John F Kennedy Library

We love coming to this library, even though it is clear across town. Just being in a library is a great feeling, and brings back feelings of sweet nostalgia. There is another, smaller library closer to home but nah, we’d rather come here.
It’s all the way down near Mare Island Blvd, close by the main Vallejo Post Office, and parking at the front is usually taken, so almost expect to park in the back area. There used to be a flowing water fountain at the front, but it’s been shut down for awhile now due to the drought.
Inside, the library looks like it’s been downsized quite a bit. The right side used to have all the fiction books, but now is occupied by children’s books and a kid’s reading area in the back. There’s also a small room where you can buy books on the right side past the restrooms.
When you walk in, to your left is the librarians’ desk, where you can inquire about anything library related. There’s also a computer terminal where you can start your searches. Scattered throughout are other computers you can use. I haven’t tried to use those terminals, but I’m guessing you might need a library card to use one (not sure but will give it a try in the future and amend this post as needed).
The fiction/​non-​fiction and reference books are to the left, and there’s a few kiosks in the middle that highlight the new stuff that just came in. New stuff meaning books, DVDs and CDs (didn’t know those two things still existed, ha!) There are tables in the middle area too, as well as smaller stalls against the walls if you need your privacy. Towards the back are magazines and newspapers plus a reading area.
Usually when we go here, it’s to kill a little time plus grab a book for the little ones. Most of the books I read aren’t here at the moment, so I can either come back at a later time to see if the book is here, or request to have it sent to this library for pickup. If I do that, I’ll get an email saying it’s arrived, and the book (or books) will be located against the wall next to the checkout machines. Those are easy enough to operate. Just put your library card’s Barcode under the laser scanner, then place your books Barcode in the scanner just the same. When you’re done, follow the prompts and you can either get a paper receipt or have one emailed to you.
This is a great library to go to if you want to research something, or just find a peaceful place to read or meditate.

After two terrible situations with an intensely rude librarian at Benicia library — I need to stick with JFK!
And the real kicker why Vallejo community always wins my heart… after locking myself out of a house I was cleaning, and had nothing on me not even ID…
I walked here, and was able to explain why I had nothing not even a cent. Kind hearted librarian let me give my address/​name/​phone number to gain access to the net — unlocking the key to contacting people about my silly predicament.
In the meantime I overheard one of their programs, teaching adults to read in progress. How outstanding!
One heads up for folks– last time that I tried, this location does not have any faxing capabilities which sure, would be nice if that could change. I also wish the hours were a bit longer but I understand budgets.
And like others have said it’s free! Great resources! I have not had a problem with noise. Actually another downside to Benicia library are the librarians talking at top decibel. I luckily never have issues with noise at JFK.
Parking is a little bit scattered, and some signs for where not to park are not easily noticeable. I actually got my one and only parking ticket here years ago actually. So do be careful you don’t find yourself doing what I did. ;)

Really wish they’d reply to emails. It’s more a reflection of Solano County Library website then actually JFK Library. Sent an email asking about several books in the series and whether they would soon get the next book in the series that came out over a year ago and no response at all and it’s been at least a week or 2. Other than that I definitely do like the website. Only about half the books I request are actually at JFK Library. They come from the other libraries. I never actually hang out at the JFK Library at all. I put my books on hold, walk in and pick them up from the hold shelf, and leave. So I can’t really comment on the library as a whole, except the fact that there’s homeless people all over the place, but they have never really bothered me personally.

UPDATE: 10÷21÷15 Whoever Matt T. is decided he didn’t like my honest review of «his» library, well I’m sorry but you go to the library because you need either to study, you need a quiet place to stay focused, and you need to get work done. It doesn’t help that there’s so many distractions and the area itself feels unsafe. Especially when you carry a lot of electronics with you like your laptop, who’d leave that around unattended to go park every 2 hours? You could pack up and bring it with you and come back and might find your table is taken! So… suck a dick Matt, don’t threaten me or try to judge me off a typed up review on Unilocal.
Very poor Internet connection when I went there. Not to mention the 2 hour limit parking. How can I get a good study session when I have to keep reparking my car?
Not only that, this is the only library I’ve ever been to that has to have a security guard scope the surroundings every 30 minutes or so! Seriously, what the fuck goes on in this library that there needs to be a guard patrolling it? That’s shady in itself.
I didn’t feel like it was cool to leave my stuff unpacked on my desk while I went to repark either. I carry so many books and study essentials with me that unpacking to pack just to unpack again isn’t worth it.
There were too many bums walking in too. Huge library, great location as its by the waterfront, but horrible atmosphere and I don’t know if it’s worth it.

I come to this library to use their internet (it’s all I could afford at this time) however I dread it due to the fact that their internet moves beyond slow. Each computer slot allows you 1 hr & trust you need that and some more time. It takes me the entire hour to get through 1 job application that would originally take 20−30mins. Not to sound ungrateful (because I’m very thankful) but this is the Library, a RESOURCEFUL palace for a «College Town». We have to do better Vallejo.

Been going to this library since I was a kid, so it’s been over 20 years now (shoutout to the 90’s kids!) A lot has changed since then.
Convenience! Convenience… Convenience!
There’s some who like to shop in stores and some who prefer shopping online. If you’re an online shopper type, then placing books on hold would be your thing.
Just search on the SNAP library website for books, DVDs, CDs, etc.; place them on hold and you’ll get notified when to pick them up! lThere’s a waitlist for more recent titles, but I can’t complain since it’s freedollar! It’s like a poor man’s Netflix and Kindle.
I love how paying off fines at the checkout kiosk is now available! That relieves any fear of judgement for not returning those DVDs on time. Woohoo!
As always, it’s great if you need to do research online or a getaway spot to get studying done.

This is the main Vallejo library so it’s located in central Vallejo next to the waterfront and ferry. It house a large collection. My main complaints however lies in its utilitarian design — both exterior and interior. The acoustics of the library also makes it that noise echoes inside; and, this may come as a shock to you, but Vallejo patrons are not the most respectful of the universal silence in the library rule. This is just an overall bad library in my opinion. Makes me depress to be here. I think Vallejo can definitely do better.

The Security Guard is a huge setback. Was at City Hall next door, to vote in the 2014 PB (Participatory Budgeting) poll, so stopped in at this library to shop the book sale room. Paid 25 cents for a new still in the wrapper Francis Ford Coppola video; but was stopped by the uniformed guard who was hovering over the entrance doors. I informed him I had paid for the video, after conversing with the lady in the book sale room, but he took the video from my hand. If the librarian hadn’t stopped him, he would hVe confiscated my video.
We will continue to use the Springstown branch & Benicia libraries instead, especially for our holds, many of which are from the JFK library.
The homeless at each entrance to JFK are an added deterrent. They act like they are entitled to acknowledgment.

This is a large recently remodeled library. It is not in the best area of town. With cut backs to libraries budgets and the electronic media age making hard copies of publications more and more a novelty. This will someday be a relic of days gone by. I am impressed by the library staff and all the volunteers who have kept this place not only open but alive throughout the years. Bravo

I grew up in Vallejo my whole life and I use to be excited going to JFK every chance I would get. But unfortunately ever since the city of Vallejo went down hill, the library hasn’t been amazing as it use to be. I do admit that this location does have a wonderful abundance of books and media also the building itself is really large with a lot of history. But Everyone should stray away and just go to the Benicia or American Canyon branches instead. JFK library is dirty, messy and really trashy. I would only come here for a desperate last minute resort and the fact I do still enjoy the area minus the LOUD no manners for respect some people have now a days for a public place LOL! It’s a shame what a beautiful area has become… At least clean the damn place or the computers. :)

this library is okay, if you are going here with other people. Hence, the warning. This is Vallejo, first bankrupt city with fewer than 2 officers working at a time. i went here the other day. there werent much parking spaces but luckily I found some street parking right across the street. As i walked inside, I couldnt help but constantly stare over my shoulder to see if there was anyone lurking behind. There are some bums that just sorta «hangs out» in the seating area. the library was cold and it had that ghostly spirit feeling to it, where you expect something bad to happen. there was an odd lady working there at the front that had a possessed look (i swear on the holy bible). i went in the bathroom and saw a homeless woman scrubbing her armpit at the sink. there are tables all around the area, which i liked. theres also a security guard that speedwalks i. the room, flirting with people. would i ever come here again? hell no. place doesnt seem safe and theres homeless people all around.

I love this library and I love it even more now that it’s been remodeled. Whenever I need a CD or a DVD for free ninety-​nine this is where I go. Why bother with red box when you can keep these DVD’s longer and without a fee. I especially love getting cook books from here and browsing the ridiculous titles for urban fiction.
(For Example «Justify My Thug» or the follow up «Honor Thy Thug»)
If those titles don’t make you laugh, you are dead inside.
Love you JFK:)

I used to LOVE this library. back when the children’s section was on the 1^st floor! It’s like a daycare at this library and I couldn’t get any serious studying done. Crying babies, loud kids running around, and a kid’s class in the corner. seriously? Aside from that, everything in the building echoes! There were countless people who refused to put their phone on vibrate; one lady was texting for like an hour and didn’t want to turn her ringer off; «versace versace versace» seems to be a popular ringtone; and why can’t people WHISPER?! IT’S A LIBRARY FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!
Two stars for the easily accessible wifi and friendly staff. There are also plenty of desks and 3 rooms for group study… If noise doesn’t bother you then I guess you’ll be fine.
But seriously. Where is that bossy security guard who makes people follow the rules!!!

Love this library, close to my work and close to home. Super easy to reserve books or DVDs online and then go and pick them up (which is what I do)! Love that its free and they do have good selections online!

Hey folks IT’S FREE! It is where we borrow our books, DVD, eBooks, music CD, and audio books! I love the fact that I can place a hold on an item to borrow and pick it up where (affiliated libraries) I want to. All you need is a membership of this establishment and voila, you have books, internet access, ebooks, DVDs, CDs, and so much more relating to libraries. Nothing beats our US tax dollars at work!

I love the free wi-​fi, and printing and copying here. Staff is ok, I’ve gotten a few smiles. Tends to be pretty quiet until someone’s cell phone goes off and they actually pick it up INSIDE the library! I go to handle my business and leave but some folks appear to be there simply because they have nothing better to do.

I’ve been to the Vallejo library once. It was enough time to see the vibrant community of Vallejo which includes a mean security guard hassling library patrons and me having to chase someone through the library to kick his ass.
So the security guard situation. This old man in uniform literally hassled everyone. Young and old, black and white, smart looking people and well you know… He’d find stuff to hassle you over. Here’s some examples:
1. «You’re listening to the headphone too loud»
2. «No cell phones were allowed» (even when you just looked at it not talking or texting)
3. «No drinks» (even in a thermos)
4. «No talking» (though people were whispering)
Note that the Mighty Dfens did not get yelled at once. This is probably due to my years of military training and discipline, which I recommend you take if you don’t want to get yelled at by the security guard either.
Before you go judging the old security guard, listen to what happened when that old fool took a break. A random guy approaches me and hovers right over my head. He spends the next few minutes telling me to give him money including classic gems such as, «you Asians always have money, give me some».
I let that go, but then he asks to see my computer. He starts asking questions about it and wanted to try it out. So I let him and he starts trying to hit the «alt-​cntrl-​del» command to erase everything I’m doing.
I slowly stood up and a wave of PTSD overtook me. He must have noticed it because the look of fear in his eyes after I shoved away from me was unforgettable.
Did I tell you that the Vallejo Library has a room with free use computers? Because that’s where he ran to as I chased him through the library. The computer lab is not only great resource to the public but also a good place to trap someone because it has only one door out. I’m not going to elaborate what happened in there, but lets say that I don’t think that guy is going to be hassling people at the library anymore.
Just in case this happens to you, the Vallejo Police Department in next door.
Stay Classy Vallejo!

Way back in ’95, the summer before senior year at Hogan, I got a job at JFK library. It was pretty simple — shelve books according to the Dewey Decimal system. Since then, I’ve been to many libraries, all over the place, but JFK will always have a special place in my heart.
This is a relatively large facility compared to other libraries — expansive section of non-​fiction, magazines, reference books, fiction and a burgeoning DVD collection. Plus there’s a Young Adult room (I spent many hours reading or studying there) and a full children’s library downstairs (where I completed many a summer reading program to earn cool prizes like A’s tickets).
In a town that has slowly lost its luster, JFK is a shining beacon of learning and hope. I pray it will serve the citizens of this town for a long time to come.

I’ve been going here since 1987 and it’s the only library i’ve ever known. Still though, i’ve been to others and I have to say that JFK is the best.
The library was always my home away from home. It was a mere 2 or 3 minute walk away from my family’s old apartment on Sacramento St. I would spend days upon days reading books about space, animals, mythology, and jokes. Failing that, I would eagerly await the arrival of the latest issue of Nintendo Power. The summer reading programs were always a blast. I relish in the victory of gaining all the prizes that came with it. Summertime also meant an issue of Vacation Video magazine (shout out to KQED Channel 9!). Sometimes there would even be karate or cultural demonstrations. The library basically always offered me something to do.
When my teens years hit, so did the internet. Back then, JFK ran monochrome text-​only internet thin client stations manufactured by WYSE. Even without the pictures, I gobbled up the internet. For several years on end, I would not own my own computer. It was all so new to me, and JFK was the place that basically nurtured my love of all things computer. I would then begin to study books (from JFK, no less) regarding HTML, javascript, Windows, computer troubleshooting, and all the like. Soon, the library moved up to regular Windows stations. A few years after that, they would open their own computer lab in addition to the outside kiosks. All the while, I continued on learning what I could.
Eventually, I got my own computer (thank you college grants), DSL and Cable moved into town, and I moved more than a short walk away from JFK. These days, I rarely step foot into there since i’m on the other side of town. Still, I have fond memories of the place and I hope the next generation of kids can get that same sense of belonging that I got from here.

* 2.5 stars *
NOTE: I felt bad rounding down on this place, so I rounded up.
I’ve definitely experienced better libraries… BUT the extra half star is for the fact that this library is such a gem when taking into account what city it’s in & considering how much worse it would be without it.
Interior is boring, drab, & circa 1997-​ish.
Computers are, however, modernized & relatively quick (also have flat screen monitors).
Book selection is limited but could be smaller. Definitely not a grand resource for any major research by any means.
Staff are helpful if not also a little cold.
Place is pretty clean. I’d rate it a 4 in this category alone.
Facility in general is quite impressive looking from the outside but doesn’t maintain the expectations once inside. Plenty of seating room, though, as well as printers & computers.
Wifi is offered as well as computers for printing, internet surfing, and newspaper viewing.
Overall the place could be better in many ways, but at least it’s here and provides the city’s citizens with internet and books. Will I want to return ever?
Only to use the wifi signal.