Giving them two stars because of parking. They charge for parking which is ridiculous. There's a small free section that fills up quick and the rest of the parking is paid. You have to download an app and everything. At least make it a coin machine. Sad that you have to pay to go to the library. I ended up just turning around and going to another library. It just screams greedy for money. Make the parking for a public library free! Hopefully they change this soon. read more

Everything about this library is 5stars except the parking if you don't get lucky enough to get one of the 20ish spaces for free you have to pray for parking. read more

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We love story time with Mr. Bryan and looking at all the books. It's a great place to get to know the community.

Holy Moly! What a beautiful, nice, clean, roomy, modern and State of the Art library, that was completed and opened in June-2021! Everything about this library is perfection! Friendly and super helpful staff all around. read more

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Nice, modern, and plenty of places to study. I found a cozy spot next to the window. I appreciated the openness of the library and the comfortable chairs. When you're job searching and studying a comfortable chair is essential because you know you'll be sitting for awhile. read more

I should have posted a review sooner! I had to check what photos I could still find on my phone, most of which were posted on Instagram. There was a presentation in a room that felt somewhat stuffy (in the first floor, separate from most of the library, on the second and third floors). However, I should everything else was excellent! Both the inside and outside provide great views, and I believe this is the largest Riverside library! read more

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I went to Riverside library for the very first time. It's a beautiful library, beautiful building, the only thing I didn't like was the smell the elevator smelled the bathroom smelled the whole facility smelled. read more

Very nice and helpful staff. Nice architectural design. Very open and organized. The only con is that it's relatively small. I'll attach a random photo of the architecture that no one else has posted yet. read more

Riverside Public Library Main Branch - Modern, unique architechture - Libraries Near Me - Riverside, California

BEWARE THEY ARE SITTING WAITING TO GIVE YOU A TICKET $41.00 they come out like every 15 mins to hand out tickets.This is a Public Library we are here because we do not have the resources and now we get a ticket for coming here to learn and gather information to better yourself.This is my worst nightmare.NEVER AGAIN!!! read more

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This library is very nice. Not only is the architecture and design striking, it's fun! I'm in my element here.

The study rooms at the Riverside Public Library are strictly limited to two hours per group, which might make sense if there were actually high demand. But here's the kicker, the rooms sit EMPTY for hours! We politely asked if we could extend our time since no one else was using them, and we were flat-out told no. No exceptions. No logic. Just a rigid policy for the sake of it. What kind of sense does it make to enforce a time limit when there are plenty of open rooms and no one waiting? These rooms are supposed to support students, study groups, and the community , not just serve as decorative, unused space behind locked doors. If you're looking for a place to actually get work done, be prepared to be kicked out even when there's no reason for it. Disappointing and inflexible. Do better. read more

A very beautiful and functional space in the heart of Downtown Riverside. There always seems to be something going on in the plaza below the library's upper decks and that almost always includes live music. This library has a fantastic terrace with sweeping views of Riverside It hard not to lean on the glass walls, but rules are rules. Inside is a big town library with great common workspaces and tons of media to check out including lap top computers. read more

Riverside Public Library Main Branch - Great downtown view - Libraries Near Me - Riverside, California

My first time visiting Riverside Public Library. This library used to be a few blocks down and just opened a few months ago (June 2021). Exterior is quite beautiful...with a Jetson's vibe to it. Very spacious and clean. You have to get on an elevator in order to enter the library. Security guards stationed in front of elevator doors so feels very safe. Here's my summary: Pro VR head set (Oculus 2) rentals available for use inside library iPad rentals available to check out for 2 weeks at a time Laptop available for use inside library Innovation room (3D printer available to use for a fee) Outdoor patio area Storytime available (currently for August it is Tues @10:30 for preschool, Sat @10:30 for family time) Bilingual and adult conversation time/lessons available Friendly and helpful staff Cons Pay for parking during weekdays (Doesn't make sense as this is a public library) Not as much books for a library this size No magazine, DVD, music, to check out Saw homeless looking man using a laptop read more

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It's finally here and ready for public use! Be aware that on Sunday and Monday they are closed. Fortunately, 11am-5pm are their regular hours of operation Tuesday through Saturday. Enter through the support tower where the elevators are located and up to the third floor you go. Inside are plenty of chairs and tables, and on the fourth floor you can find study rooms of varying sizes with all kinds of technology options. I enjoy the MLK Reading Room with the outside patio and view of Mt. Rubidoux. Clean and modern, this is already proving a hit with the kids. read more

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Unique layout, neat architecture, and fun toddler time makes this library branch a nice outing.

I've always been a book lover even as a kid and growing up in Riverside, this library has a special place in my heart. I used to visit the old location (now the Cheech Museum), and I love how the new library continues that same welcoming and community-focused vibe. Checking out books and placing holds is always a breeze, but what really stood out during my last visit was the sweet woman who helped us. I didn't catch her name, but she had the kindest energy and the biggest smile the entire time. She helped my friend sign up for a library card and made the whole experience feel so easy and warm. As much as I love my Kindle and Audible, every now and then I have to cheat on them because nothing beats holding a physical book. There's just something about turning real pages in a quiet library space that makes reading feel extra special. The space is beautiful, clean, and well-organized, and I also love that they offer so many events and activities for the community. read more

I was not expecting such a nice library in Riverside of all places! It's very modern and clean -- love the pops of red. When I feel like a change of scenery, I like coming here to work as a freelance writer. It's best to arrive when they open to secure 1) parking and 2) a good work spot... though the library looks big, the seating can be limited depending on the time of day. read more

This is a nice library, But it's not quite at all! If you really need to study this might not be the best place. The parking is also very limited. It's a public library you shouldn't have to pay for parking. read more

This is a nice library with a lot of amenities. Unfortunately, the parking sucks because it's in downtown. Otherwise, it's a great place to be. read more

This library is SO BEAUTIFUL! Always very nice, clean, and peaceful! MARK at the front desk is always so kind, patient , and takes his time to help people with whatever they need! Love this place and definitely recommend it for all ages and especially college studies or for study sessions! Great view of Downtown as well to look out the window and work read more

very rude lady with straight black hair wearing all black at the "ask me a question" desk. she gave attitude for no reason and was mean to an adult with special needs. read more

I love this library, it is very modern and has a lot of things we can use such as sewing machine and cricut. As a mom I appreciate that they have the toy lending program. It allows me to change the toys my daughter's are playing with, without having to purchase something they might get bored of after a week. Parking is very limited. There is free 3 hr parking and metered parking. If you plan on staying longer, consider parking in the street. read more

Riverside Public Library Main Branch - Outside library view - Libraries Near Me - Riverside, California

Amazing service. Everyone is very helpful. Great study spot just get there early! They have super cool amenities and a bookstore downstairs.

Clean library, comfortable to rest, ac, relaxing, nice people, and security. Don't forget about the parking. 60 minutes free. I would recommend it read more

Riverside Public Library Main Branch - Library parking lot don't forget to pay or check in for the free 60 minutes parking - Libraries Near Me - Riverside, California

Harassed and insulted by an Employee!!! Honestly, I don't even know where to start. This library is really nice on the outside but from the inside it is pretty small for a library and not a fan of the small parking lot. However, I still loved coming here. I come almost everyday in the afternoon. I never really get a room but decided I wanted to start reserving a room so I could help my brother with his homework and we could talk without disrespecting the quietness of others. However, the incident that totally ruined my view of this library was on July 7th 2022. We reserved a room from 4pm-6pm. Everything was off to a great start until the end. Like 30 minutes before the library was going to close I believe it was a security guard that came in and let us know the library was closing in 30 minutes to which we said okay. Plus we already knew since we come everyday and always leave at 6 on the dot and we had heard it announced on the intercom as well. Then at around 5:45 we had people (I think all security guards) come in like 4 or 5 different times and tell us library closes at 6, we said okay again. At 5:54 a woman named Sabrina comes in and says "Time to go the library is closed" to which I replied "at 6 right? The library closes at 6?" And she said "yeah 5 more minutes" and then she leaves. Then she comes in again at 5:57 opening the door all hard and says with an attitude, "Alright you need to get out" and I said "we still have 3 more minutes" because I was finishing up responding to an email really quick before I left which I would've been done with and out of the room by 6. Then she ridicules me and says, "I need to clean this room, library is closed, plus really I don't think 3 minutes is going to affect your studying" and I replied and said "it just might" to which she then said "yeah whatever" in a smart attitude and then went to go get security to tell us to get out. It was still 5:57 when all this happened and the security acted like we did something wrong and said "Alright you guys gotta go." I asked for her name and she said "My name is Sabrina and my manager's name is Jessica and you can go ahead and tell her" in a tone like she really didn't care what her manager said or thought about the situation. So I went downstairs to look for the manager and explained the whole situation. I felt so anxious when explaining what happened but thankfully Jessica was AMAZING and listened to my concern and asked for my number to follow up. Then as my brother and I were exiting the library Sabrina comes downstairs and yells across the lobby and says "DID YOU FIND JESSICA?" and then pointed at her while Jessica was looking at her! I said "yeah we found her" and then my brother and I just walked out because we were over her harassment. Honestly, I felt so anxious after this whole encounter. I get it people want to go home I've worked in service as well but I have NEVER disrespected anyone the way she disrespected us. Totally and completely disgusting. I have NEVER been one to complain but I couldn't keep quiet this time. Who knows who else she treats like this. I honestly don't even feel comfortable going back which frustrates me because I would come almost everyday here to work on my business. I suffer from anxiety and this just made me feel so terrible after that I threw up when I got home. We felt so harassed from both Sabrina and the security guards when we did nothing wrong and were not disrespectful to ANYONE. This behavior is unacceptable, disgusting, and 100% unprofessional. Plus, her entire thing was she "needed to clean the room" what does she need to clean?? The room is already clean. Was she going to push in the chair for me? So ridiculous and unprofessional all because SHE didn't want to wait 3 minutes until the library was actually closed. read more

This is not a library . It's a children's playground Tons of people and very loud so read more

As people have mentioned, this library is very noisy. It's an open layout with the kids section below the adult section. The kids yelling from downstairs echoes and travels upwards. There is no privacy at all. Everyone passing by can look at what you are reading and typing. This is a cooling zone so people come here off of the street to cool off. There was a creepy looking guy in the kids section. You have to pay for parking. Didn't the tax dollars pay for this place? I probably won't be back. read more

Super nice and spacious, the inside is pretty clean too. There are security guards outside the elevators and inside the library. Plenty of study spaces and study rooms. Have my own study desk which comes with desk light, plug, and USB port (for phones). The only negative thing so far is the paid parking. As a library it kinda feels weird having to pay and it sucks as a student especially if you intend to stay long hours. It also closes at 6pm. read more

Riverside Public Library Main Branch - Study desk - Libraries Near Me - Riverside, California

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Nice exterior.. but that day I went there to study.. it was noisy.. smelled marijuana permeating the air..

I wanted to enjoy this library but the fact I have to pay for parking is ridiculous. I'm not paying so I waited like a hawk if someone left. Then to top it off it's warm in there! Not sure if it's bc I was by the window, but it was warm. Highly suggest not to sit near the kids section. Came to the library so I can concentrate but some people lost the touch that we whisper at the library. Felt like I was at the park read more

My friends and I go there to study since it's a beautiful and comfortable place to study. They have many resources and the staff are super nice and helpful...which is what I thought...until one incident when I left shocked. Around 5:50 PM I was finishing my test and I remembered the Library closes at 6:00 PM. I lost track of time since I was focusing on finishing as fast as I could, then a security come inside and starts telling us, "Get out, get out, you have to leave!" with an attitude and demanding tone. It was said multiple times. I said "okay", and started packing my things and I was told "Hurry Up, Hurry Up, you have to go! didn't you hear on the intercom that the library is closing. I replied politely "yes", not trying to engage in an argument and leave peacefully then the security guard replied with "you should pay attention more" . Feeling humiliated and disrespected, I left without saying a word. With time to reflect, I thought, why couldn't they tell us to leave without urging disrespectfully, what kind courtesy do they treat their members and guests? I'm not sure if they had a bad day, but this is no way to treat someone, not upholding the client's dignity. I would've appreciated some compassion like, "I understand you want to finish what you're working on, it seems important and you probably lost track of time, but we really need to clean up and clock out by 6 PM", I would've understood and complied. I would say I'm respectful person, who is not at the library to take advantage of the space. I just needed some understanding and compassion with my situation. Google said library closes at 6, I didn't know If the staff want to leave by 6 PM, or have everyone gone by then. They should at least have a sign that says people need to be leave no later than 5:50 PM if they're trying to clean up and shut down. Just be careful not to stay there past 5:45 PM if you don't want to get scolded like some little kid. ;) read more

Wow, i was so amazed when i visited this library awhile back. I felt like i was on a college campus. Place has tons of books and computers inside. Professional staff working here. Overlooking the downtown area of Riverside. Library sell used books and magazines. Love this place. Too bad i live far away and cant come here often. read more

Huge downgrade from the old main library. Incredibly less amount of books, no space to sit comfortably without needing be near other people. There's individual sitting everywhere all packed in, it might as well be a shared table. No privacy while browsing the shelves because there's shared sitting areas all through out. You need to take two elevators to get to the top floor, what's the point of that? Coming into this library you take one elevator from the bottom level to the 3rd floor and then you take another one if you for whatever reason can't take the stairs to the actual top floor where the adult books are. Not a quiet study environment. This library is like a crowded display shelf, if you like to be watched from all the surrounding windows you'll like it. Also no air conditioning. The books available are old books, go into any other small library and they have shelves and shelves of new books, in general books in better condition than here. As I was writing this, a man came to sit right next to me where I was sitting for a few minutes at a completely empty area. Right next to me. Left. Go down the street a little in Jurupa Valley and visit the Louis Robidoux Library, it's much better. read more

This library is always so HOT! Like people are sweating in the kid's part and it's always been like this. It makes me not want to come during the summer because it's just ridiculous. read more

So disappointing. Sterile and cold. And apparently, to look at anything other than books from the shelves requires an appointment, with the explorer "knowing exactly what they're looking for". I wish the bad planners in Riverside had just created an original building for "The Cheech", and left the old place alone. read more

Huge library with friendly staff to help you find what you need in a comfortable quiet environment. read more

Riverside Public Library Main Branch - Libraries Near Me - Riverside, California

The security guard wouldn't let me in because I had a bottle opener on my keychain. He told me to take it off and leave it under near the elevator. Makes no sense read more

I love it!! It's artistically beautiful. And the employees are SUPER friendly. The best library ever!!!!!

I love the new library. Nice architectural design, modern interior and helpful staff. I use the online hold system frequently.

best library I've been too. Beautiful scenery and relaxing space often with live music piano.