I've actually never done any of the flatland opportunities here, but I've hiked the hell out of hiking trails for well over a decade. Trails for all abilities, variety of trail surfaces and conditions and length and elevation. Bite off the proper amount for your skill level and if you try to chew too much, just flip it and return to your comfort zone. Trails and fire roads are all well maintained, used, loved, and appreciated. The value for the free it cost is immeasurable. read more

See all

Always a good place to be. Clean and always have new books. There's always new exhibit.

Came here to check out the art gallery and library grounds after work and was glad that they close on the later side. You really do feel the opulence as you drive through the mirador entrance up this long driveway to get to the library. Free parking but it does get packed since many people also park here to access the hiking trails next to the library. This is a beautiful library and many people do come here to study as I noticed most tables were filled. However, there is a loud buzzing sound from the lights but I guess it becomes background white noise if you are used to it. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Brand, their family and how the library was are on the library walls so you can learn more about how it all started. The art gallery this time around has an exhibit from Thinkspace, featuring artwork of over 70 artists, on now until March 29, 2025. I really enjoyed the art pieces and took photos of the ones that really impressed me. The grounds features Brand Park, the Japanese tea house (closes early like 3pm), Doctor's House, which is a historical house, and a couple of hiking trails. Overall, a cool place to check out and just 15 minutes away north from downtown Glendale if you need to grab a bite to eat. read more

See all

We love this place. Great Library. Great park. Always amazing community events happening here. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Bathrooms are always clean. I always want to take pictures of the main building as if I never have before and I always forget the front doors do not work. Did I already review this place? I forget. Thank you read more

Brand Library & Art Center - Radical Spot - Libraries Near Me - Glendale, California

Why is this place such a gem!!?! I came here to get some reading done and I was so content here! I usually go to a coffee shop or library to concentrate and get some reading done on the days I can't focus at home. Whenever I'm at these places, I gotta have headphones or music playing to get me to focus. Not here buddy! It's quiet as a mouse and everyone is focused! It's clean, they have free wifi, free parking, and a gorgeous window in the library. There is a beautiful outdoor space to just sit in the grass or do some hiking! I got so much work done! Everyone that works there is really helpful and kind too! Definitely coming back! read more

Brand Library & Art Center - Libraries Near Me - Glendale, California

See all

I love having picnics on this lawn! Wonderful place to visit and find special books. I believe you can vote there as well.

The yesteryear of librarians using their quiet voice so people can enjoy the quietness and peacefulness of the library are long over! If you enjoy the reverb of the librarian while trying to get anything done then this is the place for you. Better yet when someone comes up and asks a question. You could be in the next room and have to endure the conversation and be distracted. This is a gorgeous and unique space ruined by poorly trained librarians with zero understanding of the purpose of a library. DO better! read more

I love coming here from time to time. For some reason I forgot it's Monday today and the art center is closed. But it wasn't a problem cause I got to walk around the property with my son and did some hiking up the mountain as well. The small Japanese garden in the area is a great place to sit and mediate or relax or even read a book. You can also have a picnic at Brand park area, there are many picnic tables and a playground for the kids. Overall a great place to hang out with family or friends. It's summer vacation for all the kids and this place is a great for them to be active and play outdoors. Also they can see beautiful art and maybe spend some time at the library. read more

See all

This is just an amazing place: a souvenir of bygone days of opulence and privilege and an amazing library for the study and enjoyment of the arts. Great collection of sheet music, cds, and dvds to borrow, in addition to art openings and live musical performances. The surrounding park is also beautiful, with an authentic Japanese tea house as a main feature. read more

Absolutely love the atmosphere of this library. It's perfect to study. The restrooms are clean. I just wish they would open earlier. read more

My favorite library and place to study. Many spots for parking and the staff is super friendly!! They are doing a great job with COVID precautions. They do temperature checks at the door and have lysol wipes and sanitizer throughout the rooms. Only downfall is that the hours are so limited. Hopefully they extend soon because this is my home away from home. read more

See all

My daughter and I come on Monday evenings for the art class. We absolutely love the class and as long as i can afford to i plan on keeping my daughter in this great class. AnnMarie is an amazing art teacher! read more

Brand Library & Art Center - AnnMarie Smith the art teacher - Libraries Near Me - Glendale, California

What a hidden gem!!! I've lived in the Valley all my life, but never have I been here. What a fluke to run into this place with my husband while driving around. Popped into all the little places, but this one by far was my favorite. The library seems to specialize in the arts. Books, CDs, tapes, videos of music and art fill the rooms. Pictures adorn the walls of the original owners of the proper and house with short blips of history written next to each photo. We walked through the library and into the art museum which was filled with local artists works for sale. There were some amazing pieces! The palm tree lined view from the front staircase is breathtaking. The architecture and history behind the house in which the library now resides is amazing. Definitely worth stopping in to see if you're in the area. read more

See all

What planet I was living on and how come I didn't know about this cool place till a year ago or so? Brand Library is located between Burbank and Glendale, in a beautiful, peaceful neighborhood with gorgeous houses and nice vegetation. It's a very short drive from downtown Burbank and you see plenty of signs on the way to guide you, then you take a left and there are various parking lots (free). The building is imposing through its Moorish style, with many ornate details and once you enter the park, you step into another world. The Verdugo Mountains are creating a wonderful backdrop to this beautiful mansion that belonged to Leslie C. Brand, a wealthy developer who donated it to the city (now we know where Brand Blvd. comes from). This is one of the prettiest library I've been inside, with nice reading rooms nicely decorated, with great views from the windows, a place that makes you feel like you're in another time period. The place is relaxing, calming, clean, as a library should be. They have a small store for used books, CD-s, records. There are nice restrooms and various rooms to wander in, take a seat, read, relax. Next door, there's an Art Center that hosts interesting art exhibits, I went to catch the last day of "Valley Girl Redefined". The space is modern, clean, perfect for showcasing art. They change exhibits here often, so check their calendar. Free to visit, enjoyable, they have their own restrooms (not as clean), their own entrance (it does connect through the Library as well). Closed on Mondays, opened Tuesdays- Thursdays from 11 am to 8 pm. Fridays- Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. Between the library, the art center, the park and what it has to offer, the beautiful views, you can make your visit here last for at least half a day. A few hours tucked away in another universe, peaceful, full of art, books, beautiful gardens and landscaping. My kind of refuge away from it all. read more

See all

This is for the Art Center Ambiance: Artsy, Clean, Bright. Rooms: long white walls. Little rooms great for individual exhibit or interactive pieces. Parking: Ample parking on the street leading towards the entrance and a few lots. I loved the drive and walk to the art center. It's located in the beautiful brand park and in a library. You could spend an entire day there enjoying the arts and enjoying nature. read more

See all

Like other reviews have said, absolutely a hidden gem!! I discovered this Library and the park it's a part of just driving aimlessly one day. There are so many different things that make the library and art center itself special. - The galleries of the art center were beautiful, had great circulation and interesting art pieces. Exhibitions rotate so always a great reason to come back! - The Library building has gorgeous architecture. It used to be a mansion modeled after mansions the original owner saw in India, and there are beautiful painted details along the ceiling, woodwork and tilework. - The vibe is very relaxing and the surrounding park has even more to see. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a relaxing morning away from crowds! read more

See all

The L.A. Times ran a feature on Brand Park within the past few months. Dear Hubby saved it & brought it to my attention, since we'd visited the Japanese Garden on Father's Day, when we'd tried to go to the Doctor's House Museum. Doctor's House was closed, due to Father's Day. Likewise, when we went by again several weekends ago. That time, it was closed for the Historical Society to stage a fundraising tour elsewhere in the city. Thanks to the article, we knew about the intriguing architecture of the Brand Library, so we decided to check it out. Otherwise, we would have just left the park area and moved on. Well worth the climb up the stairs to the hillside location of the Library & Art Center. Must have missed the info on the latter aspect when I read the article. Leslie Coombs Brand, a prominent Glendale developer at the turn of the 20th Century, commissioned the building as his home. Finished in 1904, it still looks to be in great condition. He arranged to donate the house to be used as a library, with his surrounding land designated to be a city park. It's a wonderful legacy. The Moorish architecture is as striking as it is unique for the area. Inside, the former formal rooms still have their custom frescoes painted on the ceilings. I could envision a drawing room, dining room, and other gathering spaces with the beautiful painted treatments. Now they are either reading rooms with comfortable furniture, or holding shelves of books. Adjacent is the Art Center, with various galleries open to the public, showcasing art works in different media. This space was more extensive than I imagined it to be from the outside. Parking is free. There's no admission charge for the art galleries, though donations are welcome. The library is free, of course. The only downside I can cite is that on a slightly humid day, it felt very humid inside the buildings. Uncomfortably so for me. I was fanning my face with a brochure, but still felt almost overwhelmed with the temperature. Could have just been me, but I didn't choose to linger. Viewed what I could, then headed for the fresh air outside. Definitely worth a visit! read more

See all

The library and art center sits atop a hill with the Verdugo Mountains as the backdrop. The building used to be the mansion of Leslie C. Brand, who donated this massive piece of land and all existing structures to the city of Glendale. A grand staircase can be found at the front of the building. From here, you can see the entire view of the park and its surroundings. There's also a smaller staircase at the side entrance, if you're coming from the parking lot. There's also parking provided and a special entrance for the handicapped through the back of the building. The building is a beauty on its own, with its amazing architecture comprised of arches and domes. The huge building include an art and music library, art galleries and recital hall. The library is very organized, clean, and peaceful. There are several rooms with fireplaces that can be used for private reading. The art center features an exhibit of art pieces created by established and upcoming artists. Check the website for details on their ongoing exhibit. read more

See all

[8/100] It's not everyday that a place, let alone a library/art gallery hybrid makes a lasting impression on me. I went because the current exhibition was of one of my favorite artists and it had been a while since I've explored something new in LA. Brand library is this all white Masonic temple inspired mansion that sits on top of a hill surrounded by palm trees and a Japanese tea house. It's quite a lovely place! There are two entrances, I highly suggest the entrance on Grandview Ave! It's a nice drive uphill. Parking is free and plenty. The main parking for both the library and tea house is one of the larger ones. There are picnic areas on the drive up and parking is allowed on the curb on Grandview. I visited the gallery first which is connected. It has two large rooms and temporary dividers in between. Installations varied amongst each room. There is a patio area in the middle of the art gallery and library. It has this adorable wooden house that has books and reading material, perfect for a play area for children or a quiet place to read for an adult. The hallway to the library from the gallery also showcases interesting art, I'm not sure if those pieces are permanent or part of the current exhibition. The library was delightful! I wasn't aware that this place use to be a family home. When I walked around, I felt like I was in a museum but each room was filled with people studying! The place looked and felt so serene. It was very inviting, more than most libraries I've studied at. Glendale is a drive for me but I would love to study here one day before I graduate or even just write Yelp reviews! This place is special and a good resource! read more

See all

An amazing evening listening to the group IRIDAS - my gratitude to the city of Glendale for supporting the music summer series The band IRIDAS is an exciting creative group of young musicians who understand the importance of creativity and presentation of their art. read more

Stunning. The most elegant place I've seen. Love working on projects here. read more

Brand Library & Art Center - Libraries Near Me - Glendale, California

This library is so pretty, and quiet. There are ample outlets and lots of seating. It's not the biggest library for checking out books, it's more so a study library. read more

Adooore! I came here to study for an exam and was pleasantly surprised by how clean and quaint this facility is! LA has public libraries aplenty, but this one here is a true gem - tucked away, on top of Glendale Hills, embraced by trees and fresh-er air. The library building is adjacent to an art gallery, a hiking trail, baseball field and a Japanese garden. PS:. No coffee :/ on site. Starbucks is a 5 min drive away :) read more

See all

What a great space! But on the other hand, one of the library staff left a bad taste in my mouth. An older white staff woman at the front desk was very snappy and rude when I was asking general questions since I was new and curious. Interrupted me twice while I was trying to ask further questions, goodness. But highly recommend the space nonetheless with a great selection of. books and incredible galleries displayed. read more

Yelp 100 Challenge 14 I've never been so impressed by a library as I was today. The grounds, the art gallery, the Japanese tea house and garden were all amazing. Driving up it feels as though you're going someplace special and special it was indeed. The volumes of CD's, all neatly filed and organized and the books...just loved the books...it's all music and art. I even learned that one can check out a guitar or ukulele for 6 weeks. Amazing. They have an exhibition of six leading artist collectives. The displays are incredible. And they offer a music series with free concerts. They have programs for children, too. Super family fun. The ladies at the front desk were so welcoming, quite helpful and informative. I'm very excited to have found this library. If you've never been, go now! Don't wait! It's quite a treasure! read more

See all

If you do not enjoy and/or seek out libraries, then you should be tarred and feathered and are dead to me. Okay, okay. I'm being melodramatic and extreme. The case is that regardless of how some may perceive libraries as obsolete; they are a gift from the bibliophile gods and are an asset to communities. Enter: the Brand Library and Art Center which is part of the Glendale Library system (meaning: you need a Glendale library card to use and is not covered by the LAPL system). Art Center, you ask? What does this entail? Let us traverse... Driving up the palm-lined Mountain View Blvd through Brand Park; one is welcomed by an imposing, pure-white, mosque-like building on top of a hill. The surrounding neighborhood is affluent, well-landscaped, and quiet so the energy is calm and maintained by the Brand Library and Art Center which truly feels like (per the exterior) an Islamic temple of sorts. It can be intimidating but in the best way possible as it is breath-taking and is ideal for photoshoots. You will be instantly transported to a Mediterranean meets Middle Eastern abode. The Brand Library and Art Center, as the name indicates, is more than just a public library; housing an art gallery and Brand Studios (a rental-venue space) along with outdoor cafe-esque seating areas. It is basically a small complex combining the arts in one place. Consider it like a museum and library in one. Once inside, the interior is a bit offset from the exterior being that the mosque-theme isn't at all apparent inside and looks like a Colonial or Victorian home: wood paneling, crown modeling, and fireplaces galore. Apparently, the structure used to be a home previously and this is easily understood because the library isn't one large open space but several rooms to walk through. It could be argued that it is thus a hodge-podge of architecture but it actually works! Each room has couches and quiet areas and computer rooms are also available so it is quite ideal for studying or working. On a negative note, the "studying and working" aspect is a highlight because the Brand Library isn't what you necessarily expect from a public library. It isn't the usual books galore haven and a children's library, fiction books, etc are nonexistent; so the selection is limited. The Brand Library is mostly an arts library focusing on various media of music and art history books. In this way, it is amazing, housing tons of material on the subject in this core category but again: not a family library if that is what you are seeking. The library portion opens up to the art gallery which features various pieces from prints to sculpture to modern art. Like any gallery, the art is rotated from time-to-time. The great thing is that you can stroll at your leisure and there aren't any employees hovering or making you feel uncomfortable and photography is allowed (although touching the artwork, naturally, is not). How is the staff? Although I didn't personally talk to any employees; they were engaging by smiling at me immediately upon walking in and saying hello from the circulation desk. If this is an indication of their service, then it is pleasing. Don't worry about parking as it is free and abundant but shared with Brand Park, the Teahouse, and Doctors' House historical structure so can get crowded. Street parking is also available. Although the Brand Library and Art Center isn't a traditional library; it is actually that: a lovely art complex that is great for studying, photography, viewing artwork, and a picnic on the grounds. It is a lovely mix of historic architecture with art/books and is certainly a gift to the community. So if you think libraries are 'obsolete'... take a trip to the Brand Library and Art Center to have your mind changed. read more

See all

The library is really amazing and the architect structure and land is beautiful. My wife and I including her cousin went to see a Mexican folk singers they were really good we enjoyed it. After the performance there was an exbitnation called the Armenians in Mexico it was excellance telling the story Armenian genocide how it began and also tells how Armenians came to Mexico to escape the Genocide.. The exbit will be at the library just a week before go's on tour. read more

See all

Glendale is full of history and surprises. However, nothing beats good books, an art museum, a nice park, and a Japanese Tea Garden all in one! Brand Park and Library has all kinds of cool and unusual stuff to do and see. It's a spectacular place to bring your family or someone special to just hangout or hike on some of the trails up behind the library area. Lot's to look at and enjoy in a very simplistic kind of way. Couple of things you wont want to miss are: - The Japanese Tea Garden: This area is only open on certain days and times so plan ahead. - The Hiking Trails: While I didn't get to see it all, these trails look fun and inviting. Bring water. Whether you are a bookworm, trail enthusiast, dog walking lover or just a fan of some nice scenery, this little location has lots to offer! Also, if you get a chance you should walk around the neighborhood here. So many beautiful homes and sights to see. read more

Brand Library & Art Center - Libraries Near Me - Glendale, California

See all

Possibly the most beautiful public library in SoCal. I definitely drive WAY out of my way to come study here, because it's just that beautiful--like to the point that I'd consider getting married here. Yes. it's that beautiful. If you're coming to study, the reading rooms are really quiet and there are a decent number of outlets! read more

They don't whisper! The librarians do not whisper! There is a librarian in the front having a loud ass conversation with someone to the point where another librarian went to tell her to be quiet, why did he go? Because he saw me fuming a little bit. read more

Quiet and beautiful place. If you want some quiet time do your research or just an afternoon by yourself. You come to the right place. The library is beautiful with great book and cd collections. read more

Glendale Art Treasure The Brand Library is nestled in the Verdugo Hills with breathtaking views of the city. The library has been on many movies and TV shows doubling as a structure perhaps in Europe or the Middle East. It's elegantly designed and houses an extensive music library while the grounds are very well-maintained. Right next door is the Doctor's House, a beautifully preserved and curated Queen Ann which offers tours with period-dressed docents and many other fun activities. Next next to that is a Japanese House and Gardens where many weddings take place. I have loved having a snack and reading a book on the Brand Library lawn for years. As if that wasn't enough, there's a small cemetery behind the Brand House with nature trails. Our Jewel City of Glendale is full of surprises and I'm proud to be one of its citizens sharing the best of Glendale. read more

Thank you to the City of Glendale for meticulously restoring this piece of Glendale history. The Brand Library is the perfect spot for you to go for quite reading, study or listening to music. There are several rooms that offer nooks to escape the busy city. There are plenty of computers available for you to use. This library offers a large selection of world music for you to enjoy. The art gallery is open and available for you to meander - and it is a lovely place to do so. read more

See all

Love love love this place.. The most peaceful and serene spot in glendale. It has an amazing view, great walking/hiking, the library is beautiful Theres a japanese tea garden where u can just go picnic or take a cup of coffee or tea and just bask in the beauty that surrounds u.. read more

Brand Library & Art Center - Libraries Near Me - Glendale, California

I just camped out at this library the last two days burning music to my computer for free. They have a wide selection of film scores and soundtracks as well as many other genres: pop/rock, classical categorized into instruments, jazz, ... I have not been to the other sections of the library, but they didn't mind me sitting there all day with a CD-fort around my laptop. There are not too many places in which to plug your laptop, but there was one right under the computers by the window in the architecture section of the library. Not that crowded... peaceful inside. Only downside is that I got delirious towards the end of my stay and started burning a bunch of ABBA to my computer. read more

Brand Library & Art Center - Danny Elfman CDs from the Music section - Libraries Near Me - Glendale, California

See all

Glendale hosts the greatest libraries possibly ANYWHERE, IMO. But the Brand Library is more than just a library, it's a literary palace! The tranquil grounds are gorgeous and very zen you will not believe you are in Glendale. A great escape on a bad day, good for reflection and studying as well. There is nowhere around quite like it. Not to mention, when the World Wide Web exploded in the 90's, this library hosted computers with full internet capabilities, a scarce resource at the time in other public establishments. I surfed the internet for the VERY FIRST TIME here. If I remember right, you can use your library card from the Glendale Public Library to check out books, CDs, DVDs, etc. I usually don't check out anything when I'm there because it used to be a bit of a drive away from my old home and I no longer live in the 818. I just enjoy browsing and listening to their vast and eclectic collection of CDs and albums (they have everything from classical opera to hip hop), checking out the art gallery, and strolling through Brand Park, the grounds that host this magnificent library. By the library there is also a hiking trail, tea garden and doctor's house museum that seem to have odd hours because they are always closed when I go but I have seen a number of brides being photographed in the garden. Definitely will have to check it out the next time I visit. read more

This branch of the Glendale Public Library serves more like a community cultural center. The Library doesn't hold many books. Most patrons were here for the atmosphere of the old Moorish-style mansion while not reading paper books but working on their computers. Renovated in 2014, the interior is in dandy condition. The Art Center is an art gallery with rotating exhibits that was much better than expected. The works were well-staged and lit in the main gallery but not so much in the outer hallways. With other activities in the park where the library resides, the parking lot gets full. read more

Serene!!!! .. Clean and quiet. A very great way to unwind and just enjoy the beauty and nature. read more

Brand Library & Art Center - Libraries Near Me - Glendale, California

Love this place for hiking. Although be careful. We saw a brown bear at the very top of the hill by the antennae. I'm glad I had my whistle but I'll be bringing my mace next time I go hiking. read more

Such a nice library/art gallery. They had really cool art pieces. Also check out their events. We happened to come on a day when they had a piano recital. Perfect way to get away from the daily routine and relax. read more

Brand Library & Art Center - Libraries Near Me - Glendale, California

See all