I rarely come into a library anymore. Ive always had a library card wherever i live but i read all books on a device so not really a reason to come into one. Well, a couple of months ago we were in Los Angeles and needed to print a couple of documents and had over an hour before we had to be at our appointment. We could have searched for a fed ex business or something but when I pulled up maps, I saw we were near this library branch cap we decided to stop. I'm so glad we did! There is street parking right in front of the building as well as a small parking lot which was so convenient. After driving a good while we had to use the bathrooms as soon as we entered. They are old because this building is very old. But they were clean and we were grateful. We got our printing done - no fee! And then hung out with the free wifi until it was time to go. Libraries have a special place in my heart and this one just confirmed it. There were people from all walks of life doing their business, using the computer, looking for books, etc. Libraries are one of the last places you can just exist without having to buy anything or pay a fee. Even if you don't read or don't go into a library, get a library card to make sure they stay funded and co time to offer their valuable services read more

Came by to return some books and couldn't help but stay a bit longer. This branch is so welcoming and the staff are all so kind and helpful. I loved seeing all the festive decor during this time of year. read more

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Haven't been to this library in years! I was excited to get another library card and came in person to replace my old one that I lost. The reason why I want a library card again is because of their digital services like Libby. I am glad libraries are offering more than just old school books, cds, dvds, magazine and audiotapes and was able to transition and expand on this digital age. read more

Chinatown Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Came here to get some work done. Wanted to do some reading and research as work requires us to do. It's quiet and the internet speed is slow. Parking is limited. read more

Came here to get some work done after lunch! It's pretty convenient as it's just walking distance away from all the businesses. When I came in though, there was some commotion from a person and the guard at the door which led to LAPD intervening. The internet speed was pretty good. The only thing I would like would be for some study rooms but otherwise a good place to get some work done. read more

Can't believe I've never been inside this library before! It's small and seems to be mostly children and teen books, which is great because I'd guess it's a great space for kids to go after school. What was even cooler was that there's a section for Chinese Heritage books and a whole section for books in Chinese! I love that it's really tailored to the neighbourhood instead of just having the same books as every other library. We came here for a free pickling class hosted by the library and I think the library hosts other free classes, so be sure to check out their site and/or ask the librarians. The class was very fun and informative. I'm glad we got to take it to learn about pickling and finally visit this awesome library! read more

This library is conveniently located near the court house so I took the 15 minute walk to print out time sensitive paperwork that needed to be dropped off to the courthouse TODAY. ITS 3PM & I'm told I can only print 10 pages. Yes, I know... for free however I came with the intent of paying for the extra papers. They told me they don't accept money at this location but also can not accommodate any thing more than 10 pages. The courthouse closes at 4:30 and I won't make it back after walking to my car, finding sorcerer else to print then coming back to park only to hope that they may still be open. This is ridiculous!!! 0/10 would not recommend. Super uncomplaining, professionalism is lack luster. I'm so annoyed at this experience not to mention the time I wasted walking in this ridiculous heat only to not be serviced. read more

I really enjoy going to the library! I have fond memories of my mom taking me and my 3 sisters to the State Library in Honolulu on the weekends... As a matter of fact, I enjoy the library so much that one of my jobs in college was at a library... it was one of the best jobs ever... So, when Alana suggested that we visit a library in Los Angeles, I was "all in"! In preparation for our tour of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (in Simi Valley), Alana and I want a Los Angeles library card. Why? Because... instead of paying $29 for admission, we will be able to go in for FREE! (We had seen this offer online and on a poster at the library!) The Los Angeles Chinatown Library has a relatively central location; free parking; convenient restroom; knowledgeable, friendly staff; a clean, well-lit, organized environment; and excellent resources! I especially liked the Children's Corner and the subtle Asian décor! We got our Library card applications at the Front Desk where the Librarian processed our forms and issued our brand new library cards! As we were leaving the library, I saw an advertisement for the Adult Summer Reading Program on the Bulletin Board. We enrolled with the help of some younger volunteers (?) who may have been students. They were really helpful and got more tote bags from the Librarian when they showed us that they only had one bag left... Whew - there were more in the storage area!!! I was so happy to get the LA Public Library tote bag, a reading list, and a book marker! I'll use the tote bag proudly and as much as possible! Looking forward to another visit some day! read more

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I stopped by on a Tuesday evening and it was nice quiet and tranquil. If I had extra free time I would love to just sit back and relax and read a book without any interruptions. I'll back soon for another visit. read more

Chinatown Branch Library - Chinese book section - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I stumbled across this library while wandering around Chinatown. The library seemed really clean and well-maintained. Staff push in chairs and cleaned up trash that got left behind from other patrons. There are desks and tables for people to share as well as computer stations. I love that there are a lot of electrical outlets on the ground so that people can charge their phones and laptops. I came here on a Wednesday around 3pm and it was crowded with people from all different ages and backgrounds. Great to see what kind of resources are offered in communities that I am not a member of. It was so great to see that this library was bilingual and had Chinese characters on their bulletin boards, what looked like Manga, as well as Asian decoration throughout the library. I wish more communities would be this diverse. Overall, nice place to take a little break, write, and use the restroom (key is at circulation desk). read more

Chinatown Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I like the kind and friendly staffs. Clean, books and other items are always stack neatly in place. The staffs are knowledgeable and always helpful. Several staff members are comp geniuses, can help you fix some problems. Can study Chinese cultures, ask staff members Voice of the City of Los Angeles, saw some info pamphlets from the City on shelf outside. read more

The Chinatown Library seems to be a community hub for this local neighborhood. You find many Chinese seniors, kids who've just gotten out of school, and homeless people looking for a place to chill. One thing I like about this library is that they have a great selection books on Chinese culture and fiction. You can find anything from Chinese cookbooks, martial arts guides, to the latest Amy Tan novel. Another bonus is that they offer free Tai Chi lessons on Thursday afternoons. Free wi-fi is a plus as well. But if you're looking for a quiet place to study, this definitely is NOT the right place. The kids here can get pretty noisy. Also there always seems to be someone chatting away on their cell phone INSIDE the library. There's even a couple of people who watch Youtube videos on their laptops with the sound on full blast. The library staff seem to turn a blind eye to this. Edit 9/10/07 Watch out for the crazy bums sitting by themselves in the corners. One of them started cussing me out today as I was minding my own business and looking for a book! read more

Chinatown Branch Library - Chinatown Library - LAPL - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great classes on Tuesdays for learning Mandarin year around. Best selection of Chinese books. Love their Chinese books on CD and learning Chinese materials. If you reserve a book from any LA city library u get a fine if u don't pick it up . Parking is limited so you may want to give yourself some time to wait if needed. They have a program for kids. If a kid reads with library volunteer they get a free nice new book after reading with them after a few visits. There are also computers available. No need to sign up. Just walk up and type in library card number and pass. Only computers with blue sign on top have internet. read more

Chinatown Branch Library - Chinatown library has Mandarin classes on Tuesdays. Great place to learn Mandarin and get Chinese materials. - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My first review as Elite. I saw Santa Claus today. I was told I could not eat my Fruit Snack candies. I was called Sir. Kids were being kids. If you cant find parking at the library, be prepared to go around the whole block. The restroom reminded me of the restrooms at the beach. There was shit on one of the toilet handles. Skip flushing. A crazy lady called another crazy lady a lobster. A crazy lady was breaking one of the computers because she could not see the screen or did not know how to work the computer. An employee at the library, cell phone went off. Cell phones kept going off. What happen to Silence is Golden? A lady brought her baby to the library and the baby was crying as it was laying on the table. The lady sitting at that table must have wanted to kill the lady as she was trying to read. The Chinatown Library was way better before it moved. I wanted to kill everyone and everything that was making noise as I sat at the library trying to study. read more

This is a wonderful library filled with kids and senior citizens. However, the ratings on yelp do not truly reflect this little library's true potential. I gave it 4 Stars because it is a bright, safe, and clean facility. It has the following: Pros: 1. mainly books for children and chinese books 2. a lot of kids with parents. 3. Great staff - they look after the children and report suspcious looking people and also keep the area safe. 4. policemen also visits to kick out suspicious looking people as well. 5. WIFI access 6. in chinatown, lots of places to get snacks and food cons: -noisy sometimes -bad parking (small parking lot), but there is meter parking all around The problem with the library is that it is located not in a great place therefore you may see a lot of ghetto people and homeless people that enter the library and brings it down. Just like you can have a 5 star restaurant, homeless people can still come into it and ruin the experience for others. I give those homeless people 1 star, but this library deserves at least a 4 star. So, don't let that discourage your visits here. Fortunately, the majority of visitors are responsible adults and kids. It can get a little noisy due to kids, cell phones, and chattering. So if you need a quiet place to study, this is not a place for you. If you can endure it, it's a safe place. *if you do visit, please report suspicious people in the library to keep them out and discourage them from coming back, help keep undesirable people out and from ruining a public good* read more

Today I went in to the library to use one of the 15 minute PC's just cuz I needed to print out a free guest pass for the gym. Sitting directly at the pc to my right was a man with a goofy smile on his face who kept snickering to himself. I wasn't trying to make eye contact with him or anything but when I reached down into my backpack to get a pen I looked down and saw that HE HAD HIS HAND ALL THE WAY INSIDE HIS PANTS IN HIS CROTCHAL REGION AND HIS HAND WAS MOVING AROUND. I think he must've noticed that I probably noticed because he then removed it thusly and continued with his eyes glued to the computer screen snickering softly to himself. I played it cool, trying not to projectile vomit, and after my 15 minutes were up I calmly went to the checkout line and let the library personnel at the counter know what was going on. For the love of god, there were tons of children around. Get that guy out of there. DO IT FOR THE CHILDREN! THE CHILDREN!!! Anyway, the guy was probably homeless and I felt a little bad reporting his crazy ass but I thought it my civic duty. I checked out my DVD's and before they brought down the full library security heat I got the FUCK out of there. I posted a Facebook status about the incident and my friend replied: "Did you get his number?" Hahahah read more

I am currently preparing for my RN license, parking/ study space at other libraries or campuses sucks. Even though their lot is small there is a lot of metered parking, by far this LAPL is my fave I prefer coming here over arroyo seco & definitely Lincoln Hts even though I live closer to those two. I like how bright it is, tables are spacious to share and staff is friendly. I also like how LAPD comes and circles around the library making sure everything is fine, they should have it all libraries. read more

Chinatown library is usually my destination when my mom does her grocery shopping. Parking can be a bit of a hassle since you're fighting against other mothers who [illegally] park their cars to go shopping too. Access to the internet can also be a hassle too since this library serves all the kids and "bums" in Chinatown. This place sure gets busy so don't expect it to be quiet place to read or study. Though I don't usually look for books here, their reservation system is really efficient and they also have a new book section so you can get your hands on some new and best-selling books. They often have used book sales and they have free books outside too. read more

Solid public library in Chinatown. I usually reserve online and pickup in person. The parking lot is always easy to find parking in and on rare occasion it's full there is plenty of metered parking around. The staff is really nice and helpful and the reserve and pickup is flawless! read more

considering the tiny lot the chinatown branch of the los angeles public library is jammed into, the building is well-designed. the parking lot, however, has a sum total of maybe 22 spaces, so expect to park on the street. excellent summer arts program for kids, run by lacma. the day i stopped in, they had just finished a 'warhol-inspired' linoleum cutting/printing lesson, to rave reviews. relaxing bamboo forest-lette outside the children's area of the library, silhouetted against the large windows. also, beautiful origami fans decorate the storytime area. largely populated by locals, the library is a mob scene starting at, say, 3:00 pm when school lets out. good dvd section, and i saw a great quantity of manga, anime, and other books, dvds. there is usually a little exhibition of things that were excavated on the site and around chinatown over the last couple decades: bottles, spoons, etc. that was very fascinating. it is not up at the moment to accommodate summer programs advertising. over all, a nice intimate library. read more

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I work right in front of the Central Library in Downtown but they didn't have my book club pick available so I used my lunch break to make my way to the Chinatown Branch location. I'm happy I did! The staff here is great, they are truly helpful. The librarian helped me find the book I needed immediately and I was in and out in about 5 minutes! read more

The novels selection has gotten so much smaller... And it's now in a very secluded area. It makes me so sad. I grew up going to the Chinatown Library. As the years pass, I can't help but feel more and more disappointed with the way things are in this place. Now, I've been angered by the outrageous charges for every little thing. Not only are they outrageous, they're constantly increasing. Okay, I can deal with that. I'll just be more careful with holding, borrowing and returning books. The library is running on low budget. I can understand that. A little understaffed. That's fine, I can understand that too, with the budget and all. (The Los Angeles District, if you haven't already heard, isn't exactly rich.) Later opening and earlier closing times? Also understandable. Especially these days when so many kids have internet at home and don't need the library to do school projects or have the half hour session of internet game fun (remember games like Bomberman and Pang?). Anyway. 2 stars. Heads up: - Noisy. Library and noisy usually don't go together. At the Chinatown Library, they do. - The used-to-be YA novels section has become an entire Manga section. I don't mean to hate on Manga or anything, but COME ON. Encourage reading TEXT. I came back to the library one day to look for some novels, and I felt like crying when I came upon the Manga section. Did they take away all of the novels?! After looking through several aisles in the library, I almost lost hope. I asked a librarian, and she paved the way to a section where the books can hardly be seen. SO disappointing. On the bright side, I suppose they're going along with the teen trend.... - I haven't actually used the restroom in this library for years because I am aware of how dirty it is. It definitely ought to be cleaned more often. - Some of the librarians can be quite cranky. - Because of its location, the library does attract some homeless that loiter in or outside of the library, sometimes shouting out of nowhere or asking for money. - The parking lot isn't too big, but finding parking isn't very difficult. - I believe they still have various activities at the library for kids and teens, which is good. - Wide selection on DVDs nowadays, too. Pretty good finds. - The children's section is still really cute, and they have elders who come and read with the kids. I appreciate that. Always have. Anyway, go ahead and check out this library anyway. Books are books! :) read more

Substandard library branch. 1. Loud 2. Spacious, and therefore nowhere to escape noise. 3. Disgusting bathroom (although not the library's fault) 4. Slow internet (although manageable) Really, it's just a loud library. read more

It has limited amount of books, so it's hard to find something you might like in there. They do help you place an order on a novel you might want, but what library doesn't? It's not as big as other buildings, so that could be a reason why they don't have as much sections to choose from. It's pretty cramp (good luck finding a seat) in there and they don't have a very good AC system, if they have one at all. You may spy an occasional homeless person inside or outside. The librarians are alright. Some of them can be nice. I like how the library cards are free of charge though. They also have a big Chinese section, so yay for them. read more

GREAT STAFF!!! True, it can be noisy sometimes. I believe that they should control that better, but on the other hand, the people you meet are amazing. They treat people with 5 stars and such politeness. It's amazing. That's all I have to say read more

I've visited the central library in dtla, library in little tokyo and this chinatown library. I feel this library is the cleanest and most bright of all of them. There are a decent amount of tables for this small library along with wifi and outlets. I visited in the afternoon and there are alot of students apparently use this place. Since this is downtown, there are homeless people around but they seem less mentally ill than the ones in the other 2 library. Decent selection of chinese and vietnamese along with english material. I plan to come here more often and also try out some of the cheap eats around the neighborhood! read more

The library is small, so it would be difficult to cut out the noise from children and the activity at service desks. And libraries like this one will do anything to get people to bring their children to them. But they really need a phone policy. Phone rings are constant, people don't even hesitate to answer their phone and engage in long conversations. I watched two women put the phone on speaker so they could have a conference call. I watched a guy put down his phone in the middle of a conversation to loudly beckon someone across the room. I come to the library to get away from this, they should have a policy and enforce it. Really, allowing people to have their phone on speaker? The library does have a small parking lot, but there is metered street parking as well as a generous number of bus lines. The bathroom is often heavily used by the local indigent population, but even if it is not a great public restroom I would still give an OK rating. It is usable, if not always completely clean. Just get rid of all the stupid phones. read more

One of the best public libraries in the LA area! I often come here to spend my time! Check out the Chinese books, shojo manga, DVDs and more!Super friendly staff! read more

Clean spacious and quite in the heart of china town only problem is not enough parkng space

Today I was at this library to do some studying get there full parking lot go inside few people mostly homeless couldn't help but notice people who shop around the area park there brought it to the staffs attention and person in charge didn't do anything about i just had to find parking in the street ...not very proffesional..So if your doing some shopping and your in the Chinatown area FREE PARKING at the library!Lol. read more