Public libraries are a gem in our society. Where else could you borrow tons of books and leave with them for free! The library is a place for more than just books! Events, classes, and more can be found here for free as well. Not into books? You can check out Blu-ray or DVD movies as well! The kids side of the library can be loud (it's on the left as you walk in). If you want quiet you should head off to the right. You don't need to wander far to find a quiet desk or table. The only thing I wish our Library had more of was parking. During events or busy days the parking lot fills up very quickly and you can find yourself circling for a while. The street parking is limited as well. I'd definitely walk, but we live to far away. read more

A good library, it looks to be older on the outside, but the inside is still pretty new looking. Maybe they updated it or something. This library is open everyday, so that's nice b/c none of the Sac Public Libraries is open on Sundays or Mondays. I can't believe this one is open even on Sundays, great for kids to hang out on a lazy Sunday afternoon. As I entered, there's the kids' area on the left side, it's like a separate wing altogether and it's nice and colorful in there. It's really big too, so kids must really enjoy that space and I saw quite a few kids there on a late weekday afternoon, maybe cuz it's summer time. Lots of kids books on shorter shelves and several kids' computers w/preloaded software for them. Back towards the entrance of the library you'll find the info/front desk where the librarians and assistants are available to help you find books etc. Then there's shelves of books and towards the back of the library, but still in the middle as you look in, there's a friends of the library book sale and an area where you can eat and there are a couple of vending machines so you can buy a snack and drink. There's even a charging stand with multiple cords for different phones if you need to recharge your phone. The right side of the library is where teens and adults sections are and there's a dedicated teens room, and a couple of study rooms as well as a huge and really nice study room named after some lady who's a local person of importance and the room is filled with old books and is pretty amazing to study in although it was kind of hot and stuffy in there so I just peeked in and didn't stay. Finally, towards the far right side of the library are all the circulating movie and TV DVDs and there were a ton compared to other libraries I've seen as well as CDs which interesting, is still popular here. And lots of seating and reading loungers, but mostly desk and chairs for studying. All in all this is a pretty nice and big library, older, but well-kept. read more

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If you're looking for a great, free rainy day activity for kids in Davis, this is it! Our almost 2 year old had a blast playing with their play kitchen, trains and puppet stage today! I was impressed by the Student Art Exhibition as well! Looking forward to returning to explore more! SYOY! :-) read more

Went there to hear Sophia Lorey and she was shouted down. They don't allow free speech if your views differ from theirs. Pathetic and disgusting. read more

I just saw how a librarian shut down a young lady who was invited to speak about her experience as a college soccer player. Because The librarian disagreed with the speaker he shut her down. That is a disgrace and he should be ashamed of himself for fearing a different opinion. read more

I don't know if Librarians still works there or not . In my viewpoint he should have been fired immediately for violating the speakers First Amendment rights when she was talking about transgenders . read more

I cannot recommend the Mary L Stephens Library. Government employee Scott Love (librarian) attempted to deny invited speaker Sophia Lori her 1st Amendment rights during an otherwise sanctioned speaking event. The US Constitution provides for 1st Amendment free speech. Ms. Lori was invited to speak about her experience as a college athlete and the future of women's sports. She expressed her concern about men being allowed to compete in women's sports and how threatens the future female sports. Mr. Love threaten to ask her to leave. When Ms. Lori continued to speak to her truth, Mr. Love then threatened to shutdown the speaking event. Riley Gains posted the exchange on her Facebook Reel: https://www.facebook.com/reel/885453274248213 read more

Such a cute library tucked away in this part of Davis! It's easy to reach - right next to the park and two schools. Staff are so helpful and passionate about what they do. My only complaints are that the parking situation is a little bit of a nightmare and that the library itself smells a little musty, but that's to be expected with the space and staff limitations they're working with. Stop by - it's free! read more

I like this library. It has a cozy feel and the employees are very nice. I went in looking for an available craft and they helped me right away. I browsed to find many seats for various readers. This library had a great selection of books and some cool displays to check out. It was clean and organized. There was plenty of parking out front of the building. I saw many students sitting down at a comfortable spot reading and studying. I can't wait to go back and check this location out again. read more

Lovely library! I am able to find great DVDs that aren't available on streaming, as well as documentaries and other physical copies of media at this library. There are various little areas to read and it sits right by the park and greenbelt nearby. A great little place to find some books or movies and to relax. read more

Love it! Definitely a great place to study during the day, I believe they close on the earlier side. The staff is nice and there's a bunch of seating! Really feel the davis community and environment is versatile (either super locked in or not)! Definitely recommend! read more

Compact and well used library especially in the afternoons during the school years when kids from nearby schools come here to wait to be picked up by adults coming from work. There is a dedicated teen space in addition to the children section. A screened off corner in the children section is for lactation. There are several study rooms that can be reserved. Seating is varied and comfortable throughout. Many computers are available for use. The community room is used for programs both sponsored by the library and outside groups. It is a very active facility enjoyed by people who live here. read more

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Stumbled across this place while trying to find a quiet spot to study. I had asked the staff if there was a study room and the guy at the front desk was super informative and super helpful. I then needed paper and a pen and asked another worker and she was so sweet and gave me one of her pens and let me know if I needed scratch paper I won't find it here near the printer room. Beautiful workspace and it was nice to have privacy. read more

For a public library, this is awesome. Not quite the research mecca that is Shields at UC Davis, but also much more approachable. At this rate, who cares? It's all online anyways, so you can check it out from your phone, right? Some people like the tedium of actual bound books. There are a number of those here so check them out while you can! They will be replaced/eliminated sooner than you might expect. One other thing I found here is that it's a somewhat social space. It wasn't dead silent like others can be. The parking lot was FULL and more cars were piling in. UCD folk _may_ wander over here to check it out but chances are no, they'll just go online. Or to one of many libraries found on campus. sidenote: an EV is a car. Dude is saying that there's nowhere to plug in yo' vehicle. read more

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The staff that work here are extremely rude and unkind. I used to work at a public library branch and the services or lack thereof they have at this one is appalling especially since it's supposed to be the "Davis" public library. Their online hold and search system lags in comparison to Solano county. You don't even get an email stating your holds have come in or a confirmation on what holds you've placed let alone a queue number. You get all that and more at the Solano and Bay Area public library systems. You have a maximum of 10 DVDs that are allowed to be checked out with a one week return window. Solano County lets you max out at more DVDs with almost a 1 month return window. I don't like visiting a library and asking for help with how the process works only to be ignored initially and have the worker huff and puff at trying to help me. If I could m, I'd never return to this library and I'd much rather check out books, DVDs and do special events at the Solano Library system. They have more quantity, a better website, and friendlier helpful staff. The only thing this library has going for it are the boxes of kid and baby themes as well as their children's summer reading program. I like how they also have a variety of disability themed backpacks. Hence, the one star. read more

Fantastic library with a great neighborhood vibe and wonderful staff members; we very much appreciate them. The Friends of the Library offers great book sales, and there are frequently literacy-focused events for all ages. The community spaces are inclusive and welcoming - even to complete trash like the bigots who recently cried and screeched about being expected to follow the same rules everyone else. You just have to abide by the guidelines that you agreed to when booking the space: super simple. read more

If it wasn't for the rude male staff members, it would be tolerable. Truly clueless about library etiquette.

Thank you to the Davis Library team for allowing Free Speech to flourish in Davis via the Conference Room(s) bookings/events. It is likely not easy because there are some topics that are "hateful" and draw protests/censor requesting emails from time to time, however the Davis Branch Library stays true to the mission of free speech and that neutrality is greatly appreciated. The Library also has great book sales and we have enjoyed them for many years. . however this Conference Room booking/event experience really merits this review. I have attended 2 "controversial" events, and because of the Library's support of free speech and planning, well, I was able to enjoy the event discussions with little to no worry. Thank you, thank you! read more

This is a very nice library. Set up very well. Open til 9pm most nights. They have the largest selection of DVDs I have ever seen at a library. Even though I live in Sacramento the nice librarian told me you can get a library card as long as you are a CA resident. Good to know. Located next to HS and bike - walking paths. read more

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Extensive selection of books on CD, very valuable for my husband's long commutes to work and my long walks. The online catalog allows one to request a book from another branch to be sent to Davis for pick-up and check-out at no charge. I have made use of this service to obtain books to read for my book group. The Friends of the Library hold a book sale in the Blanchard meeting room every other month from Friday until Sunday, usually the first weekend of the month. On Sunday of the sale a bag of books is just $5. If you join the Friends of the Library group you get a coupon worth $4 during the book sale. I always find a huge selection of books on Sundays and easily fill a bag for just a buck. How great is that? I usually can check off several items from my "must read" list. My only complaint is it is sometimes very difficult to find a parking space. Getting off my butt and riding my bike there would eliminate that problem. read more

In addition to books and helpful librarians, this library has study spaces, wifi, air-conditioning, plenty of restroom stalls, and a dedicated (though busy) parking lot and bike parking. Great summer spot to cool off and get work done. read more

This place is great! Decent hours when compared to other public libraries (so sad), open everyday. Here is the schedule Monday: 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. I love the study rooms. As a UCD student, I can come here during K-12 hours and lock myself in a room to focus. Everything is clean and the staff is friendly-- man Davis is such a great place to live read more

A very nice library, looked recently built or remodeled. Came on the weekend and they had a book sale with some very good deals on a variety of books, many of which were in clearly unread condition. I'm not a member of this library as it's currently a bit out of my way to go, but it's quite a nice library. It's a bit smaller than the ones back home and Shields on campus, but that might be part of the reason it's a bit less daunting to navigate. Certain this won't be my last time passing through Mary L. Stephens library :) read more

One of the nicest public libraries I've ever been to. Free WiFi and recently remodeled, this place is aces. I recommend you give it a shot if you're in the area - unless you're looking for a place with more of a urine-soaked halfway-house sort of feel, in which case you're gonna wanna head to the library in downtown Santa Rosa, where I whiled-away my youth. Ah, memories. read more

The library is an amazing resource for anyone with kids. They hold story times and have many books for kids of any age. As far as adults go, the library has an extensive collection of books, movies on DVDs, audio books and free wifi. It's a comfortable, air conditioned space to read, study, work, etc. No food allowed, but one can get drinks from the vending machine. read more

So the internet's not great and their website is confusing. But hey, it's a public library. I've had two good experiences here that maybe only someone like me can appreciate One) I memorize frequented library #s, so I like that with just my number I can check out books from the computer - I don't even have to show my ID! (some places, no names, they won't even take a license and want me to hold onto their library card) Two) When my bag got jacked with a copy of Dorian Gray in it, the price to replace it was $3.95. So...basically.....the price you would pay on Amazon for the book. NOT the crazy ass amounts I've had to pay for little paperbacks at my hometown (*cough* Contra Costa) library. (~$25 to replace for water damage? Reallly??~) TLDR This place is good. If you're a student, you may find class books not available at UCD libs here, so that's pretty nice. read more

This library went through a remodel (maybe a year or two ago?). I like that the children's section is a bit larger. There is a play area here where infants, toddlers and preschoolers can play with some toys. The bathroom in the children's section may be a bit tricky for some, especially some kids because it now uses a key card to open the door. Good that there's no key to put in and turn, but confusing for kids who have never seen it before (I saw a few kids and moms struggle with this when the library first reopened). There is also a quiet study room and more computers for the kids to use. The teens, or young adults, now have their own semi enclosed section. There are (what looks to be) comfy chairs, tables and chairs to do homework, and a computer area there reserved for 13-19 year olds. In the "big people" section (where the adults, college students and people old enough to kind of stay quiet for the most part go) there are more tables and chairs throughout the library. Some tables even have places for laptops to plugin. The selection of books aren't too bad. Yes there are some books from the 80's and 90's still, but there are some recent books as well. It's not a book store, so you cannot expect the most recent stuff. So, agreed that some of the workers don't come off that friendly. But they really aren't that bad. Besides, the library has several self-checkout stations and returning the books is as easy as putting them in the drop box (the "old fashion way") or scanning them in and getting a receipt (the "cool new way"). Other things to know: - There is free wi-fi - There are story times for the kids read more

There are no EV chargers. Yelp would love to know more so I'm going to just keep typing until they permit me to submit this review. read more

We just moved to Davis and are in love with the library here. The kids programs are awesome, the staff is friendly and the selection of books is superb. It's also a great place to hang on a hot or rainy day. read more

Last Thursday I had a couple of spare hours in Davis so I came here to work. Very adequate Wi-Fi, impressive facility, but the noise! This otherwise splendid library was populated by small groups loud, laughing, chatty, patrons. The staff, apparently, did nothing to silence them. The racket didn't prevent me from working, but still, this is a library -- the staff and patrons should treat it as such. read more

I love this library. It could be because of all the memories of us hanging out here with friends after school; it could be the memories of checking out DVDs, and easy to read books to improve my English, or sitting here and studying when I couldn't afford to pay for an internet service those very first years that I had just arrived. Whatever the reason, I never have a bad time here. It doesn't matter what kind of a book I want to check out, some good fiction to read, a craft book, a cook book? they have it all. Everything is so well organized. There's a teen room with plenty of room for teenagers to sit. There are cushioned armchairs, tables with wooden chairs, and their own lighting for extended periods of reading without hurting your eyes. There are many reference books for your research, or practice books for LSAT, or the GRE. There are language books available, and children books in many different genres, and languages. One of the awesome things about this library is that you can return a book any time of the day, and receive a receipt that shows that you returned the book, because the have an automated book return right outside the library's doors. Another cool thing about this library, is their periodicals. There are so many magazines available, and while there's a shorter check out time compared to other books, it's still cool that they have them. Bottom line is, if you love to read, or if you want to teach your children to cherish books, here is a good place to start. read more

A library is essential and this particular library is the heart of the little city of Davis. Books, periodicals, DVDs, toys and puzzles are all here for a loan. A great place to find a good book or two! Or 20!!! read more

ever since i was young, my mom would take me and my sister to the library to stock up on picture books for the week. i had my own bag to carry books in, my card with my name barely legible, and every summer, i'd have my list of books that i would read that i'd turn into the librarian in exchange for free ice creams at sno top across the street. in high school, i even volunteered at the library recovering all the hardcover books with the clear cellophane and cleaning books that had been transformed into crudballs by all the little kids. that said, it's only natural that i have a particular affinity towards libaries. of course i no longer qualify for summer reading programs, but at least i can still read to my heart's content. the davis branch library is pretty cozy.. nothing fancy or worth particular mentioning. although, they dO attest to becoming more technologically advanced with their self-check stations and online reservations. amazing.. they also have a reasonable collection of DVDs. the more popular movies typically never sit on the shelves for more than a few minutes so online reservations become quite handy if there's one you're dying to see. some insider tips: do not sit near sleeping old men. they wiLL snore. eventually.. thermostat settings will result in polar temperatures one minute and amazonian rainforest another. you can put off a library fine indefinitely :D read more

I love this library. Its so alive. Not like other libraries where you feel like you have to walk with a stick up your bum to fit in. I have a small child and its such a pleasure taking my child to the children's section where play, learning, and fun are acceptable. The staff really know their stuff and are so helpful everytime. The library always has something going on. English conversation groups, work shops, learning shops, and so many events for the school aged kids. Keep coming with the events Davis Library. You ROCK! read more

Small, but very nice cozy library. Not like a University Library, but very good, pleasant helpful staff, lots of computer s. I'm there several times a week read more

Book worm here. Love this place. The staff is great. Wonderful selection. If you aren't much of a reader you can still find great music and movies here. Highly recommend. For a small town this is a pretty large library. read more

I love that they have an area just for kids. There's a plethora of hardcover books and little tables and chairs for little people. The board books are clearly well-loved... (Ick.) Their children's programs are super popular so you have to pick up a (free) ticket to get in. Avoid going during those times if you're there for other purposes because it's a nightmare to nab a parking spot. There are a few rooms with whiteboards that would be great for small group study sessions! read more

This library is great. There are some tables along the side that have plenty of outlets for laptops and there is a reading room. It is actually pretty quiet even though it seems to always be crowded. The only downside is sometimes homeless people hang out in the library but other than that it is a great place to study and good alternative since UCD charges for parking and their library hours suck over the summer. read more

Great graphic novel section for your geeky side! :)

I needed a book for a College upper division class and unfortunately it was in Sacramento, I called this library and they asked the library in Sac to send the book to them and they called me immediately and all of this took 1 day. They are super friendly, extremely helpful and fast. Thanks! read more