Brawley Public Library — Attraction in Brawley

The place is historic and the building beautiful in an old fashioned sort of way. It's comfortable and clean. The staff is very nice. Yes, it's a library but so you do need to be reasonably quiet but if you're studying with others they are not militaristic about the noise as long as it's hushed and very low. They have a meeting room you can reserve at no cost in case you need to get together for a project or study group. There are clean bathrooms, water, WiFi and comfortable seating. There are some old old books here which is nice because it gives it that historic vibe especially with the floor to ceiling bookcases along the walls. And they truly advocate reading. What I mean by this is that I always had a problem with turning my books in late, but I'm also an avid reader. Instead of hanging a super high fine on my neck because I forgot to return one book that slipped underneath my bed when I quickly would toss it as my mom would come into my bedroom to make sure I was sleeping instead of reading (which the El Centro library did do to me by the way), they provided options to delete the money owed and I could still check out books even if I paid by the a penny each time. But once a year, I could bring some cans of food and all debts would be cancelled. Now that was such a kind thing to a kid from a low income household.

Also, I LOVED to read and hated errand days with mom. So around 30 years ago, I would slip into the library and sit on tiny stool behind one of the bookcases in the adults book section (cuz no one goes there or stays long in those sections :D) and hide for hours while Mom ran errands. Did the staff know I was there by myself. I don't know. I didn't even come out to use the restroom so I don't thinks so. But if they did, they didn't mind. I'm thinking they may have taken pity on this little bookworm who no parent would have stayed hours in a library for. And since I caused them no trouble, they let me be.

I believe from what I hear of younger ones who I now encourage to go to the Library, is that it hasn't changed much in that sense. Don't get me wrong, the staff does not allow any nonsense or fooling around or ruckus to happen at the library but they balance that out with making sure it's a welcoming place to go to.

Oh, and they have an amazing program/grant something that allows you to request any book you want and they will BUY it for you from Amazon. It's delivered to your home and you can keep it for as long as you want. It's never late to return. When you return it, then you can request another. And if you never return it. Consider it you're one time gift. There's no charge but you will not be able to request another book unless you pay for the one you kept. Seems very fair...

Horrible, closed at the hottest times of the day(100°F+).. watched multiple women with children attempt to enter & no one even went to the door to check on them.. when someone was clearly inside, can be heard walking around. Whoever the main librarian needs to be replaced.. DO BETTER BRAWLEY!...

In the back courtyard there is a water filter offering cold drinking water. There is wifi, but there are so many censorship filters you can not even...