I am so confused why staff allows parents to keep screaming and running kids in the library for…read moreextended period of time but if someone they perceive to be poor/low income so much as stands up to loud they will aggressively tell them to be quiet. Also they themselves do not use inside voices. This is a library not a daycare center, those of us without children would love if we weren't subjected to over 30 minutes of the same children scream crying. The parent needs to be told if their child is having a melt down, to take it outside and not to the courtyard that backs up to the study area either--completely outside. Also Elvin thing was never resolved, the fact that the library cat was carelessly kicked out is disturbing.

My neighborhood public library! It's small, but the staff are kind and friendly and there's a…read moredecent selection of fiction and non-fiction books. Only a few computers/seating tables, so might not be the best place to go if you're looking to work from somewhere. The library-vibe is right here and the building itself is beautiful. Love to go on a lunch break and get lost in the books and I tend to find something to check out and take home and read. Definitely recommend stopping in!

the web catalogue went down for a month so they could…read moreupgrade to a system where you cannot sort by title title!!

So so disappointed. I am not a heartless person but it is a sad day when I go inside a beautiful…read morenew library and I cannot sit anywhere because every seat is taken by a homeless person, sleeping or being erratic. It felt so unsafe and being honest, of course there was a smell of number 1 and 2 all throughout. I was not able to sit anywhere. I asked if there was space anywhere and I was treated as if I was asking for people to be executed. How dare you talk about it then in any kind of way. It's a library paid by taxpayers for taxpayers to enjoy, read books, educate themselves. It's not a halfway house for people to crash out at and use as there tent. This is one reason why people have such strong opinions on this issue, us on the "privileged side" are seen as monsters for being frustrated with this. Don't bother coming here, it's not for you u less you are covered in feces, high on fentanyl, or are so liberal it doesn't bother you to share a table with someone who may or may not piss on your feet. Enjoy:

This library is very convenient. Free access to the public. Everything from issuing out a book to…read moreusing their computer for research or checking emails. Staff constantly maintain facility by keeping it clean and sanitized. This library is very organized and kids friendly. Literally, next door to a recreational park with the original library adjacent to it. From time to time, they have events like traditional festivals to the scary fest for kids. Check the website to see the next upcoming events. Parking space is quite big, so therefore, you usually have space to park your vehicle or bike when you visit . This place is unique in their own way, from design and presentation, it's pretty nice. If you're in the area, stop by and say hi. Share your experience. P.s. Don't forget to smile cause you're beautiful. SYOY!

Nice and clean library, but the woman with the blue streaks in her black , half shaved hair is…read moreextremely rude.

I love coming to this library - i would give them 5 stars…read morebecause most people are kind and helpful. The lady at the reference desk was so rude, whoever was there on a thursday at 3pm. I had a very quick question to ask her and that only required a yes/no answer - and she told me to wait - and i just quickly asked it for a yes/no and she rolled her eyes so diligently ... this place, especially the library is suppose to be very friendly and welcoming - but as an employee there to CLEARLY ROLL her eyes.... so sad

We love this library. Super clean. Super friendly. We love the events They have. This is one the…read morebest libraries around. We really enjoy coming here.

Always a good time at bay shore library especially Saturday morning story time at 11am for all ages…read moreand they do songs, chants and stories. Afterwards the children can play with some toys.

Yelp Review - Bay Shore Neighborhood Library…read more Bay Shore Neighborhood Library is a tiny library offering a small collection of books stacked at the edge of Belmont Shore, along East Second Street. My visit here was strange; the activity and atmosphere felt as though I was standing in the middle of a stage with inauthentic actors sharing the space. Upon arrival, the librarians behind the counter were conversing among themselves and did not verbalize a greeting when I entered. I wasn't necessarily bothered by this, as the vibe of the place felt intended to be relaxed. Honestly, when someone loudly declares a "hello" the moment you walk in, it can be overstimulating, so I wasn't entirely put off by the lack of greeting. While I was there, I did find a nice handful of unique and interesting books, particularly in the historical and fantasy genres, that looked like they would be good reads. As for the seating arrangements, they were accommodating and matched the amount of space available within the layout. That said, it was noticeable that the majority of people appeared uncomfortable with how close they were sitting to one another. This is something to keep in mind if you intend to come in for remote work. There is a mini bookshelf area with books for sale located in the foyer right as you enter, facing the water. In the high-chair seating area, the electrical outlets seem to be low in their energetic output. For example, I arrived around 2:00 p.m. with 10% battery and left around 6:00 p.m. with only 35% power. This library feels more suitable for browsing and reading, and less ideal for remote work. The bathroom was grotesque. The floors were dirty, the loo (toilet) was unclean, and the restroom clearly needed a serious deep cleaning. This was surprising, as there didn't seem to be any legitimate reason for the bathroom to be so severely unkempt. Lastly, there was a spectacle involving staff and patrons that included an exchange of words, during which the statement was made--and I quote--"this library is for whites only." I will leave that for you to check against your own sound and ethical moral compass.

This small local branch caters to this Eastside neighborhood. The staff are super friendly and uber…read morehelpful. Small in size but big in that you can order whatever you want and have it transferred here for free. There are computers with the internet for free sessions. Even printers for I think 25 cents a page. I walk here which is a blessing.

Brewitt Neighborhood Library is a small, quaint, and fairly quiet space that offers a calm and…read moresimple atmosphere for patrons. I have not visited this location often, but during the times that I have, my experiences have been straightforward and peaceful. Nothing particularly negative stood out, though there also was not anything exceptionally memorable in terms of service or amenities. One of the first things I noticed and enjoyed was the DIY-style dragon art piece hanging above the bookshelves near the children's section. It adds a fun and creative touch to the environment and gives the space a bit of personality and charm. The book collection itself is unique and interesting. Many of the titles give the impression that they are thoughtfully selected and not necessarily books you would easily find everywhere else, which makes browsing more enjoyable. In terms of seating, there is enough space to accommodate a small group of patrons, particularly if people are comfortable sharing closer proximity with one another. The library also has a standard water fountain available, which is convenient if needed, though the water itself is not particularly enjoyable in taste. Overall, Brewitt Neighborhood Library provides a quiet and comfortable neighborhood atmosphere. While it is modest in size and amenities, I would still recommend giving it a visit, as it is worth checking out for those looking for a simple and peaceful library experience.

I recently visited Los Cerritos Rancho and had such a meaningful experience. From the moment I…read morearrived, I was warmly welcomed by the staff, who took the time to share the rich history of the landmark, including stories about the Bixby family. Walking through the home and gardens truly felt like stepping back in time. There's something incredibly special about being able to see and feel how people lived in the past--it creates a deep sense of connection and nostalgia that's hard to put into words. For me, the visit was also a moment of reflection--appreciating the lives and efforts of those who came before us, and how their contributions shaped the world we live in today. In such a fast-paced, modern era, it felt especially powerful to immerse myself in a place that preserves history so beautifully. I even remembered visiting here as a child, and coming back as an adult gave me a whole new appreciation for it. It's more than just a historical site--it's an experience that invites you to reflect, learn, and reconnect. I highly recommend visiting. It's a beautiful reminder that Long Beach is full of incredible history and hidden gems worth exploring.

Rancho Los Cerritos is a slightly hidden national historic landmark within Long Beach with…read moreGabrielino-Tongva roots. It was once a sheep ranch, cattle ranch, and even serves as an extension of our public library archives for local history. Entrance is free. Parking is free (and close to the entrance). There are volunteer-lead tours as well as printed maps to help you navigate the property. If you're planning to visit I'd set aside a half hour for everything. Bonus tip: they host events.

This is truly a stunning and wonderful main library here in Long Beach…read more The other reviews are NIMBYs who are offended by people just living their lives and trying to make it in the city. I've been to this library multiple times and no one has bothered me. I've never felt unsafe either. Wonderful staff, lots of space, great books to borrow, and plentiful rooms to study/work in. I love this library so much!

Billie Jean Library presents itself as a semi-public, inclusive space intended to provide…read moreaccessibility, community engagement, and a safe environment for patrons of all backgrounds. While there are several aspects of the library that show thoughtful intention and potential, the overall execution remains inconsistent and in need of significant improvement. One of the strongest qualities of the library is its spacious layout. There is generally ample seating throughout the building, along with a reasonable number of outlets available for patrons working on laptops or other devices. If patrons are open to shared tables, seating is usually accessible, and many times individuals are still able to maintain personal space comfortably. The library also consistently offers activities and programming for teens and adults, often including snacks and community-oriented events. While the intention behind these programs appears positive, attendance seems noticeably low. The atmosphere of the library does not consistently feel welcoming or engaging enough to encourage stronger participation from the public. Another positive feature is the rotating local art display area, which highlights artwork from community artists. This is a thoughtful and culturally enriching concept that adds personality to the space. Additionally, the availability of water refill stations throughout the building is convenient and considerate for patrons carrying reusable bottles. Unfortunately, the maintenance of these amenities is where major concerns begin to emerge. The water refill stations appear poorly maintained, with little indication that the filters or surrounding areas are cleaned regularly. The same issue extends throughout much of the facility. The bathrooms, floors, carpets, stairways, tables, seating areas, and common spaces consistently appear unclean and inadequately maintained. Soap is frequently unavailable in the restrooms, which raises basic hygiene concerns. The library provides both upstairs and downstairs access to printing stations, research computers, and basic office-style resources such as pencil sharpeners. The children's section is minimal but visually pleasant and appropriately designed for younger visitors. There are also additional seating options downstairs, including small cushioned seating pods that are visually appealing, though not particularly practical for extended use. One recurring issue is the condition of the staircase leading upstairs, which is often sticky and clearly requires more consistent upkeep and cleaning. This becomes more concerning during closing procedures. The library typically keeps one primary entrance and exit open while designating another set of doors for exit-only use near closing time. During these periods, multiple librarians often gather together near the staircase while sheriff personnel remain positioned at the top of the stairs. The result is an unnecessarily crowded and restrictive flow of foot traffic that creates avoidable safety concerns, particularly given the condition of the stairway itself. Another major issue is the inconsistency in how library staff enforce rules and manage disruptive behavior. Staff appear selective regarding which situations they choose to address and which they ignore. The library regularly experiences excessive noise disturbances from patrons, including prolonged yelling, screaming, disruptive phone conversations, and other inappropriate behavior that often continues without intervention. On one occasion, a patron seated near me spent an extended period loudly yelling into his phone. After tolerating the disturbance for quite some time, I approached a librarian and directly identified the individual causing the disruption. Despite the situation being obvious and ongoing, the librarian responded by approaching me afterward and asking me to identify who the disruptive individual was, even though the patron remained actively yelling nearby. The handling of the situation felt dismissive, unproductive, and avoidant rather than solution-oriented. Overall, Billie Jean Library has the foundational structure and resources to be an excellent community space. However, the facility currently suffers from inconsistent professionalism, poor sanitation standards, inadequate oversight of disruptive behavior, and operational practices that diminish the experience for patrons attempting to use the library respectfully. With stronger maintenance, improved accountability, clearer enforcement of standards, and a more welcoming approach to community engagement, this library could significantly improve its public impact and functionality.

Love this local branch. It is small so have been a big fan of the hold shelf since so many things…read morecome from the main location. Friendly staff who can answer all of your questions. You can sign up for a library card right in the front and the process takes less than five minutes. There are not many tables so I would not stay here for hours, but if you need to stop in then this is the perfect place. Clean, easy to navigate and a perfect addition to the neighbourhood.

Dana Branch Library has a thoughtful and diverse collection of materials, including popular…read moremovie-adaptation novels, autobiographies, and multilingual books that help make the space feel culturally inclusive and accessible to a broader community. One of the most memorable aspects of the library is the artwork displayed on and around the building itself. The art is unique, expressive, and genuinely inspiring to look at, giving the library visual character and creative energy. However, despite these positive qualities, there are several fundamental issues that significantly impact the overall functionality and comfort of the space. The provided seating areas equipped with built-in charging outlets do not appear to function properly, which defeats the purpose of offering workstation-style seating for students, remote workers, and library patrons who rely on device accessibility while using the space. In addition, the absence of a water fountain or bottle refill station is a major oversight for a public library environment where people may spend extended periods of time reading, studying, or working. Most concerning of all is the complete lack of restroom facilities. For a public community space intended to serve a wide range of patrons--including children, elderly individuals, students, and working adults--the absence of bathrooms creates a serious accessibility and practicality issue. Overall, Dana Branch Library has a strong foundation and appealing atmosphere, but the lack of basic functional amenities prevents the space from fully meeting the needs of the public it is intended to serve. With practical improvements and better attention to patron comfort, this library could become a significantly stronger community resource.

I've lived near Long Beach for many years and it never occurred to me to get a library card. I've…read morealways used county libraries and I am now realizing there are so many city libraries too. It was nice and quiet inside. I was able to get my library card in under 5 minutes. You just need your ID and fill out the paper application when you get there. There's lots of programs available but I'm not to familiar with them. I advise you to check out their website. You can borrow up to 50 items at a time. If you live near El Dorado park I recommend stopping by.

Love the monthly suggested books they display and everyone is super helpful. So thankful this is…read moreour main branch.