The only major downside I've found here is the internet is drastically slow. It took me nearly 20 seconds to fully load up a 1.2MB pdf file - and when my curiosity led me to run a speedtest, the flash component failed - giving me an early indication of how bad the speed was... I think if I remember correctly, the Down/Up speeds were both around 443kbps. Of course, that may be fast for some other people... perhaps those that are still on say... 56kbps dialup at home. I know a recent speedtest on my home connection was Down/Up 83MB/23MBps. There are also limited outlets available. read more

I think libraries are often mistakenly thought of as dated and obsolete. This couldn't be further from the truth! You can still go borrow a book, but it's not just that- it's so much more. Librarians work hard to keep up with modern technology, they offer their help, and provide tons of services. Fountain Valley Library in particular is a gem- the staff are all kind and enthusiastic about their jobs. They offer fun classes (like knitting, sewing, art....), yoga in the library, book clubs, cultural days... seriously, check their calendar- there's something for everyone! I've been amazed at the great services they offer- apps like Hoopla, Libby Overdrive, Freegal, Lynda, and lots more. They have awesome tools like a 3D printer, silhouette machine, sewing machines, Go Pros... If you're just looking for a book, or want to renew a checkout, their website is so easy to use! If you haven't been to a library in a while, come to Fountain Valley Library, I promise you won't be disappointed! read more

I haven't been to the library in a looooong time but I came here yesterday to study. I absolutely need to study in quiet bc I get so distracted by sounds. I used their quiet reading room that is reserved for ABSOLUTE SILENCE and it is, BUT... the walls are not sound dampening so you can totally hear the sounds from outside. Also? Does no one know how to whisper anymore?? People were talking outside so I could hear them ): The quiet room is unavailable on Mondays, Wednesdays(?), and Thursdays from 10-1 as it is being used as a reading room for some other purpose. Since it's summer, I assume there is some sort of child day activity at the library, because the room adjacent to the study room was filled with loud kids running around and yelling... So I heard everything that was going on over there.. The staff that I talked to were really nice though! read more

OMG. I'm so annoyed in this library right now. It's like people have forgotten that you're supposed to be QUIET here. People speaking in normal-level voices, INCLUDING THE STAFF. What the hell? How is someone supposed to study, read, or otherwise concentrate with a constant annoying noise level? If municipalities want people to use the library and keep it viable, I suggest they re-instill some of the principles of a quiet zone. Go study in a Starbucks or some similar place where you can speak at your normal voice level. I think I'll be going to either the HB or Newport libraries from now on, as the staff there run a much tighter ship and people respect each others' need to concentrate. Which is a pity, because any money I might have spent at the FV library will now be spent elsewhere (bookstores, food, etc.). read more

I don't like when people chatting loud nonstop and staff doesn't tell them to shut up. They been talking for 10 min plus. I can hear them across the facility and they don't say anything??? Other guest tell them shhh and they don't stop read more

Not a big fan of this library because its small, the lighting is bad, can be really loud, and the free wifi is spotty. There aren't many outlets in every location either. There's a tiny room with two desks that can comfortably seat 2 people each. I prefer studying in this room because the lighting is best, but its a popular room that's hardly available. If you need to get a study session in, go the distance and just study at HB library. Extra Notes: -One restroom for male and female--clean -parking can be crowded -librarians are helpful read more

OK, i only come here because it's across the street from my house. i try to avoid this library as much as possible. when i'm desperate for a certain book/isolating myself to study, i cringe to come here. the service is usually terrible. the workers/volunteers look miserable. (i volunteered here several times, and felt just as miserable) ah, i remember when i was a kid, everyone would graffiti hate remarks about "the old fat lady" and "the old fat lady is behind you!" all over the study tables. she was mean and she picked on everyone. ...good thing i never see her anymore. if she were still there, i'd like to give the library 0 stars :/ there's only one particular worker i admire, and that is a new old (less fat, but plasantly plump) lady with glasses. she's kind, helpful, and perky. their stupid restriction of food/bev INCLUDING water ticks me off all the time. what pisses me off the most though - is their RIDICULOUS classical horror/hate theme song they blare out 15-20 minutes before they close to kick people out. wtf, seriously. i'm studying for finals, you bastards. now i forgot what i just read... read more

This small, but intimate library is nested in "A Nice Place to Live" where adults and children alike can borrow hard copy books, audio books, and dvd's. Though the facility is dated, it's well maintained and quiet for bookworms to study. This library is also a part of the Orange County Public Library system, where patrons can use one card at any of the 30 libraries in the OC - so check it out! read more

This is the worst library I have ever used. Twice I've gone to get a book that their website says is on the shelf and it wasn't there. When I ask for help the staff seems bothered by my request. They are neither friendly or helpful. The paperback books and DVD/VHS movies are not in alphabetic order after the first letter. My only hope is that is gets better, for it is the library in my city. read more

Of the seven OC libraries I have visited, this one has the most calming atmosphere. With its small concrete garden, large fountain, adjacent mini park, sky lights, and library store stocked with plants, there is a calm yet busy vibe. There is a good collection focused on classics and nonfiction. Numerous magazines and computers. The only downside: be very careful of parking regulations (there are small signs along the road bordering the library). Because of its proximity to a police station, the parking rules are vigilantly observed, although the signs unfortunately are not prominent. One time I was there, I saw five -- yes, five -- cars get ticketed. read more

This is my favorite OCPL branch. It's spacious, the seating is nice (omg so many plush seats), lots of private tables. Everything isn't squished together, the lighting is great, nice and bright without being overly harsh. It just seems cleaner and neater than the other locations. The book selections are great, though the paperback section leaves much to be desired. The parking lot here ALWAYS has tons of space. In all the times I've been here, I have always been able to find a spot right in front of the library. This branch also has a HUGE selection of new books, more than the other locations. read more

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I went to study here yesterday. I was surprised to see so many people here on a Wednesday afternoon. It got especially busy around 3ish. Although there were a handful of round group tables, a bunch of carrels, a tiny soundproof room(2 desks), and a long community table, most were already occupied or there weren't enough chairs to go around. The back of the library is pretty quiet, but the middle is noisy with the info desk/references/movies/computers all right there.The overall temperature of the library is cool for the first hour, but gets really chilly afterwards, so bring a light sweater if you plan to stay long. Lighting is pretty dim, too, unless you sit at the round tables with lamps. I saw this lady walking toward the stacks with a cell phone and the librarian immediately hissed out "NO CELL PHONES PLEASE!" Even I was scared and I was just sitting there. Then she continued to help another patron search for their book quite loudly... How annoying. read more

This was the first time in years since I've been here. I needed somewhere quiet with free wifi so I stopped by. I entered through the bookstore. The bookstore has a great selection of used books for $.50 or $1.00! I walked into the library. There were quite a few people there. Found a table and sat down. There was an outlet conveniently located under the table for my laptop. Wifi was ok. It worked on and off. There were kids running around the aisles and people don't really use inside voices here, but if you bring earbuds you should be fine. They turn on and off the lights to warn you they're closing 15 prior to closing. It's no Huntington Beach library, but it's the cute little library I remember when I used to come here as a kid. read more

We love the library and its grounds. Their selection of DVDs has improved greatly over the past 2-3 years. Always easy parking, even when the library is busy. I like the architecture of the building (admitedly, not for everyone) and my wife and son frequently visit the quiet park outside. The bookstore is a great resource for cheap recent magazines--50 cents. read more

Very quiet, friendly staff... computers available to look up books you are looking for, and they are pretty easy to find once you get the location number. read more

I love the Orange County Library system with 33 branches to borrow from. They are convenient and easy to find. It pays to know where a library is to return a book, book on CD or a DVD, buy a book from the Friends of the Library Bookstore, use a computer, use Wi-Fi, or even use the bathroom. I have been to many of the libraries in Orange County and this one has been on my list to visit for a long time; yesterday I got to visit the Friends of the Library Bookstore and bought a book. I love the neighborhood and the volunteers at the store were really nice. read more

Very quiet compared to the Westminster Library. Here, there are many desks for you to study, and they even have a little outside table if you have food or drink to consume. Like any other Orange County libraries, they do have a one-hour limit for private computer usage, and there is a computer at the end that you can sign yourself in to wait for a turn if all computers are used. Staff is usually very friendly. read more

It's a really good library. I've been going since the age of five, and have been going ever since. The selection of books is endless, especially the manga selection. The staff are also very friendly and willing to help out. Once I lost my iPad there while studying, and they kept it for me. read more

The lady at the counter was pretty rude when I asked her to check out my books instead of using the new "self-checkout." I am sorry I didn't get the memo right away maybe there needs to be a better sign directing people. read more

FYI, this is mainly a review of a particular librarian who quite frankly, sucked. I love libraries and am a huge book nerd. I also have worked at a library for 5+ years at the reference desk for adults and kids, mind you, where service to patrons is your biggest priority - they're the library's "customers" after all. I like all the different kinds of reference questions I get; it makes the job interesting! Six year olds asking for books about fungi or chess or some rare animal = awesome. Too bad I had a terrible phone experience with a surly old bag of a reference librarian prior to arriving. Silly me for being overly conscientious that I had a book due that day but hadn't finished reading so I had called to ask if this branch library would kindly place their copy of the same book on hold so I could exchange my Tustin branch library copy for theirs (the Tustin copy had a hold on it so I wanted to release it to the next patron and not return it late). First, I didn't even get a chance to explain the above as the old bag couldn't wait to launch into a preachy tirade about how I couldn't monopolize books and that's why I couldn't place an online hold on their copy, and then she repeated three times to me that I must return my copy asap. FYI, there were at least three other branches with available copies - this branch just happened to be closer to home for me. Sigh, might have worth the extra drive in retrospect. Then, she huffed and puffed and said she had to go locate their copy in the library since that copy was newly returned, but I must wait on the phone because it might take her a long while. The library where I work is easily several times the size of this place with multiple floors!! It does NOT take me that long to move my ass to find a book for a patron even if I have to walk clear across the building to another area. She found the book eventually and in a continued patronizing tone, explained where the hold shelf was (because I am an idiot apparently) and frankly, I was relieved to be able to come fetch the book from the shelf and not from her personally. Ugh. No wonder public librarianship is a dying career. read more

I went to get a library card. The staff was very rude and seemed like they didn't want to be there at all. The whole place smelled like diapers. I've been looking for a new place to study, but I don't think this is the place. Also, the internet speed is horrendous. read more

There are teenage kids screaming and chasing after each other, babies crying inside the library, yet the staffs does nothing. This Library is the noisiest one by far. Feels like you're at an indoor park. read more

Unfortunately, this place is not kids friendly. Huntington Beach library is a lot better.

Call me crazy, but, personally, I prefer this library over the Huntington Beach Library. It's not the largest library out there and it's often tough to obtain the books you want, but the atmosphere for studying is nice enough. There's a nice sitting area in the back (indoors and out) and it's relatively quiet throughout. read more

this is a pretty nice library with a decent selection of cds as well. i discovered the who and king crimson through rentals here! however when it comes to books it always seems like the one i want is checked out or at the los alamitos(?) location. yeah, usually there is just one copy of each book. and this place is flipping COLD. whenever i am planning a long study session i always end up leaving early since my chattering teeth are disturbing other students. ); the attached bookshop outside is fairly priced with sweet old ladies working the cashbox. but the rest of the building's exterior looks every bit as cold as the actual temperature inside the library. overhanging stone makes it seem like a submarine is blotting out the sun,about to fall on you! anyway my favourite part is the patio out back next to the pond. used to be little fish in there, don't know about now. arg! it seems like every library in orange county closes at 5 on a sunday. now where am i gonna get my cram on? ): read more