Really great spot. Clean, organized, and plenty of area for sitting and getting some work done. It's in a really convenient area, and was perfect for spending some time on the computer. I'm not much of a library guy in general, but was really impressed by this spot! read more

Santa Barbara City Library - Libraries Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I really enjoyed visiting this library with my kids! There's a whole kids section downstairs, which makes it nice when my kids want to be excited while looking at books. I wasn't afraid of them being too loud for the other visitors. There were a bunch of other kids having a good time doing arts and crafts when we visited. A male librarian helped my son find the graphic novels and even recommended some which we ended up checking out. They have a wide selection of books and sitting areas for the kids. Everything was organized so well. I was very impressed. read more

Santa Barbara City Library - Front - Libraries Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Love the old building and it's in great shape. Spacious and nice ambiance. Helpful staff. Great location.

Stopped by here to charge my phone at their charging station. I liked the interior and walking around looking at their collection while my phone charged. Also the workers here were very friendly and one even talked about things to do in the city with me for a little bit. read more

The newly renovated Santa Barbara Library has something for everyone! The makeover is a complete success with clean new and modern design. More efficient checkout options, helpful staff and a variety of books and media as well as programming make this an indispensable resource for Santa Barbara. The Faulkner Gallery had a lovely art exhibit on display as well, and boasts an ideal location with ample parking nearby. The location is central, right off of State Street behind the Santa Barbara Art Museum. I was pleased to see updated ADA access to the building as well. Make your way to the SB Library to discover all the magic it brings to our community! read more

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A beautiful facility ruined by the amount of homeless transients allowed in who are clearly suffering from mental health issues or drag addiction. At some point the city needs to decide who they are serving, the tax payers who allowed the library to be built, or the transients who did not contribute a dime to help pay for the building. The staff seem to care less. read more

The staff is very helpful when helping me hunt for books I want to get into. Also, it's a great place to study and work when a third place option would be appreciated. read more

This is a nice library to get some work done while on vacation if you're visiting SB. It was my first time here and the staff was welcoming, showing me different spots where I could work. Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, there are plenty of workspaces spread out, and ample outlets to charge laptops and phones. What sucked was coming during construction so it was loud, but nothing noise-canceling headphones can't fix. The view outside the large window will be so nice once they're done with it all! read more

I never thought I would say this about a library but unfortunately it was the ugliest saddest library I have ever seen. They might be renovating inside but it is so so sad. It's metal shelving, and a few chairs. Don't bother if you are visiting, just stay outside and go to some of the cute little shops around downtown. Hopefully they warm up the place eventually. read more

I consider myself a longtime, though infrequent user of the library from back to the days of clutter and lots of old books. I always appreciated that they were member of the Black Gold Library system. Then all of a sudden they weren't members anymore. On the one hand, fine. But on the other hand, I didn't know. I'm an infrequent library user in my town. Unknowingly, I dropped off a book from another library, thinking it would be checked into the system. I put my book into the new gaping maw which swallows the books and automatically checks them in. I was hoping for some acknowledgement that I returned the book, like a receipt. Nothing. The gaping maw beeped, delighted at being fed, and the Helpful Young Lady said not to worry, that it was checked in. Never mind the fact that my library card is no longer valid there. There are no signs advising of anything being amiss. It's apparently been 2 years since the changes, but I had no idea. They also severely cut hours. I didn't even find out until I visited my hometown library and they told me that the same book I dropped off was overdue. What?? I dropped it off in Santa Barbara. Oh, they aren't a member of Black Gold anymore. If they are this bent on modernization, why aren't they programming the gaping maw to spit books out that aren't theirs? Does it really save that much money when I now have to go back to the library to get the book and they had to take the time to set it aside and field phone calls, and follow-up phone calls, and a chat, and an email about my frustration? They don't seem to care anymore. All those years of goodwill just aren't returned. read more

The Main Library in Santa Barbara is right off State St., on Anapamu, near the Art Museum. The building is a little jewel of the area, one of the prettiest libraries ever. It's in re-construction, so it doesn't look amazing now, but give it time and you won't be disappointed. It's huge inside, with an old fireplace (doesn't work, obviously), it has a great selection of books, DVD-s, magazines, a nice area to seat and read, relax. They have an area with used books for sale, as well. The restrooms are big and pretty, there's an water fountain. It's opened daily, check their site for hours. They also have activities here (witnessed a flash-mob Zombie dance inside around Halloween), the have a small art gallery where they change exhibits, it's a nice resource for locals and visitors (like me). read more

Great place for kids to read. Librarians on children's lower level very helpful and friendly. I love taking the granddaughters here, they are five and eight and everyone that works at the library is very caring with great patience when dealing with the children. They have great activities for kids promoting reading. They have educational programs on computers for kids to use. We can spend several hours here and learn so much. The librarians here have made such an impression on my eight year old granddaughter that she chose to be one on Halloween read more

Santa Barbara City Library - Treat or Read - Libraries Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Praise the Lord for the fairly recent remodel of Santa Barbara Central Library! During Grad school about a decade ago, I attempted to dive into my studies at this library but found it so off putting with its dated design, dingy carpets and ancient odors to boot. Since the renovation, it is much more inviting and palatable. The staff are friendly and eager to help; whether it's signing up you for a library card or assisting in finding a special book. I adore their weekly children's programming. My infant loves the Bilingual Baby & Me and Baby & Me programs; 30 minutes of song, a little dance, story time, bubbles, sensory play and social interaction with other babies. Family folks rejoice, they have multiple changing tables/changing pads in the restrooms located on the children's floor! There are also small stepping steps to help toddlers and tykes reach the faucet to wash their hands. The entire kids area is very thoughtfully designed and appointed with child-sized reading nooks, activity tables and low bookshelves. Bring your little one down and allow them to explore. It also feels more secure being on the lower level of the library with one narrow staircase and elevator in and out of the area. Of course, one always needs to be vigilant of the children, it's just nice to know there are not multiple escape routes for curious kids to discover. read more

Very disappointing. There was no wifi since they were under construction. I wanted to reserve a meeting room or study room since I had a meeting, but couldn't figure out how to do it online. When I asked in person I was told that you can't do that as a walk in. I have no idea how you submit a request to use a room. read more

Welp, their WiFi screams. I kick it here on occasion to utilize their WiFi and yes, you get the state street scene with the backdrop of a library, but it remains quiet and clean. It's a large beautiful building and is a great place to focus with ample staff to assist with anything you might need. I'm not even "library guy" but when I am in the area, and need to get work done, this place is a "no-brainer". Beats the local coffee shops as a place to get laptop work done imho. read more

This was a big place. My son was looking for a certain movie and the woman working was so kind to him and went out of her way to help. A lot of homeless because of rain outside. But the library is spacious enough for us all read more

This is a very nice and spacious library. Like most city libraries it attracts the homeless crowd. read more

Santa Barbara City Library - DEC2013 - Libraries Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I love going to libraries and when I was living in the Santa Barbara area I would frequent the library every month. I remember getting a library card here was easy and the librarian woman was very kind and helpful read more

Whenever I move to a new city, the first place I like to check out is the local library. The building isn't the prettiest place, especially when compared to the Courthouse across, the street, but as the saying goes, "don't judge a book by its cover". There is a large selection of titles to choose from for books, DVDs, and CDs. I really like that they have displays of recommended books since I can get into a "what shall I read next?" rut. They also have compiled lists of books that range from literary prizes to Oprah's book list. What recently has caught my eye is that they help patrons with Book Club which allows them to borrow 10 books for 6 weeks. I'm looking forward to seeing what selection they have. They are growing their electronic book selection, although it can be challenging to get any of the new ones. In either case, I'm glad that this resource is still available. Sometimes there is nothing like browsing through books and reading the old fashioned way. read more

Open during construction. But Wi-Fi doesn't reach in the basement.

I put a book on hold and somehow accidentally cancelled it. I came to the library in search of it and Amanda helped me track it down! Apparently it was in the back waiting to be placed on hold per my request. I really needed the book for a class assignment due this week. I'm so grateful to the librarians for their hard work! read more

Your typical public library. Lots & lots of books. It's so easy and quick to check out books with their self-checkout stations. Very convenient and makes me want to check out books! To open a library account you need to be 18, have valid personal identification (drivers license, passport) and proof of your current mailing address (imprinted check with name and address, utility bill, bank statement). I look forward to finding out more about this library and all of the resources they have to offer. read more

The library is vast, clean and with up to date technology. The network enables you to get books from other libraries as well. The online services and streaming are a great added benefit. The staff has always been very helpful and responsive when at the library and scheduling classes or activities. We love the kids library basement, which was recently remodeled. They also have lots of activities and crafts events for kids. It is such a great community resource that we are lucky to have and really enjoy stopping in. read more

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a library but this library I do not. I was VERY excited about going to the library when I first moved here and getting my card and checking out some books. The SF section leaves a fair bit to be desired but I wasn't too hung up on it. I borrowed a book and after I returned it they sent me a notice saying the book had been damaged and needed to be replaced. I didn't know what they were talking about so I went there to examine the book in person and they showed me a light coffee stain on a blank page before the back cover as the "damage". Not only do I highly doubt I (who drinks one cup of coffee in an average month and usually that is a coffee milkshake at Starbucks) made the stain but I also don't think a light watermark type stain on one blank page warrants charging me $50 to replace the entire book (Which I found brand new on amazon.com for $9.52, but the library said they couldn't take the brand new copy since it wasn't shrink-wrapped in plastic). So it can be the homeless shelter/free internet hotspot it's turned into but I won't be patronizing that place anymore. Also, the handful of times I went there before the extortion there were multiple cases of (presumably houseless) people talking or even yelling in loud voices which the staff were not trained to handle and so the talking/yelling continued for 15-30 minutes until the police arrived and had another 5-10 minutes of altercation. Not a place I recommend for book borrowing, quiet studying or any of the activities one might normally associate with a public library. read more

wow! I can't believe no one, NO ONE has rated the public library! maybe cause i have too much stuff, maybe b/c I'm from (ghetto) East Bay, or maybe i'm just plain on a budget right now, but I vowed to not buy anything that I would not "need" (you know, the whole "need" vs. "want" lesson from 3rd grade). so in keeping with that resolution, I started exploring the SB public library and I have to say, it is a pretty awesome system! they have a decent online search system with relatively new books available. the extensive network lets you can hold anything you find on the online search and have it delivered to your location of choice for a 50 cent charge. For me, it's usually the Goleta or the Montecito one, but now, I think it will be SB main or Montecito since I've moved from the Goodland. I have to disclose, I have not yet been to the main location downtown... but I hear they are renovating or adding a children's library or something, not sure, something about a more extensive one. On top of being able to hold any book/dvd etc you are able to return it to ANY network library spanning from SB to SLO! awesome! not that I would need to return a book to SLO, but knowing I can get a book from that location if it's not available here is pretty cool. The residents of SB county have a great system and maybe i shouldn't be writing about it b/c it lets the secret out, but in the spirit of using less and conserving more, check out the library!! read more

My ode to the library continues... It took a few months to get to this library branch because I work near the Goleta branch and that's my pick-up spot. However, there were some books I wanted to get and didn't want to have transferred from SB to Goleta. The parking garage is right next door which made it a ten minute stop for me. With the first 75 minutes free, I could have browsed some more with no money spent. Inside, the library is spacious and very organized. There's lots of room to sit and read. I wish I lived closer so I frequent this branch more often! read more

This isn't a big city library, but for the size it is perfect. Our periodical collection is expansive, even more so with the computers. If you like hard copies like me they have recent years on file. The book collection is large as well. Also, there are a few books under lock and key. I needed one for a research paper and the librarians looked the other way as I xeroxed the entire book. Ten years later, I recently pulled my copy out (I'm expanding on the original paper.) So glad to have it. You can also check out books on your Kindle. read more

Spacious, clean library. I used it everyday for about a week and had no issues with noise, seating, printing etc. Beautiful library!

Convenient to downtown, next to the Museum of Art. The parking garage on Anacapa is convenient. With a handicap placard, you can park for free for 2 1/2 hours; it's 75 min. if you don't have one (but you already knew this!) I only enter the library on one side (parking garage side) because I've had trouble entering on the other side where the transients live. I've had to walk through pot smoking or just regular smoking and it's just not what I want to walk my kids through. I've never had any trouble other than that though and not usually on the other side by the art museum. Don't let that stop you. The inside is sort of dated and I am smell sensitive so I can smell the mustiness of the old books and am not a fan of that. Otherwise I would give it 5 stars because they usually have what I am looking for and their librarians are friendly. Please use them! The auto checkout is not required and I'm sure they miss friendly interaction! read more

The employee' are extremely polite. The library itself is rather clean and well maintained for it's size and location. read more

Santa Barbara City Library - Nice wooden tables for your reading and studies lol - Libraries Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Years pass. Fads rise and fall. Good things come and go. But, thankfully (knock on wood), the Santa Barbara Public Library remains an oasis of tranquility. I used to come here a lot when I was a kid. We would check out the maximum number of books and stuff them into a backpack. My trips here tapered off through high school and college, but I've recently rediscovered the library, and it's just as good as ever. It's evolved, for sure. Sleek self-checkout machines stand in front of the main desk where you used to check things out. (Staff are still there to help you out with stuff, though, and I think you could check books out there if you preferred to do things that way.) The lower level, formerly home to the extensive periodicals section, has been shuttered as periodicals have dwindled. (But never fear: this downstairs space will soon be reborn as a new children's section of the library. Also, many periodicals are still available, now in the upstairs area.) They now have electronic books as well as the classic paper style. And another thing has changed too. When I was a kid, there was a large globe, a couple feet in diameter, that stood near the bottom of the main staircase. It lit up when you touched it, which we often did. The globe is still in the library, but it's been moved to an out-of-the-way upstairs corner. And if you inspect, you can see one reason why: there is a large hole in the map centered on Santa Barbara, from thousands of little fingers pointing toward home over the years. But in spite of these developments, the library continues to provide the good old service it's provided forever. You can go in and browse the ample stacks of books. You can plop down in one of the many comfortable chairs. You can sit at a computer and use the internet. There is a self where they sell books that, for whatever reason, they can't or won't keep. (You pay into a little box, on the honor system.) There is a substantial supply of individual desks, each with its own power outlet, and the wifi is fairly reliable, so this is a good place to get a little work or studying done, free of charge. Of course, this isn't a big-city library. There are a lot of things they don't have. But there are also a lot of things they do have, and the space itself is somehow comforting. When you walk into that high-ceilinged area with the huge, never-lit fireplace, surrounded by comfy chairs, flanked by tall windows, you feel like you've entered a soothing haven from the hubbub of the world. It's eminently welcoming: quiet, peaceful, unassumingly inviting you to browse, relax, and stay awhile. read more

Great place. You have to try the online book reservations. Its like netflix for books.

The downstairs Children's section of the library is just lovely and a magical place for our kids to explore, learn and spend time. The old kids section was so small, although we do miss the fish tank! We attended Story Hour yesterday and it was delightful. We checked out so many books to read, I could barely carry my bag to the car! Nicely done library!! read more

Very pretty library located near State street. Besides the parking garage, there is also plenty of street parking for 75 minutes (besides Sunday). Upon entering, to one side there is a gallery that features artwork and to the other is the entrance to the library. To check out books there are fancy self checkout electronic machines or the account services counter to your preference, and a teen choice section with the latest fads in novels. A really great place to unwind. read more

This is a nice library directly across from the courthouse. It isn't very impressive from the outside and the inside is a mixture of new looking old. It looked to be a nice library for locals. read more

Lots of homeless people outside but it's not like they're competition when it comes to a table to sit down and study for hours on end. Grab a liter bottle of water and sit here until the lights flicker (like in those horror movies) as a "sod off losers, we're closed". It's like finding a piece of solace in this insane little city. read more

I read about a book a week and I'm a cheap bastard, so you'll find me borrowing books a lot. I'm at Santa Barbara's main branch library more than any other, and let me tell you, it stinks. Literally, if you walk around the patrons a bit, you will smell urine. This is because many homeless folks spend their time at this branch. That's all right by me. Besides the smell and the occasional borderline-mad cackle, they mostly keep to themselves. Many people also come here to use the internet. The wait is long to get on one of those computers. If you have a laptop, bring that. Their free wifi works decently and you can usually find a chair somewhere, even if you have to go upstairs and seek one out in a dark corner. They have a number of function rooms: one for makers; another for lectures and small concerts. Oh and there's a new children's room in the basement. This is a pretty good place with plenty of helpful staffers always on hand! read more

Another Santa Barbara blessing! My husband and I use the Goleta branch primarily. He orders his scientific books and they put them on hold for him to pick up--amazing. I scan the new reads in the fiction department and always find several to borrow each week. Very professional staff are knowledgable and helpful (true librarians). Miss the for profit bookstores where we could read comfortably (The Earthling, Barnes and Noble, and Borders). Here everyone is welcome to sit and read or use the computers. I order e-books and have yet to be patient enough to order through the library system, but will try soon. Still love the feel, sight and smell (oh yes) of hands on newsprint and weighty volumes so will never abandon the public library. Allergies prohibit me from keeping an at-home library, so I buy and donate any "must-have" books to the library. I no longer believe that my knowledge depends upon having the book in the house--freeing. read more