I grew up in Daly City but have never been to this library location I Came by on Thursday about 2:45. Walked by the front desk and saw 3 employees sitting there. No one looked up. Not a greeting or asked if I needed help locating anything. The library employees that is located on Southgate Ave, are very helpful and friendly read more

This library is too loud for me. The front desk girls talk too loud like they're in a get together. It makes it hard to focus and study. You can smell the old books in here as well. read more

The librarians here are so LOUD. This place could easily be mistaken for one of the best clubs in Daly City as the librarians are hollering for joy every couple of seconds or playing Mobile App games with the volume way up high. I do like that they have kept the layout generally the same over the years and that they created areas specifically for children/teens to do homework and not be bothered by the old guys watching questionable videos. read more

The library is a little dated and could probably use a makeover at some point, but still quite sizable inside. I come mainly for the children's section to rotate out books for my little ones. They have a small area set up for the tots with plenty of reading material to choose from. read more

I like coming to this library because parking is always great, the library is nice and open and overall I just like the ambiance better even though I live two blocks from War Memorial. However, when your staff are the loudest people in the library, that needs to be addressed. Multiple people come here for different reasons but to my understanding a library should always be quiet or people should use their inside voices. Every time I come here, the workers who talk amongst themselves are very loud and when talking to people who ask them questions, they're very loud. I luckily have my AirPods on but even with the noise canceling I can still hear their voices. It even comes to a point when those around me are making faces and looking to see who's being loud. It's honestly a little embarrassing. I'll continue to come but just can't forget my AirPods. read more

Every single time I come to this library the staff is so incredibly kind and helpful. I've been coming here since I was a child but even as an adult I needed help finding books and printing some emails. The staff went above and beyond for me. I asked them if they could help me do something on the computer and the lady told me they definitely could but that they also have designated times where you can come in where people can devote a little more time with helping you troubleshoot. So awesome. While I was there I was also with my little one and I was told they offer story times and play times for the little ones. During the times i've been there they've also done coloring, painting, and fun activities like singing with them. This library is always clean and parking isn't hard. If you're taking your little ones there's also a park right outside as well as tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields and baseball diamonds. It's a wonderful library filled with the most incredible staff. Every time I come here and I need a little help I'm always blown away by the level of kindness and support. Thank you to all the amazing people that work in this library providing so much love and support to help our community grow. You are all valued and appreciated beyond words. A special thank you to Sarah, Chela, and Natalie for all your help and hard work. read more

BEWARE OF UNWARRANTED FEES- My experience has been pretty poor at this location. I've only taken my kids here since the parking was easier than the South San Francisco Library but I won't be taking my kids here to check out books anymore. Last time I returned a book for my daughter and we got notification that it was due weeks after we have already returned. (We returned it in the slot the old school way since they didn't have the computerize ones that scan the book right away to show that the book was returned.) We went to the library and notified them that it was returned a while back. When the librarian went to check, it was there on the book shelves. They would have made us pay for a lost book that we clearly returned. Today, I return another book for my daughter and she tried checking a book out at another library but her account had a hold on it saying she had a balance. I returned to the Daly City Library to see why there was balance on a book that I just returned and this time they said we returned a book with mold. I advised the librarian that it could have been previously there before we checked out the book so how can they say we caused the mold. She said if the book was "damaged " they would have put a mark on the cover with the barcode but there was none so they made us pay $23 to replace the book. I'm pretty sure we didn't cause the mold as my kids don't drink or eat while using a borrowed book from the library. The Daly City Library has a bunch of old books that probably held on moisture and had mold and they are trying to get the last person who check out the book to pay the replacement for them. When you walk into the library you can already smell the moisture and mold in the building. Moving forward, I'll check the book to make sure there's no mold before letting my kids check out the book, even at other libraries. However, I won't coming to this location any more so beware that this might happen to you too. read more

Library is not bad, but staff talk and chat so that it's difficult to concentrate. Whatever happened to the standard of being quiet in libraries? read more

I come here to study during my mornings off and I enjoy the fact that it has a lot of areas to study along with outlets to plug in your electronics. There are smaller desks, larger ones for groups and cubicle like ones for a little more privacy. The windows giving natural lighting is great too. I also like that you can have a stretch break from reading and take advantage of the track right outside (twice around is a mile). I gave it three stars because unfortunately the librarians are terribly so loud you can hear every conversation, argument or joke and it's disturbing if you don't have your headphones in with study music on. I forgot mine one day and couldn't really focus like I usually do. If that changes I can give it a higher review. read more

While pretty big, it is just a three stars average library - and showing its age; the cramped layout, the drab colors, the worn out furniture, (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/JEJ3RdwiUNjJCszHohM0YQ?select=LJAHUd-oumpcen7tUXTnYg), etc. And it was not apparent where it is located unless you are familiar with the area. I would use it if need to but there are many other newly built libraries not far from here. Lots of parking (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/JEJ3RdwiUNjJCszHohM0YQ?select=rUtCqz0PN2Cdmth_9vIlUg) is the main positive. read more

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If you're looking to get some study time this is the place to be, EXCEPT during school hours. I wasn't bothered by the children playing during their recess time and I don't know if if the library is on top of an elementary school, but I could hear yard duties/teachers yelling and the bell ringing when it was time for them to go inside. Like I said, it didn't bother me while I was studying but it may to someone else. I just wanted to point this out. Other than that the library is clean, smells good and well maintained by their staff. Oh yeah! I forgot to mention the parking. I found it difficult to find somewhere to park, but I may have not known where to go since I'm from out of town. read more

In the past two months I've been here twice on random occasions and both times all of the computers have been shut down and printing has been disabled. Last time they allowed me to print one document from a staff computer and pay $0.15 which saved me a trip to another library and was incredibly helpful. Today I was met by a large Chinese woman rolling her eyes at me and saying "there is a large sign at the front door saying that all the computers are currently shut down. We do not have printing. We do not know when it will be up again." I checked every single computer and saw no sign anywhere by the computers or by the front door. She was incredibly short and rude and I didn't even want to ask if I could print out my 1 shipping label to mail my package. I'll drive all the way to Pacifica library instead, where I'll be treated like a human being. Really nice social intelligence your staff has going here. I won't be back. read more

The children's section here is nice and there is plenty of parking. All of the librarians I've encountered here have all been very friendly and helpful, except today, when an older male librarian was extremely patronizing and rude. I explained to him that I would like to manually check in some library books I was returning, because in the past we've returned books through the drop box where the library later claimed had not been returned. This librarian refused to explain why some books generated separate receipts, while other books didn't, and then mocked me by saying repeatedly can't you read? Don't you know what library you're at? All he had to do was explain that a few of the books from other libraries generate their own receipts for transfer back there. He then chastised me for asking for a receipt at the end, saying I needed to ask at the beginning. read more

The library is nice with ample parking but my lord this place is the absolute worst place to study. The librarians here are sassier than the waiters at the worst restaurant you've ever had the displeasure of going to. Edit: also, as previously stated by the other reviewers, this place is loud as fuck and I am not even kidding about that. The workers are laughing, slamming what I'm assuming are books right on the table, and talking without even trying to control the volume of their voice. Literally 3 other people who were studying left the library before I finally could not stand this place anymore which led me to do the exact same. However, if there is anyone who enjoys constant background noises while studying, I would highly recommend this hangout spot! read more

This is the worst and noisiest library I went to. They don't have a separated room for children, activity, which makes it noisy and with people coming in to chat. If you really want to get some quiet studying, this is not the place to go. The worst is the librarians allow it. Library is a quiet place for studying. This library is more like an amusement park rather than a library. I would not reccommend to come here if you need to study. read more

Compared to most of the libraries in the area, the Serramonte library offers: - Ample parking space - Many group and solo study tables - Reliable wi-fi - Helpful, patient librarians So where people might write it off as older, it does still retain aspects that make it a "good" library. It's often my first choice as a study spot because of the pros listed above. Additionally, it's undergone a recent mini renovation and is also close to many eateries (King Plaza, Serramonte Plaza, etc) if you need a quick refuel during your study. One major con to keep in mind: it does get louder than most at times, so ensure you have noise cancellation devices handy. read more

I swear, libraries these days are NOT QUIET at all - cell phones going off; ppl on their cell phones; chatting amongst groups; playing music on their laptops; and even the librarians are so loud with their conversations. I feel the same towards a lot of libraries around here. I'll probably just copy and paste this review lol. This library needs a makeover - at least with the furniture because it's old and uncomfortable. They also need to provide more outlets, especially since there's a lot of people with laptops these days. read more

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We've spent ridiculous state and county funds on plenty of projects that are probably important to somebody, somewhere. We chastise our youth for not putting down the phone/controllers/tablets and other electronic devices. Serramonte library is an excellent example of our hypocrisy. See, I'm not very tech savy and I remember learning to use the dewy decimal system in public school way back when. I can find any book, at any library in the country. My stepson has absolutely no idea who dewy is what the decimal system means and how to find a book. I live in Burlingame now, but spent a short time in Daly City. Short enough to know that the two cities have significantly different financial priorities. Burlingame just completed a multi million dollar library renovation and the Serramonte library looks exactly as it did when I was learning the Dewy way back in 1985. That's not good news for any of us, yet apparently it's standard operating procedure these days because money is tight and paving the parking lot at the mall and building more retail space is clearly of greater importance than a lil old library. read more

My favorite part about this library is that they open later 'til 9 from Monday to Wednesday. That's an hour later than most libraries in the area and that alone earns five stars from me. It's very clean and there is plenty of seating. The staff here is very friendly. You have to bring proof of address to sign up for a library card and it has to be printed, not handwritten. They have a nice selection of books, comics, monthly magazines or newspapers. It's a great community location. There is so much parking. The track and basketball and tennis courts are nearby, but it is not noisy inside since I have started going here. This is a perfect place for getting work done and leisurely reading. read more

I haven't been to the library in a long time. I started going again to take my son to their storytime. I've been meaning to get a library card but I haven't gotten around to it. So my review is on their storytime and wi-fi. They both have it. It's free. Take advantage of it. read more

This library has the nicest staff! They offer to help you without you having to search them out. I was walking around with the Kid and he complained that he couldn't find books his age. The librarian who was stacking the shelves came by and asked us what we were looking for. I had trouble taking the security boxes out of the DVDs and CDs we wanted and the librarian walked us through the process. Library is older than the Westlake one but it has it's own free parking lot so I'm not going to complain. Ease of parking is a must. read more

Here's the thing. To maximize your experience at the library these days, it's actually easier to visit their Bibliocommons website to search for books, put them on hold, then pick them up from the library. The Serramonte location typically does not house the books I'm looking for, which is why I'm less inclined to spend an afternoon browsing. The staff is friendly, and I love that this library is conveniently located next to tennis courts and other community buildings. There are plenty of computers to use, tables to study at, and easy access to printing services. They also hold storytime sessions and other events for children, so check those out as well if they apply to you. read more

Every TUESDAYS 1015 session and 115pm session for INFANT STORY TIME. Honestly..it's not really infants. There were more toddlers there. Story time was interactive. Easy parking. read more

Serramonte Main Library - Libraries Near Me - Daly City, California

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At one point in my life I was a library hoe. I selfishly used every library I could find, and rarely stayed true to just one. (I have since calmed down.) But if I had to review one, it'd have to be the one I was practically born and raised in. If you walk into the Serramonte Main Library and take a left to the bathrooms, you could see slashes scored on the wall. 1984: 3'6" 1987: 4'2" 1993: 4'11" 2011: 4'11". (5'2" with heels) Some of the libraries on the Peninsula are absolutely stunning inside, almost bookstore like- but no matter how many times they try to give the Serramonte Branch a makeover, it still looks like the Regal Beagle to me. Nonetheless, this library still delivers- somewhat. They're a hit or miss w/newer book titles. Tons of Foreign films on DVD. Not that big of a CD music collection. About a dozen computers at the computer station, with a limit of 1 hour per use. There is a printer available, at .15 per page. Customer service is average, so don't expect the Nordstrom way. Daps to this library though because one of its tables housed me during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, it taught me sex-ed (y'all know you looked for those books, too), I Chose My Own Adventure here (many times), and I met many a Riordan or Serra boy here. Sometimes a Sacred Heart or St. Ignatius boy would pop in if I was lucky. Some highlights for the peninsula libraries in general: You can return any book/cd/dvd to ANY library in the County of San Mateo (so long as you borrowed it from a library in the county) If after searching their online catalog you find a book at a (County of San Mateo) library too far from you, you could put it on hold for .75 and it will be delivered to the library of your choice for you to pick up. You can manage your library account by going online at https://catalog.plsinfo.org/patroninfo to place books on hold, renew a book, reserve a computer station, check to see when your books are due or if you owe the library $5000 for not returning a book you borrowed in 1st grade. You can forego Red Box because some locations (e.g., Foster City) have hundreds of movies (even new ones) you could borrow for FREE, and for a week long! Some locations have thousands of CDs with a diverse selection of tunes- a great way to expand your iTunes library w/out having to pay a dime. If that ain't a hook up, I don't know what is. Are You There God? It's me, Margaret. read more

Personally, I give this a 2.5 rating. Located adjacent to gellert park, there is an abundant amount of parking spots. This library NEEDS a renovation - it reeks of damp walls and outdated desks/furniture. In one section straight ahead from the entrance, there are many desks but a limited amount of outlets provided per desk. And if there are outlets, they're mainly power strips and not installed within the desks. Located right of the entrance, there are more desks and also two tri-desk arrangements close to the windows. These arrangements I feel are too congested and close within one another that it invades your personal study space. This library is perfect if you want to return/rent items, but essentially not the best choice for a study spot. Stray away if you want some intense studying, but if you're okay with the slight disruption and not in need of an outlet, you can come here as their wifi is still good. read more

3.5 stars, actually. The best thing about this branch is the hours. It also has a lot of parking and is conveniently located. Although this is Daly City's main library, it's definitely on the smaller side. They don't have individual comfy chairs (just two ok couches) and there are no outlets in the magazine area. Their book and DVD collection, however, is impeccable. They have countless DVDs and there are always new, interesting books available. The staff/librarians here are super friendly as well :) read more

Big library, but really outdated. It kinda smell in there too. The chairs & tables aren't at all comfy. :(

Came here back before I had a smartphone. This is a small little library with a parking lot shared by the people using the park. Most of these idiots don't know how to drive or park. The branch is full of kids making a bunch of noise which staff does nothing about. read more

This review includes all of Gellert Park as well. I've been to this library since I was 10 years old. It is great for both kids and adults. Lots of picture books, comics and videos for children and free internet, test books and nonfiction books for young adults. There aren't a lot of tables for studying but if you are lucky enough to snag one, it's a great place to camp out for hours. If you need a break, head outside for fresh air, hoops or tennis on the courts or soccer or football on the turf field. If you have kids, there is a playground for them to run around in. There are also BBQ grills and picnic tables for grilling and eating. Not all the facilities are in the best conditions but this library/park has just about everything you can ask for. The ice-cream man that parks his truck in the parking lot is also a good friend of mine and is just one more reason to hit up this place. read more

5 stars for having tennis courts and basketball courts in the same lot!!! And even a wall where lonely tennis players like me that will have the wall be my competitor!! I'm super excited to get back into tennis so that I can help relieve the strains on my neck and back. Also to become more physical active of course. This library is convenient to drive to and not to many people come (this is just from today's visit). I did love the little cubicles that block me from looking at the person in front of me and also block what is around me so that I can focus. Hours aren't too bad. I would def check out Burlingame library since they close late but sometimes I don't think the drive is worth it. I can deal with the hours here at Serromonte and I still can't express the joy of seeing tennis courts nearby! read more

I like going here to study compared to the one in Walnut in SSF. There's an ample parking slots, more tables and chairs with plugins available next or in front of you for your laptops. read more

This library is a staple of Daly City culture. Is it old? Yes. Could it use some updating? Probably. BUT it is darn good at what it does... which is providing a communal space for learning for all ages. As another Yelp reviewer pointed out, it doesn't have the bells and whistles of newer facilities, so it's not necessarily my favorite place when I have my laptop and a need for space. It IS cramped. But the hours are great for a small city library (summer hours go until 9pm!) and everything is quick and easy. The crowning glory to this library is that it is FANTASTIC for families. The children's section is warm and inviting and is a great space for toddlers (yes toddlers!) and young kids to read books. There are logical games, a whiteboard, several manipulative toys, and computers for wee ones. The area has a woodland theme so kids can read on a fabric log, sit at a mushroom table, or hide inside the reading tree. Because of the kids section, I find this is a great library to take the kids while you research something in the adult section. It is a weirdly noisier library because of the kids' section being so lively, but it's respectfully noisy as kids go. The demographics of the patrons leans towards families (including grandparents and older folk) rather than college/high school students (who need more room table-wise in order to study). Parking is plentiful and there's a playground in case you have kids who need to burn off even more energy. I took away one star for 1) mediocre lighting, needs improvement 2) sometimes the librarians can't hide how much they want to go home. read more

I think it is a little known fact that aside from being the keeper of awesome reading materials, facilitating the use of free internet and making sure the degenerates of society don't harass little kids amidst their Roald Dahl books -- librarians make excellent proctors for tests. Basically I, in my usual procrastinator self, needed a last minute proctor for a final exam. This place is probably the only place west of the Bay Bridge that has a decent place to facilitate that need. I made all the arrangements with Serramonte Main Library in a matter of a few easy steps. Literally it takes a quick email and phone call to confirm all of it. That and $75 of your hard earned money (cheaper if you're a resident of Daly City). They can proctor multiple students at once and their facilities are pretty well-kept/quiet enough to focus on your test. No hassle and my proctor was friendly, efficient and on top of her game. (Ms. Nguyen). Thanks for reigniting my love for libraries, Serramonte Main. You da best. read more

I have been going to this library for years. I live a block away from the John Daly library but due to their short hours they are never open when I have the time to go, so I make the trip to this one. I love the library, it is a bit small compared to other ones, but has a great selection of books. The librarians are always nice, and there is a park next it that I take my son to after reading time =) read more

This is my local library, and it is walking distance to where I live. This library is old, but I love the feel of it. The library has a bunch of tables, but it is small compared to other libraries; however, it does get the job done when it comes to needing a quiet place to study. The librarians have always been helpful, and they are the librarians I grew up to. They have a huge section for books, dvds and cds for sale. They usually have their spring sale at the end of the month, but the date varies. read more

This library is the most noisiest library I have ever been! And staff allows it! Very frustrating especially when you need to concentrate and gets things done. Very disappointing! read more

Like what other said on the review, IT SMELLS BAD!! I dont know if its the bathroom or because it is an old library. It really stinks. Smells like a saliva or a mixture of a person who dont take a bath for so long. Its seems like hospital smell is much better than this. I went here twice and the smell is still the same. Anyways, its a quiet library compare to the one in SSF. Parking is great. read more

Serramonte Main Library - 11:47am - Libraries Near Me - Daly City, California

I burrowed several books at this location. Came here one day to drop off two books I was done with. They had a drop-off box outside. I was so hesitant to drop it in but I did it anyways. I went through the two books to make sure they're fine and to make sure I didn't leave anything inside before dropping them. A week or so later I got a letter saying one of the books I dropped was damaged by water. I was scratching my head.. how.. it never touched water.. it was always on my bookshelf. Long story short.. I went to the library to see the book. Manager came and showed it to me. I was COMPLETELY SHOCKED it was soaked! I was about to cry.. but kept telling myself to get it together and not cry over a book. I couldn't believe my eyes it was really wet. Wasn't wet, wet.. it's all dried up but can see it was wet (water stains). I knew it from the start I should have recorded myself going through it before dropping it. I am extremely upset.. I had to pay a $25 fine for something I didn't do. I'm so upset.. I'm even crying while writing this review.. I have to guess it's either, one of their employees "accidentally" drop maybe water and didn't say a word or water went inside the outside dropbox. Who knows.. I was told "only my book" was damaged. Ever since that letter, I started recording myself in front of the library.. going through the books before dropping them inside the dropbox. To show that it was fine when I returned it. I don't know if I'll be burrowing from here again. read more

The wifi here is crazy fast. I love the librarians here, getting a library card was fast and easy. The peers here seem very nice and considerate and there's a great selection of books. There's a basketball court outside also and I had a good workout before I came in. read more

Library was great. A lot of great books and reference materials...librarian that helped, eh. I could do without the attitude. Came in and asked her some information and she just gave me the worst attitude. Sorry for disturbing you checking your Facebook. read more