El Cajon Branch Library — Attraction in El Cajon

First i want to clear up my prior comment, I Was not refering to the library or its staff when using the d word. Rather I was refering to those leaving bad reviews because they had to look at homeless people. Although the library is sometimes louder than it should be, the staff is incredibly friendly helpful and professional. There is a great selection of books in any genre for readers of all skill levels. It has both a Computer lab and laptops you can borrow within the library. I once had an Issue with an individual who made me feel unsafe. This was immediately taken care of and I was made to feel more comfortable.

Now, as for the homeless. I too am saddened to see my community full of people on the street. I have talked to a few of them, in stark contrast to the employed self sufficient people living comfortable lives honking at the car in front of them the nano second the light turns green, these homeless people are some of the nicest I've ever met. All of which say thank you when I offered them kindness. They are by the library because they are hoping it will have any resources to help them. Such as a homeless woman who was sitting quietly inside on the phone, looking for a shelter. Another woman decided to make her fun following me around the library and being loud wherever I moved to to read. Eventually I gave up on trying to read my book. (The Race by Robert Patterson, highly recommend). So I started playing chess instead. Using the tips I found in Brian pengolini's the abc's of chess. Again. Highly recommended. Won 6 matches in a row using the tips in its first chapter on chess(.)com.

In short, the staff is amazing, the book selection is fantastic, if you want to see less homeless people. try helping them instead of being snobby. Because the more you ignore them, the more you are going to see. Only drawback is, it could be quieter. Sound travels throughout the entire area easily and its limited in soundproof private spaces. It's my favorite place to be in the area, but it can be noisy. I hope it opens more resources for employment seekers and aid to the homeless in the future. Now I hope anyone about to complain about homeless being around it and leaving a one star review logs off and checks their privilege. One bad day at work, and that can become you. Sorry, I said it would be short. I just wanted to clarify what I was directing my disgust at. Not the library, the people leaving bad reviews because they forgot the homeless are human beings who deserve compassion, and a library offers them hope. Shame on those of you who left those bad reviews. What is the library supposed to do? Get...

Horrible experience

Here is why my experience was horrible. On Wednesday of this past week I took my 2 kids to the El Cajon Public library after school, at the request of my wife. I pulled into the parking lot and the first thing I saw was the homeless people, the loiterers, and the drug dealers.

There was one person wearing a hoodie sweater with the hood up and wearing a blue bandanna to cover his face. Next to him was a few more people who were yelling across the street or parking lot swearing F-words to who knows who.

I parked my truck, got my kids out and just as we were leaving my vehicle a car pulls up and stops right behind my truck. The hoodie bandit guy comes to this car window and does a drug deal right there. My kids and I are not even 10 feet away from my vehicle and we walk into a drug deal. IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY!

I took out my phone to take video of this and I thought I had started the video but didn't. I was being threatened with my life, yelled at, swore at by all of those vagrants in the parking lot.

I walked into the library and boy did I make a scene. Not one person in side or employee of the library offered any assistance, other than to be quiet. I demanded they call the police, they didn't. They told me this happens all the time outside. I was also told I could call the police if I wanted to all while trying to tell be to be quiet. I yelled back at them saying don't tell me to be quiet after my kids and I tried coming to the public library. my first time ever here, and we walk into a drive thru drug dealing operation, in the Public Library parking lot.... wow!

I called the police myself and gave pretty good descriptions of the individuals. 1 hour later still no police presence. I spoke with the City managers office and was told it was maybe because of the construction... Wow, ok .... I left a message for the Mayor's office to call me and still no call back.

This review is terrible and the responses and actions I saw from employees and people around the library, including the homeless and vagrants warrant this horrible review. I wouldn't return to this library for one damn single reason unless to witness it being tore down , especially with young children. Bring your pepper spray or some form of defense with you if you decide to go this...

Nice quiet library. Just visited for first time on Saturday but maybe the rainy weather has deterred many from visiting.

Saw a couple of very attentive security guards. This is good in my opinion because this should deter any misbehaving.

I did try to use a public computer for faster Internet but it wouldn't accept my card. I have a San Diego public library card. A man who worked there said I would need to fill out an application for a library card to use their computers.

El Cajon is not part of the San Diego branch libraries? This I have to try...