Catching up on summer reading recently, and what better way than to join the reading program at…read moreyour local library? Each week if you've read your quota of at least 100 minutes, a prize awaits. For adults, the first week was a tote bag, the second being a fan-like cutting board, and the latest one was a mason jar for sipping on a cold beverage. Prizes are till the week of the July 20th and follows this year's theme, "Savor Every Story". Apart from the books and the typical resources you'd find at a library, here they've created a small section near the entrance focused on the community of gardening. Their "Let's Grow Alhambra Seed Library" provides packets of seeds to take and grow within the confines of your premises. Seeds include chamomile, lavender, cucumbers, and broccoli. And if your garden is blessed were an abundant source of fruits and veggies, you can drop them off at the "Produce Exchange Station". Win-win!

Plenty of free resources for the community and public. This library is two stories and it's quite…read morebusy. They have parking below or street parking. The children section is huge, and plenty of tables for studying. They have a large selection of kids books ranging from infants, toddlers, & kids. They always have different fun events each month, check their website or calendar for more information.

It's a SUPER nice library. Probably one of the biggest public ones I've been to that isn't a fancy…read moretourist location (think like Huntington Library) or a college one. Plenty of parking with a parking structure and under the solar panels, and it's a 2 story library too! Very nice and modern facility. Much nicer than the public libraries that I grew up with in my area (not that I have an issue with them, since they did what they needed to do in my childhood - provide lots of books and fun community events). The crazy thing is that it's an independent city library, not affiliated with LA County which is so cool too. I visited to get a library card since it's National Library Card Month and there's lots of neat deals with the city of Monterey Park for the month if you do get one and I haven't had a library card since elementary school. There's a used book store in the library with discounted books and I believe you can donate books there too, lots of variety ranging form fiction, nonfiction, manga, books in other languages, etc. This library has a lot of resources too and comfy chairs to sit in. Resources include: hot spots, Chromebooks to check out, National Park passes, lots of computers to utilize, study rooms, a 3D printer, fix it kits, Alzheimer's/Dementia Kits, there's lots of free programs for kids and teens too, you can volunteer, and there's so much more. I also loved that they had a small room with a historical display of the Cantonese pioneers and their impact on California history. Neat! Signing up for a card was super fast too, took less than 5 minutes and the designs were super cute. I got the one with the cats and other cute critters utilizing the library. The librarian was super friendly, welcoming, and informed me of all the resources and services that the library has. It's super convenient and your check outs can auto renew too for a couple times, you have access to Kanopy library videos, movies, and documentaries, there's appointment based passport renewal and much more. It's just so nice. Support literacy and libraries!

Had to make a stop here since they were giving out cute library cards. I needed it for my library…read morecard collection. The guy who helped us get our library cards was super cool. He talked to us about the craze of getting their library cards and was surprised someone posted it on Instagram, because now they are busy. The library itself was really pretty and clean. Such a great selection of books, and I kinda wish I lived closer so I could check out books. Luckily, they offer Libby, so I am able to check out audiobooks that I have on my TBR list. If I am ever in the area, now I know where I can stop to browse different books and to just study. Great library in a great location.

This is a nice public library in South Pasadena…read more The children's section was huge and there were 2 computers for kids to use with kid-friendly educational games. There was a librarian seated in the section, but she looked busy and didn't seem to want to engage with the kids while we were there. Street parking is available around the library. The library is located in a pretty park like setting. When we visited a few weekends ago, there was a tai chi class finishing up.

Such a poor selection of toddler books. Whoever curated this has no clue what books toddlers like…read moreor need. Also, the majority of them are hardcover with paper so the toddlers rip the pages. They should be board books, not paperbacks. There is always a wait for any book I've ever wanted. I asked if I could donate some toddler books and they said yes. When you donate a book, they sell it to make profit for the library... I told them they actually need some good books not a minimal amount of money that they're gonna get from selling mine. I'd rather them just keep the board books for toddlers, than sell them for a dollar to use that measly profit for something else in the library.

During my visits to Crowell Public Library, I initially observed that the exterior architecture…read morecarries 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.

This library has been my go to for 2 years. Compared to many other libraries this place is optimal…read morefor 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.

How do I compare apples to oranges? The other two libraries that are my favorites are South…read morePasadena and Crowell library in San Marino. Each of those two include outdoor spaces. This library is centrally located for San Gabriel and surrounding areas. Yes, you are welcome if you live south of the tracks and if you are ESL. They say they are a safe place for people seeking safety. The library staff is helpful to place orders for books DVDs and audio books. I think the LA county system even loans things like sewing machines. Using the library website you can draw from the many small county libraries. I have always gotten a parking space and I do use the handicap door opener. When I visit it is invitingly cool and quiet. I haven't checked out the restroom yet.

I stopped by on a Saturday and couldn't find any parking spaces in their lot, so I found a parking…read morespace in the street. This library was packed inside which I was very surprised to see. I am glad locals are using the libraries even when some were using it just to stay cool from the hot weather outside.

I love coming to this library! It's small and the staff here are nice! With LA Public Libraries,…read moreyou're able to print 25 Black and White papers or 12 Colored Papers each day!!! They would have a max of $6.25 for each day to print, $0.25 for B and w $0.50 for colored! Restrooms aren't locked! TIP: Restrooms are right by the entrance! There's outlets on the side of the libraries, mostly in the kids section! They have a small parking lot, but it's free and people usually aren't here for too long!

Review#1066~El Sereno, LAEast, CA~ I have passed by this…read morebranch library several times in 2024 but barely stopped by for a restroom break and a browsing trip. I showed up on a weekend in Jan/2025 during the first half of the month. This library provides lots of informational brochures and magazines for visitors to use. Restroom was kept super clean. I wasn't in the library to borrow a book but restroom stop and just simply being a local tourist before driving home. Library provides a small private parking lot for visitors as well, free of charge. Since this was a smaller library, there weren't that many landmark pictures to take. I was informed from my Autry Museum, LA event that if i apply for a LA County library card, i can get discounted parking most places visiting LA. I will return in the near future for this type of ordeal. I hope it's not too late. This was just a brief visit. Thanks for all the brochures though. i'll have to browse them through to learn more about the City of El Sereno, LAEast, CA.

Date of visit: June 20, 2026…read more Selections: Free book through Summer Reading Program Experience: I was excited to finally visit this library so I can get my registration prize for their Summer Reading Program through the Pasadena Public Library. Parking was easy to find though the lot was pretty small and the library was small too from the outside. When we entered, we were greeted by two staff members at the desk and the guy was kind enough to direct me to where to get my Bingo card and prizes for the Summer Reading Program. They had a table and a cart dedicated to the program and I was able to stamp my completed activities so far on my Bingo card with the stamps provided. We weren't able to explore too much since we had other places to go to, but glad we finally got to drop by and excited to finish my Summer Reading Program with them!

Love this branch! I placed a book on hold to be delivered to this branch and I got an email…read morenotifying me it's ready for pick up. The pickup process is so quick and smooth! The lady helping me is super sweet and nice! There's some parking in the lot but also plenty of street parking nearby. The library is clean and quiet!

Elegance, Beauty & Pure Serenity…read more The Huntington is truly an exquisite experience. The breathtaking gardens, tranquil pathways, cascading waterfalls, beautiful blooms, and lush landscapes create an atmosphere of timeless elegance and serenity. The Tea Room was equally delightful, with beautifully presented sandwiches, champagne, and impeccable ambiance, perfect for a special celebration or an elegant afternoon with friends and family. The staff was gracious, professional, and attentive throughout our visit. A wonderful destination for nature lovers, visitors, and anyone who appreciates beauty and sophistication. Absolutely worth experiencing!

I call it the Disneyland of botanical gardens. ;) I am a member of the Huntington, and have been…read morecoming for years. It is my absolute favorite Zen spot in the world. I no longer live in the state, but visit every few weeks and make sure to visit the gardens every time. I've painted these gardens over the years and will continue to do so. My favorite gardens are the Rose garden, the Japanese garden and the Chinese garden. This is the perfect date spot as well as a perfect place to walk in the morning amongst nature before the day gets too hot. The children's garden will entertain the littles and they even have a water feature on the hot days. The art pieces throughout the museums are not only beautiful but historical and should not be missed. There is a great coffee shop to grab a cup for your walk and a great gift shop at the exit. There are a couple of quick food options as well. Parking is plentiful- but make reservations! Verdict: perfection- everyone must visit this lovely land at least once in their lifetime.

This is the worst library to study at. Don't waste your time going here. I would give zero stars if…read moreI could. It's hot. There are few outlets. There are few places to sit. The staff are condescending. It's loud from children talking and dogs barking. I've gone to this library twice now and was not happy with either visit. Although the space looks like it has a lot of tables, there are very few with outlets to plug a laptop into. The first time I came, I was able to find only one available table with an outlet because I came shortly after they opened. That time and this time, the library was extremely loud. There were so many children running around and screaming. This time, there was even a dog barking and running around too. I just went to the library again today and was not able to find a single available table to sit at. The only empty seats were where the computers were. Only a couple of the computers were being used, which left 6 empty spots. I didn't really want to sit there since I already had my own laptop, but it was the only open table. I shifted the keyboard to the side and made do with the small space. Since there were plenty of computers still available next to me, I didn't think it would be a problem to sit there. Boy was I wrong. A woman with glasses approached me maybe 15 minutes after I sat down and told me that those spots were meant for people who were going to use their computers. When I told her that there were no more tables and that there were plenty of available seats still next to me, she condescendingly told me that I'm the one to ever argue with her because everyone else usually just moves. I told her that I would move if someone needed the computer. She again said I had to move then walked away without another word. Since there were no other available spots to sit at, I had to leave the library. This woman was not just condescending to me by the way. Right when I first sat down, the same woman was speaking to a man by the printers. The way she was speaking to him was equally condescending. I didn't want to listen in on their conversation, but her tone was really mean and obnoxious as she told him he was wrong about something. She was speaking to him in a way that felt like she was absolutely looking down on him. I hope upper management has a word with her about her customer service skills because they are terrible. My last note is about the temperature of the library. It's really hot outside, so I thought it would be nice to study where there's an A/C. Although it was slightly cooler than outside, it was still pretty warm in there. It did not feel that much more comfortable than studying outside. I don't think it was warm just because there were a lot of people because it was equally warm the first time I went too(right when they opened).

This is small quaint library that is located in Rosemead. It's part of the Los Angeles County, so…read moreit uses the same library card under this umbrella. [This is not to be mistaken with Los Angeles (city) Public Library.] There is plenty of parking that can be accessed from Muscatel Ave. There are a lot of charging stations for electric vehicles. There is a QR code to scan to pay PowerFlex. The book drop boxes are also in the parking lot. This library is closed Sundays and Mondays. Overall the library is very clean, not cluttered. I think this is because they don't overcrowd the library with too many shelves. There are bathrooms, water fountains with a refill station, and a conference room in the lobby. Beside the kids section, there is the teen section, some computers, and tables scattered around. There is separate area called the Asian Pacific Resource Center. There are more books, prints, and audio resources.

Incredibly helpful staff with lots of resources from seeds for you garden to book club packs and…read moremuch more

Come one, Come all…read more... Gotta love all kinds of libraries here around Pasadena City College, CA.....We gotta be so fortunate as current returning/existing students here having all these libraries!!!! Ain't complainin' one bit.... Surrounded by all these upscale looking libraries is just going to get my life's other focus back for now....where to go 'Tis the question!!!! I just got a free two-hour parking spot earlier today, but I'll be back for more pics. Nothing Bundt Pics again....later on the weekend.