Staff is really great and helpful! The reason for the three stars is because the staff does not monitor the noise level. Also this library needs more love! We all need to do our part and reach out to our representatives and tell them they need to renovate the library. It's very outdated and it seems that people actually still go to the library. In other words, I appreciate that the outside parking lot has really good lighting. When I was growing up the lighting was horribly dark and now they changed it. That's awesome! The little coffee shop is a good addition to the library as well! Nice service there too! read more

"Wouldn't it be cool if like a video rental store there was a place where you can rent books?" I actually heard someone ask that... Unfortunately that stupid question is the result of living in the information age. I'm guilty myself. Until yesterday, I had not stepped foot in any local library since the mid 90's. I was dumbfounded but glad I came back to this wonderful place. While most of us enjoy sitting at home on our laptops and trendy tablets surfing the web, we really are selling ourselves short. Only because we have access to the internet doesn't mean we're getting the whole picture. What the internet lacks is substance, which is something our libraries really provide. Beautiful books with in depth looks at various subjects really give you more of an answer and information than anything you can find on Google, Wikipedia or Yahoo Answers. I'm just beginning to explore what Downey Library has to offer but my first visit was a good one. I got my Library card and got lost in a book for few hours. I highly recommend it, you might even walk out of there singing "Butterflies in the sky, I can go twice as high!"... now that song is playing in your head! read more

I've been going to this library as a kid, and even after moving out and living in different places; I have to say that the Downey Library is by far my most favorite. Large selection of books; dedicated children's wing with also a very large selection, many wonderful programs and computer classes (most of them for FREE) offered at the library, super friendly and knowledgeable staff who are willing to help you (They'll do more than just point you in the right direction - they'll walk with you to the shelf and pull out the book for you!) They've recently got up to date with their internet access and free Wi-Fi too - they're super friendly with smartphone/tablet/phone usage too (as long as you remember to keep it on silent) I go here when I need to read, study, and/or destress. Sure; Starbucks may offer free Wi-Fi and tasty drinks - but the Downey Library is more resourceful; and more peaceful. While the library has changed with the age of technology, the core is the same that I remember as a child - a large and resourceful library that makes reading/learning easy, resourceful, and fun. And to anyone who may doubt this library - go to a Los Angeles County Library. Your opinion of the quality of this library will change drastically (most of the LA County libraries reek of homeless people - at least this one smells like BOOKS.) read more

Tip #1: All of their inventory is online. Get your Library card and request up to 5 books for them to place on hold for you. It's the best way to make the trip to the library worth it. Tip #2: Take a few dollars and visit the small "store" inside. There's greeting cards and magazines and BOOKS for a fraction of the price. Tip #3: The movie theater is only a block away. I used to tell my mom I was studying with some friends. We would but then ditch the library and head over to 3rd street cafe for some grub or the theater for some movie fun! Those were the high school days. :D read more

Our city library is small and old and outdated, but I am happy just to have one! I enjoy bringing my children here to check out books and I am pleased they offer a summer reading program. I hope it improves from last years, but we will take what we can get for free, offered through the city! The library also offers computer/internet access, printing, copying, special activities & events for kids, story time and much, much more. I will update with pictures and more specific information this week as we are due for a visit in the next few days. read more

I would have given this place a 4 star if it weren't for 2 things: 1) lack of group study rooms: there is only a study room for individual studying, the desks in there are sort of a cubicle so you can't have 2 person sharing a desk, no space for that. 2) Closing off the kids' section: I was gonna sit down and wait for my tutor cause this section was literally emptied and dead quiet....... but was promptly asked by the librarian to leave the area. She said that they "prefer" the kids section ONLY have kids, unless you're an adult accompanying your kid. I asked them "what gives?" and they told me ....."safety" reason. Safety reasons...?!..... ummm.... the ENTIRE kids section was DEAD empty...... AND the librarian service desk was dead center in the kids section. There are no shelves that's high, so they have a full view of the entire section, how much more dangerous can it get?! .... Kids are no more in danger here, with adults studying around the tables than having them roam wild at Walmart ! Now.....if this place has a past history of adults kidnapping children or molesting them..... THAT I can understand. Or if Downy is like a real ghetto area with high crime rates. But from what I can see, neither seems to be the case. If this policy is a mere "preference" ....they shouldn't shoo me as soon as I sat down on a desk!! (or at least, i'd be more understanding if there were actually kids present in the area, but there was NO ONE but the librarians!!). I didn't want to make a scene or cause a fuss, so I just left that section. Believe or not, I actually DON"T like kids, cause they're freakin noisy for the most part. The only reason I'm complaining of this policy is b/c at that particular time, the kids area was more quiet than the adult section of the library. I'm very tempted to give this place 2 stars....but their facility IS better than Compton and Lynwood Library. Bathroom isn't filthy. Librarians seems to be polite and trained. Parking was not bad. Surrounding environment is not ghetto. Lastly, longer/better library hours as well. Not a bad place if you need a place to study or use computer or check out books. If you're looking for a place with group study rooms, this place is no bueno! read more

For all the money the city puts into the streets, it is more than evident that no money has been put towards renovating the library. The library has looked exactly the same for the past 20 years. It smells like toxic dust is rising from the carpet. The restrooms are natrocious. And It is always so loud! There is a small "quiet" room for people who actually want to study. However, it is far from sound proof. You can still hear everything outside and heavy doors constantly banging through the walls. No "real" wifi either. read more

The only reason I gave it four stars is because, and this is a first time ever for me, the librarians are louder than the patrons! LOL. Other than that the place is great. They have WiFi, assistance for people with disabilties, and other great library services for families. Not too mention that if you want to beat the summer heat this is the place to hang out and find some peace and quiet; well sort of, LOL. Great place to do studies and homework. read more

You walk in and get to go right to the kid section, left to the teenagers/adults or straight to the computer room. Every time I have needed a computer to access internet, the most I have waited was 5-10 minutes...but I never noticed because you can sit at the neighboring desk and read while its your turn. Plus its free wi-fi ...c'mon...bring your own laptop and you never have to wait. The book selection can use some improvements but that's a funding issue and I'm not going to complain about that...what I do want to say is if you need a book and its not there, you can request it and they will order it for you. Now that's nice. Plus if you want a book that's checked out, you can specify to be notified via email when the book is checked back in...convenient I say! I often go there to pick up the kids from school, and arrive early to read a magazine or check out a book. Its nice. little kids have their own bathroom separate from the adults...good attention to detail on that one. Staff is friendly. So i'm sold! Good library to have in the city. read more

I love this library. It's old-fashioned, has wooden chairs and smells like books, just the way I like it (: The location is great because it's on the same big street as Porto's and a lot of other stores in downtown Downey. They also have a great system set up online so you can borrow digital copies! Ask at the front desk if you want to find out more Library membership is free and the workers here are so nice too! The only bad thing is that wifi is limited to 2 hours, but they have current books and you can even borrow CDs for free! Some are dated but some are not too old. read more

I like this library. They have a good selection of books, the staff are friendly and courteous; especially the librarians. Also there is free wireless internet access! There is certainly a community feel to this library. The library has also recently introduced an e-book lending program. Their e-book program is right now has only fiction selections but hopefully they will be expanding that. Hey that beats the county libraries! The few drawbacks are that I personally think they need to update the look and feel of the library, I mean its a standard look and decor as far a libraries good but the walls are plain white and the library is a bit boring looking. Thats especially compared other Libraries like Cerritos Library and the Central Library in downtown LA. Downey is a well off city so I think they should invest a little bit more to update the place. Thats why I took away one star. read more

A little older and not too big, but they.have summer reading programs, and different activities, just need.to keep checking back to find out what and when. read more

I think this is only one floor. I used to hide out here when I got bored at Science Olympiad. It looks like a school library inside because it has low shelving. The staff is friendly and don't interrupt your area to shelve books when you're studying. There's a wide range of organized books. read more

Okay, for some reason the WIFI decided that it wanted nothing to do with my phone or my computer. I think the staff may have switched routers or changed the password. Hm. read more

It's actually a really good library when you look at what's available to you and the services that they provide. The down side is the dang noise! Literally so hard to get anything done! I've gone three times and it's like you're in the middle of a loud mall. It's crazy how loud it is here. read more

UPDATE: They just called to tell me they got the other girls story and ended up kicking him out... so they get 2 stars... but not all stars because I shouldn't have felt like I had to leave. And I only left because I was told he was just getting the warning. ----------ORIGINAL POST----------- Their rules need to change on when they kick people out. I am sitting here in a cubicle at the Downey Library. And this girl sat at the one in front of me. There are power strips on the corners. This man walked by and was looking at what I was doing, very intrusive. Then went to the girl in front of me and did the same. He then begins to tell her, "You're not allowed to sit here. You're not using the power strip are you." And she said, "No I am not." Then he just keeps saying she's not allowed to sit there. So I said, excuse me. She can sit there if she wants. And he said no there's a sign and reads it. (I guess on her cubicle is has a sign). So i shook my head. She said, "You could have just asked if you could sit here." She then packs her stuff. He then sits down and says, "Things are going to change. White people aren't going to deal with that anymore." So I got pissed. I reported him so they can kick him out. They gave him a warning. I don't care what the policy is. He should have been asked to leave. Harassing someone for a spot and making that comment. That's 2 strikes to me. People go there for a quiet environment, studying, read to their kids, etc.. read more

I had a four dollar magazine that I took back but they say I never took it back and are charging me nine dollars is this a scam ??? anyone else this happen to ? read more

Shall I compare the Downey City Library to a summer's day? It is, in my humble opinion, the best library north of the 105 freeway. More spacious than the Santa Fe Springs and far more extensive in its literary collections and media resources than the Paramount and Pico Rivera Public Libraries combined. The Young Adult section just keeps getting bigger and bigger. It is cool in the summer, warm in the winter and ever tranquil and quiet for those study cram sessions. Many a writer's block spells have been broken for me here .I've seldom asked for assistance in locating materials but the staff and librarians have a "Helpful Honda" air to them. As mentioned in a previous post, their library catalog is available online and with your account you can renew and request books as well as use the library's databases all online. Another big plus, LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! The library is within walking distance of several food spots, the movie theater, post office, the Stonewood Mall, and even some bars. Also the Downey Link bus depot is close by for you public transportation peeps. I've traveled further, waited in lines and paid admission for places that are far less amazing than this little piece of Eden. read more

This Library is very resourcesful, but they do not forget anything... Last time I was here, I discovered that I owed them 20 bucks, for books I dont even remember checking out 3 years ago.. Other than that the librarians are real sweet and friendly. America better start taking advantage of this wonderful free resource! read more

This library's silent room has a rule against headphones. Since the cheesy printed sign was obviously a relic from the Windows 93 era, I figured the rule was archaic enough for any reasonable person to know that headphones are often used to PREVENT others from hearing unwanted noise. Instead, I was kicked out of the room for silently listening to a lecture on headphones when there was nowhere else to sit. Also, cell phones and laptops are prohibited in this room, so don't come here unless you are stuck in the past (like this library's administration seems to be). It's unfortunate that a library is this out of touch with the present; so much for teaching the future of America. read more

I haven't been here in years. Im glad they finally got WiFi.

I have been coming to this library since I was a child. It is the perfect size, not too big, or small and they seem to have everything I need. From a quiet room to study to lots of seating and a computer room, this library is very inviting. They even have the children section separate, on the other side of the library so that it doesn't get too noisy when there are children events or families visiting. I have always had the best customer service and friendly helpful librarians to provide assistance. Their computer system is very user friendly and everything is easy to find. My favorite aspect of the library are their suggestion sheets. You can look up the type of books that you like and they have sheets of the best books to read for that genre. I have found several great finds there! I will continue to be coming here for years to come! read more

I visited to give an author presentation for my latest novel, "Rally of a Purple Heart", and the ladies of the Friends of the Downey City Library were so kind and accommodating in making the event a success. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a beautiful full-color poster advertising the event. In the weeks preceding, the bookstore had given out fliers for the event. They also put an article in the local newspaper. These ladies know their audience, and know that traditional methods of marketing work over online advertising in this situation. I had a nicely-filled room, and refreshments were provided to those in attendance. The space I presented in had good audio, decent lighting, and a comfortable temperature. All-in-all, I felt so honored to be given the opportunity to present here and share my work. Wish I lived closer so I could enjoy this well-managed library more often. read more

When I first moved to Cali, this was the spot. I had found my quiet place with walls of knowledge. They have wifi for the haves, and a bigger computer area for the have-nots. Besides, how many libraries offer food service ?I know right! Great environment, clean location. I love it! read more

Love this library have been coming here for years. I recently came to take a final and I noticed they have a time limit now for wifi? I was shocked. Needless to say I left because I didn't want to rush the final . It was a 2 hour limit on the wifi. Everything else though is great. .. just wifi limit :/ read more

Cute! Free wifi!! (2 hour free limit) also, a cool place to chill when it's hot out ;) fun kids reading area.

You need a library card to use the WIFI. the parking is decent but I can see if it gets busy then it would be a problem. Overall, the library is okay. read more

Just a couple minutes from home, Brandon takes our daughter here often. The children's section is HUGE, well organized and diverse, and they have a lot of board books for younger toddlers as well. My daughter loves this place. Its pretty alright for dinky old downey. :p read more

Really like this library. It's huge, it's quiet as it should be, and the employees are helpful.

Love, love, love this library have literally been coming to this library for 35 years and now I take my two boys, even when I lived in south central for nearly 10 years i would take the long drive down Firestone to go to the library. Have bought a house in bellflower and have yet to make it to the bellflower library because I love my downey. As a teacher I'm constantly checking out books to supplement in my classroom. Love the nice old ladies who sell things in the little room, love the books on cd selection, have enjoyed watching the librarian grow up there right along with me, she has been there forever, super nice. Thank you downey library for all the knowledge and the adventures you have taken me on! read more

I used to come here to use the computers alot. Most of the time its quiet and a nice place to relax. Sometimes theres some really loud people using the computers and parents let there kids run around..Try to sit near the end of the computers if you use them and bring headphones. read more

Well organized library, gift center, free wi-Fi w/ password that is given in the front desk, nice big parking lot & friendly staff!

I really enjoyed the layout of this library. It was a little confusing going into, today was my first time going and its actually bigger than other libraries that I have been to. Its quiet, clean, diverse selection of books... I'm really excited to keep coming here because people are so nice and helpful too! Yay! :) read more

The library is decent. Staff is friendly and overall great selection of books, etc. However, do not come here if you're looking for a place to read, study, or work in a quiet environment. The place is filled with high school kids as the high school is across the street. Sounded like a high school classroom with a substitute teacher. They pretty much run the place and staff does not have control over the noise level. If the library staff is reading this, please take control of the situation and address accordingly. read more

I rarely go to the Downey City Library any more and I don't donate books anymore either. The book shelves that used to be devoted to "new" fiction and nonfiction have been greatly reduced in favor of DVDs indicating to me a turning away from emphasis on literacy as we used to understand it. It's become a DVD rental facility. What a laugh: kids today can neither read nor write nor speak in any coherent way and we have our library contributing to that ignorance. I now go to Amazon where I can read reviews and purchase what interests me. It's not the way it should be but this library has totally lost its way. It's pretty much a waste of my time to go there. read more

I've been coming here since I turned 5 years old, and 21 years later as an English teacher this is still the place I come running to for refuge. Great selection of books for children and adults alike. If you have kiddos I highly recommend taking advantage of the free programs they offer. I used to volunteer here as a teenager, and it was a wonderful experience. read more

This library is a joke. It's as quiet as McDonalds since people, mostly the staff, talk as loud as they want and no one knows how to put their phones on vibrate. The staff is friendly, however. You do have sick, homeless people taking up residence during the day. My biggest complaint is the so called wifi. It is down most of the time and they seem to have little interest in fixing it. It's down for days at a time. I thought this would be a cheaper alternative for me to do school research, look for a job and do some quiet reading. No chance. If they don't want to offer wifi then they shouldn't advertise it but don't mislead the public that you are offering something that is almost never available. Back to Starbucks. read more

I was a bit on the fence about visiting the rare book department during my stay in Philadelphia. There is only one tour per day, and I wasn't sure I wanted to plan my day around this tour. I'm so glad I did! The library itself is beautiful . read more