Great place to study! There are 3 floors but I get my steps in by walking up to the 3rd floor to sit down at one of the tables to get work done. I like this area because it is actually quiet and there are outlets right on the table. The wi fi is easy to access and is not slow. There are available study rooms to reserve. I would not suggest reserving one if you are looking for a quiet space (in case it does get loud in the main area) because the walls are thin and you can hear others speaking in the rooms next to you. I'd say that it is good to reserve for a group study session or if you need a whiteboard with the necessary dry erase markers. The location is really good because it's within walking distance to coffee shops and restaurants in case you need to grab a coffee before starting to study or need to take a break and get something to eat. There is plenty of parking in the parking garage! read more

Hayward Public Library - Get your steps in here at the library! You can study AND get a workout in during breaks. - Libraries Near Me - Hayward, California

This library is amazing. It's beautiful, the staff are friendly and helpful, and I love that it is so community focused. It's a great place.

This place is great for everyone but really great if you have kids. They have events, they have kiosk check out so it makes the process smooth. Computers if you need to do some work. It's really nice here, one of the nicest libraries I've been to. read more

Such a beautiful library! I can't believe that this is my own hometown and I had only gotten to check out the library recently. After spending some time in downtown, my friend and I wanted to stop by the library to check out the new Zocalo pocket cafe (we're big fans of the San Leandro location). Unfortunately we got there when it was closed, but that gave us a reason to explore the library itself! It's so spacious with 3 levels of books, work rooms, and more. Libraries truly are such a wonderful resources. Along with the books to borrow, Hayward library also has a bookshop, a makers studio, a teen center, a community resource center, a seed library, a library of things, and much much more. There's so many places to sit - whether you're wanting to work with a large group or just need a computer space for yourself. The staff here was super helpful when we asked for directions on where to find things and when we asked about how the makers studio worked. Did you know you can reserve time in their makers studio to use machines like a sewing machine, a cricut, a large document printer, and even a laser cutter? Now you know. Anyways, now I know all the great resources here and I'm excited to come by whenever I want to work from somewhere else for a bit. Big plus that the parking garage is so spacious so you'll never have to struggle with parking while visiting. read more

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I love the Hayward library! I come here regularly with my six year old. We started coming when he was younger for story time. Now, we come to check out books, borrow board games and attend events like yoga, Lunar New Year, and art workshops. Im a frequent visitor and so happy that Hayward has such a wonderful library. read more

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Nice place to study! Very spacious, and clean. I love going here to study in my free time and on the weekends, especially with their study rooms that give me extra privacy. Parking varies at times. The free parking garage is usually a roll the dice with availability. So park at Luckys two blocks down if you don't mind a brisk walk, but there's nothing bad to say about the actual library in itself. read more

I usually love libraries but when I came in it was awful quiet people the librarian had weird personalities. The person at the top was helpful and got my library card but still very vague. Libraries usually celebrate each other. And people. And knowledge is empowering. But I felt awfull weird. I might be returning my library card and the books. I really wanted to like this library. Idk. Hope it vibes up read more

Wonderful Library that is def one of the most modern spaces in the Bay Area. One of the true hidden gems of Hayward and is located in the heart of downtown near the Saturday Farmers Market, Hippies Brew on the ground level and the new Heritage Plaza across the street. We recently visited again during the 2024 Lunar New Year event and had a great time. Visit and enjoy! read more

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This is a great public library with a huge free parking garage right next door, which made visiting super easy. The library has a few stories with plenty of space to sit, study, or work, so it never felt crowded. I went up to the top floor, which was ideal because it was very quiet and perfect for focusing. I didn't try the public Wi-Fi since I used my phone's hotspot, but it was available, and there are bathrooms on every floor, which is really convenient. Overall, a clean, quiet, and well-designed space that's great for getting work done. read more

My son urgently needed a specific book for an assignment this week, but all copies were checked out at the SF library. Earlier in the week, I called the Hayward library to check availability. The staff member I spoke with confirmed they had a copy and offered to place it on hold for me to pick up on Saturday in the Teen section. Today is Saturday. I went to the Teen section, but the librarian there informed me that hold items are actually kept on a shelf near the front desk on the first floor. I found the book--only one copy was there--and brought it to the front desk to check out. Unfortunately, the librarian at the desk was rather rude. She asked for my library card and told me that the hold was under a different name that didn't match mine, and that no item was on hold under my account. The name she referenced was very similar to mine, so I suggested there may have been a miscommunication when the hold was placed over the phone. I then asked if I could return later in the day to check the book out if no one claimed it, but she said no--I'd have to wait until June 4, which would be too late for my son's assignment. Thankfully, another librarian at the desk was more helpful and kindly suggested checking with the Union City library to see if they had a copy available. In the end, I was left frustrated and wondering: what's the point of calling ahead to place a book on hold if the request isn't honored? read more

Nice looking library inside, plenty of tables to work on and generally pretty clean. However, of the 3 times I've come here to study there is a male individual who consistently screams "Paul" rather loudly for hours on end. No staff seemed to bother to escort the individual out so it remains loud and distracting. If u wanna work here, bring headphones read more

While I love how modern this one looks, I do miss the architecture of the old one. I love the abundance of programs / opportunities this library has and how involved in the community it is. A nice place to study and the study rooms are nice and quiet. read more

Can check out board games, ukulele, tech gadgets, free audio books, free e-books. Great free programs like robotics class for kids. Thank you. read more

Ms Kavita Sagran is the best librarian. The story time she provides the best Story time in the bay area . Kavita always kerp the vibe up and always so welcoming and the book she reads always keep the kids clapping. And enjoy themselves. ... read more

Wow, there should be WAY more people utilizing this facility. It is, after all, for the public. The bottom floor is fantastic for children to learn how to read and use computers in addition to there being a play area. The 2nd floor has a teenager section with a HUGE meeting area with windows overlooking old Hayward. The 3rd floor is for adults and has great study nooks. It looks amazing inside as well with a great staircase, just a good looking place. Definitely one of the best things Hayward has to offer as a city. read more

I honestly can't believe this place doesn't have more reviews! My boys and I absolutely LOVE it here! We've now been on two occasions when my husband did an open house in the area and both times, this library served as the perfect location! It honestly reminded me of a children's play house of some sort with all kinds of activities for the children to get into aside from reading. There's: 1) An open colorful room with little nooks for either sitting and reading or building blocks 2) A sensory tower with a make-shift kitchen sink 3) A play wall with magnets and balls for kids to get their problem-solving going 4) A drawing area with pre-printed pages and crayons for the kids to use 5) A little dollhouse for imaginary play 6) You guessed it--tons of books! We had a blast! The best part is there's also a cafe attached so parents can grab a coffee, sip, read, and watch the kids! So picturesque--love love love! read more

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Super clean, quiet, and still looks brand new. I like how pretty the features were inside. Even the restroom / water station at a glance looked kind of high-tech. Never have to worry about parking cause there is a large parking structure right there. Small bench area right out front by the entrance and the book return slot. Would have to come back to browse, but I had a good feeling being in there and wandering around. The center staircase was a nice touch too. read more

Sad I never visited the old library but dang this library is nice! We were at Caspers for lunch and made the walk over. Hippies Brew is also located here which is a win! I preregister for a library card online so when I went in it was painless and a shorter wait. The employee asked for my ID and gave me information about borrowing and fees. There is 5 library card designs to choose from. My kids picked #5. Being a mother of 2 its nice to have a place to take my kids to check out books or movies. They didn't understand the renting and returning but it shows them responsibility to care for these books/dvds. They can't wait to go back! There's a play area for the kids and computers where the kids each have headphones and 20 minutes to do some learning. Checking out is super easy with the multiple kiosks. Theres drop boxes and you can return at either this location or the Weekes location. read more

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First timer- Took my family. I don't know why we haven't gone here sooner. It's 3 floors. Each floor has an information desk. Has elevators. Plenty of space and helpful staff. Many books to choose from. A lot of space to study or read. There are rooms that you can reserve to study. Parking is located next door in a covered garage. My family really enjoyed spending the day here. We noticed a cafe, but didn't go inside. Will definitely be back. read more

HISTORY: 1867: Hayward created its first library at the Good Templar's Society 1893: Library settles into shared space in a carriage shop near B and First Streets 1897: Permanent Library at that site 1905: Wealthy industrialist Andrew Carnegie gave Hayward $10,000 to build a new one at the corner of B and First. His design was in the Spanish Colonial Revival style which was unique to the era 1949: Library was demolished to widen Foothill Blvd 1951: New one constructed at Mission Blvd 2014: Hayward voters approved Measure C for a new library 2015: Construction begins Finally, 2019 the Main Library is about to open after a year long delay! I was fortunate to get a private tour of the new 'Hayward's 21st Century Library and Community Learning Center' (whew! a little too long IMO!) and was wowed! It's definitely a modern and grand library that's now 3-stories, with an environmentally sustainable design, digital media lab, multiple community meeting rooms with a cafe at street level! Amazing... Beautiful, state-of-the art library and nice addition to Downtown Hayward. Note: I heard Hippie's Brew (located at Foothill) is moving to this location read more

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We absolutely love coming to this library, especially now that we have a little one. Even before he was born, when this library first opened I came and borrowed books all the time, especially during maternity leave and read so many books. The staff are incredibly friendly and putting books on hold was a super easy process. Their selection of kids books are great and we always find new books to read to our toddler. He loves playing in the kids' section and there's always some fun arts&crafts thing to bring home. We make it a regular part of our weekly routine. read more

Pretty sleek new library. Lots of movies to rent and tons of books! There are new computers for internet use and the place looks really modern. I just went in with a friend who was checking out a few things and got convinced to get a card, so I guess I'll try to swing by more often to pick up movies and also figure out some books to read. read more

Hayward Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Hayward, California

My first time at this beautiful library. I got a nice surprise once i stepped inside. I felt like i walked into a beautiful mesuem. Each floors were nice and very well organized. I haven't been to a nice library like this in a long time. I found a nice study area on the top floor. They even provided extra masks(kid & adult) if you forget to bring one. Lots of space and everyone kept their distances. I will defenitely return to study, when im in the area again. read more

We were in the library, and our 8 yr old daughter was reading a book. We have been teaching her how to use her inner voice, and she started to read loud (not screaming), but reading loud enough to where the person sitting next to you can hear you it. This woman behind the counter walked over and told us, "Please use a 6 inch voice." My wife and I apologized. 10 mins went by, and this family walked in, and they went towards the back of the library. The mother of the kids sat down, and her 2 kids (guessing their ages between 10 - 11) started reading louder than anyone in the library. The other 2 younger kids were coloring and playing in the children's area. The woman behind the counter looked over, and she never once walked over and told them they needed to use a 6-inch voice. The real reason behind this is because the woman behind the counter and the family that walked in are the same race. Their not going to tell their own race to Stfu. My wife was ready to say something to her, but I told her not to because there were children present, including ours. I said, it's not worth it." Let's just go. So we left... read more

2022 Update. I just wanted to thank the staff on the second floor for letting me know how the printing works. I had to get my husbands taxes printed and they were more than willing to explain to me the process. I was able to get things working and I was on my way to print! FYI, printing is free right now as of this post. I asked them if it's going to change and they told me not anytime soon. read more

Hayward's 21st Century Library is next to the U.S. Post Office. it's easy to find since it sticks up like a clenched fist amidst the vacanted landscape. the library is vertically integrated, standing 4 floors. a central stairway connects all flours. checkout, children's book's, bookstore, Hippie's Brew is on the lst floor. teens, computers, study areas are on the 2nd, fiction, nonfiction books, periodicals are on the 3rd floor. who's/what's on 4th? no idea. didn't go. my legs didn't want to know. periodicals is a small room at left corner, lots of storage area on floor but few new books, checked catalog. older books have to be requested from outside sources. parking garage is nearby. unsure of rates, parked on side street. checkout system is similar to San Leandro, Castro Valley, Hayward has their own library card, system. online application at site easy to fill out. Hayward is a great location for everything except for checking out (already checked out) books. reads: ON FIRE: The (burning) case for a green new deal -it isn't possible to an individual to combat climate change, only a movement can do it. green jobs can replace fossil fuel related jobs.. read more

I love the new HAyward library. Great to have a nice library in the community. There's a good collection in the childrens center and a cute play area with computers for the kiddo. The building is clean, had a nice coffee shop downstairs. There is plenty of parking in the parking garbage. I took a star off because I feel that the teen area could use more selections of books. read more

A friend gave us a tour of downtown Hayward and she ended it with a tour of the new downtown library. If driving, you can conveniently park in the garage right next to library that has 4 hour parking limits. The garage was clean and was patrol by a robot security guard. Walking in, I was amazed with the beauty of this 58,000 sq ft. library. The center is open and the three floors are connected with a "floating-like" staircase. A beautiful handmade glass crystal suspended with stainless steel cables hangs from the ceiling. The library makes great use of natural lighting. The building is 100% energy self-efficient and conserves drinking water through the capturing and storing of rainwater in a cistern for non-potable uses. The library is state of the art where card catalog searches are via iPads, checkouts are through flat screen terminals, and book returns are through automated return windows. While walking through the spacious library, I noticed community meeting rooms and private study rooms. This is a beautiful modern library in downtown Hayward. I was so impressed with this beautiful library that I even applied for a library card. The worker at the counter assisted me with process where after I completed my application on the terminal, he checked my driver's license and then he issued my selected design library card. Friendly and easy process. read more

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Jean-Paul Sartre wrote, "I had found my religion: nothing seemed more important to me than a book. I saw the library as a temple." Well, if libraries are temples, then the new Hayward library might just be your Mecca. I recently walked down to the new library and was blown-away by how awesome it is. Really; it was worth the wait Hayward. Go on. Visit. There's really so many stellar nooks and crannies; so many updated technological do-dads; architecture-design-school-gasms everywhere--it's like an unexpected surprise when you least expect it. At first, I felt I was in the wrong town. Was this Hillsborough? Saratoga Library? No, that's now an ex-library of mine (sorry Saratoga Library, don't call me I'll call you sweetie). Anyway, I didn't want to make this review too silly but I'm a lover of books and libraries. The new library here is a gift to the city. Near the entrance, I couldn't believe my eyes; a Hippie's Brew coffee shop is going to open (see pic). RIGHT THERE! Did someone actually PLAN this out? Yes! There's fast wifi, clean bathrooms (see pic), water filters for filling up big bottles (see pic), artwork everywhere, conference rooms, study rooms, TRACK LIGHTING, ipads in walls to look up books in a section, USB plugs and chargers everywhere, Redbox-like kiosks to check out, 3D printers, robotics, homework support center, etc. The list goes on. Oh, hours are Monday-Wednesday 11am to 8pm and Thursday to Saturday 10am to 5pm; closed on Sundays. Parking in the garage next door is free and four hours. I read the library is 100-percent energy self-sufficient. And it will be powered by 100 percent carbon-free sources of electricity. Overall, you can probably see I'm a fan of this library. I really think Hayward needed this, especially downtown Hayward. There's lots of potential around here and this new library might just be the catalyst for something great. read more

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Great place to study! This library is still pretty new. All the furnitures and decor are still in great condition. This place is very clean and quiet. The restrooms are always clean. Lots of space for you to sit and study or read a book. Free wifi and lots of power outlets to charge your laptop. Parking is easy since its right next to a parking garage or you can also park along the street. They open at 10am but i wish they opened earlier. There's a really good coffee shop (Hippie's Brew) right outside the library, where i usually get my coffee and snack before i head inside since we can't eat in there. There's workers on each floor who can answer your questions and can help you find the book that you're looking for or they also have little kiosks that can help you locate it. I love coming here to study and get things done. read more

Love going to this library. A modern and comfortable place with nice books and CDs collection. Giving this library a 5 star because it's well maintained. read more

Hayward Public Library - Hayward Library - Libraries Near Me - Hayward, California

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Really good library. Great selection, location, services etc. My ONLY only gripe is the hours. It just doesn't make sense to me. Why do you close earlier on the weekend when that's the best time for most people, students, etc.? Just seems really dumb to me. read more

My son and I love this library it's clean big beautiful. It has great service from all the members that work there. they have selections for almost everything you need there. I love the quiet room where you can just go and study. There are so much great things there. read more

Such a great place to study! I always come here with my friends and it is such a great environment :) The security guard on the second floor is always so kind to us as well. I always make the trip to come here because of how cleanliness it is and how welcoming it seems. read more

Them is a High Tech Library and it's a State The Art and Ultra Modern Library and I could've give it Five stars but here's the Caveat of this place: Homeless and Heavily Drug Addicted people come here because it's right across Hayward City Hall right next to a public park where the Homeless and Drug addicts hang out! I wouldn't bring my car here (If I have a car) fearing it CAN GET Vandalized and robbed so I take the AC Transit #86 bus to get here. One time brought my bicycle and the wheels got vandalized hence I don't bring anything here. The Homeless Drug addicted come here smelling like urine and really dirty blankets but since this is a public place? The staff wouldn't turn them away so you're stuck Sitting next to these people and be forced to smell their stinky scent. Don't get me wrong for its a great library: it's the very people that society spat out that comes here but the rest are great people like students and college people doing internet browsing and this library has a small section in the first floor where children can hang out. If you're coming here!?, just remember that The Drug Addicted Homeless people ALSO comes here so take the stairs instead of the elevator in which you will smell the stink of the homeless that comes here. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.... read more

The library was delayed a long time, but well worth the wait! I haven't used a lot of its tech features for adults on the second floor, but the first floor is amazing for kids. So many great books, with half the floor in picture books and the other half for older kids, with plenty of movies too. Even a section in the back corner for infant board books! One side of this section is a little play area with a kitchen and table and chairs and a wall with magnetic tubes that the kids can build tracks for balls to go through. My daughter loves the books, but can't be bothered to look at them while we're actually here because the play area is so fun, so I let her play there while I gather books for her. There are plenty of study rooms, the third floor has a somewhat small selection of fiction books and a quite a bit larger section for non fiction, along with reference materials and even a seed lending library. The second floor apparently has copiers and I heard it might have 3D printers and audio equipment too for makers, but I haven't had an opportunity to check it out yet since I'm always there with the little one. They have guided tours once a month so one of these days I should get around to that so I can learn more about what the second floor does. The whole building feels clean and modern, and I love how sustainable it is. I'm proud to have such a beautiful library in my local community. My only complaint is that it doesn't open until 11, so I can't spend more time there in the mornings! I would spend my whole morning there while the kid is at preschool if I could. read more

This review will be short and sweet. I remembered the old Hayward Library and I'm so thrilled that the city came together to offer this new gym to the city. The architecture and art in the library is breathtaking. It doesn't feel like a library in Hayward it feels like apartheid Museum located in downtown New York someplace. Please bring your children here or reserve a room if you are a study group looking for work space. read more

Two negatives about the new trillion dollar library: 1) The internal staircase has concrete steps as if it was an outdoor staircase l. I fully expect pigeon poop and bubblegum remnants. Should have used hardwood. 2) They have signs like Grow, Read, Learn and Create that are indistinguishable from other wayfinding signs in size and style. So it's confusing. On my second visit and still haven't figured out what's what. read more

We attended the grand opening of this new long awaited Hayward main public library on Sept 14. read more

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This is a great gem and addition to Hayward. My family and I visited on Saturday afternoon, probably peak time as it was very busy BUT despite the constant shuffle of people there was plenty of elbow room and browsing was a breeze. The newness of this facility really radiates as soon as you walk in. From the sight of the staircase to the new self check out machines; from the restrooms and water stations... if I could use one word to describe my first impression of this place it would be "abundance". Everything you could want in a library is here. This is it. There is plenty of space to park yourself and read as well as gather for group projects. The lower floor is for children (they also have a cafe!), second floor is for teen reading and reference, and the third floor has manga/graphic novels --- I'm sorry i know there's more but I kinda stopped right there. LOL. Each floor has restrooms, water stations, and workrooms and each floor is filled with natural light-- the atmosphere is calming, perfect for losing yourself in a book. Some tips: - Parking is in the garage on C St. The garage connects to the library so it's an easy entry you don't have to walk far. The garage is clean and not sketchy, at least when I went. - This library DOES NOT use the same Alameda County Library Card that you would use at Castro Valley, Fremont, Newark etc. If you only have an Alameda County Library Card (if your kiddo uses the bookmobile for school etc) then you will need to apply for a Hayward Library Card. - Because of tip above, naturally you cannot return any books here from any other library in Alameda County. I believe they DO charge late fees here unlike the other libraries. I want to commend the staff here. They are the nicest library workers we have ever dealt with. We dropped off our Castro Valley books in the book drop thinking that they accepted them and one of the staff members went through the book drop for us to recover them. I wish we got her name because she was so sweet as she helped us out. All the workers refilling the shelves and in passing were very kind and cheerful. In turn, it seemed that all the guests at the library were happy and courteous as well. A great spot to build community and foster knowledge for all ages. I recommend! read more