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    Braille Institute

    3.7 (17 reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

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    Underground parking
    La Sandra J.

    My mom is legally blind and has been taking classes at the Braille Institute for over 10 years. I was truly amazed at all the "free" classes that the Braille Institute has to offer. Some of the classes but not limited to are; ceramics, chair aerobics, IPad and IPhone tutorial courses, computer , life skills, drama, current and past news, and journal writing. They have a cafeteria (very reasonable prices) and the food was really good They also have a store where customers who are visually impaired can find a plethora of items to purchase. Hats off to the Braille and all their donors who so generously donate their time and money to make this place run like s well oiled machine and give the visually impaired a place to do everything a sighted person does.

    Patrick P.

    A non-profit dedicated to aiding those inflicted with a loss of sight, from low vision to complete blindness. In certain cases, the institute also works with other types of disabilities. Paperwork to get enrolled was kind of a pain, but once approved, it's been fine. Braille Institute offers classes (similar to going to a community college) ranging from the obvious (learning braille, mobility courses, exercises, independent living course, computer courses, etc.) along with the more casual (singing, instrumental, art courses, sports talk). Much like a community college too, the age of students here vary from young adult to elderly. And then there's the added benefit of community, having those around you dealing with the same problem. My brother has been blind for over a year now, but only started attending this year, so I speak from a third-person perspective. He doesn't particularly enjoy coming here. Here's why... Distance. While Braille Institute has locations throughout the United States, this facility happens to be located in downtown. That's about 40 minutes drive from home. Not exactly convenient, especially for someone with my brother's temperament and particular medical situation (it's complicated). Wish there were more locations. My brother gives the impression that the courses aren't particularly interesting. Whether that's the fault of the courses offered or attended, or just his own personal bias and failure to accept his ailment (I believe it's all the above). For example, the exercise courses here are very basic, nothing like a gym setting, but more along the lines of demonstrating range of motion. The mobility course is one-on-one instruction, with an instructor that can come to your home to help get around the house and neighborhood, as well as around the Braille facility. To me and my family, our instructor Sabrina is the face of Braille; a shining example of assistance, patience, and courtesy. Facilities include underground parking, library, classrooms, cafeteria, restrooms, counselor offices, amongst others. Front desk helps you get around. Registration office helps you sign up for classes, which I believe run by semesters, but classes are repeatable and ongoing. There is a storefront within the facilities called Vistas, which you can purchase supplies like canes, kitchen utensils, talking scales and alarm clocks, writing tools, and a few games. Though if I were to rate Vistas by itself, I would give them a 3, because they don't offer services such as stringing together canes, as well as not having prices labeled on their merchandise. I wished there were more to help, but I wonder if that's the fault a visual-stimuli society not putting effort and resources to such an affliction. Sadly, budget cuts may also be a contributing factor. For example, the cafeteria was shut down 6 years ago. 6 years?! All that being said, there are volunteer opportunities here for those that'd like to be more involved. Despite the shortcomings, Braille Institute is a great resource for those willing and ready to move on with life without sight, and for that I am a fan.

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    Always love buying my canes from Braille since I've had excellent service plus staff is courteous both on and off the phone

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    Review Highlights - Braille Institute

    This is such a great institution which does so many things for many people who are blind or have low vision.

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    The Bradbury Building - Hours.

    The Bradbury Building

    (317 reviews)

    Downtown

    Fun stop when visiting Grand Central Market. So many movies have filmed here -- Blade Runner and…read moreLethal Weapon just to name a couple. It's refreshing to see this kind of architecture in Los Angeles among endless mini malls. You can tell real pride went into the design and craftsmanship. A true historic landmark and worth taking a few minutes to appreciate while you're there.

    What can you say about the Bradbury Building except that it is not what it once was. Currently, you…read morecan walk in there pretty much seven days a week and see the skeletal remains of what was once a fantastic piece of DTLA architecture. Now, the upstairs offices are generally blocked off and all that is left is the what used to be. Certainly, the Bradbury Building came to fame during the 1982 movie, Blade Runner where it was used as one of their primary sets. This was long before it was renovated showing off it's truly unique interior architecture. Very beautiful! For a lot of years, this building was pretty much closed to the public except for those who used it as a filming location. Being involved in the film industry for a lot of years, I personally have been in this building a number of times throughout its evolution. More recently, somebody got the great idea to renovate it. I guess that's a good thing? But, in its current state, all that you see is a whole lot of tourists coming in there, even tour guides, taking people in there telling them all kinds of lies about the history of the building. They weren't there, so they don't know! Yet, they speak about it. Now, it's a modernized office structure. Yes, much of the interior metallurgy is still there -- reminiscent of the time gone past. But much the vibe of the building is long gone. That's sad, I think. So, if you're in DTLA, and you want to look back to the past, the Bradbury Building is a interesting place to do that. It's right across the street from Grand Central Market, so it's impossible to miss. You can pretty much go in there seven days a week, and though you'll be limited to staying on the first floor, you can take a look and see what once was. I would say it's definitely worth the expedition.

    William H Hannon Library - Exterior view

    William H Hannon Library

    (40 reviews)

    Westchester

    Love this library, it is clean, beautiful, and the staff is amazing! However, I wish the following…read morethree issues could be attended to. 1. Chill with the A/C y'all! It's always too cold in here. Whether it's a heatwave outside or a monsoon, my fingers are always frozen. 2. There is no quiet. Especially the first floor is like a talk show. People are holding regular volume conversations about youtube videos and what not. You're in a library!!! It's ridiculous. 3. Sick students. I mean the person sounds like they are dying and yet they thought it was a good idea to bring their plagued self into a closed public place and spend hours coughing and sneezing without even covering their mouth. You'd think they're auditioning for a zombie movie. Their parents clearly failed, but why is the library failing? A friendly "Stay Home if You're Sick" sign would be so helpful! OR maybe a dedicated "Sick Bay" corner. I've changed rooms four times in just 2.5 hours! Come on people!

    Disclaimer: i am not an LMU alum/student so this review is aimed for general visitors…read more In a nutshell, the library is perfect. It is too good to be true. i have never even imagined that a library could be as beautiful , functional and eco-green as this one. Gone are the days when i would haggle tables and electrical sockets. Or when I have to cram all my stuff in their tiny tables. Now I am free =) Let me tell you something about myself. I am a senior graduate student in CSULA majoring in MSN/ACNP. I love my inner nerd and I am obsessed with sticky notes and high lighters. I have my share of coffee houses. The one close to my house opens at 4:30 am and closes midnight. I remember the other starbucks hours to a T. Lately, we had to do a couple of papers and I needed a quiet place to do this. I have been to a couple of public libraries but once again, YELP has saved me. First date. The library is beautiful. It has glass windows all through out and scenic views of playa del rey. It looks so majestic sitting on top of a hill. what a change from those dull white walls. It has 3 floors. The first floor is the information commons area and where the cafe is located. The 2nd and third floor is the usual books and study area. Stay with me. Did I tell you about the hours? They open at 8am and close at 8pm for visitors. If you reside in Westchester, Playa del Rey or playa vista then you can apply for a (Free) visitors card than will give you access after 8pm until 2am. After 2am, its only LMU alumni, faculty and students. The library's hours is basically "24/5" meaning they are open 24 hours from sunday to thursday then close earlier during friday/saturday. I love it when I go there. There are SO MANY students studying even after midnight that I feel embrassed browsing facebook in my laptop while everybody else in engrossed in their books (NOT!). (Dry) food and drinks with lids are allowed. The cafe closes at 1am. Be Green with Envy. The 2nd and 3rd floors house "group study" rooms that LMU students can reserve in 4 hours blocks. Since I have been going mostly nights there, I catch a glimpse of their pajama party. Chips and soda in the table. Open laptops and books. and of course in PJs. The walls inside these rooms are whiteboards so if you recall better with "images" such as me. The wall will be a handy tool to aid your memorization. The study area is a nice mix of comfy couches and square and round tables with ergonomic chairs. There is plenty to share. I could go on with this but I must be boring you already. I saved the best for last.. Parking. The first time I went here I stayed from 10am to 7:30 pm. I did valet (yes, its ALSO FREE) but when I came back I had a ticket stuck in my windshield wiper. WTH? It said I do not have permit to park there. How would I know? I gave my keys to the attendant. I then talked to somebody from security that told me that all visitors should stop by the MAIN security gate (first one when entering the campus) to get a visitor pass from the hours of 7-6pm. I gave them a copy of my car registration and the ticket got waived. Yey. I love LMU. So thankful they shared this library to night owls like me. Everybody has been so helpful and I think I will be checking in here frequently from now on...

    William Andrews Clark Memorial Library - Library interior

    William Andrews Clark Memorial Library

    (9 reviews)

    Jefferson Park

    Wow! What an amazing library amassed by William Andrews Clark, the copper magnate from Montana…read more This is a beautiful collection, in a fabulous building! While the gardens and grounds are currently being restored, the Library itself is jaw dropping fabulous. I was able to tour today, with the very knowledgeable Bailey. This is a hidden gem, that is actually part of the UCLA system. Concerts and lecture series are open to the public. Information is available at Clarklibrary.UCLA.edu Reservations are required for tours. Free parking on the grounds.

    William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, named for one of the most illustrious and impactful Los…read moreAngeles citizens you've never heard of, offers a look into the life and times of a truly special and important Angeleno. William A. Clark Jr. was the founder of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a fine book collector, and philanthropist who donated this exceptional library to the University of California, Los Angeles. He was also a husband, a father, heir to a large fortune, a lover, and a fan of Oscar Wilde. His romantic partner Harrison Post was a noted transcriber of Oscar Wilde's letters; the library continues to hold significant works by this ground-breaking author. The buildings comprising the library have been beautifully preserved and expanded over the years. The library collection itself is held in temperature controlled areas, with volumes being rotated out for exhibits. Appointments are necessary to see specific volumes. The grounds themselves are open to the public during business hours; however, to see the interior of the library, you must attend a docent-guided tour. Our docent, Bailey, was truly exepctional; humorous, knoweledgable, and patient with all our questions. Please email the library to sign up for a tour. Admission is free. Parking is also free (as we were told, the *only* free parking on the UCLA campus!). Add this to your list if you're interested in Los Angeles, history, queer history, and/or Oscar Wilde. Highest recommendation.

    Braille Institute - nonprofit - Updated September 2026

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