I was visiting the Grove and decided to make a visit to the nearby library to check it out. Overall, the library is small but still offers a decent collection of books. I was able to find books that I normally would need a hold on or wait weeks for. This was one of the highlights of my visit. There is decent amount of seating as well. Parking is a bit difficult as there does not appear to be a parking lot and there was really just one spot on the street at the time I went (Friday afternoon). read more

Fairfax Branch Library - Magazine section - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've only been to this library a handful of times. I love the variety of community resources they offer. Then again, I'm not surprised because this is LAPL and public libraries are such a beacon. One of the main reasons I pay my taxes is to support our local libraries. I was pleasantly surprised by how clean the women's bathroom was. This is a public bathroom that looks regularly cleaned and maintained. There is ample street parking here so if you wanted to walk to The Grove from here without having to pay for parking... Just make sure to pay attention to the signs. read more

Fairfax Branch Library - See what I mean about community resources? Free seeds to grow your garden *heart eyes* - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The Fairfax Branch Library is a neighborhood library; there are no gimmicks or glamor. It is small but it has all the usual amenities- ample tables and chairs, a printing station, computers for rent, an area for little children to read. It is cozy and clean and it shares space with Pan Pacific Park (although please note that the main parking lot for the park is pretty far from the library. It is up the hill, right by the baseball diamond.) This is the library closest and most convenient to me. I don't spend too much time in the facility because mainly I pick up and return books that I have placed holds online. The LAPL system is amazing and efficient. I can see what books are at which location and can have it sent to my location for pick up. I basically have access to 86 libraries. I normally wait in an average of one to two weeks, which is fine for me because I read books leisurely. On Wednesdays, there is a book sale put on by the Friends of the Fairfax Library from 12pm to 4pm. Each gently used book is $1. The books are in excellent shape and they seem new to me! Hardcover and paperback books are available. I even saw current books being sold. Proceeds go the Fairfax Library's programming and events. Staff and security here has been very friendly and every time I come in, they have been helpful and very accommodating. Truly a neighborhood branch with neighborly treatment! read more

Fairfax Branch Library - Checked out two books but three of those books were $1 each at the Friends of the Library book sale - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I went in to get a library card the staff was helpful and everything was very clean. 10/10 experiences

I love this library especially the staff! The staff are really sweet folks who enjoy their positions and love to help. I came here during some stressed times with printing and the staff were able to help me out. It was alot of prints that I had to get and they were the best. I can go on about them. The library has a parking lot. it's small, but there are usually some spots available. Inside the library, it does get sort of packed, but its quiet. read more

Large, bright branch library with helpful staff and many interesting programs such as book sales, English conversation, story hours.

1000 Stars!! Hello I am Lina Goldsmith and my daughter is Emilia Isabel Cortez "Mila Cortez". I want to thank very very much Bernita, Edward and Wil. The staff here ,... they are incredible, kind, professional and intuitive. I'm super impressed. I'm so grateful to you all and Mila is too. We have had such traumas from leaving fires and having been unhoused and disabled and have such kindness and support . We need and want this to get better. I just wanted to share these words and feelings. Thank you so very much. See you all soon. -Lina Goldsmith and Daughter Mila. read more

Exactly what a neighborhood library should feel like. I love to chat with the front desk about what I'm picking up every time I come in, especially Jemia. And the library volunteers are all really sweet if you can catch them at the book sale on the weekends. read more

Why is this library so loud? The workers in the front desk are so loud talking to each other. People are listening to music and talking and not one librarian tells them to speak quietly, actually most of them are part of the problem. If you want to work in quiet space or study, this is not the place. read more

The Faifax Library is a beautiful, pleasant place to be. It has interesting events and the staff members are welcoming and helpful.

I can go inside and spend hours and hours lost in reading a book. I wish I had the extra time in my busy life to do just that but I can see everyone else just relaxed and kicking back reading away. So many books so little time. Parking is tough in this area I wish they would add a bicycle rack so there would be a place to lock up your bike nearby. read more

Fairfax Branch Library - Quiet space - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Stopped coming here because of safety issues. They should hire a security guard. On weekends I've seen different homeless people, some passed out in parking lot or just sitting around outside. Once a mentally ill homeless man walked in and started yelling. He was escorted out. Random people hang out in parking lot to smoke weed. They are just loitering and have no other reason to be there than use drugs. read more

I went to this library for more than 7 years. Last time, I borrowed some books for my child from them was in December and returned all the books borrowed before we moved out of LA in Jan. I received an email on 4/13 saying a book is overdue and I reached out to the library explaining that I haven't borrowed the book even to begin with. They said, they'd look for that and give me a status update. I received an email this am saying that they have looked up for the book i have reported as returned has not been found which makes no sense. Because i told them that I didn't even receive the book and there must have been a mistake on their end when they packed books in a brown back and left it upfront without anyone even checking the library cards when the people are taking them home. It was also mentioned that i am responsible for teh cost of the item and my account is blocked and marked as Delinquent. I am okay donating 15$ or even paying the fine if it was a mistake from my end. BUt, it is not! I am being falsely accused. I am wondering if this has happened to others also recently or if there has been a pattern at the library's end. I am going to pay the fine so it's not reflecting on my account. But, this is not right. NOT AT ALL RIGHT. read more

The local Library has much going for it, and not just Location, Location, Location. The staff here is helpful (with varying degrees of cheerfulness). But they've been there to assist in getting books to me, for me, for others all without much trouble. The facility is clean, if a little worn, like a comfy old book. Great video selection, very nice CD rack, and the kids' books offer much to explore. They do storytime there periodically (so to speak). I've never partaken in that, but I'm glad to know that it's even an option. I finally brought a kid into the kids' section who looked around and then picked up some books. And then proceeded to read them on one of the cute little tables. (That's the sound of my heart melting, FYI.) I appreciate the website for lapl.org where you find stuff, renew stuff, order stuff and then pick it up at the Branch of your choice: in my case Fairfax. So get in there, and if you have kids, help them get their very own Library card. read more

Fairfax Branch Library - Here's a quiet room to read or to hear a story. - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

It's a public library, and a branch at that, so you shouldn't expect too much from here. The computers are old and the WiFi is slow, they charge too much for copies and the staff isn't always the most helpful, but it's a LIBRARY. They still have books, not all of them, but enough of them to still make a visit worth it. These are a dying breed, along with reading books in general (are you listening eBook readers?). But a library is more than its assets, it is a place of refuge, for everyone. A place to collect your thoughts, to meditate on the words of your favourite author or just to come in out of the heat. These public sanctuaries are going away, being replaced by mini-malls and more condos. So it's hard to get into the parking lot and sometimes find a spot, it's still worth your effort, there is a magic to these public spaces that even the march of commerce can't defeat. Support your local library. read more

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It's my Library. It serves me well. I get books on hold, because yes, its collection is limited, but every book the system has is available to me. I own a computer, so I don't worry about their old equipment. I am super responsible about bringing books back on time. I bring my books to the counter when I return them to be sure it's off my card. I am thrilled to have the use of a library, something not assured any longer. The staff is friendly and accessible. Generally, in life, complainers are usually willing to "throw out the baby with the bath-water." I see what could definitely use some improvement, but I also know how bereft I would feel if my local library closed, and the disbanded. read more

NIce, clean library , with a SUPER helpful and friendly staff. What's not to love about this place!! Seriously,...the staff there really cares about what they do and bend over backwards to help people. I live closer to the Memorial branch, but this library is much nicer and MUCH quieter! These are the best City of Los Angeles employees you'll ever encounter!! (; read more

Decent resource right by the Pan Pacific Park The problem is it's also a bum refuge so anywhere you sit you're assaulted by body odor. read more

A warning: This isn't the best choice if you're looking for a quiet place to work - especially during the summer when they run kids camps. That said, I heart this branch. It's local, normally clean and they have a great selection. I especially love the "I Meant to Read That!" section located near the checkout counter. I always find something that I missed. :) They have a great selection of: Audiobooks, DVD's, children's books, young adult lit, and lots of bestsellers. There's plenty of shared table seating along with a few smaller round tables and a more intimate space in the back near the newspapers. Outlets are located in the floor near all tables. The WiFi is free (The last I checked the name was LAPL - Public), but you must agree to the terms to access the internet. The staff has always been helpful. There's an African-American woman who works at the counter who always has the biggest, most welcoming smile. She's kind of short and has braids - I really should know her name by now! :) There's also a woman with a red pixie cut who is literally the fastest at checking people out. I've seen her clear lines of 13 people in mere seconds*! If you're bringing children with you, I wouldn't recommend letting them go into the bathroom alone. Yes they'll only be gone for a few minutes, but who knows what could happen (or who could walk in) in those few short minutes. Especially in places like the library when bathrooms are free. Be aware that there might be more going on that you'd think. Ladies, don't be shy about bringing your son, little brother, nephew, etc. into the ladies restroom with you. One thing that I love about the LAPL in general is it's attention to community demographics. The Fairfax branch is in the heart of a Jewish community and they offer a selection of Jewish children's books. The Memorial branch has many books in Spanish and Korean, as the surrounding community has a high population of Latinos and Koreans speaking people. Likewise, the Jefferson branch (which is AWESOME despite the fact that it looks rundown from the outside), has the largest collection of books about African-Americans I've ever seen (outside of the Central Branch)! I'm talking kids books, cookbooks by black author, etc. Love it! *at least it seemed like seconds! read more

I too love LAPL. In fact I volunteer to read to the children there and it really does one's heart good to see their little faces beam, their eyes light up when they see me and hear me. Even their mums come and listen, loving my british accent! The staff working at the Fairfax Library are not only experts in their field but some of the most caring people I have come across in a long time. It is a shame that visitors come into the library and give these people such a hard time! I have never experienced rudeness in any library around the world but here is los angeles. Our fair city of angels that maybe are sleeping! I was fortunate last year to have two very special kiddies from Korea come to me every Tuesday - they listened attentively and then started reading with me. I showed them how use their voices, how speaking quietly gets more attention than the usual loud way they are taught at school and from watching stupid TV programmes. They also learned how to speak proper English, pronouncing words like going to instead of gonna and such like. By the end of the year, they were reading so well, and it kind of broke my heart to see them go - they had to return to Korea. For many a long time after they left, I would sit at story time in the library and look up and imagine I could see them come running towards me, big smiles on their faces and so much loving in their hearts. I still miss them. Hannah and Abigail, their Mum and I appeared on a Los Angeles City Library DVD which was used to get funding for the libraries across the city. We ended up in a 3 minute segment but it was fun to watch. Sometimes I get rude little children and that is such a shame as they have learned it from their parents, or TV shows. I get up from the table and refuse to read to them. Now I am reading to very young ones and once again the joy of reading is back as I share my loving with them through the spoken word. read more

I love the LAPL. You can access the catalog, place holds, and renew books online. If you're addicted to books, as I am, but without the space to store them or the money to buy all the ones you want, the public library is evidence - nay, a pinnacle - of civilization. However - whatever happened to libraries as quiet places to work? Today there were people tramping up and down, kids squawking, parents disciplining them in loud voices, and a general level of traffic that would credit Grand Central Station. You're durn right I'm a curmudgeon, esp. because the free wi-fi was down. I suppose they were all there, as I was, to bask in the AC and try to accomplish something while the rest of this city melts. I still love it, but remember why I often prefer a cafe: less noise, plus music and coffee. read more

It doesn't get much better than this. It's clean, warm and large enough to have a change without getting lost. It's right next to the park and the grove. There is also parking. I'd give it 6 out of five stars. It's quiet and the bathrooms are clean. I could work all day here. read more

Since I'm actually taking the trouble to write a review for a library you know it's bad. This place is a nightmare, from the parking to the snail speed internet connection to the more expensive printing cost compared to other California libraries. The staff has a "I'd rather not" attitude and there's very few computer work stations and the book selection is pretty dated read more

C. and I swung by last Thursday to get our new library cards. The staff was friendly and helpful, and once we were set up -- and C. headed home; she had other stuff to do -- I poked around a little. There's a small science fiction section separated from the rest of fiction. There's a decent collection of manga located near the young adult books. And there's a good amount of DVDs and CDs for you to choose from, as well. Most important for newcomers, however, is the section of books on Los Angeles itself! I checked out two: one a history of Angels Flight downtown, and one a look at Wilshire Boulevard circa 1940... Will dip into other area histories instead of buying them (which has been my tendency in the past). While they have all the normal newspapers you'd expect and need from this location, they don't have many magazine subscriptions at all, so it's not great for periodicals. And otherwise, you can get pretty much anything you need via interlibrary loan. It's awesome that this is so close to our house, and that it's on the edge of the park. You can cut through the park to get to it instead of walking down the street. I'm sure this'll become part of our weekend ritual. Can't wait to bring my son here to check out the children's section! Books check out for three weeks. read more

What a pleasant surprise to learn that libraries are for free in the United States. Where I come from we have to pay to become a member and although it's not too much, we still have to pay. Fantastic that this means that everybody can just become a member of a library and read as much as they want to. Wonderful !!! This library on Gardner is a small one, they may not have too much but the librarian will always be able to find that specific book and get it from another branche. Also, some Saturdays they have booksales for next to nothing. I buy many books at the Goodwill (some of those books are still brandnew and I pay 50 cents for them) and after reading I donate them to the Library. Like this one, but am totally in love with the one in downtown LA. read more

This library is in a convenient location for me to frequent, so that's why I come here often. The branch is fairly small and there's not many places to sit comfortably and read leisurely. However, it is a good place to get work done if you're studying or researching on your laptop since they have a lot of communal working tables. The books I want are never here, which is understandable since the branch is small. I usually have "holds" on the books and make sure it's there before I go in. Overall, the LAPL system is awesome sauce. Just because this branch isn't as aesthetically pleasing or comfortable to read in, doesn't mean it doesn't serve its purpose as a public library. read more

This place is really close by where I live, but I haven't really taken advantage of it till a week ago. I've loved libraries since I was a child. But now I don't go to libraries except for the ones at UCLA for research or studying. I'm a commuting student, so on days when I don't have class, I am home either procrastinating or attempting to do my homework. This place is accessible and a nice place to get some work done. I would say that it is rather small, and I haven't looked closely at the range of selections, but I would say it's probably not too extensive. If you want an extensive library, your best bet would be at the Central Library in DTLA. You will spend a lifetime there, lost yet fascinated by the sheer number of books any single floor can have and realize there many floors above you, and even some underground. But this place is really for the more casual sitting and reading. If you're not looking for a super specific book or just looking for a place to sit down and do some writing or studying or what-have-you, this is a decent place. The people who come in tend to speak rather loudly for a library though, so keep that in mind. It doesn't have the same heavy-duty reinforced silence atmosphere like bigger libraries. There are public restrooms and free wi-fi as well. I will try to come around more often for studying. read more

It's quite easy to fall in love with this place. My apartment is jealous of this place because I spend more time here. It's a charming place that can really harness your productivity to its maximum level. Though it's a quaint place, the book selection is great! Some people tend to be quite noisy and make a scene though, but at least that doesn't happen on a day to day basis (I think). read more

I like this branch and the people who work here. I have also gotten so many free books or ones for 50 cents. I use their online system to put books I like on hold and pick them all up when they all arrive. Search for the titles or author's names and place books on hold this way. The selection at the library itself is hit or miss but with the online system I've had a lot of luck. Enjoy reading :) read more

This is a library, not a commmunity gatherimg place. It's noisy, forget about a quiet place to study. It resembles more of an old Blockbuster store than a place for education and study. People come in and ask for things with blarring voices. There are people signing up for programs in the middle of the library, the latter should be done in a designated area outside the library. Libraries are supposed to be a quiet place for reflection and study. It's like being at home and trying to concentrate on reading a book, NOT. Too bad it's a beautiful place, but not a library environment at all! read more

I was visiting from out of town and needed somewhere to print out some tickets from my email. The computers here weren't the fastest, but they did get the job done! read more

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

Unfortunately this is the closest location to me, but it's not that close. I have been going to this branch off and on for several years and it has never been great, but now it's worse than ever. The staff is of very low caliber in general. Most of my recent experiences have been less than helpful and mostly unsatisfying. The staff in general is incompetent! I spoke to a male reference librarian a few weeks ago about a book I was waiting to read - it was finally available, I was not. I cancelled the 'hold' on it and I was put back on the waiting list. I received a VM more than a week ago stating that I could pick the book up by 12/11/18. I called the other day and spoke to the same male reference librarian and told him I'd be in before the 'hold' date expired to retrieve the book. I finally had time to make the trip and I called first to make sure they still had it on hold for me. I called the male liberian twice before heading over and he assured me it was still on 'hold' for me@the circulation desk. The older male@the front desk is very unfriendly, with an attitude! He asked me repeatedly for my name, my library card, the book title and author. Then the very incompetent and curt Children's librarian was called to help! She looked on the shelf for 3 seconds, said the book wasn't there and started to walk away. I insisted that she check further and said that I just spoke to the male reference librarian less than an hour ago and he assured me the book was on hold. They finally checked a 2nd computer and she said that she didn't know how it happened, but the book that was on hold for me had been checked out by someone else! I was highly irritated and told them off. The obnoxious female started to 'lose her patience' and attempted to intimidate me. The staff@the Fairfax branch are totally incompetent, a bunch of clowns! In my opinion, they need to be re-evaluated and several of them dismissed! read more

After reading the reviews of Roy the head librarian there I am sad to see him being so poorly rated. In my dealings with the man he has shown qualities that are indeed extraordinary. Roy counted to infinity...twice in answering my child's homework assignment His tears can cure several terminal diseases...just one drop He is so efficient he can watch an episode of 60 minutes in half an hour He was once declared a Los Angeles city monument but could not accept the trophy because he was on the phone on Union business He once taught a German shepherd to bark in Spanish. When it is raining, it is because he is thinking of something sad. His shirts never wrinkle. Only the back of his neck You can see his charisma from space. if there were a monument built in his honor in the Fairfax district, Farmers Market would close... due to poor attendance. His hands feel like rich brown suede. He once made an obnoxious Mime say shut up at the Grove He does not snore, not even a little On every continent he has visited, there is a sandwich named after him. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. Google uses him for reference When he throws out the branches trash it is already recycled Babies ask to have him kiss them. He once cured a leper with library paste and some lox ...it could go on but... read more

What a great neighborhood resource. You can make an online account with the Los Angeles Public Library and summon books from anywhere in their system to have them picked up at the Fairfax branch. It would be difficult to think of a book that they do not have! read more

Aw..memories of childhood. :) Flashbacks to my excitement to pick my selection of books for the week - with my Mom in tow, reminding me to be quiet because a library is a quiet place. Whatever happened to that? Returned to the local library after many years to check it out. This library is clean, selection is nice for is size, patrons are considerate. The only downside? Well. The loud talking. Now, if it's coming from young kids who are under two - no big deal since they don't know better. But the adult librarians working there? They are the ones that need to be quieted...what kind of example are they setting? Not all of course of them, but some have no understanding that they can whisper and get their message across. Moments of quietude, interrupted by talkative librarians. Tip: bring your headphones and zone out with Pandora. read more

Don't go here to study, the librarians won't shut up. This is supposed to be a quiet place.

what a tiny and quaint little library! they converted a residential house into a public library so it's got that intimidate and comfy feel but they don't offer services like special therapy animal programs to help kids with reading (which would be amazing if they did) and they also don't have a huge selection of resource material (becuz it's a tiny library)...and very importantly, I wish they had more (SAFER) parking spaces! I just wanna feel safe leaving my car in the lot, as I've seen a number of 'shifty characters' as well as homeless people soliciting u as u leave ur car at this particular library and i don't get it cuz this is such a nice neighborhood!! that's why I'm only giving them 2.5 stars. read more

I love libraries so when I saw the library sign on my way to LACMA, I decided to stop and check it out. It has a good selection of New Books but you'd have to return it to that library only. The other thing I like is that there is a box of free magazines and CD's you can take (and contribute). read more

This is where I come almost 4 times a week to pick up the books I have on hold. I like it when those pick-ups coincide with the book sale in the entry. That's deadly: you can always find a good deal and a good book or seven if you browse those shelves on your way out. Not that I need any more books... read more

It's nice and quiet in here, but I like study that way. Friendly staff, clean place, and plenty of room to study.