Favorite Libraries in the West
Nourish your mind by dipping into these impressive book collections beloved by AAA Members.
“The Grass Valley Library–Royce Branch in downtown Grass Valley, California, is a Carnegie Library housed in a building that has not been altered. I love its historical presence, with plaques that recognize its importance. It just feels good to be in the building.” —Susan Renee Hennings
“Doe Library at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, California, is a gorgeous old library with marble steps worn by countless students, and cozy reading rooms where you can curl up and dig into a book. The hours change, so check the website before you go.” —Cathy Kliegel
“The California State Railroad Museum Library and Archives in Sacramento has an extensive collection of material on North American railroading. On two separate occasions, their staff produced information that was helpful for research I was working on. It is appointment-only, so you’ll need to call or email to schedule a visit.” —Bill Hough
“The FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City has the largest collection of genealogy and family history books in the world. Everything is available to use free of charge, and help is always available. They have been working hard to make everything possible available online for the world to use. Funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they freely share this magnificent resource.” —Donde Hart Smith
“The Maricopa County Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert, Arizona, is housed in a beautiful building, with lots of natural light and a peaceful view of the lake. It has an incredible choice of books, magazines, and DVDs for adults, teens, and kids. It’s peaceful and comfortable, a place you can easily spend hours reading on a comfortable couch with a beautiful view. The Southeast Library is located at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, so you have several miles of trails to enjoy nature and do some birding before or after you pick your favorite books.” —Corinne Lyon
“The main branch of the Mesa Public Library in Mesa, Arizona, offers a welcome to everyone who comes through their doors. It has popular books and other media, and also the Mesa Room, which contains books, articles and archival materials about the city of Mesa which you can visit by appointment only. This includes oral histories, former mayors’ papers, early engineers of streets, and much more. I most love that the staff will assist everyone to find what they are looking for in a friendly and dedicated way.” —Sarah Moorhead
“I love my little local Rincon Valley Regional Library in Santa Rosa, California. They have the most helpful staff, and they just celebrated their 30th anniversary this past August. They are always having different free events for people of all ages. They have many computers for use, an extensive DVD collection to check out, up to $5 a day of free printing, a 3D printer, and much more.” —Gaylyn Bierman
“The West Shore Community Library (WSCL) in Lakeside, Montana, is where we spend our summers volunteering when visiting our cabin. It’s a small, all-volunteer, community-supported library that serves the west side of Flathead Lake. It is also the location for the Lakeside-Somers Chamber of Commerce, assisting visitors to the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park. WSCL is supported by fundraising and donations, and connects local residents to the entire Montana library system by serving as a drop-off and pick-up location for books ordered through the online catalog.” —Charles Robbins
“The Woodland Public Library in Woodland, California, is the oldest continuously operating Carnegie-funded library in California, and an internationally recognized rose garden is located on the library grounds. The library has a teen space along with a children’s library and a maker’s area. The Woodland Farmers’ Market sets up on Saturdays and Tuesdays in front of the library from May to September. It’s a marvelous public space that retains its history while evolving with the community!” —Bernadette Murray
“Nanini Library in Tucson is so easy to visit with simple parking. The new books are on display just as you walk in, and the staff is very helpful and friendly. You can even rent DVDs of movies and documentaries. They also accept book donations.” —Nancy Wing
“Hearst Free Library in Anaconda, Montana, is one of only two libraries in the U.S. founded by Phoebe Apperson Hearst in the late 1800s. The building design was all done to Mrs. Hearst’s direction. She also personally selected the artwork and had it shipped to Montana. The people are friendly and there is a community spirit in the beautiful, historic building. ” —Brenda Wahler
“The Alameda Free Library in Alameda, California, offers great collections of books and media, with knowledgeable and friendly staff, a useful website, and plenty of activities for adults and kids. There is a great café on site, staffed by volunteers. It’s a terrific atmosphere for learning, enjoyment, and community! The Friends of the Alameda Free Library is also a very active and engaged volunteer organization, raising funds for improvements and innovations.” —Ken Werner
“Missoula Public Library in Missoula, Montana, is bright and light, with lots of windows and beautiful mountain views. It offers wonderful spaces for children and adults, and even has a coffee shop on the first floor. The library has won three international awards including ‘World’s Best Public Library’ in 2022.” —Suzette Jensen
“Libby, the online library, has made me a regular patron again of my local library by delivering books and magazines to my personal devices. I love the wireless access to e-books, and being able to put books ‘on hold’ and be notified when they become available. I also benefit from being able to see book series and plan to read additional books from my favorite authors. Best yet, you are not limited to a single library. Since we have a vacation property in another state, we’re also able to get a library card in that location and add it to our Libby access.” —Chris Schlieter