San Anselmo Library

I have loved the San Anselmo library since I was young, and still find it ‘charming’, so I was saddened to have been left with a bad taste in my mouth after speaking with a supervisor ‘M’. It took me a number of attempts over several days to find her in to ask re a simple matter, so it was disappointing to pick-​up an ‘aire of disregard’, and an overall sour attitude. Unfriendly, uncaring I suppose is the bottom line. Too bad.

So I sat down in San Anselmo Library for a few hours the day before Thanksgiving 2015. I came to San Anselmo as part of a day trip and thought the library might be a good place to relax. This library is okay, though I didn’t feel too inspired. it’s warm and cozy and the book selection has some new titles. The library is just small. That’s fine if you like small places, but there are no carrels for privacy. There are just too many annoying sound effects here from cell phones ringing, to running footsteps, to the kid who doesn’t mute the volume on his laptop. Fortunately, they have no fewer than six Haruki Murakami books in their fiction selection. They also have a friends of the library bookstore that’s NOT open on Wednesdays or weekends. There’s a museum in the basement that indicates that this library is 100 years old. Huh, for a 100 year old library in a small town, it’s not bad… I’m just used to larger more comprehensive libraries in the South Bay (not to be snobbish or anything)

Historic architecture and helpful, friendly staff. I always come here on Friday afternoons after work for books and movies. Their DVD selection is surprisingly vast and up-​to-​date — I always opt for the weird, foreign art house films, whereas my husband tends to pick up action blu-​rays. It’s small and quiet, providing a nice study alternative to the local coffeeshops, and I know they have events (though I’ve not been to any myself). All in all, it’s a great little community library and a cornerstone of my happiness!

My favorite library. The new books, the helpful librarians, the historic architecture. What’s not to love?

Okay. The library is pretty. The book and movie selections are solid. The reason I won’t be returning to this library, however, is the staff. I personally haven’t had any problems, but just listening to their interactions with the public has convinced me that I’d rather borrow books from friends or purchase them from our wonderful local bookstores. To be fair, I’ve only visited the library three times. Maybe it’s possible that on each of those days the staff was … exhausted. Or overworked. Or had some big life-​changing problem. But to describe them as indifferent would be insufficient. They are simply cold and borderline rude. Or maybe somewhat zombie-​like would be a good description. It’s a shame, too, because it’s a really pretty library very close to home.

I love this library.
It’s small and very old. It reminds me of my childhood library with a grand staircase that sends you to the second floor or higher learning. It hearkens back to the turn of the century, except thankfully with computers. They have a great selection of books for the size. There are comfy chairs to sit and read and the high windows provide a lot of natural light. Only 4 computers with a 1 hour limit. Just a few tables to sit at for study. I like it here.

this is one of original Carnegie Libraries