Berkeley Public Library: Claremont Branch

I don’t like coming to berkeley for much, but song time here with Mr Michael is the best! My son loves his music program. It’s definitely the best library program we have been to, and it’s always packed. He has a true talent and it’s pretty amazing this is offered for free. The library is beautiful too. They are very lucky to have such a great librarian who is so amazing with kids!

This is a nice library but there are too many homeless people here.
They are physically disgusting and make the hotel smell like urine.
I do not want to check out any books from this library because I am afraid that they will have been made dirty by some homeless person.
Aside from that it is a nice library. If they would kick out the homeless people I would go there every day.

We take our grandchild to story and singing hour every Tuesday at the library with children’s librarian Mr. Michael. He is a gift to the Berkeley community of children and caregivers. He loves what he does and it certainly shows. He is always upbeat, smiling, welcoming, energetic and sensitive to the needs of everyone present. It is in his room that children and adults get to meet each other in a friendly environment and enjoy the time together. Thank you Mr. Michael.

What a clean, beautiful and updated building! I went there for the first time this morning for the Book Babies session. My 2.5-month-old Declan loved watching the other kids (he was the youngest on there). The man who led the songs and storytime was just delightful! There was a nice diverse group of babies and caretakers, and everyone played together well. Due to the overflowing attendance, the staff was kind enough to offer an additional session next week.

Stopped by today for the first time and was very impressed. Though a small library, for it’s size, it does its job well. Very nice and clean facilities, computers to use, desks equipped with outlets for laptops and charging, organized shelves, friendly and courteous staff that smile all the time, clean bathrooms, designated children’s, teens, and adult sections, decent selection of DVDs, magazines, CDs, and books — very impressed overall! Definitely much nicer than the downtown one — doesn’t feel musty or dingy. People that used the library were courteous and nice as well.
Will definitely use this library more often! Yay! :)

Thanks for always having what I’m looking for– best collection of kids books.

My little boy likes this branch because they have a lot of graphic novels for the young readers.
I however am not impressed by the smallish selection of new books, tough parking, and the fact that this place is a bum magnet.

Currently CLOSED for remodeling til spring 2012. We miss you!

Ok for what it is – a small, old, local library branch. Points for being walkable from my apartment but it isn’t exactly a major destination. Only one table with (TWO PRONG) outlets, slowwww wifi.
Apparently it’s going to be undergoing a major renovation soon so I’m sure that will make things more modern and useful.

A nice little space a block off college avenue, if you want to catch a quick nap in between shopping and munching.

Ever since my days as a Cal student, I have been seeking solace in this traditional library. As a nurse at Alta Bates I have been known to walk over on my breaks to get away from hospital stuff. All 3 of my sons got their very first library cards here, too! So, as you may be able to discern, this spot holds a dear place in my heart.
It looks like a library should… there are shelves & shelves of books, helpful librarians (thanks, Dawn Swanson… you are a life-​saver in finding kids’ books!), a bathroom kept scrupulously clean and does not require a key. The magazine selection & movie choices are by no means comprehensive, but if Claremont does not have it, they can get things from Central quickly. I like the fireplace which is never functioning, but still gives the air of a reading room. I like that the kids’ section is easy for children and pre-​teens to feel equally at home in. My only issue with this section has nothing to do with the library, but the moms in Berkeley who think their screaming toddlers are adorable when expressing themselves. I beg to differ… In fact, I often find myself wanting to muzzle the little no-​neck monsters and then give their Grown-​Up a good scolding… but, this is just me. The librarians are no longer supposed to tell people to «Be Quiet, it’s a library!»…Why, I have no idea. I guess in Berkeley it would be some sort of squelching ones Freedom of Expression or some other such rot…
Tirade against noisy, misbehaving toddlers is now over. The library remains free of negative criticism, and continues to be a haven in an increasingly Yup-​Scale neighborhood with no true services available. If you make a stop here, be sure to walk or ride a bike OR bring lots of quarters for the meters. The dreaded Meter Maid is known far and wide in this neighborhood and I am more than certain she fills her monthly quota within the first 48 hours of each new month! This is a great library to support & one that is heartily endorsed in our household. Check it out next time you pass by.