Benicia Public Library — Attraction in Benicia

Corby, Fran and Allie and 'John': Three Benicia librarians, and one Fairfield librarian in need of better customer relations skills and training in communication and coordination.

We were returning home, stopping by the Benicia library along our route, after driving at least two hours. It was explained a week prior at the Fairfield library, that a follow-up was noted on a personal library account; after a returned book checked out, a fine was issued, which had been flagged as 'water-damaged.'

Inquiring about this with the Fairfield library, via phone, when asked for their name, he'd indicated 'John.' He claimed he'd 'contacted' the Benicia library from the Fairfield library, and this 'damage fee' would be forgiven, provided we speak to and return the book to the Benicia location, in person. However, a week later at Benicia, we discover this 'John' failed to leave an actual note on the account to vouch for that claim. Instead, we were charged and mislead to believe this issue forgiven.

Very unprofessional treatment from the three Benicia librarians, mentioned before, in their ability to follow up through the proper channels. Misleading policies and claims to 'help' and 'resolve' issues, ultimately...

Best selection. Best staff. Best stuff. Best programming. Benicia Public Library represents the best of all the libraries I've ever loved, featuring a diverse selection of newer and older titles, carefully curated to appeal equally to casually browsing generalists and nerdy, fixated specialists. I love the layout of the library and how it is spacious yet always clean. I love how the programming reflects the interests of the community and features exciting guests representing a wide array of subjects, from astronomy to social justice. The staff has always been incredibly helpful and generous with their time and attention. They take a lot of care in developing kids programming that benefits the participants and sets them up to be lifelong readers and learners. The building is simultaneously cozy and functional, with room to find a special solo spot or work quietly with your peers. The reading clubs are fun and there is TONS of stuff for my kids to do while I scope out the cookbooks and new titles. I've never had a bad...

I go here to study to have a peaceful quiet place. I know that there is an area that they can talk, but people just talked so loud, laughing all the time and just talking not even studying or doing homework. They make so much noise and I can’t even concentrate. I have to move to the quiet area with closed door but guess what those people who is making noise also went there or other people that just so disrespectful going to library and just talking and talking to there friends even on the area that says quiet, they kept talking like they own the space. I have to move again and go to outside that close door cubicles i went to the corner area , they were closing that time so glad that I got to have peaceful study area...