Alameda Free Library — Attraction in Alameda

Treat people the way you want to be treated......with respect.

I was reading and I lost track of the time. Suddenly, I am startled by the sound of a loud voice giving the order,"Time to go." I looked up and realized, it's not another patron. . It's someone who actually works at the library. What he really wanted to say was, Get Out!. It's pretty much the same thing. It made me really mad! I was enjoying this book! Plus he was loud so I felt singled out and embarrassed Total momentary mood killer. And a bit of a downer. Thanks a lot. I was already having a bad day and trying make it better by doing something positive.

I didn't hear him tell anyone else around me: Time to go. ....🤨, Is excuse me or some other form of verbal etiquette too much to say? Does it really take that long to address someone with courtesy? Please go get yourself some manners. They are actually free to anyone who wants to use them. They really do make interactions more pleasant. Perhaps he felt like I was ignoring him by just sitting there pretending to read? Or maybe he just didn't care and wanted to go home. Either way, being rude helps no one. And it certainly doesn't encourage a cooperative reaction.

Thank goodness one of us has impeccable manners 😊

And what if I'd reacted with rudeness and aggression? That's how you literally instigate unnecessary conflicts by being thoughtless and inconsiderate in approaching someone in any setting.

I wanted to say something to him but, I didn't think he'd care. So, I decided this was a safer way to express my disdain for his lack of professional etiquette . I'm at the library on a Saturday because I love to read , it's peaceful and it's a very positive inspirational environment. Usually anyway......

This is a public library Mr whoever you are, not your own personal space. I don't expect to be confronted with disrespectful behavior from any staff here. . I'm not rude, so why be rude to me?

Then I see him holding the door open. So obviously I opened my own door. It's just the principle of being ejected from the library by someone who thinks I'm not worth being polite to. No thanks Rudeness. I'll open my own door

Manners are still relevant, expected and appreciated at any library from those who...

I recently visited the Alameda Free Library, hoping to enjoy a peaceful and productive time with my books and studies. Unfortunately, my experience was far from what I had anticipated.

One of the primary issues I encountered was the incessant chatter among the staff. It seemed as though they were engaged in nonstop conversations with each other and with patrons, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bustling coffee shop rather than a library. This constant noise made it extremely difficult for those who came to the library to work and study in a quiet environment.

To add to the disruption, some library-goers had little regard for maintaining a serene atmosphere. I observed individuals listening to loud music, even from their earphones, which only added to the overall noise level. This disregard for the need for silence, which is often the primary reason people visit libraries, was disappointing.

I had previously voiced my concerns about the noise issue, hoping for some improvement during my subsequent visit. However, it was disheartening to find that nothing had changed. In particular, the lady with blue hair upstairs seemed to be a major source of the noise problem. Despite being informed in writing that she had been warned, it appeared that she continued to disrupt the tranquility of the library.

Regrettably, I must caution others to consider alternatives when looking for a quiet and focused study environment. The Alameda Free Library, with its ongoing noise issues, falls short of providing the conducive atmosphere that one expects from a library. To put it plainly, even a hotel lobby tends to be quieter in comparison.

In conclusion, my recent experiences at the Alameda Free Library have left me disappointed and frustrated. I hope that in the future, the library staff will take the necessary steps to address these noise concerns and ensure that the library can once again become a place where people can truly immerse themselves in the world of books...

They spent a lot of money on this library, but I find the design kind of off-putting. I don't know about construction, but the second floor seems to be kind of bouncy like it is not stable. I worry that in an earthquake it will not hold up. Downstairs there is so little light to read by. The librarians are kind, but are not so well-informed. I asked about Ta-Nehisi Coates, who is a very famous National Book Award winning African-American author and the librarian I spoke to had never heard of him. However, perhaps the person behind the desk was not a librarian, but a library assistant. I don't know. I spend most of my time at the Main Library in Oakland which is kind of dilapidated, but has every book you could ever want. The collection in Alameda is not as good. However, if you can find a nice chair up on the second floor by a window, you can have a pleasant experience there. Their community room on the first floor is very nice too. Check out area downstairs has friendly and helpful clerks. I would rate the upstairs A except for the strange bouncy floor and the downstairs C, too dark, too cramped, uninviting, except for the almost excessively lighted coffee shop and public meeting room. I'll give this library a B. If you want to see really beautiful public libraries check out the Contra Costa County system in Orinda...