San Leandro Public Library — Attraction in San Leandro

Myself in another person went in the library today to obtain a temporary library card because when called and explained to them that we were homeless without an address or no ID was told that we could get a 3-month temporary identification to give us time to get proof of address and ID first person had physical ID no proof of address because again homeless sleeping intense I went shortly after only ID was on my phone because everything else had burned in fire and was told that I could not get one because I didn't have proof of residency I said well the guy ahead of me didn't have that either we're in the same predicament and the story was then changed to I had to have some type of picture ID I said I do have one on my phone it's just expired then it was changed too it has to be and not expired one I said well that's not really fair is it because if you're telling us one thing over the phone and we come in and one person was giving it with no problem the only difference is he has his physical ID I don't understand can you explain that to me the Lady Lauren basically told me I can't help you I said what's your policy on people who are homeless you turn their nose up at me and said she...

The library is clean, well lit, and safe, with an extensive collection of books/DVDs/information on just about everything. If there is a book you would like to read that they don't have, they will order it for you -- if you ask nicely. The people who work there are kind, smart, and patient; I have never heard anyone say "that is not in my job description" when asked for help. In fact, they are happy to show the location of what you seek or offer other similar recommendations. The employees and volunteers take pride in that facility! Some weekends, there may be an event going on -- which are always fun and educational -- and the noise level rises a bit on those occasions. I have witnessed tutoring going on, it is done quietly though, but I don't think they...

What an interesting "public" library. I'm a fan of getting California library cards so when I was in the area I decided to get one here. The biggest issue was that if you aren't affiliated with San Leandro, you have to pay $60 for a library card. Every other library system that I've been to in California (to name a few: Oxnard, Ventura County, Camarillo, San Diego, San Francisco, Hayward, Berkeley, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Santa Clara County) has allowed me a free library card since I'm a California resident. The librarians are nice and the facility is nice, but I feel this is more of a "private" library instead of a "public" library. I would like to know why I...