I was born & raised in HLP and one thing I love about this neighborhood is all the historic buildings. Arroyo Seco Library was formally established in 1914. At the time it contained 6,000 books. Architect Frederick M Ashley designed the original Classical Revival style building. In 1960 a new, bigger ultra-modern building replaced it and featured rooftop parking. Eventually the weight of the cars caused structural damage and in 2003 a new building was erected featuring a rustic Craftsman aesthetics fused with traditional building techniques. Even though it is a new build it does emulate the historic features of the neighborhood. The cobblestone exterior is reminiscent of the Abbey San Encino, which is Jackson Browne's childhood home that was designed built by his grandfather Clyde Brown. The Abbey San Encino is just down the street from the Library. My grammar school was nearby and we would often take field trips to this library. It was also a few blocks from my childhood home so I would walk there on the weekends and spend hours reading. Reading is something that I enjoy but don't have the time for anymore. The only time I get to read a book is when I'm on a plane. I'll typically purchase something from Amazon to bring with me but don't know what to do with the book when I'm done. Tossing it seems wasteful so I decided to come here and get a new library card. Now I can check out books for my travels and return them when I'm done. I was surprised by how much this library has changed. In addition to books and magazines they also have CDs & DVDs as well as weekly community events. They are even open for a few hours on Sunday. *Parking lot in the back & street parking. read more

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What a cute little library with cute interior! I got a library card at this library and I'm so glad I discovered this quaint quiet cute library located in Highland Park :-) I found it so cute they gave free planting seeds in the very front of the library. I will be back soon. read more

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This is a wonderful little library. And a stone's throw from home. It's quiet, great vibe, helpful librarians, you can print a few pages for free - which is good for those who don't have printers (like me). Just for some peace and quiet to read and browse it's so wonderful. I love the downtown LA library but it's often a zoo and not that quiet, plus you have to park, but there's always ample parking and it's never crowded. read more

deluxe two-storey local library, perhaps the largest one i've been to beside the main library downtown. attractive mission-style architecture, ample street parking & personable staff. a delight! highlty recommend read more

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The in the style of Side Chair Frank Lloyd Wright are surprisingly comfy. The librarians put up with my jibber-jabber, great. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/1694 read more

Libraries have always been my refuge in the storm. As you can imagine, it was quite a blow when all the libraries in Los Angeles closed during the COVID-19 epidemic; I was bereft, disconnected, robbed of my routine and frustrated. I'd already spent enough on that Amazonian super-store that delivers right to my home and really didn't want to buy more books. So, it was such a relief when the libraries gradually started re-opening for curbside pickup. Life could begin again. I don't live in Los Angeles proper but I am the proud owner of a LAPL card due to their inclusive library card policy. The branch nearest to me for curbside pickup happens to be the Arroyo Seco branch; I've been twice and it's been smooth as can be. You place a hold online through the Los Angeles Public Library website, wait for the email announcing that your item has arrived (in my case, a book about the prehistoric archaeology of Los Angeles and a chronicle of the colonization of Southern California written by a Spanish priest), and schedule your pick up time. Drive up, pop out to pick up your books/dvds/etc. from the table outside the entrance and you're good as gold. Overdue fines have been cancelled, due dates have been extended...honestly, library use during a pandemic has some serious advantages. So, although I've never actually set foot inside this library, huge props for keeping knowledge and information accessible to all library patrons, now more than ever. Read on. read more

Absolutely love this library! My local one has been closed coming up on year, and with my library card I've been able to order books and DVD to pick up here at the Arroyo Library. It is very easy access and well organized. A security guard is on command at the parking lot entrance, it's easy to park and make a circle drive to the pick up and return drop off table. Guidelines are posted and other patrons, if anyone are respectful on one person picking up at a time. When ordering online at lapl.org an email is sent when holds are ready for pick up and you can pick a specific time to arrive to pick up your holds that are ready. Online you can see if they in transport or what number in the waiting list you are. It's so efficient. Highly recommend utilizing the library! read more

Arroyo Seco Regional Library - Follow the guidelines - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I have seen the many negative reviews on here for this library and I'm not really sure what people are expecting from an old library in one of the largest cities in the United States. I come regularly to Arroyo Seco to work at my computer or read. It is generally quiet and as quiet as most libraries are these days. Will a child make a loud noise on occasion? Perhaps. Will a drifter pass out in a chair? Likely. But, again, this is just the beautiful and unique experience of being in a library in 2019. This is a regional library, so another positive, in that it is open on Sundays. They offer many services to the community when it comes to assistance with jobs, taxes, ESL, etc. They have many events to better understand the history of many things including the neighborhood of Highland Park. They have readings for children/babies/families. In a neighborhood that is ever-changing because of bigger business interests coming in with their influence, this library still does its part to reach out to the community that has been here long before I have. I've also gotten to know a few of the staff that work here and they are nice, we have conversations, they provide me with book recommendations. It's what I'd imagine of the type of neighborhood library that I grew up in and I'm getting that in L.A. which is wonderful. So, to anyone being negative, if you open yourself to the possibilities of what a library can entail, you should appreciate Arroyo Seco. In conclusion, the bathrooms are gross. I do believe some individuals may live in the bathroom during business hours on occasion but I don't fault them. So, yes, I have actually left the library to go poop somewhere else. read more

The Story Time teacher is so sweet with littles and the library staff are also very helpful and kind. We are so lucky to have an amazing Library and staff in Highland Park. read more

I love this place. Very quite and comfortable place for study. Love the old structure building, feeling like in castle. read more

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There are a total of 72 LA Public Library (LAPL) branches all throughout the city's numerous neighbourhoods and Arroyo Seco Library is actually one of the eight regional branches serving the Highland Park neighbourhood. If you possess an LAPL card, you can borrow items from any library, order books from the LAPL online system and have it sent to your preferred library branch, and avail of various other resources. On my recent visit, I made it a point to first place a couple books on hold the night prior. The next day, the said books were reserved for me and ready to be picked up by the shelves close to the entrance. Gotta love efficiency! Space-wise, this library has a bunch of tables on the first floor but outlets are not readily available if you need to charge up your laptop. There's a children's and young adults books section on the ground floor as well as a second floor, which contains the fiction books. It's more quiet upstairs if you want a more peaceful area to read. While they don't have the biggest selection of fiction literature, it's quite easy to go online, locate where your desired items are, place a hold, and set a pickup location. Do be aware that placing a hold is free, however a $1 fee will be charged if an item placed on hold is not cancelled or picked up by the 'hold until' date. The restrooms are not the nicest and could be better in terms of cleanliness, but at the very least they're readily available for library patrons without having to ask one of the staff for keys. There is lot and street parking, and the Metro Gold Line (Highland Park Station) is within walking distance. read more

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Email from the Library: "PLACING A HOLD IS FREE. HOWEVER, A $1.00 FEE WILL BE CHARGED IF AN ITEM PLACED ON HOLD IS NOT CANCELED OR PICKED UP BY THE "HOLD UNTIL" DATE." read more

Employees were talking very loudly while having personal conversations walking up and down the aisles. Also some older ladies were talking really loudly without even trying to whisper. Does no one understand library etiquette anymore? I was so irritated I had to yell SHHHHH! At the workers but they didn't even notice. read more

Came here a couple weeks ago to get my daughter a library card. The older lady who helped us was extremely rude. Why work somewhere that you have to deal with people all day if you're going to be rude? Wrong job choice. Come today we walked in to return our books and another lady was extremely rude but I let it be known that the employees here aren't the nicest. read more

Great Tuesday morning kids reading group. It's at Tuesday's at 10:30 am. Lots of kids go and their is a fun park outside that you can hit up before or after. read more

My family loves this place so much we come often and my son wants to work here when he is older

I have been attending this library for some time now since it is my local library in my neighborhood. You should explore every library branch and give it a try you will see that every library branch specializes in certain things like for example this library will have a large collection of fictionalised novels arts and crafts as well as cooking and traveling an image collection of Latino novelas on DVD and a music collection as well. On a side note another great thing now is that Los Angeles Public Library will now allow you to reserve Multimedia meaning DVDs to place on hold and pick up at this branch or any library in your neighborhood. That is a big plus because before you have to drive or take public transportation to get to the library that have the movie you wanted. Now to get back to the topic at hand this library tends to be kind of sleepy which is in a way counterproductive when you are trying to do homework or researching for a paper on the plus side they have a lot of outlets, desks, a lot of computers if that is what you're going for. Although sometimes you may be just out of reach of an outlet so be sure to take an 8-10 ft extension cord to keep your laptop powered. Your neighbor might appreciate the extra outlets as well. If you want to go for a quiet place to study I suggest upstairs towards the end or away from the entrance. There is also water fountains available on the second floor and the reference/information desk is located on the bottom floor at the back of the library. Another plus side is that in this library you do not need to have a computer already reserved if you have a library card and not over five dollars and dues but under that you can reserve a computer that is available just by sitting at a available seat and typing in your library card number which for me is a plus. If you're looking for the kids section that is located in the back of the library across from the information / reference desk if you're looking for the teen section is located all the way back of a library. There are also desks available on the first floor with good lighting. The reason why I rated this library four stars yet if I had the choice I would give it four and a half stars, is because the men's restroom is kind of murky and creepy. Oftentimes the paper towels are stuck and there's no soap available I would suggest carrying hand sanitizer and a paper towel or two. As for the ladies I don't know I'm so for this moment I would have to ask my sister. The other downside about this library is that the DVDs are damaged not all but some. There are several ways to help out this library. The first way is by joining friends with the library which from my understanding is a separate group but they help raise funds and support the libraries such as repair DVDs or purchase new DVD cases and funding local events for the library. The second thing to do is that when you borrow a DVD write the specific time or chapter and or scene when the DVD skipped and make a note of it and upon your return, tell the desk clerk and hand them the note. Usually what I do is if I had the money I would purchase a brand new DVD Or like New DVD either from a yard sale or somewhere else, tell them the when you're about to return the DVD the problems that you're faced with it because of the scratches but note of when the DVD skipped but you're also handing them a better copy. I have noticed most libraries will accept this and replace the old DVD with the new one. It is my firm belief that libraries are great place to hang out to learn and have a good time. It is one of stain mediate benefits of paying your taxes and saying that your taxes are funding public services such as this. Hope you enjoyed I review I hope you get to step into a library experience this yourself. read more

Arroyo Seco Regional Library - A book titled into the beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea. This book is part of the book club. We meet once a month. - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I'm thankful for library spaces. The place is clean and the staff is amazing: they're friendly, welcoming, and helpful. This is a child-friendly place, which is great. They have an awesome reading time hosted by a couple. My daughter loves them and looks forward to Thursdays at the library. The events the librarian hosts for kids are great. She has a caring and wonderful way with children. Thank you!!! I know the library staff can't do much about the homeless population that wonders in daily but I have seen how well they handle asking people to lower their voice and be mindful of others. They're really doing the best they can and I commend them for making this place welcoming and keeping it in tip-top shape. read more

I visited this library awhile back and really enjoyed the ambiance. It has two floors so you can be seated away from loud kids/teenagers, and it doesn't look like most modern libraries which makes it even more "authentic" looking. The parking lot is small, so you might have to park out in the street! read more

This library is great since the remodeling. Its two floor model is great when you wanna be away from the crowds of kids that often come in. There's also free WIFI! read more

They have photocopying and a free scanner. You want a book - order it from the system. I did have a book checked out to me once and it was on their shelf. Other than that, no complaints. Best thing, their baby and toddler story time. Been bringing my kids for 3+ years. Make it as often as we can, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Will always have great memories and songs from story time. read more

Arroyo Seco Regional Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This has to be one of the noisiest libraries I have ever visited. The patrons seem to have little understanding of American library etiquette as people I have seen carry on long conversations as if they were standing at a noisy bus stop, kids crying with no input from parents, phones ringing incessantly and loud phone conversations continuing even after a librarian has told the patron to take it outdoors. The worst noise is on weekday afternoons after the local schools empty and latch-key kids run here to play video games on the public PC's. When school is released, they literally run for the library to get a PC before others claim it. The book collection here is smallish although as part of the LAPL system you can have books from other branches delivered here for pick up free of charge. I've found the process to be rather slow usually taking one week even for books that are currently available. Another annoyance at this library is the odd layout of the book collection. Books are only loosely shelved according to their Dewey Decimal number. As you walk through the stacks, you find large sections of books are stored out of sequence in another part of the library or worse on another floor. Several stacks of books and frequent displays feature Spanish language books, but these seem the least popular materials in the library. I rarely see anyone pulling books from these shelves. Free public wi-fi is available after landing on a splash page and checking a box to agree to terms and conditions of use. It is nice to have this available but it is slow and connecting is sometime difficult. You also have to endure the occasional disconnect messages. It's nice to have a public library in this neighborhood but don't expect the world. read more

Nice looking library, inside and out. Great for kids and toddlers alike with their decent children's section. I also like that the rec center with playground is next door so after your child (or children) is done reading/borrowing books he or she can play. read more

An okay library to study, a lot of children running around and yelling. Have tables to study but no outlets available or close by. Might have to park at the street; have limited parking. read more

Been coming here since I was a kid...remember before the renovations? It looks a lot better now. For a quiet read, head upstairs, plenty of cushy chairs and no whiny babies or gossiping loudmouths. 15 minute computer stations for those of us *guilty* who don't have a library card and just need to print something out. Need to print? it's a whooping 25 cents a page. No, really. Want to read the latest magazine for free bc you don't see the point in buying a copy? You can get that done here. Here to pick up a hottie...err, better head on further to the bars. Family oriented, friendly staff. Only complaint would be to mark your territory bc sometimes you'll catch a wack ass B who wants to invade yo shit even though it's abundantly clear you are not done, still there etc. read more

I just came from toddlers story time. It was the worst experience ever. The person reading to the kids was so unbelievably boring. She mumbled the entire time, couldn't hear and seemed completely disinterested in engaging with the kids. It looked like she wanted to get it over with. Never will I attend this event again. read more

What a great library!! So far my kids 4yo & 2yo have participated in the summer reading program & attended a magician show & a singing musical puppet show! The children's librarian Miss Rita was so sweet & helpful getting us set up & showing us where the kids books were! We'll definitely be back!! :) read more

Arroyo Seco Regional Library - The Sherlock home run puppet musical!! - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Such a beautiful library! I have to give kudos to the library staff, who when faced with budget cuts this summer, still put on a fabulous summer reading program for kids and teens. I can't tell you how much I appreciated being able to browse the cool library on a hot Thursday afternoon while my kids (aged 9 and 3) were entertained by puppet theater, storytelling, and real animals. The librarians are saintly! read more

Great little neighborhood library branch. Great staff and plenty of programs for children, even after budget cuts. Wonderfully designed, organized, and quiet. It's a bit on the small side, but that's really not a big deal. Pretty well-stocked children's section as well. read more

Their open 7 days a week and it's clean inside. 2 stories. U got a lot of sleepers upstairs. No a/c circulation upstairs. But overall the library is clean n decent and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Also plenty of parking. read more

Nice selection of books, DVDs, free WIRELESS, pleasant staff, easy walking distance from Gold Line station and best of all, less than a mile from my home. Minor gripe: Not enough power outlets for laptop users. But then again this is supposed to be a library not a coffee shop. Invaluable asset to the neighborhood. read more

Great place to come when trying to get homework done. Just be there before all the elementary kids get there, which is around 3pm.

Nice, old library. Bigger than the one in Eagle Rock and a better collection of books. Sometimes they have crazy people hanging out here. Slight mental cases, but they cause no trouble as far as I know. You just hear them laugh out loud sometimes like a crazy person when nothing is funny, or they just make strange sounds. But the librarian will shush them and they get quiet. It's almost like an insane asylum library. It's a funny diversion from reading. Lighting is low. Not as bright as the lights in the Eagle Rock branch, that's for sure. But definitely bigger space here. And they're open on Sundays too, which is convenient. read more

this library could be a nice place. if these things were considered: * mothers. please, keep your own kids quiet, * some employees poke patrons, * looks feels like a lots of germs are circulating there... smelly, dirty, * Unfortunately, some patrons seems not to respect others privacy, or space... Aside of that most employees are very helpful, respectful, agreeable, considerate, and professional. NOTE: In general, some employees need to be trained to understand this is a Public place, and a place to serve patrons professionally and with respect; and that means to concede and consider patrons positions, in case of personal conflicts with them. read more

secluded library with a fine selection of literature regarding astrophysics. two incredibly enthusiastic thumbs up. read more

Great library branch. Quiet and cute and they do a lot of local events. The librarians are friendly and nice. I love how effortless it is to reserve books on the LAPL website and swing by this branch when they're ready to be picked up! read more

At least there's free street parking for 2 hours.. the bathroom had no mirrors.. pretty straightforward layout.

Small, clean, and close to home. My favorite local library offers Wi-Fi and reserve/pick up service from all L.A. libraries.

Spacious library, varied selection of books and graphic novels. could use a stronger catalog of exercise dvds, though.

This place is always clean and nice the only thing is that every time I go there is always little kids running around and nobody tells them anything! I usually go upstairs because it is supposed to be a "quiet zone" but some people don't seem to care too much. That is very frustrating at times when you're trying to get your work done. I recommend taking headphones so you can block out the noise if you decide to come here. read more