Very cute library conveniently located right downtown in Monterey. Free street parking is available…read morewith a two hour limit between the hours of 9AM and 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. The staff are friendly and are usually available to help you with any questions.

I grew up coming to the Monterey Public Library, where staff used to proactively keep patrons safe…read more Unfortunately, under Director Brian, that is no longer the case. Recently, while studying, another individual targeted me with vulgar verbal harassment over a table dispute. Despite my attempts to share the space, she continuously whispered explicit insults at me ("you're a pro***tute," "why do you care about studying"), completely disrupting my safety. At other libraries, this behavior is absolutely not tolerated. I should not have to leave, especially when I need to use this specific location for certain reasons. When reported, Director Brian showed zero urgency and seemed annoyed to be called away. His immediate solution was asking me--the person being actively harassed--if there was "somewhere else I could go." Rather than addressing the perpetrator, his default response was to displace the reporting party. Imagine if it was someone's kid being harassed, seeking help only to meet an incompetent solution like this from the director. Or imagine if you're a student who clearly needs the facility; I would hope for parents reading this or working students, you would not be ok with this.To make matters worse, he claimed he "checked in with people nearby" and, because they didn't notice her whispers, heavily implied I was fabricating the story. Most people in the area were elderly or wearing headphones; of course they didn't hear her calculated, quiet insults. The moment he spoke to her, her behavior stopped, proving she was entirely coherent. When faced with his dismissiveness, I was the one who had to state that if she did it again, I would report it again. I also had to explain that I hadn't recorded her out of respect for everyone's privacy. Only after I said this did he finally offer the weak response that I could report it again and "actually record since it is a public place." Asking a patron facing harassment to move or leave is a massive failure in communication, reasoning, and conflict resolution. It is entirely unacceptable that standard procedure here is to penalize the person reporting the issue.

Great little library, nice places to sit and read, very helpful staff. Not a huge book collection…read morebut they have access to the Monterey Library collection as well. The online catalog lets you search for books in both libraries, and if the book is in Monterey they will ship it to the PG library in one day for pickup. So far I've been able to get almost all of the titles I've wanted.

I was visiting from out of town and I had an assignment(online exam) for school that was only open…read moreon a certain day and I was already on this trip, so I brought my laptop. I needed a good place where I could sit down, focus and take my exam. This place was perfect. A lot of seating area and good WIFI and I was able to get my exam done. Wasn't able to take a look at the books but there seems to be a huge selection. Would recommend.

Came for two of the school, it's very punctual and they told us it was gonna be an hour long, which…read moreit was. All questions were answered, it's a nice campus.

We went here on a whim to tour the campus on our own. We enjoyed it! Its a small campus but not so…read moresmall that you feel like you are on top of one another. This area itself has beautiful weather and there are a lot of trees on campus. The school seems to be updating some buildings or building new ones, which is good.

I like this little community library. They have a paperback swap rack, so give a book and take one…read more(or not). I enjoy donating my magazines and books, here. Right in the front entrance hall there are free books and magazines, for whoever wants one. Before Covid, I use to drop by on occasion. Now, not so much. However, I am very impressed with all the foreign language dvds(movies) that are available. Community computers are available. Just be vigilant that homeless people will sleep in the chairs, during the day. A safe quiet place, where they hide out.

The staff is really friendly every time I've gone in with questions. They have a summer reading…read moreprogram for children and adults and I think it's a pretty cool way to get the community involved with reading. They also have a weekly summer lunch program once a week. The space is pretty neat too. They have a play area and chairs spread out for readers. They have a homework center as well. My favorite part was that they have a decent selection of Spanish books being that I'm trying to teach my baby how to read in Spanish first.

Went into the John Steinbeck Public Library because I saw a video of it online & since I went to…read morethe National Steinbeck Center had to check this out, they have a nice sculpture of Steinbeck out front. The video had Snappy the Turtle on there so I had to go see him. He's near the entrance on the Left. It's nice to see a live creature in a library. There's a New Books section, John Steinbeck collection, many computers, Teenage area even w/ video games to play. If I lived closer I'd use this library.

This is a fantastic library with a considerate and professional staff who welcomes every member of…read morethe public. This is a public library - so naturally there is an appropriate educate one needs to follow when attending this facility. Other reviewers are critical of the staff and how they handle situations. I've had the pleasure to attend this library long enough to see situations handled both well, and others that could use improvement but overall I applaud the staff at the library for doing their very tough job. You all do a much better job than I would be able to. Thank you for your hard work for our community! My customer experience has been very good and I'll continue to visit this library on a regular basis. See you soon!

Castroville branch library was clean & organized. Quiet and wonderful to read or study in…read more Thank you, staff.

I'm writing a review because 3 out of 5 stars has NOT been my experience. I've been going to this…read morelibrary pretty frequent for more than a year. The staff is extremely helpful, knowledgeable and attentive. The library is always clean, quiet and has awesome things to offer aside from checking out a book. They don't deserve a 3 star in my opinion. I thought I'd jump on here so the current review can reflect what this library really should be..a five. Good day

Looks great outside, and is pretty great inside too. Best looking building in Salinas by far…read more Gets a little cold though... Best place to sit is on the second level near the glass at the end. Good view, chargers available and you just look so classy posted there :).

We used the conference room a two day event. The staff was amazing, everything clean and although…read morewe were there after hours the staff was waiting for us and helpful. Everything worked great and we will be using the room again.

Highly recommend the free community room for your group's next meeting or gathering. Modern, well…read moreequiped, lots of windows, easy access, plentiful parking, friendly staff. A winner all the way around. Was there recently for mini-conference, I guess you'd call it, (second time using it) and it was a great experince all the way around.