I'm giving this place 3 stars, because 2 stars means I dislike it, which isn't all true. 3 stars for "it's okay" in that... It's okay because I get the books I've been looking for at this location... so it serves its purpose for me, without any of the frills, I guess. PARKING: When on Mt Abernathy Ave, the building is easy to miss because it's small, but on a street corner so it's somewhat obvious. There's very limited parking around their tiny library building, but for the times I've went, there's always been a space... showing how this library location isn't as popular as the others. Whether you park in their parking lot or park curbside, hide your valuables so they're not visible from your car windows... and LOCK your doors. This is not a safe location, and it's best to err on the side of caution when parking in this area. FIRST IMPRESSION: Very small, and smells extra musty. I mean, libraries always carry a light "musty" smell I love smelling, but this one far exceeds the musty level of enjoyment for me. There's even a spot I had to walk through to get to a book, and you can totally tell someone farted nearby. Ew. LOL. :D It feels particularly stuffy in here because the library is so small! I can't imagine bringing my laptop in here to work on stuff.. it's not a good environment to do so (unless your tolerance level is different). Yeah, when I come here, it's only because the SD Library app says there's a book available at this location that's not available anywhere else close to my place. It's happened to me and my husband twice now. :) LAYOUT/DEMOGRAPHICS: Small. All of shelves are strategically placed around some tables you can sit at. Families with young kids. The last time I was there, there was a guy who wreaked of body odor, and was mumbling every other word with F-bombs to himself... very loudly. So loud that I know the young kids can't help but listen. We all can't help it. He was that loud. The librarians didn't do anything about it though. They just let it happen. LOL. RESTROOMS: The restroom is a single room with 1 toilet, so it immediately locks once someone is occupying it. It's not locked to the point that you need the keys from the front desk to unlock it or anything, so I imagine random, non-library members can just walk in and use the restrooms any time they're open. STAFF/VOLUNTEERS: Incredibly helpful. I have no complaints here. :) They're friendly, and that's all I need. Someone to help me find the books I saw on the mobile app, and to check it out for me.

I have never felt so disrespected and humiliated in a public setting. I walked in, simply wanting a library card, with my service dog, and was immediately questioned on my medical condition by the man working at the front. I gave an answer and offered to show my letter for my service animal, but he continued to press me. People were beginning to stare and I was beginning to feel uncomfortable sharing my medical condition in such a public space, and disclosed this. I stated "I don't think I'm legally obligated to disclose how specific my medical condition out loud like this, could you please just read my letter?" That's when ANOTHER man quickly rushed over to "handle this" situation. He loudly declared that I am, in fact, legally obligated to answer his questions of what my medical condition is and what tasks does my dog help me perform. Not wanting trouble, I went ahead and explained my conditions to him. That's when he (still loudly) clarified that my dog did not count as a service animal by their standards, that I wasn't welcome in here with him, and would not be served as long as I had him here. The tone he used was very hostile, made me feel like I had some something extremely wrong when I really just didn't see any rules against bringing service animals. At this point, everyone was staring, and I immediately left, not wanting more trouble. I could've easily tied my dog outside and returned for my card. But the hostile language and extra attention used towards us made me feel unsafe leaving my dog outside by himself. Although there's no issue with not being allowed in with my service animal, that accusatory, aggressive tone and treatment used against us was unreasonable. I simply wanted a library card and it was my first time inside a SD library, as a recent resident. A quick Google search led me to believe there were no rules against bringing service animals inside the library. Never once raised my voice, I only questioned the legality of their detailed asking once. I am extremely saddened and disappointed as a lifelong lover and patron of the public libraries. Safe to say, will never return to this place of accusatory language and unkind vibes known as the Balboa Branch Library. Even if I were to return without my dog, there's no need to interact with such unkind and resentful people who clearly don't care about the noise level or emotional comfort of the library they work at.

This library has very few books on hand that are interesting to an adult population between the ages of 20-50. Therefore I usually have to request and wait for my desired books. Upon recently returning a book that did have mild water damage, I was told I would need to replace it at “full cost of $27.99”. This book is $14 for hardcover on Amazon. When I asked if i could buy this brand new copy of the book on Amazon to replace the “damaged” book, I was told no, it is “city policy” to charge the full cost and they would not accept the brand new copy to replace it. Ah, San Diego library system, I know inflation has hit everyone but it feels like they are trying “recoup” costs rather than actually replace the item. So you will get my $27.99 and buy it for $14 on Amazon…. Below, the book that is “so damaged” that they had to remove it from circulation and I had to buy

As a Native San Diegan, I have been to most of the Public Libraries in San Diego. Although most of them are frequented by homeless individuals, this one, due to it's small size & location, is dominated by them. The few computers are all being monopolized by homeless people all day long. Also, the staff, who are accustomed to mainly dealing with homeless patrons even insinuated that I was homeless when I provided a P.O. Box address for my library card renewal! This was not only rude & disrespectful, but it was absurd!! Sadly, this was coming from the Branch Manager, who seemed to be completely clueless!! They have so many homeless individuals camping out there, that the staff treats all of the patrons as if they are homeless...

It was so simple to sign up for a library card/account here. And you're allowed to pick which branch works best for you. It's a smaller place, so their book collection isn't big, but you can order from other branches throughout the area. Staff is always thorough AND helpful with all things related to a local library, I greatly appreciate that. Parking is always available in their lot, and if no spaces, there's plenty of open street parking, literally all around the place. It's clean, and traffic is always pretty low too. One of the benefits of being an "older" person, the young ones don't know anything about these amazing places, so you have it all to yourself most days.

This review does not concern the service provided by the individuals who work at this library. Similar to the other San Diego libraries I've been to, those who work here are pleasant and helpful. As someone who goes to the library to utilize a non distracting, quiet study space, I found this place lacking. To be sure, I came here at 1 pm on Tuesday. Since the library is relatively small, there are only a few tables to sit. At the time of my visit, these were all full. There is also large communal table, but this was fully occupied as well. Also, most people do not respect the ubiquitous rule of being quiet in a library. It was very noisy!

This library (& others) are like kid play zones (with books) & has little to offer. I agree with the previous post. If we had a better economy for the multimillionaires or gazillion more genius babies born then I'm sure the trickle down would be something you'd read about AND the new genius kids would solve all our quality of like issues. I recommend that you take all your teeming masses of acquaintances & descend on the RANCHO SANTA FE LIBRARY. YOU'LL HAVE IT ALMOST TO YOURSELF, IT'S HUGE, GORGEOUSLY BEAUTIFUL,FULL OF GREAT MATERIALS, COURTEOUS STAFF, EVERYTHING GOOD.

I judge a library by the people who work there. Example: do they TELL you how to do something or do they SHOW you? I was impressed by their teaching skills in this regard. I wanted to know how to use their computer printer, one of them csme from behind tje counter, took mr over and SHOWED me how to use it. Wow. THAT is great customer service! When I went to gey my library card, they explained everything it allowed, showed me around the library, how to log onto the computer and how to check out books. They even told me their hours!! I lovevthis library.

A pretty good library if you have a toddler/preschooler. Lots of picture books and "I can read" books, plus some toys, stuffed animals, and blocks. Unfortunately the kids area is fairly centrally located so you'll have to keep noise levels down. As older, smaller libraries in SD go, this one is one of the best for kids. But as a kid-friendly library it's not the most quiet. Choose accordingly. There are plenty of quieter less kid-friendly libraries in the area, the closest being north clairemont.

my 3yr daughter looks forward to going to this Library every Friday and Saturday! She Loves story time, bubbles and craft day! I would recommend it ! as for the other reviews that complain about the size all I have to say it shouldn't matter the size the important thing is , are you kids having fun? are the excited to go ? if the answer is yes then they are getting what they need.... and that's all that should matters

Small, but efficient! Very friendly Staff. WiFi: Sign-in & non-Sign-in. Computers with Internet, copier and printer. Lots of children's events, and TECH Tuesday {every other week} to help with you cell phone, tablet or laptop. Free book stand, and cheap .50¢ & $1 sales shelf. Lots of videos & Audio Books. Can request a personal "Hot Spot" for free WiFi use on personal phone away or at home, limited supply.

They were open! Cris helped me. So kind. Love this library. Located easy right off of Balboa Ave - easy to find. Great parking and lots books n other cool things. I checked out 3 books. Yeah! This is one of my books 2.22.2022 This library was open till 8 PM AWESOME. PICKED UP 9 MORE BOOKS TO READ!

Parween is SUPER RUDE. I walked in there with my little tiny puppy in my arms, automatically the first thing she asked was "Is That A Service Animal" Super rude she didn't even greet or anything. Somebody train this girl... She's not even supposed to ask if it's a service animal....

It's a great little library. I was given a library card right away with a cool Pride LGBTQ logo and design. I was able to use my laptop on their Wi-Fi and they have plenty of media to check out, i.e. CD's and DVD's. Very nice and competent staff.

The staff has always been incredibly helpful, kind and knowledgeable. They genuinely seem happy to help...even walking me to my book request as opposed to pointing or reciting a section number. Same service when I call.

A really nice library. Large enough for a variety of books to read, great selection of audiobooks, many DVD selection and CDs. Many quiet sections for independent studies and just a cozy atmosphere.

Small library.. usually quiet and the staff are courteous and helpful - Timings are odd - I will come back and add another star if they move to better timings

Children's section is really good. They have story time every Friday and kids craft on Saturdays and these are really good. But not a great place for study.

There is only one table available for adults to sit at in the kids section. That table was reserved, therefore unusable for the whole hour I was here.

I'm new to the area and the young man at the desk was very helpful and friendly. He answered all my questions and got me set up with a library card.

Clean. Staff are courteous helpful patience. Roomy library. Great selection and the reserve books are in the front of the desk. Easily reachable.

Perfect family gathering and meeting place public and private, Thank you and you're welcome county of San Diego Children's w service ! N{

Really nice library for kids and families. But not gonna lie, probably the loudest library I have ever been in hahaa.

Fairly small, but understand Clairemont isn't a fairly big community. But the staff has GREAT SERVICE …

My first using a library in 40 yrs. The smiling and kind young man guided me through the steps. Thank you

really great library love how they out the book even kids time so you can bring your kids their

Barely enough space to breathe. Filled with rowdy children. Not a great place to study.

Small area. But they have one charging table. About 7 computer desks.

Great branch, friendly staff. Small parking lot but good turnover

Very professional and helpful in finding me everything I needed.

My crew and I install new floor and carpet, looks very good

Small room. 2 tables. No electrical outlets.

الرائحة كريهة مكان مزعج الموظفين ودودين

It's small but cute

Thank you!