i had the opportunity to help plan a community education series that was co-hosted by the malcolm x library, so i got to spend a lot of time here. it's a really great library. great place for community involvement. there's always different events going on here, so check out the community board up at the front for flyers for upcoming performances/events. helpful staff, clean bathrooms (always a plus). the only sliiight problem is that even though there's free wi-fi, you gotta find the sweet spot (try the upper level directly across from the help desk). people that go to the library are super friendly. random people always strike up a conversation with me when i'm there, and i've gotten to meet some fab people! read more

Unfortunately, on my August visit to Malcolm X Library, it was a record-breaking heated day in San Diego. The library had my organization booked in the event room and there was no air-conditioning. This was my first meeting with this organization, but not my first meeting at this location. It was a Saturday morning, the second week of August, and the doors were propped open for the meeting. The meeting hosts decided to end the meeting after 45 minutes based on the conditions. It was RIDICULOUSLY HOT and stuffy in the event room. I hope that the library can get the AC fixed soon. Many community organizations utilize this space regularly and August has been SUPER hot with the heat wave. read more

This Library is always organized and that librarians are very helpful. Today I came in looking for a couple of preschool story books. Although they were not at this location I was able to place them on hold and they will arrive in 3-4 days. There are free month activities for children and varies other activities for adults. I love the visual culture boards and displays. 2023(34) read more

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First time at this library, small and compact with great design and plenty of parking. I am studying something completely different from what has been my livelihood for years and meeting classmates that become friends. Thanks to that, I got to know this library as served us for group study sessions (as you know, if you read me, I am against coffee shops used as libraries and instead advocate for public libraries to be used and enjoyed. I enjoyed this pristine library with great stuff and the Malcom X statue at the entrance too. read more

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Today, I had a troubling experience at the Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library. I regularly visit to use the computer lab and bring my mother along so she can sit nearby while I work. Unfortunately, despite each table's large size, each only has one chair, so I often need to retrieve a second chair from elsewhere in the library. As a disabled person, moving these heavy wooden chairs isn't easy, but I manage when needed. However, returning the chair afterward is often beyond my physical capacity. A few days ago, the library manager--a woman with striking short, icy-blonde hair--approached me with folded arms and a tone that felt unexpectedly curt and intimidating. Rather than inquiring about my situation or offering assistance, she insisted that I carry the chair back upstairs once I was done. Her delivery left me feeling dismissed, judged, and even bullied, which was so shocking and disorienting that I didn't respond. I felt as though my needs were entirely disregarded. When I returned today and needed a second chair again, the same manager approached me with folded arms, taking a similar tone and remarking that I "should have put the chair away last time" and commenting on my supposed "ability" to do so. Again, the interaction left me feeling dismissed, judged, and bullied. This time, however, in the presence of a security guard who observed the exchange, I explained that only my doctor is qualified to assess my physical abilities and that her insistence on "sizing me up" and determining my capabilities was entirely inappropriate and intrusive. A significant element missing from the manager's interactions was the benefit of the doubt. Excellent service to patrons, clients, or customers includes approaching situations with understanding and the willingness to assume positive intent. Treating patrons as though they are troublesome or acting out of line is the opposite of what makes a space welcoming. In stark contrast, the security guard's response was professional and considerate. He immediately stepped in to help, offering to return the chair for me, and clearly prioritized making sure my experience was positive. His willingness to assume the best and assist without judgment was a perfect example of the respect and courtesy library patrons deserve. Reflecting on this experience, I believe it's crucial for library staff to not only engage respectfully but to approach interactions with the benefit of the doubt. Questioning or making assumptions about someone's physical limitations is not only inappropriate but also intrusive, inflammatory, and potentially discriminatory. Public employees are not in a position to assess someone's needs or judge their limitations. Libraries today face new challenges in remaining relevant, and a supportive, inclusive environment is essential. When patrons feel dismissed, judged, or bullied, they may ultimately turn away, particularly when neutral, self-service, or AI options could offer a more dignified experience. I hope future visits will reflect a more inclusive, understanding, and respectful approach from all staff members. read more

Gorgeous children's section! Beautiful atrium, friendly librarians who were so kind, and such interesting architecture. Years ago, this was at the start of a dead end street but now it's the center of a growing vibrant community. Love seeing this area grow! read more

A small but not compacted and well designed library located by the trolley station on Market Street, not only it has easy access, but also a large parking lot to accommodate visitors, besides a decent collection of books, it has a lot of African American cultures integrated into the sculptures of many well known AA figures, as well as a theater program for performing arts right next door, with an opened stage and a piano, being done very well. read more

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Such a beautiful library! I really like this library! It's so beautiful and well organized in and out! I highly recommend this library!

What I love about this library are - the friendliness and kindness of the staff, the access to computers with a printer, the ability to use a private room for an interview and the cleanliness, Thank you!!! read more

I had a very life changing experience here. The librarian as well as staff members helped me learn a lot about the online systems that work together for books, renting and shipping. I learned new research methods and found a hundred ways to find different organizations, directories, associations, attorneys and so much more. I learned more from this place in 30 minutes than I did at any job I worked for. This info was life changing because now I can rent books from anywhere in the country and save money as a college research student. Thank you! read more

Recently I received GREAT service from onsite computer technician, Mr. FeeEraz! (Sorry for my spelling.) 522060 He was patient, polite and professional as he answered all my questions about a laptop. Thank you. read more

This library was just gross. I was so disappointed. I feel it's borderline unsafe. There are a lot of homeless people in the back in study carols sleepy or talking loudly. There is continue movement coming in and leaving the library. One woman let her Mr young toddler stick his fingers in the electrical outlets. She wasn't even watching him. You cannot reserve a private study room, so ended up sitting in my car. Fix this! read more

You know you're not in Scripps Ranch when you walk into a place called the Malcolm X Library. Malcolm X is a controversial figure, but probably an excellent person to name a library after because nobody would dispute the idea that he was pretty much a self-taught thinker. His formal education ended after junior high school. I like this building. It's small for one of the newer SD libraries, and considering the amount of land they had to build the facility, you'd have thought they could have made it a little bigger. But I've been able to get work done in quiet corners here on a number of occasions, all the while contemplating the merits of the Nation of Islam... read more

Valencia Park - Malcolm X Library - Libraries Near Me - San Diego, California

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I love this library. The employee's here are so awesome. This place is always clean and if the book I want is not here they will order it for me. They also have a lot of really cool things going on. Third Wednesday of the month at 6pm they have a knitting class called Knotty Knitters. Computer classes, arts and crafts as well as many other things available for the local community! read more

Valencia Park - Malcolm X Library - February calendar - Libraries Near Me - San Diego, California

I lost my wallet and the staff sent me another libarary card without charging me . Thank you

The librarians in this library are the most helpful and nice they're like a 2nd family I go there every single day because I love them and the variety of books and movies the Malcolm X Valencia library is my #1 go to library it's a great place to not only read and use computers but also a good place to be alone and think when having a hard time read more

I came here with my kids today, after so many years of not visiting this library. The library is nice and clean, and is perfect for someone who wants to study, or do homework. However, I was very disappointed with their children section other branch libraries where I go usually have playing section for kids, but this library was very lame. I only spent like 15 minutes and then I left, I think they should improve their children section. read more

This is the noisiest library I have been. I don't know why it is happening in this library. The people who are coming here thinking this library is their living room. They are just chit-chatting, watching movies and music, speaking on the phone... Nobody available to stop them or the library just don't think it is necessary to stop them. The restroom is sometimes a nightmare. I feel so sorry for the janitor who cleans it everyday. Today, there was a choir singing hymns (I guess) in the library and I felt like dying. Library is supposed to be a quiet place so people can come here, relax and read or do whatever in silence so others can read their books. This does not apply to this library. NOT AT ALL !!! I want to give this library zero star but I was not allowed. So 2 stars for the library and staff. read more

This is an exceptionally good library, as far as the SDPL system goes. Lots of space, very open and relatively quiet. There appears to be a pretty decent selection of books ( YA fiction, nonfiction, etc ). A conference room is available ( not sure who uses it, but it's still here ). Not as aesthetically pleasing ( or large ) as the main branch on Park, but if you don't care about the lack of a "grand" vibe, this library definitely gets the job done for your basic needs. Later, fellow Yelpers! :) read more

This library caters to not only schools fraternities and public officials but to the disabled as well. They have a quiet room area for homework plus tutors . read more

Malcolm X is a great library. It's a bit newer like ten years or so. It's big and has lots to offer the community. They always have events going on. The SouthEast community is very proud of it. I usually come here to get reading material. Very seldom do I actually stay and read here, but there is plenty of space to do so. Especially in the hidden areas upstairs. read more

Members of the staff make sure one is accommodated. The fun part is, they already know what one needs! I'm spending my review hours there.

I have attend 2 of the meetings for the Knotty Knitters Knit club. I was welcomed so openly and assisted by all .I have never done any knitting .The instructor has the patience of a saint .I will continue to try to knit with the encouragement and praise of all that attend. I thank you all so very much read more

My favorite library. My son goes here for tutoring on Wednesdays . Which is free. We go to family game night, participate in the summer reading program, and use there computer and printing service. There is access to computers or personal laptop. They have study rooms, tvs to watch the movies you rent or you can even host a meeting or event there if your a non profit organization for free to. read more

Great library for kids and adults! Plenty of space, books, computers with WiFi access. They have a separate area for people to use computers with headphones and privacy. I visit the library to tutor students on Saturdays and they have 2 study rooms available with tables and nice large dry erase board to use with the students/people u are working with in study room. Unfortunately u can not reserve the study rooms ahead of time. U can come into library and reserve them for later in the day but you can not call to reserve ahead of time. The library has 2 levels with a few tables and study desks to use on each level. There is a front and back entrance with a parking lot in the back area. The library us clean, well lit and an excellent place to study or access WiFi for research. Book selection is impressive as well as magazines and movies. A visit to check out this library if you live in the neighborhood is a must. read more

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This place is not bad, if you want to use the computers, print something, make copies you'll need a library card and you have to pay some change for prints and copies but the computers are free to use, you get one free hour per day. It's slow on Saturdays so sometimes you can be on there a lil longer. Friendly workers, a few shady characters but not bad. read more

I love Malcolm X Library! It is a great asset to Southeastern S.D. Diamond community. This is one of the most beautifully designed facilities with modern technology available to all populations. If you're seeking past, current and future information, this is the edifice to visit. Malcolm X Library keeps us abrupt on free, affordable and useful needs and fun activities from visiting clowns, homework assistance to salsa dance lessons. From seniors to toddlers, there's always something wonderfully brewing here or event calendars pointing where to go. I advice everyone to take advantage of utilizing Malcolm X Library. Forums on today's pressing issues are held here. Thank you, Malcolm X Library! read more

Large library with several community rooms and lots of activity, I would recommend this space for community events. The staff is kind and friendly, although the bathrooms are unfortunately unclean. read more

worst library I've ever been to! do not come here if you are trying to study! its so loud and it looks like homeless come here for the ac and cool shade outside. The desk are dirty and old. I wanted to come here because it was open on saturdays, i guess after all my home is quieter than this read more