This review is based on the toddler section since I only come here for my kids. We started over a year ago when my kids were 2 and 4. There's a separate room just for kids which is a nice perk of this branch. The room houses books for all kids with a small section of hard picture books (which my 2 year old peruses), a wall of graphic novels for young readers (which neither of my kids are ready for) and then aisles of other reads for mostly ages 5 and up. There are also 2 computers with kids games and a fish tank. There are a few rounded kids tables with chairs and my least favorite... a dirty stained couch. As of now, we have been here maybe 6 times. The space is always clutter free and organized and there's usually not a lot of other people there. I have asked the staff a few times to help find books and sometimes they are less than friendly which makes me feel like a burden. Other times they are helpful and willing so it depends who's working that day. They have a no late fee policy which is great, and they automatically renew your books if they are late. Overall, this is one or the lesser exciting libraries I've taken my family, but it works for what we need. read more

Friendly staff help check out some crayons for my kids while their stay and another staff help set the kid computers right for them to learn some ABC's while I can get some work done. Love how they have a large beautiful fish tank in the children's room so they can relax a bit and watch the fishes after reading book/ playing computer. read more

Westlake Branch Library - Fish tank - Libraries Near Me - Daly City, California

Friendly staff. Has hand sanitizers for public use. This Library is small. Just one floor. You walk in and see all they have to offer. The library is cute and has a bit of everything. Was pretty empty when I walked in with adequate social distancing space. They have a section for children up to early teens. Then a section for young adults in the back of the regular library area: an anime collection. There's also books in different languages. Although selections are small they have it. Cute place to visit. There's a shelf with used books on sale. Most are $5 each. There's also DVD/video/movie sections for purchase and ones for rental. All in all a good place to check out on spare time. read more

Small and cute library. Usually not too full with visitors, has good new books. The computers are always free to use. read more

Westlake Branch Library - Books and a library's windows looking outside - Libraries Near Me - Daly City, California

I really like this library. Great place to study especially in the 'silent work area' room where people are just doing their own thing on their laptops or people just sitting around reading the newspaper. I came here on a Saturday around 1:30 pm to get some studying and there was a lot of people all over the library. Lots of seating, computers, books, and all sorts of things depending on what you are looking to do at the library. I never interacted with the staff nor do I have a library card but this place was very welcoming with the exception of the bad smell from other people's body oder. Overall, its a swell place, especially nice because there were no disruptive people, there are plenty of outlets around, and the Samtrans 120/122 bus stop is right in front of the library. There are also plenty of places to eat nearby and the Westlake Shopping Center is right next door. Hours on Saturday is from 10am-5pm and they close on Sunday. I'm not sure about the other days/times because Saturday is the only day I come here. read more

See all

The annual Food for Fines is back from Nov. 1 to Dec 31. Clear overdue fines or fees on your library account by bringing non-perishable food items to the library for donation to Second Harvest Food Bank. Note: Charges for lost or damaged books cannot be cleared with a Food for Fines donation. Food must be in store-sealed cans, boxes, or plastic containers within its expiration date. No glass containers, perishable food or opened containers. Any amount of food will clear fines and fees from the following libraries: BURLINGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY: Burlingame, Easton COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO LIBRARY DALY CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Bayshore, John Daly, Serramonte, Westlake REDWOOD CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Redwood City Downtown, Fair Oaks, Schaberg, Redwood Shores SAN MATEO COUNTY LIBRARIES: Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Pacifica Sanchez, Pacifica Sharp Park, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside SAN MATEO PUBLIC LIBRARY: San Mateo City Downtown Main, Hillsdale, Marina SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO LIBRARY: Main Library, Grand read more

Westlake Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Daly City, California

In retrospect, I think I was too harsh on my first review. What do you expect if a particular library is within walking distance from five (5) schools? Kids and students that is. You can't blame them for coming here to catch up on their reading, study or do their homework. It's what libraries are for. This particular branch provides plenty of after-school activities including the weekends. My kids used to come here to do puzzles and they would get a prize. They also have internet access and DVDs to check-out, and it's all free provided you have a library card. They actually have a pretty decent Foreign Film collection as well as mainstream Hollywood and G-rated movies for the entire family. We all should be glad that we have these types of FREE services at our disposal. Knowledge is power and knowing is half the battle. (He He...ready - G.I. Joe) OK, that was corny. No...I'm not being sappy. I'm just keepin it real. read more

Westlake Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Daly City, California

See all

My printer stopped working and I was in a bind. I go online and found out you can send your print job to the library for printing. I downloaded their app and sent my doc for the printer. The app was fairly intuitive and the library's online directions were top notch. I drop by the front counter and gave the librarian my email. She finds my print job and sends it to the central printer. Two sheets cost 35 cents. Way cheaper than the UPS store at Westlake (I think I was charged $1 per page there). Their system was also better than SF library's print system. Staff is very friendly here. read more

I nabbed a Peninsula System library card for my serial Overdrive passion!!!! The windows here are formidable, letting in light in every nook and on every book. friendly librarian who helped to initiate me--- relatively easy parking and very accessible for the residents, as it's almost located IN a residential neighborhood. I'm ready to attack its inventory of E- and audiobooks!! read more

This is the noisiest library I've ever been too. I went here on 10/21 to get some focused work done without being disturbed and it was impossible. There was a person with special needs who would make loud groaning and moaning noises every 5 or so minutes the entire time that they were there. It's obviously not the person with special needs' fault since they can't help it, but the caretaker was just on the internet and not even engaging or paying attention to the person with special needs. The caretaker was literally ignoring them as they made these loud sounds. There were also 2 girls that had to have been 13 or 14 years old who were sitting 20 feet away from me, but they were having a loud "whisper conversation" and laughing hysterically non-stop. They might as well have just had a normal conversation because I could hear everything that they were saying at 20 feet away. Lastly, there was a family who brought their small kid, and they must have been showing the kid a "Sesame Street" book or something to do with Elmo because the mom, in a very loud voice, started doing impersonations of Elmo for the kid which the kid started laughing and showing excitement. It was super annoying. I came to this library with such a different expectation and am still kind of shocked with how annoyingly loud it was. I still can't believe the librarians didn't say a word to anyone (maybe except for the special needs person but still, you come to the library to check out books and for the quiet which is now gone). Anyways, I'll probably wont be coming here to do anything else other than checking out books. It makes me sad. read more

I'm not sure why this library has a kids room if the staff make it very clear they don't want kids there. I would never go back

Awww what's with all the dislike for this branch? We live closer to the Gellert Branch, but you won't catch me there. Ewww! I don't really take out books though, the kids do. The little one likes the fish tank, "Mommy where's Meemo?" And honestly I do like that the the kids room is a separate room in and of itself. Yes it does get crowded with OLM just up the street and Kumon a few doors down, but when I was actually trying to study I never went to the local libraries to achieve anything. I'd use the library at UCSF, it's cushy like that with the leather chairs, or I would just stay home. Or even the library at SFSU could beat this one, anywhere where kids can't really have access is your best bet for some study time. read more

Came looking for a place to study...came to the wrong place. This library is small, there is a good amount of tables and outlets - though not at every table. I found a nice cozy corner, admittedly in the teen section, and started working. Within 30 minutes, a hoard of teens came rushing in. That's fine I thought, I know how to share my space....nope. They weren't here to study or do homework. Some of the boys were moving from table to table challenging everyone to arm wrestling...others who wanted to do work kept being passive aggressive by standing up and shushing loudly. Needless to say, I abandoned my corner for the main library area...which was not any quieter...but it was filled with people who made themselves far too comfortable as noted by nearly every table with a solitary adult...shoeless. read more

Nice environment and staff is helpful I will go back. Children can be loud and disrespectful but the ladies did a good job at handling them. It's really not their job to handle loud children it's the Parents responsibility read more

My second-favorite Library in DC (after John Daly). Pros: -Conveniently located: 120 and 122 stop right there -Aesthetically pleasing -Lots of windows=lots of natural light -Extensive DVD collection Cons -Loud school kids in the afternoon. No one enforces silence. -Not enough comfy chairs -Needs more outlets -Inconvenient hours read more

Westlake Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Daly City, California

First time going to this library and it was because I had to pick up a book that I put a hold on. Never been inside before today, but I have always thought the outside looked beautiful. Parking is all located in the streets and since there's a lot of restaurants around the library it might be hard to find parking. They have timed parking right outside and across. Weird though. It's only timed for 12 minutes instead of the usual 20. The inside of the library looked very clean and modern and high-tech with all those new check out machines. Since I was really just looking for the Hold section, I didn't really bother looking around. The lady at the desk pointed the Hold section to me, I found my book, and checked out. Overall, I got my book. High five me, ya'll! And they got rid of the 75 cents fee for putting a hold on books! Yay! read more

hmmm, not many reviews & only 4 pix in the last 5yrs! WTH...well, who even goes to libraries anymore? lol...i sure haven't since school/college dayz lllong ago & in another era...woulda remained that way, but mom has been wanting to know about free kids activities for my cuddlebug she heard about frm her chinatown friends...so, when i passed by en route during a grub-n-playdate last wk, "god"sis & our lil boyz stopped in to inquire... turned out there r many classes, per se...in the children's room(?) on the side...park your stroller in front of the fish tank in front of its entrance for: - Weds, 10:15am: "Bouncing Babies Rhymes & Songs"...which the 5 of us attended this wk (see below)... - THs, 10:15am & 1:15pm: "Story Time"...my cuddlebug prob wouldn't be able to pay attn to it at this time... - 2nd & 4th Tues, 7:15pm: "Pajama Story Time" bounce class was neat...sign your child[ren] in...they give u 2 colored egg-shaped noisemakers...enter & grab one of the few chairs or sit on the carpet, which mom was hesitant for our clean lil guy..."god"sis & i sat w/ da boyz on our laps...my almost-gonna-walk todd also stood steadily in front of me for a while... class began promptly...by the gal who was handing out the the eggs upon check in...she had a big teddy bear & a basket w/ her, which turned out to be animal hand puppets for later...we began with a good morning song...btw, the words were all written out on a big white pad/stand, which she flipped thru for ea of the dozen or so songs... nxt was a song going around the room with something about ea kid's clothing & his/her name...seemed like a lot of the kids & parents/guardians were regulars...the "teacher" already knew their names...adults & some older kids sang along...i'd say there were 3mos-4yo...prob ideal for 1-5yo... more catchy tunes, 1 story, ended with a goodbye song, & returning the eggs...seemed like closer to an hr, but actually only 1/2...it was good...covered a lot & kids didn't get antsy as they were kept entertained for a short period of time... btw, i guess some songs were known nursery rhymes...cuz "god"sis knew them, but this fob didn't, haha...i still sang along cuz it was easy...i knew "itsy bitsy spider" at least!... thought my noisy cuddlebug would be more excited, but he was observing and getting used to the new environment & all of the kids...prob around 25 kids + respective adults there yest...mom was expecting like 1/2 dozen only...she thought it was funny...i hope she'll keep up with going!...there were other chinese gma's...maybe they'll get to talking in the future...as for our 14m old, i could totally see him screaming & bouncing along more as he gets more familiarized (he was shaking his eggs this time)...should be good times...nettie approved!... read more

This library is very dear to me. Middle school, High school, Community college days, and even up to now. People change, but this library stays the same. Slight remodeling, but layout the same. Of course there are new librarians now, but there is still that one librarian that I will always remember that I used to call "Strawberry" for no apparent reason. The good young days when I didn't really come to study, but to fool around and disturb others. As it has been over 7 years now, I love this library. On the weekdays it can get horrendous though. Those pesky loud kids that, like me, just come to chill until their parents pick them up from work. However, on the weekends it is peaceful. Plenty of tables and outlets. Wifi is fairly good, but occasionally I still lose connection. Book collection wise, it is way smaller compared to other libraries (only one floor). But who cares, I'm sure there has to be at least ONE good book out of the thousands available. Location is nice as there are food options available and a Starbucks nearby. Or maybe Quicklys for a quick boba run. Because of the many businesses located around it, parking could be a pain. If you don't mind walking, there is a larger parking lot about 5 mins away that guarantees a spot. Besides the weekday younger kids, my only downfall is how early it closes on a weekday and weekend. Tuesday closes at 9pm. Now why can't all the other days be like that? :P I hope this library stays. When I have kids, I'm making sure the tradition holds. BE AS LOUD AS POSSIBLE SO THEY REMEMBER YOU EVERYTIME AND GET KICKED OUT ;) read more

One of the librarian in this Westlake branch, an older lady, is rude and cranky. Every time I bring my little kid, she will glare at us just because my kid likes to hang out in the children's room (alone) while I pick through book/movie selection. Brisbane library is probably the friendliest library to children, as well as the Gellert one. read more

It was hard to park... It was SUPER loud, full of kids... uncomfortable desks to study. If you want to study in peace this is not the place to go!!!! read more

Library seems pretty chill. Unlike other branches, this location isn't overrun by homeless people but instead happy and laughing youngsters. Makes me nostalgic for the old days when one went to the library for books rather than shelter. The selection of books is pretty vast given the size of the library. DVDs, however, not so much. But that's the way a library should be. read more

The staff here are not as friendly as other libraries like serramente or ssf libraries. There are two small benches by the library entrance along with two little cute kids statue in the middle. No sign saying that no food is allowed. I saw some people feeding their kids here before. So I thought it is ok to have food in this area. I started to feed a simple lunch to my two little kids while we were waiting for a kids event at 2pm. A few minutes later, a staff rushed toward us and said, "There is no food allowed in the library. You have to eat your food outside. It is not a restaurant." (These are her exact words.) So I wrapped my kids' lunch up and we left the library. I was offended by her "restaurant" word. There is no park or even a seat outside this library. Not kids friendly. read more

I really hate that I'm giving a library only two stars. While the library is relatively clean (the only reason I'm giving it two stars), the selection is lacking, and the patrons are NOISY. Actually, even the librarians are noisy. Definitely not a place to come when you're seeking quietness for study-time or reading. read more

i been to this library a lot to study it is worth it. It is very organized and the bus is near by and got a good transportation. A lot of things to do when i study here. Good choice for myself to study there. read more

This is a nice clean library,clean bathrooms. Lots of tables for reading and studying.nice children's room, fish tank, and dvd collection. This would have been a 4 star but parking is awful. read more

Never asked for help so mainly self service. I find this branch a nice library. The location is right around a lot of food choices so if one gets hungry or thirsty, one has to simply walk outside. The weather is warmer than my local branch so it is nice to see warmer, sunnier conditions here. The magazine selection is a lot bigger than most of the San Francisco locations. And even the hours are better. read more

I hate to give anything below 4 stars, but I feel that others can definitely benefit from my review. Parking is inadequate. On the side of the library, you are limited to parking there for 2 hours. If you do find street parking, consider yourself lucky. The apartment patrons and the people going to the korean restaurant seem to take it all up. Inside of the library is pretty clean and there are tables with outlets for you to plug in your electronics. Now, on to the important stuff: If you are college student or looking for a place to study and concentrate, this is NOT the place for you. There are a ton of babies crying and people talking on their cell phones AND right around 2-3pm, the middle school / high school kids are out of class and they all scramble around the library. They talk loud, eat their food, yell, scream, make a ton of noise, fight over the computers, and it's just ridiculous. The computers are taken up by the same 4 little asian kids that play computer games. If you do plan on coming here, bring the following: hand sanitizer (desks are dirty...heck, bring the wipes) EAR PLUGS!!!!! and some glade (library smells weird sometimes. youll spot maybe one or 2 homeless people inside) read more

My review is based on this being a good library for kids- it most certainly is! The children's section is closed off so you don't have to feel bad about reading out loud to your little one or their occasional outbursts. There's a great selection of titles, including a whole shelf of libros en español (selfishly I didn't check for other languages, lo siento). I brought my babe to the "bouncing babies" music time and it was wonderful. Full of babes and tots- and kids love checking out other kids. The 30 minute session was very engaging. The children were given rattle instruments. We sang songs accompanied by puppets and big charts with lyrics written in large writing. There was dancing, chanting, and rhymes. As a primary grade teacher, I can vouch for this song time being worthwhile. Again, I'm only reviewing as a children's library patron & can't really comment on the rest of the place. read more

Parking, free wireless, and a 5-min walk from Safeway/Trader Joe's and that large Westlake complex with all sorts of lunch/snack options. Sometimes there's a large group of children that comes in for reading hour after school, and the choruses of "ooooh! Nemo! and Dory!" as they crowd around the fishtank can get a little loud... but otherwise not a bad place to study for a while. read more

Librarians are helpful and understanding. I've never checked out the books just yet but I go there when I ran out of ink on my printer. Clean and quiet. read more

I would put 1/2 a star if it allowed me. This review is based on 2 visits. The first time I was there, I asked one of the ladies in front if they had white out. Her answer was very rude, "No! we dont supply those here!" Come on lady Im not gonna use it all up! The second time, there was another old lady (dont remeber if it was the same lady) in the front who was so mean and nasty. I had a problem with my library card becuz I was unable to log on to the net. I went over and asked her to see what was the matter she scanned it and... Libarian: Who's "Bob"? Me: My son. Libarian: Where is your son, Me: In school (6yrs) Libarian: well I can not allow you to use his card for your use Me: Oh sorry I thought it was my card (I have 2 cards, 1 is purple and the other is green, I never paid attention much to which mine is or my sons since I am pretty much responsible for both cards anyway and use both when checking out items). Libarian: I will hold on to it until you bring him here to get it back. Me: Are you serious? Im responsible for anything on that card so why cant you give it back to me? She gives it back to me after all. But seriously can you believe that!? So rediculous. read more

i always go to hang this library and i was sitting down and the librarian named Karen told me, my friend , and my sister that we weren't allowed to be in there and kicked us out for no reason . This needs to be fixed . read more

internet speeds are 30+ mpbs as long not too many people are streaming. if its too loud, go to the quiet room. overall its clean enough. if you want cleaner, i guess visit a library down the peninsula. if you want dirty, head towards san francisco. read more

Yeah, the librarian's are mean, and it is always swarming with kids. limited access to computers and sometimes you'll have to find a spot in the corner of an aisle to get some peace and quiet. read more

I come here on my days off work to use the comp since my mom hogs the comp at home lol and the one on my fone is hard to read at times. The cranky librarian doesn't bother me anymore cuz I just avoid asking her questions. Lol I remember how the library looked before the remodel its a big improvment. They just need more martial arts books and it does get loud during school year other than thst its nice there. read more

The older 50 something year old librarian was so unhelpful. My card would not scan so my daughter used her card to check the book out for me. Long story short, that woman updated my daughter's card that was due to expire next month but did NOTHING to assist me with my unscannable card. WTH??? She addressed my daughter but didn't speak to me unless she had to. Again, WTH??? Needless to say, I left the book on the counter, tossed the library card, and have no further intention of visiting this place again. read more

This library needs some ventilation! and when the kids are around, it can get a little loud.

Can color printing cheaper? Forty cents... can library be more like the library in the old days...lot of real help without this and that.

Ah, a place to study yes, but their collection is just a tad bit outdated. I know it's mainly geared toward kids so I'm not surprised by their collection. It is a nice place to relax though when you need to study away from coffee and home lol. read more

First time coming to this library,the parking is very convenient, but inside the library people talking too loud ,you cannot focus on your work. read more