Note: this review is for our experience for the library storytime. I've taken my one year old to multiple library story times in the past year at Saratoga, Rose Garden, Cupertino and Campbell and have had a wonderful experience with friendly staff who helped me understand what to do and where to go.  Today, we tried going to the Pearl Avenue Library with my mother in law and 2 year old niece. There were no signs or directions about story time where to go our what to do. When people started to get in line, we joined in assuming we would just form a line and get to go into storytime. When we got to the front of the line they asked for our tickets, since we didn't know we needed to have tickets, we were sent to the side as they let people in.  The staff didn't let us in because they were at capacity. They were not rude but it would've been nice if there was some signage so someone new to this location would know what to do.  Also, after we started to walk away they let the woman behind us in, who also didn't have a ticket in. Just a little bit frustrated to feel cast aside when others were let in. Perhaps if the strollers were required to be outside of the room like at other library story times, there would be more room for children. As other parents would understand, packing up and taking your kids in the car to go somewhere and then to be turned away is disappointing, for everyone involved. read more

Loooooove this library! We take our toddler here 2-3 times a week and it's a nice time for the whole family. She likes to browse the books, play ABC Mouse on the computer, or play with the toys. I really appreciate that it's a space for kids and since it's off to one side of the library, you don't have to worry about keeping too quiet. There's plenty of seating for adults in the kids area too. The family restroom is also kept very neat and clean! My daughter loves the librarians here and never fails to ask for a sticker before she leaves, with which they happily oblige her. As for the non-children part of the library, I love to come here and use the conference room for private work time or sit and read a book. I use the library hold service if I need to make an inter-library loan and everything is easy to use. Love this library so much and hope it stays forever!! read more

Stopped by to return books and looked for a place to shred papers. I like that their printing station also had a pen recycling station. They also have bins for different types of other recycling. Lots of information on local resources in Santa Clara County. read more

See all

Cozy and quiet branch to get work done, without too many distractions. Friendly and helpful staff. I wish they opened earlier on Mondays and Fridays instead of 2PM. They have a decent selection of books and media in their Friends of the Library bookstore. I recommended checking it out. read more

I am giving 5 stars because of Cheyenne! I was in late to an event and needed assistance and she went above and beyond to help me. She is so lovely and kind. I offered her a Starbucks gift card to repay her for her kindness and generosity and she declined. She is so sweet and an empathic person. Thanks so much, Cheyenne! People like you make the world so much better. Keep shining! read more

Cute small little library. Has a decent selection for the size. Friendly staff. Very easy to obtain a library card

Pros: nice location, well-kept, nice areas to study, AC, not busy. Cons: wifi went out while I was studying, VERY LOUD STAFF!! I left because of the WiFi (can't do homework without it) which was super inconvenient, thank goodness I live nearby, but the staff was definitely part of that decision to leave instead of waiting for it to come back on. I don't know what happened to libraries... but the librarians and/or the people at the front are extremely loud. I could hear laughing and noise from the back of the library, with noise-cancelling headphones on AND music playing! Mind blowing how loud they were. It makes no sense... it's a library. Pretty bummed. I thought a library would be a fool-proof place to study with some peace and quiet. read more

This place is awesome. A great neighborhood library with good spaces for kids, families, and people who need to get work done, although because it's small, tables do fill up fast. The staff are very friendly, knowledgeable & accommodating. It's always very clean & tidy. The space is small, but they have a large number of books & movies that you can check out. Obviously not as much as the bigger libraries, but that's okay. The children's area is great. There's a wide area for kids to walk around & pick books that's somewhat siphoned off from the rest of the library. If you're coming here to study, I wouldn't really recommend it. There's a decent number of tables to sit & work, but about half have computers set up. The empty tables are mostly within book aisles; there's really only one area "tucked" away from a high walkthrough point (this really is just because of the lack of space). There's a quiet study room and a group study room. I can definitely get work done here, but the tables fill up FAST. Two complaints that are very niche so it doesn't affect the score: the bathrooms. The bathrooms are positioned to the side of the entrance, so you actually have to walk through the scanners to get there. When that happens, it looks like you're leaving, & the staff (doing their job) says goodbye to you. It's slightly awkward, & since I frequent this place often to study for 3-5 hours at a time, it's definitely annoying this happens EVERY TIME. Another thing- in the women's bathroom, there's a weird high pitch ringing sound. I think my ears are able to hear electricity more than most people, but in that bathroom the ringing is SO STRONG. I really have no idea what it is. I wish & hope they will fix it. read more

First review of a library. And it has been a long time since I visited one. This one has plenty of parking and is nicely arranged. I spent a while going through their Friends section and bought three paperbacks for $1.50. Cant beat that! read more

I went in to get help with doing my taxes. The lady in front was very rude! No help at all. I mean they advertise free help and no appointments needed but when I had arrived the lady in front said I had to be on a list. If I wasn't they couldn't help me! She waved me out! Really so rude! Just FYI basically you need to have an appointment to get help! RIDICULOUS! read more

My daughter loves this place. They have a great play area for kids and the staff is very friendly. They even have weekend events.

Great local library. A bit smaller compare to the Cambrian Branch Library on Hillsdale, but just as nice. The only downside is that it is hard to find a table here (not their fault), I had to use the group study room because I couldn't find any open tables until a hour before closing. read more

Pearl Avenue Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

Staff was a little rude my daughter took my 15yr one time this month around 12pm and they was kinda insinuating that they was skipping school when she's on line and the other one is 23 being there watching they was saying they had to go check just to make sure she was not ditching when she offered to call me and they asked just cause we have went there some what all summer like what they was so pushy and keep in mind we go there all the time since we moved by this library and only this library has done this and from all the library I have went to only this one has been like this it over all love this library but they can't take a no for response just do better read more

I hate giving a bad review to a library, but this place has some problems. For some reason, there is no way to return books inside the library. Even when they're open you have to stand outside (whether it's hot, cold, or raining) and fiddle with their outdoor book return. I've never seen a library like that. They have study rooms, which is nice, but the lights in the room are controlled with a motion detector. That means that while you're sitting there studying the lights tend to go out. When I mentioned this to a librarian she said, "Just stand up and wave your arms every 15 minutes or so." She didn't seem to think that this suggestion might have a few flaws. Nice place, but needs some work. read more

I have to say I'm impressed with this library. A library is a library, right? Well yes. but this one if nice... Doesn't get too busy most of the time, very clean and great selection of books for any reason. Libraries at times can be sketchy, or a "bum" hangout, but whenever I need to get work done, I always go to this one. read more

Great total remodel but why when it's only a couple of miles from the Cambrian library? It is the 12th out of the 20 libraries to be remodeled as a result of the Bond Measure so perhaps It is mandatory that this one and all get done eventually. This one has an internet cafe (great), a living room with a fireplace, technology center, a sound-proof teen room, a big community room and lots of little rooms for quiet reading or study. San Jose should be proud of dedicating 212 million dollars for their libraries, nothing is more important than a book. You can't put a price on an education. read more

I frequent this library because it is closest to my house. It is small, & will usually not have popular books in stock, but they offer a request program online through your account where your book will be transported to this location for pickup when it is ready! I love this service! It is offered throughout all of the SJ library branches, go SJPL! My only issue with this place is the weird hours & the parking. They are closed Mon & Tues which is not as intuitive as closed Sunday, so I have driven over here more than once only to remember it is not open! Since it is a small branch, there is usually an open parking space available, but this lot is so oddly shaped with such tight spaces & obstacles that I dread coming here & I have seen quite a few close calls... read more

Turns out, I own more books about Vegas than all the libraries I've visited in the area including the largest, MLK. This seems to be confirmed by the online catalog. And this is just guidebook stuff. I also own the most gambling books than I have seen in all the libraries and bookstores I've been to in the area for the past few months as well. But this didn't stop me from going to the Pearl library, nor is it a knock on the libraries. I was in that hive with the home field advantage. I'd really love to sell most of my books for at least half of what I bought them for. Damn you, Amazon. I rediscovered this library before I discovered MLK. It's the closest to where I live and it became my default after the Borders in Oakridge mall closed. Apples and oranges, but I couldn't justify riding my bike out here in the rains/ dark cloudy weather. I never understood that comparison. They're both fruit and both make good juice, both sweet. I digress. I went to this library ages ago in it's earlier version, when the entrance was towards the firehouse next door. This was a place where I could bring my pile of note papers to go thru and compile. I tried finding a restaurant or bar where I could have a drink and do this, but always got interrupted by the server (come on, I'm a camper, sat in a far corner, I cashed out and over tipped already). Or I got interrupted by someone who wanted to talk, which I was all for when I don't have my notes. "So, you got a lotta papers there, huh?" My thinking place used to be the De Anza library, but that was when I had a motorcycle and it didn't take me 2 hours by public transit to get to. I had my favorite table there, the only one of it's kind there. If I may geek out, those of you that remember the Enterprise D, engineering had a station in the middle they called the pool table (behind the scenes). The table there is like that. I tried finding an equivalent in the Pearl library, but I had to settle for another area I won't give up here. Drown me in grains and I talk. The big plot twist is I don't have, nor can I currently get a library card. I even tried looking for the one I had from over a decade ago and couldn't find it. Probably outdated. I don't have my California Drivers' license to get a card. I decided I couldn't/ didn't want to put the money into it until I found work- HAHAHAHA, WOO! Aahhhh. I will have to switch it before it expires. Even though I don't have a vehicle, I want to maintain my motorcycle and auto license so I don't have to retake the tests some day when I may have the opportunity to drive again. Plus, the DMV was backlogged with tens of thousands of automated mail renewals. Way to outsource the new security feature I.D.'s to another state, geniuses. so I can't check out books, nor go on their faster internet. Some think I go on forever in these reviews, but it is an important piece of a larger puzzle I'm working on. These reviews help me remember other times that I'm expanding on in other writings. People may go back to these "extraneous" reviews someday as prologue. And if this site goes the way of Friendster, I backed it up elsewhere. I throw a lot out here and I do work on narrowing down my writings to what is relevant. To be fair (to me), my reviews are about as long as Ebert's and my favorite, the Filthy Critic. I write like seeing Christopher Walken in any movie. He's one of the few actors that lights up a movie just by walking into a scene. You get a journey with him, he doesn't just cut to the chase because how lazy do those get in movies when there isn't enough story to drive the plot. I have read quite a few books on writing and organization at this library, as well as the few Vegas books that even I don't have. I read travel books and I realize that there are stages in travel that apply here, where I'm rediscovering a town I left- twice- to pursue my dreams. There was time I did waste and some psychology books here helped me think about why and how to prevent what I call Time Vampires from happening again. The trap of a writer is we're either too busy to write, or have too much time to "when nothing is happening." I work every week on making it my advantage. My main (non-profit) job is bettering myself every week, but thoughts creep in from too many other responsibilities. But are they? I just have to whittle them down at least to the top 3. Some days I see progress, some days I see too many steps in a project I already put off. The Pearl library is a big help in giving me a place to streamline my focus, condense my brainstorming notes and prevent repetitiveness in the future. I haven't hidden any money here though, like I did at the Flamingo library... read more

Have I become a library nerd? This new branch just opened on August 9, 2008. It's a little on the small side, so I would rather visit the Cambrian branch three miles down the road. Otherwise, pretty standard stuff in terms of layout and book selection. read more

Pearl Avenue Branch Library - street view - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

Awwww.....I love my little library :) I've been using their quiet study room lately & it's wonderful! Really helps me not get too distracted. read more

Cutest little library with a surprisingly large variety of resources! I was very impressed by this library, as I haven't been to one in over 7yrs since graduating! But it looks like things have certainly changed for the better. You can borrow books (of course!) but you can also use the computers (which get pretty busy I believe) and other learning resources. My mother-in-law enjoyed taking private 121 computer classes to better understand the internet all for free. The staff here are really nice & friendly. Wish they had more resources to offer additional classes to attract others in the neighborhood. I think there's even a knitting and crochet group!! Cute :) P.S - We bought quite a few books that looked almost new for 25-50c each! A great place to donate your books and get a tax deduction cert. read more

Great library, very friendly staff. Would get 5 star if the parking didn't suck so much. Very hard to park. read more

Dropped by this library this evening for the first time in years. This isn't my local library, but it had a book I was looking for and wasn't far out of my way. I'd been to this library a few times as a kid, before the remodel, so I was curious to see the changes. First, I had to renew my library card. I was helped by a friendly employee, and the whole process was only a matter of minutes. After that, I dove into the shelves to find the book I wanted. I found the book I was looking for, plus a book by one of my favorite authors that I didn't originally intend to pick up. I looked for a few other titles, but their selection seemed really limited. Okay, this is a small library. But so what? When you can order books from any other library in the city's system, I don't think the size of a particular library's collection is something to complain about. All in all, the Pearl Avenue Library's still kinda tiny, but it's still a great little library! read more

I love this library. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because the tables are ALWAYS taken. That's not the library's fault, but it could use a few more tables. Otherwise this is my go to library. read more

This library has a nice location, you can always find parking. It is not large like Martin Luther King library, but suffices for middle school kids and adults. Being small checking in or returning backs is easy, as it should be. It's best to check that your books are actually in stock online prior to arriving. Staff is generally friendly. Since most of the libraries have been remodeled, they look pleasing and inviting to the eye. You can borrow books, DVDs, and use their computers. The nice thing about San Jose Library system is you can always have a book requested to your local library for pickup, so you never have to drive over, unless you need a book urgently. read more

Nice local neighborhood spot! I typically go here when i'm lazy to take lightrail to MLK or if the weather is bad. It's in a nice clean neighborhood and most of time, its just elementary and middle school students. It is a smaller library however. I mainly use it for studying purposes. A plus is the study rooms are on the opposite end of the children's sections, so it's nice and quiet. It can get crowded on the weekends! This branch runs on a wed-saturday schedule. My only gripe is the insanely small parking lot. Not only are spaces super tiny, there is very little room to drive around in. So that soccer mom in the minivan or SUV is potentially a dangerous driver if she's careless! If you are scared of door dings, I highly suggest you find alternate means to get here. But overall, I like it for studying. Very well lit, clean and well kept and it's in a decent neighborhood. Situasian approved! read more

The Pearl Branch Library in San Jose has made some recent changes to its building. Parking is scarce on a Saturday but the rest of the week it is not a problem. They have moved the drop off book box to the front of the building however people tend to park there anyway and the library does not police this space. Inside the library has a fairly large childrens section however there is not enough self-checkout machines to go around. The library doesnt really limit how many books an individual can check out, so on a busy day it might take up to a half an hour to get your books checked out. The Holds section is always being moved, but there are signs letting the patron know where there holds are. The staff is friendly, if a little aggressive in their ability to help you. The self checkout is easy to use but Ive had staff approach me several times asking if I needed help even before all of my books are out of my arms. The Pearl branch needs some serious upgrading because I think the current layout cannot hold all the books that the branch gets. There are shelves in the middle of the walk area that hold new releases and the internet area seems too cramped. Thankfully later this year, this branch will be demolished and replaced with a new building. read more

Pearl Avenue Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

Decent local library which has improved somewhat since all libraries open 7 days, so people from the wrong side of the tracks don't frequent it as they once did. It is convenient to get to if you live nearby, and the wi-fi is usually reasonably fast. However--about the staff...I haven't seen the employees with more seniority here as much, and on some days there are ONLY the younger workers with less expertise.They're nice enough, but they don't, for the most part, give a crap if kids are running, people have loud, obnoxious conversations on the phone, or people are letting their kids shriek at the top of their lungs.Very distracting to those who are trying to concentrate. This is a LIBRARY, after all--not a playground.They can't even be bothered to ask people to lower their voice when they are asking a question.Sometimes employees don't appear to be doing much at all.It seems more like they're hanging out than working. As a result, this library can get VERY loud. The computer room is a bit inadequate, with computers too close together, swivel chairs that are hard to maneuver and no shade son the windows. They REALLY need to work on getting people to follow rules.This one woman has been coming iin every day, is very loud and doesn't shut up the whole time she's there, and makes rude comments about people who want it to be quiet--in a library! Just go to your car and talk on the phone there. read more

Pearl Avenue Branch Library - this place is OWNED - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

See all

I've been here a few times to get books and it has been very easy. I think it is a smaller library and sometimes it is hard for me to browse and fins something I want to read, but that is probably more about me/my taste than the library itself. Weekends are crowded and parking can be a bit tough but otherwise it is an easy in/out experience. read more

this library is great! I've been here in the past before it was remodeled and nothing compares to it now! This place has a great children's book section (I'm babysitting at the moment so its great) I also like their collection of audio books. They also had a great collection of music. The soundtrack section is awesome. i picked up, the science of sleep, talk to me, breakfast at Tiffany's and more! Thank you San Jose for having excellent library's. My library is actually the Joyce Ellington (at 10th & Empire), which I have mixed feelings about, but have not been disappointed that's its closer to my downtown stopping growns other then the MLK Library. yay! read more

Good little library. Comfy seats and study carrols. There are enough little corners that you can usually find a quiet place to study even if people are talking. It is pleasant and quiet and even though I didn't check anything out the books seem up to date and in good condition. read more

Way small! Go early if you want to find a spot to sit, possibly the silent room.

Cute area with computers for the kids and some areas for adults/ study groups. Snack machines also. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Self checkout was a breeze. read more

Have been here a couple of times. Good Service and attention to customers

I came to this small brand on a non busy weekday to study and I was able to find a table outside the actual reserve study room. I was surprised to find how quiet it actually was on that day, not too many people or kids making loud noises. Once I got online, I was really surprised at how much faster the internet connection was here over the Almaden or Vineland branch. There was a lot of library employees here for such a small location. I must have seen like 6-8 total. Anyway, I don't make it out here often but I was already near Capitol Auto Mall so I dropped by here conveniently. read more

Great neighborhood library. Perfect for elementary school aged children. Wonderful location to pick up weekly reading books. Staff is super friendly and helpful. Everyone seems to have a really cheerful attitude which is so nice considering I always need help to find what I need. read more

I have visited this library twice and I like the children's section. My one year old enjoys the kids selections. I have no complains about the parking lot because I walk there. read more

Pearl Avenue Branch Library - Children area - Libraries Near Me - San Jose, California

Small but quaint library with super friendly, helpful staff. Only drawbacks are the limitations on the selections of books & media.

I love this library. I come here with a group of 4 year olds to listen to the story time. They keep the kids entertained. I have brought my group even when there is no story time and they happily let the kids read books and wander through the kids section. I just wish it was open more hours and days. DANG city cuts!!! read more

This is my favorite library to visit, their kids section is adorable, there is always computers available and the staff has always been very kind and willing to help with any issue or question you may have read more