This place really needs more credit as it is trying to strike the perfect balance between being a…read morepublic place in Gardena Crenshaw area and providing a safe and educational place for kids and youths. Granted, I have only been here post renovation as much of the equipment seems close to new to me, but it speaks volumes as it is in stark contrast to the other library in Gardena (Mayme Dear). There is NO foul smell whatsoever and there is NO interference from the unhoused visitors. In fact, they hold babies and toddler story times here, along with age-appropriate accompanying toys, and there has never been an issue. The librarians here are caring and want a connection with visitors. They are quick to chat and help with any library-related needs. They are kind in their dealings with everyone. By that I mean my loud young kids have been shushed by librarians before at other branches but never here. Not that they're allowed to be disruptive here but again, just handled with gentleness and care. The kids librarian Irene is the best as well as the tall gentleman with glasses who appears to be the manager. And yes, there is a security guard always present and vigilant. Side note: there is an excellent taco truck just outside and also a to-go legit French bakery down the block (Frogs Bakery-morning hours) that supplies all your fancy coffee places with quality baked croissants and muffins that you would expect more in Irvine than Gardena.

I love my county library. It's small and comfy and I love it. I only wish for more hours.read more

This was my first time ever stopping here, and boy was I impressed for a public facility! For those…read moreof you who are ever in the area and need to print out a few forms or documents, you can't beat this library. Your first 10 printouts are free. And while my home public library in Culver City is up to the task and gets the job done, the environment here is on another level all together. Perhaps it has something to do with looking out on the mighty Pacific right? Lol Leslie and Ann were super helpful immediately upon entry as my guest and I had never been here before. In addition to their great customer service, the cleanliness of the facility also stands out. Would highly recommend to anyone.

I visited this library for the first time yesterday, and I was impressed at this facility. Parking…read moreis free (at least for two hours) if you park at the lot that is connected to the library. You can either walk around or cut through the path to get to the main entrance. The bottom floor is mostly kids media as well as DVDs, and when I went the library itself was pretty quiet, so that was a pleasant surprise. The construction of the building was nice to look at as well, with a lot of glass and stainless steel, and there were also a ton of art features, such as the hanging jellyfish when you walk up the stairs to the second floor. There are rentable study rooms, but also a good amount of tables and chairs, and most of the tables had their own outlets to use as well, making this a great place to study. I took up a spot at a table that faced the ocean, and it was just so calm and serene. I would come again, as it wasn't too busy from 1-3 PM.

More Than Just a Library…read more Peninsula Center Library was the very first library I visited when I moved to the Los Angeles South Bay, and over the years, this place has been through a LOT with me. I've used it during periods of unemployment, for booking study rooms while interviewing for jobs, and simply as a quiet place to sit, read, think, or get some work done. It has become one of those places that holds a lot of memories for me. First, the building itself deserves some appreciation. The modern design and huge windows that let in so much natural light are a must for me. Walking into a bright library just makes my day better. There's also an underground parking structure, although it's limited, and I especially appreciate it on those hot South Bay days when having my car parked in the shade makes a difference. I also LOVE the Friends of the Library sales. They have highly discounted books, CDs, DVDs, and -- my personal favorite -- PUZZLES! The larger monthly book sales are especially fun because they open up the big room and have a much bigger selection. I've bought countless books and puzzles here over the years. I've participated in their reading program, too, and the staff have always been helpful. More recently, work has made this location less convenient for me, so I don't get here nearly as often as I used to. I now visit Katy Geissert Civic Center Library more often simply because of convenience. I used to come here 2-3 times a week, and now I'm probably here around 2-4 times a month. It honestly makes me a little sad because I still love this library. The library's online/app services have also been incredibly useful. I've used them to reserve study rooms and place holds on books without having to make an extra trip. And speaking of study rooms -- these have been a lifesaver. Whether I need somewhere quiet and private to focus on work or a reliable place to take a virtual job interview, being able to reserve a room has been incredibly valuable to me. I also love the bookmark contests! I get to see the creativity of local kids, and some of their artwork is seriously impressive -- sometimes downright jaw-dropping. I love grabbing a free bookmark on my way out. At this point, my typical library visit feels like: walk in for a book, walk out with a book AND a bookmark. The kids' area also looks like such a fun space, even though I don't personally use it. Overall, I love the staff, programs, resources, architecture, and just the general vibe of Peninsula Center Library. It has been much more than a place to check out books for me. It has been a quiet refuge, a workspace, an interview space, a place to discover books, and occasionally a place to find a great puzzle for a few dollars. Even though I don't visit as frequently as I used to, this library will always have a special place in my South Bay story. And yes -- I'll probably keep coming back for those Friends of the Library sales and puzzles.

The Peninsula Center Library in Rolling Hills is a beautiful and welcoming space that has become a…read morefavorite for our family. The children's section is particularly impressive, featuring a massive selection of reading materials and a dedicated playground area that keeps kids entertained. It is the perfect local spot for a productive afternoon or a fun family outing. The weekly programming is fantastic, especially the monthly Chinese story time. We recently attended a session led by Lily, who was wonderful with the children. She used a great mix of storytelling about caterpillars and fruit along with high-energy songs and movement. It was such a joy to watch my granddaughter get involved and follow along with all the actions. The facility is very well-designed for convenience, including the easy underground parking right beneath the building. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to read or an engaging activity for the grandkids, this library is a true gem in the Peninsula area. It's a wonderful community resource that we look forward to visiting every week.

Super quiet, super clean, and super organized. Unlike all of the other surrounding LA libraries,…read morethis one has comfy big chairs, many seated desks with outlets, and a long lounge sofa corner. There are computers you can use too, and the restroom is locked, so you have to ask one of the staff to unlock it for you. Parking is 2 hours all around, and they have a security guard out front. A really great, safe and clean library.

This is absolutely my favorite library. It's so clean and quiet. There's no parking lot, but there…read moreis plenty of street parking. Some are limited by two hours but if you keep driving you'll find spots you can park at all day. Note: there is no water fountain to refill your water bottle, so be prepared for that. I believe you can bring in a drink just based on what I've seen, so I always bring an energy drink with me. Just be mindful and clean up after yourself. I would definitely recommend this library! just make sure to check their hours since they vary

I love this little library. It isn't big, but it is a great place to sit and work. A couple bus…read morelines run nearby which is handy. Staff are always helpful and friendly. While not my thing, they run several kids' story times throughout the week. My only issue is that I wish it were open more.

The Service: Staffs are very friendly and helpful. Got my library ID within a few minutes. They…read morewill mail you the library card in the mail. The Library: Free computer to use. The library is well maintained. Seeing very kids coming in... definitely show they have good selections of kids books here too. The Parking: They have private parking lot.

This medium-sized library is tucked away near a Marriot Courtyard. It's usually quiet enough (save…read morefor a few Teams calls ringing the front desk) to get work done, especially during non-peak times. There's not a ton of seating, about half seems to be reserved for kids, but they do have quiet solo study rooms for reservation if you really need one. Only about half the tables seem to have outlets, this library would get a full 5-stars from me if they could somehow get more (and a water bottle refil station)!

I went to the library with my 3 year old and returned the books from a different library. We were…read morethere for almost an hour then my daughter wanted to check out more books for the week. And when I go to check out, the machine says that I have damage fees. When I go to the attendant in the front, I said the machine isn't letting me check out. She didn't even fully acknowledge me and said , "yeah you damaged the books" accusing me of something I didn't do. The couple ripped pages that the books had were already there when I checked them out. How was I supposed to know that the books I checked out didn't have the damage noted in the system. If they can see my account. Out of all the times I've rented, I've never once damaged any property. But the review is solely based on the attendant who was cold, dismissive, and accusatory towards me. As much as I really like the kids librarian that usually stays in the kids section, unfortunately I won't be back to this library.

I love this library to an extent. I remember my lower division years studying in the 2nd floor west…read morewing which has an unspoken rule to be quiet or at the very least bring headphones if you want to study. There is a bathroom on this floor as well so you don't have to go to the one down stairs. In the lobby they would sometimes have a random 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle for anyone to come and work on it along with a whiteboard with a question of the day. I would always look at it to see the random questions. If you want to use a computer room, I would recommend the one downstairs in the basement level. They also have a computer to go and load money to print stuff (black and white). Usually there is always a spot to do some computer work. But if you wish to study with a group, I reccomend calling the library at 8am to reserve a study room. depending on what room you get, you can also request for chalk and whiteboard markers (just be sure to bring your ID and the name of the person you are studying with because the minimum is 2 people) you can also study in the south wing of the first floor, that place is really loud and perfect for anyone who wants to chat or study in a group. There are some downsides to this library. The first is that the wi-fi is spotty, sometimes I don't have wi-fi on my laptop or enough to watch a tutorial. The second is the lack out outlets to plug and charge a phone or a laptop, (unless you were lucky enough to get a study room) and the last is the lack of biology books. I had to do research project and I thought I could check them out from here, but the selection is limited and did not have the books I want. So, I resorted to do an interlibrary loan which allows you to request books from other universities across the intercontinental US. You just have to fill out a form, wait 2-3 weeks and then return them on or before the due date. I wouldn't recommend this route if you are doing a last minute project, you are better off looking at a university library. This library was a really good library, but I feel it needs to be updated. I do miss napping in the library after final exams. I remember once I took a 3 hour nap and no one stole my stuff. It was a wonderful nap

I LOVE this library. I used to think this place was a little dingy, and it is a tad, but I don't…read moremind it as much. The air conditioning is on point and so is the wifi. I'm a student here and from now on will come here to study. Wifi is fantastic.

I'm so lucky to have this library just a few minutes from home. It's become one of my favorite…read moreplaces to pop into, whether I'm looking for a new book, browsing the shelves, or checking out a movie. One thing that really surprised me was their huge DVD collection. They have rows and rows of movies and TV shows you can check out for free. It's a great reminder that you don't need another streaming subscription to find something to watch. The children's section is absolutely adorable. They have plush animals perched on top of the bookshelves that make the perfect little reading buddies for kids. It's such a sweet touch that makes the space feel welcoming and fun for young readers. Every librarian I've interacted with has been incredibly kind and helpful. If you have a question or need help finding something, they're always happy to point you in the right direction. This library is clean, well organized, and a wonderful community resource. If you live nearby and haven't stopped in, I definitely recommend paying it a visit.

The library recently added a way to get into the library before their usual opening on Monday thru…read moreThursday at 11 am. If you're in good standing with the library, you can apply to enter between 9 am to 11 am. The back entrance near the parking lot has a new device which scans your library card and requests your password. I'm told that there will not be staff to assist, but it's a convenient new service which will allow us to pick up holds and to use self checkout before they formally open. This is a useful new service!

Shoutout to the Staff!…read more A big shoutout to the staff at Katy Geissert Civic Center Library! Everyone I interacted with was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely seemed to enjoy what they do. My background as a recreational reader is actually fairly new. I really started reading as a hobby in 2023, thanks to a friend who works at another library in another city. They encouraged me to participate in a summer reading program in 2025, and that eventually led me to sign up for the Torrance Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program. I had a few books in mind to start with, but once I finished those, I needed to find more. I also wanted to challenge myself to branch out and diversify the authors and genres I was reading. I'll be honest: the Torrance Public Library system isn't necessarily my first choice, but convenience matters, and this location is convenient for me. When I got stuck trying to figure out what author to try next, I decided to do something outside my usual routine. Instead of researching everything myself online, I actually asked a librarian for help. The librarian on the second floor wasn't personally familiar with the work of Tessa Bailey or Emily Henry, which were the authors I had been reading, but after I described what I liked about their books, she suggested Ali Hazelwood and Katherine Center as possibilities. She mentioned that she knew people who had listened to audiobooks by both authors, although she seemed a little hesitant about whether they would be a good fit for me. Well... I had nothing to lose! I ended up reading one book from each author, and both were great recommendations. In fact, those two books ended up being the final two books I needed to complete my summer reading challenge! That experience reminded me why libraries are so valuable. I could have easily continued searching the internet based on algorithms and reviews, but having an actual person listen to what I was looking for and make a recommendation led me to two authors I probably wouldn't have picked on my own. I also want to give a shoutout to the staff on the first floor. I asked about the Friends of the Library cash-only book sale, where they offer books at highly discounted prices, and they were so enthusiastic about answering all my questions. You could tell they genuinely cared about the library and were happy to share what was available. Overall, I really appreciated the staff at this location. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about books and the library itself. As someone who is still relatively new to reading as a hobby, having librarians who are willing to help me explore beyond my usual choices has made the experience even more enjoyable. Thank you to the staff for being such great ambassadors for the library!

This Torrance Library location is near what I believe to be the City Hall or main area for all of…read moreTorrance's City entities. Parking is easy and it's a big library with a main floor for the adults, a 2nd top floor for the youth, kids of all ages including an entertainment room with a movie theater like projection TV, then a bottom basement type lower floor for all of the non-book media, including CD's DVD's and Magazines. Their children's area has an impressive "Comic Book" graphic novel and collected editions area with a lot of titles and books by Marvel, DC, super heroes and non-hero literature. I'd venture to guess they should and might have some Anime and Manga too. As of June/July 2026 the library has the front main entry that looks like it's "closed" due to construction and when you walk in, it's dimly lit and often empty looking as if it's closed, but they're open and I get a sense it's going to be a spectacular renovation They do have a Summer Reading Program focused for the kids to avoid that "Summer Slouch" of education, with bonus incentive prizes for reading. There's also a program for teens and adults of all ages. The staff are friendly.

My appreciation has grown over the years for this library. At first glance inside, the place may…read moreseem small but there are different wings and rooms that can be explored. Their help desk is quite large and can be very helpful on the first day of the semester with hundreds of students getting their I.D stickers or having questions. They have three or four wings that have plenty of tables with chairs and electrical outlets! They even have rooms with white boards for group studying that does not bother the rest of the library! Their book reserve provides a fairly large selection of books, which is a money saver! They copy machine room is located right by the book reserve which is convenient, however it can get very crowded! The computer lab is located in the basement and it is top notch! There is the main room with the help desk which can be full depending on the time of day. However, they have two other rooms with computers that they open up, just in case the main room is all fully occupied. They individually have students log-in to each computer that avoids lines at the door. My favorite portion of the library has to be the mini museum display that they change up every month or so. They usually do a DC Universe display in the beginning of Fall semester and it is great! They have posters, books, action figures! They even have episodes of The Justice League animated series playing in the lobby! Whatever the showcase is for that month, they provide art, actual displays, and interesting information! I've taken classes in the other campus in Compton and seeing their library, I will not take this library for granted!

Great library and staff... Longer hours, it's a college. The resource center is the best…read more Sonny and the other staff are very proffessional and knowledgeable....