During my visits to Crowell Public Library, I initially observed that the exterior architecture carries a historical charm and is visually appealing. However, beyond the building's design, my experiences within the library have been deeply concerning. Over multiple visits, I have encountered employees whose conduct has been inconsistent with professional standards. Staff behavior has, at times, been selective and antagonistic toward certain patrons, including both adults and children. On several occasions, this conduct has escalated into interactions that were verbally aggressive and physically intrusive in nature. Personally, I, along with my nephews, niece, and other family members, have experienced repeated instances of being singled out, harassed, and subjected to what can reasonably be described as hazing while attempting to use the library and its resources respectfully. These incidents have not been isolated, and I have documented several of them through recordings. The overall environment created by staff has, at times, felt restrictive and punitive rather than welcoming, which is not in alignment with the purpose of a public library. This pattern of behavior is unacceptable. Library staff and management are responsible for ensuring that all employees consistently uphold professional ethics, integrity, and appropriate standards of conduct--without exception or selective enforcement. I expect immediate review and corrective action to address these concerns and to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all patrons. read more

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This library has been my go to for 2 years. Compared to many other libraries this place is optimal for seating & space. The library has outdoor seating , indoor study area with large tables, main seating tables by the bookcases , & ledge seating by the windows. Most tables are equipped with charger outlets. The library is well managed with staff who are doing headcount & open to questions or concerns. I haven't tried their actual checkout process for books as I only come to study. Parking can be tricky at times since the library is next to an elementary school. The golden hour is coming before 2pm or after 8am to avoid the car lines of parents or difficulty with parking. I personally enjoy the artwork that is displayed in the hallway which changes every so often as it's made by the community. Overall, a nice spot to study as you have different seating options & quiet environment. read more

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I visit this library once a week to check out my books . They have a wide varieties of books , novels available . The facility is so beautiful and quiet . I liked the librarian Shawnee ~~who always volunteered to help me out whenever I needed to find something or checking out my books. She taught me how to use their self checked out system twice and I truly appreciated her so so much :) I started to utilize their self check out system and it is very efficient and simple . Everyone should visit this library because it is so quiet and chill always ! Love this place & Shawnee is such an outstanding librarian for this library ! 5 stars !!! read more

Crowell Public Library - Nice outdoor patio - Libraries Near Me - San Marino, California

During heat waves like this week the library turned into cooling center had a room so the elderly and frail can go their about 2 days ago they had it open late so our elderly don't die from heat wave I think yesterday it was in the 90s and the other day it was like 100 so thank you crowell library keep in mind it's still technically winter and March so global warming maybe but this library is a life saver read more

Great selection on books, one of the few libraries in the area that is open on Sunday! They also have a large section for children books, along with events for kids like Storytime! Some of the events, may require registration. The place has a small parking lot, but its shares the area with the middle school. read more

This library is a bit disappointing for San Marino. There is not much seating and it feels a bit archaic. I came by to study one day to change up my study environment and there was minimal seating. I think nearby libraries like Monterey Park and Alhambra offer a more positive experience because it feels more welcoming. read more

I got an amazing deal from the books sale, I got nine cooking books for only two dollars, people here super nice and friendly, super blessed to be here ! read more

Crowell Public Library - Super clean library - Libraries Near Me - San Marino, California

This is a pretty known library for the area, the librarians are friendly and the self-check out machine is flawless! I do feel however that the sign up process could be better thought out.. For example the person helping me set up my account failed to tell me what my PIN number was, so when I was asked to input my PIN number for the self check out machine I had to go back to ask him, I also wish we were allowed to sign our library cards ourselves as opposed to them doing it for us. The last gripe I have is that they fail to mention that they have late fees for every item that's overdue per day-which is something that all other libraries have gotten rid of. Their selection is fairly good, though my personal favorite was the bookstore! read more

Staff allows predatory behavior even such behavior is reported by parents present. If you go, it's best to do so in the after school hours which is the only time they have someone periodically checking on kids section read more

Keep visiting. They have the best events here. We absolutely love this library and you will too. The bookmark competition is always the best. I totally should have won one year read more

I love there. It's really quiet and a good services and comfortable chairs and the table tables!

High service efficiency. The environment is beautiful, and the library has a rich collection. It is equipped with a Chinese-sere area, which is very friendly to Chinese people. read more

I love their passport processing service here. Quick and short lines. I have not tried their regular library services but I would assume that it is just like any other public library. Quiet, clean, and organized. read more

Honestly I was a little surprised when I came by today with my daughter. I do think it's a nice library and it is very spacious but I was pretty disappointed with the kids area. The children's area is really lacking for toddlers books especially when compared to other local libraries. There wasn't much of a selection for my 2 year old, the other libraries I've taken her to have a lot of board books for the younger kids. I was told they do story time certain days for younger kids but based off everything I probably wouldn't return till she's older. read more

Compared with the libraries around this area, this is the worst. They charge you 25 cents per book per day if it's overdue, which literally none of the other libraries do. It really discourages people from wanting to check out books here because then you're under pressure to return them timely or be charged. The worst part is when you sign up for a library card, they don't tell you about this charge. The lady at the front desk is consistently rude and unhelpful. Who is managing this place? How do you have a rude person working at the front desk; it's a freaking library, people who work at libraries typically seem kind and nice and helpful. read more

If I could put 0 stars I would. I come here everyday with my two kids. During these times, I see countless innocent kids being yelled at and harassed by monitors. These monitors are literally harassing MINORS are no exact reason. They say its because they are too loud but as a parent I never hear them. Also, on a side note, most of the time is colored children. Asians children mostly are the target of those monsters or so called monitors. Informing and harassing ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. FIRE THESE MONITORS read more

This is unacceptable. I got kicked out for having dysentery? The librarian got angry toward me for farting a little. I felt really sad. I tried showing her my Japanese language skills but she was not happy and decided to kick me out. Never coming ever again! read more

Very nice and peaceful library. We came here for a passport appointment and they called 2 days before to remind us of our appointment. They were very professional and even recommended us to retake our daughter's passport photo when it didn't completely match the photo standard. The passport photos were 2 for $15. The whole process was pretty quick. I would recommend filling out the forms before coming in to save time, and also have checks ready. The children's section has many comfy sofas to sit on and read, and they have many activities for teens too. The environment is very family friendly, and I would love to come here to just read and relax. We came on a rainy day, and it was a pretty cozy place to hang out. Our kids even got an origami activity kit to complete while we were waiting. There is a huge selection of books to choose from and multiple computer stations to use. Would come here again whenever we are in the area! read more

I LOVE going to the Crowell Library to borrow books and it's such a great way to save money on books that you've been looking forward to reading. The process for checking out and returning books is pretty efficient and seamless as well. You reserve the books you want on their online website (make sure you have an account/library card filled out first) and wait for confirmation either via email or phone that it's ready for pick up. You can also place a hold on any books that are being borrowed out by others so that you are the next in line for that book. The library is only doing curbside pick-up right now due to Covid so all you have to do is call them during pick-up hours when you are at the library - make sure you are in the parking lot near the tennis court! There's also a drop-off box for returning books in that parking lot so it just makes for a pretty easy and contactless process. This library is great and I find that they have all the books that I've been wanting to read. Prior to covid, I would go and study and there's a lot of space and desk for everyone. Definitely can't wait to go back once it's safer but as for now, I am just happy that they've made it so easy to borrow books! read more

Wow, this is one of the best libraries I had been to. They are right across the street from the High school. Long long time ago, I'd some here to check out books. They are relatively small. But not too small. Yeah, place has very little books and videos. But I was still impressed with this place. read more

Lovely spacious library, Super well staffed, delightful shady outdoor patio area too. Lots of books for sale cheap too! read more

Despite the fact that I'm not a fan of being around fancy people, the fact that this is a public library cancels out the fanciness, right? I have nothing but raves about this place: - FREE BOOKS to share? ALL libraries are awesome!! - Clean, spacious, plentiful seating to cozily read as well as tables to study/work - Easiest-to-use automated check-out - you barely place a book onto the table and bam!, checked out! - Fun storytimes and occasional activities, I especially appreciated the infant/baby storytimes since a lot of other libraries only offer ones for toddlers and preschoolers - Nice outdoor courtyard with tables and chairs, used book store The reason why I decided to hop onto yelp to yelp about a library is because of their AMAZING passport staff. It's super smooth - appointments only but just call a week ahead and things shoudl be good. Make sure to complete all documents and come with what you need (for a kiddo's rewenal you gotta bring their old passport, birth certificate, your drivers license, and one check per passport renewal). I thought I was being all prepared and got photos taken by a spot in Pasadena however he didn't do them right and so I recommend doing the photos directly here ($15 for 2 photos - a great deal). Staff is super patient and friendly and I so appreciated them carefully double-checking everything. There is a $35 processing fee but completely worth it read more

A super nice, big library with open spaces. There is free parking, and since this library is next to Huntington Middle School, it is super student friendly. There is a section for kids, a manga room, a Chinese section, a DVD section. They have a copy machine as well. They have artwork up some days and a back room with outlets and study rooms. The study rooms need to be reserved with the front desk. Staff are all very friendly and knowledgeable. Bathrooms are clean, and it is generally pretty quiet. read more

I don't know what else to say, it's a really nice library. The neighborhood is nice, so I'm not surprised by how clean and spacious this library is. The staff helped me explore the children's section with my toddler, and we saw many parents and grandparents heading in to story time with their little ones. I didn't get a chance to check out the bookstore, but I did sign up for a library card. You can check out 50 books at once! Amazing! Also, the children's section is very well stocked. They had many books that were unavailable at some other, local public libraries. Another plus- a drive up book drop in the parking lot. read more

Very nice, comfortable college library with lots of electrical outlets for electronics.

Most of my experiences with this library have been with their bookstore, It is awesome. I have been buying books for my friend's baby niece. They have a very large assortment of used books most of which are in great condition. Volunteers are friendly and helpful and the prices are great. Funds from sales are used for library programs. I have bought books there for as little as 25 cents. I don't have much experience with the main part of the library, but they appear to be well stocked. The library has a pleasant atmosphere. I'll be back. read more

No one has mentioned the Friends bookstore just adjacent to the Library entrance. They have lots of as-new books including many children's books, all well-priced. The volunteers are very friendly. They accept donations happily. Just part of a big, beautiful and ethnically diverse library, with many books and DVDs in Chinese including for purchase in the bookstore. read more

I've been putting off replacing my Passport because I didn't want to go to the federal building and a waste my life there! I highly recommend going to this library and getting your passport done here the gentleman that help me, Jeff was extremely nice and efficient this was a easy-peasy transaction! It was a pleasure and it only took 20 minutes there was only one person ahead of me!! You must pay by check or money order and you must be here before 2:30 p.m. I asked Jeff what a busy day looks like, he told me...when there's 8 people in line, incredible!!! read more

Getting passport for my child here was super easy with an appointment and they even took his passport photo. Highly recommend this location. read more

I've been fond of libraries since I was five years old. Growing up in Orange County in the 60's I gained a lot of confidence that there were others​ like me, based on the classics I read in the old downtown public library. Crowell is a beautifully designed space. My favorite spot is on the outdoor patio, with Teak tables under umbrella's with good wifi, and outlets for charging. I've always found easy, free, parking. read more

It is commonly known that this library does NOT like kids, especially toddlers or infants that make even the littlest bit of noise. They need to do something about the monitors that hover around and follow families with young kids around, shushing them and harassing them. This happened to me, and the manager did nothing about and said, "That's their job - to monitor." There's a difference between monitoring and harassing. read more

Nice environment, a nice place for kids to read and do homework. There is a little book shoppe in the library, has really nice books!

I don't usually give bad reviews. Usually give positive reviews and its sad I have to write this bad review. Unexpected, bad experience at San Marino public library. Horrible experience. Staff at this library is very unprofessional and rude-makes me NOT want to return to this library. I was very courteous and patient asked for help at the computer area and staff kept on talking to another staff member-ignoring me and other customers waiting...Staff at checkout area & help desk were rude, immature and very unprofessional. Will avoid this library in the future and go to Temple City, Monrovia or elsewhere where there is better service, kindness and better customer care. Tip: Better libraries elsewhere...besides, LA County libraries have 10 free printouts per day anyway...at this library, they overcharge for print-outs and copies. read more

One of the only places where you can apply for a passport without an appointment. M-F 10am-2:30pm you can walk in. I parked, walked in and was out in 10 minutes. Staff was awesome and the building rats beautiful. Come on, it's San Marino. read more

Crowell Public Library - Walk on in! - Libraries Near Me - San Marino, California

It does not get any better for a small city library. The staff is helpful and kind. You can renew or get your passport without a hassle. Excellent selection of books, including new. read more

Like craving food, sometimes I urge to go find literatures in the used book store. You know the literature is literally old book that I don't need to buy new one. And if I buy books, I feel free from returning the book in due dates. After finishing, some books which I don't want to keep in my house are donated to help our communities. Here is the bookstore I frequently go fishing, the Crowell Library bookstore. There's thousands of books including kids, religion, sports, literatures on shelves and open hours are really long, 8 hours on weekdays, compared with other library bookstores like Arcadia, Monrovia. They open it 7days a week. Also the price range is reasonable:$1-3. Even though it's used bookstore, they sometimes discount half price of them. The bookstore is also clean and well organized by the volunteers who retired but have many knowledges and enthusiasm of the books, friendly recommend what I asking. And the library has inside and outside seating. So you could read the book air conditioning inside or natural breezy outside under parasols. Even though this is a used bookstore, I can call it the treasure island. read more

Pointless. They have a sign saying PASSPORT HERE, but actually no. They only do passport if yours is MORE than 5 years expired. If it's recently expired they don't process it! Makes no sense. For the first time in my life I thought a public library would be of use to me (I buy my books), but no. What a waste of time and (tax) money. read more

This newly built library smells brand spanking new inside You can borrow periodicals, audio books, nonfiction, fiction, reference books, DVDs, even movies. They have a section of Chinese literature and children's section The walls are so high and the grounds very well kept, it's not very quiet as you can hear people chatting in the community conference meeting room from the main section of the library. Their conference and garden areas can be rented for private use I came here to use their computers for research, you just need a library card. Lots of desktops and space. I enjoyed perusing the Rotating Art pieces that are on display as part of a contest now The collection at the library is still in the process of being built. So donations of books are welcome. read more

I visited the Crowell Public Library for an event with two other Asian-American mystery novelists--Naomi Hirahara and George Fong--during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I've worked at a couple public libraries in my day, and I can tell you, San Marino's is a nice one. Parking was free and easy, the area surrounding the library pretty and peaceful. The building and landscaping were well maintained, and everything inside felt clean and comfortable. I only walked through the main area to get to the community room, but what I saw of it was very pleasant. Definitely the kind of library you want in your neighborhood, especially if you have kids. The community room was also great, set up as a cozy event space, complete with coffee and cookies. I think Irene is the one who set everything up, and she was a stellar hostess. The event was a lot of fun, and I'm happy there were so many readers in attendance. The library puts on several of these events a year, and I can attest that they're really well planned. It's always nice when libraries serve as community hubs where people can gather and talk about books (in the non-quiet areas). I don't live in or near San Marino, but I'll bet Crowell is a wonderful resource for the people who do. It's a lovely library, and I was thankful for the opportunity to visit and meet some of San Marino's readers. read more

I needed a place to study near San Gabriel and saw all the great reviews for this library so I decided to check it out. PARKING: If you're coming from Huntington, you'll see the library on your righthand side and there are like 10 or so spaces right in front. I made the mistake of just parking in the first available space only to realize later that I'll probably have a really hard time backing out because it backs onto the main street :( oh well. There is a back parking lot, you just have to turn right onto West Dr. and then go around the back. It is kind of small, there are probably only 10 or so spaces so if that's full just find street parking. ATMOSPHERE: The outside looks really nice and they have a nice courtyard area with tables and chairs for people to read or study outside as well. The inside isn't super big but is pretty spacious. There are lots of open and big windows and large tables as well as round tables seating at least 4+. They have individual plugs near each chair embedded into the table, which was really convenient. It wasn't super cold inside either, so I wasn't freezing to death. I came on a Friday afternoon in June and found a table easily. They have free wi-fi that seemed pretty fast and individual computers that I saw people using on the middle area. I'm not sure if you need a special card to get onto the computers but I was able to get in and use the wi-fi without any library card. Overall, clean, bright, cheery and pretty quiet. There are some talking from the librarians or people who come here but I like that it's not dead silent. I couldn't tell if there as an upstairs but from what I could see it seemed like the first floor was the main floor. Overall, a great place to study if you're in the area. read more