I have been waiting to write this review for 3.5 years!!! This will be very thorough since I have…read moreliterally been at this library every day during those years. ---A little background--- Payson Library is the only library on "main campus" of Pepperdine University. In the whole campus, there are two other libraries (Drescher Library & Law Library). Payson is 99.9% undergraduate students and has the most hours out of all the libraries. ---Layout--- Walking into the library you will have two options: upstairs and downstairs. From experience, I would say upstairs is definitely more for talking or group work since it is mostly tables (no cubicles). Upstairs we have what is called the ACE Room, where all the computers that have photoshop etc. all those programs that not everyone uses. There are only about 6 study rooms upstairs which are usually always booked (book online). There are three other rooms upstairs that are more hidden towards the back. These rooms are great but there is one problem, there are little to NO outlets. It is 2015, we need electrical outlets to study now!! Thats why these rooms/areas are usually avoided. Downstairs now: where most of the printing occurs (although there is printing upstairs), most of the public computers, the couch area for mid-day napping, the "new" room, and the cubicles. The "new" room was installed in 2015 or 2014 (can't remember) but it is beautiful and relatively small but great for group work since each has a large tv screen with HDMI to display what is on your personal computer screen to a group of people. The cubicle area is where the ocean view is and its GREAT. It is the quietest area. My favorite part is that I can sunbathe inside the library while studying and looking at the view. The downside of this area is that it is pretty packed and it again, NEEDS MORE PLUGS. Only about half the cubicles have plugs. Under the library there are more study rooms but those are to be avoided... Most of those rooms are very cramped (best if its just 1 person) and the white boards are completely trashed, some of them you cannot even write on them. ---Services/Rentals--- Obviously, its a library, so there are a ton of books. Honestly, its hard for me to say how great of a selection it is, since there is literally no time to have pleasure/leisure reading. If you're looking at articles there are many large databases available to you from the library which has been great. There is a service that if there is a neighboring college that has the book you need, you can have it shipped to Pepperdine. I have not done this but from what I heard you need to put in the request way in advance because it takes a while. Besides books, there is large selection of DVDs. To rent (only to stay within the library) are headphones, earphones, certain books, computer chargers, phone chargers, and calculators. These services are incredible and LIFE SAVING when you forget all your cords. Now to talk about the writing lab/speech lab. The writing lab is available only by appointment (to be made online). The times are very limited from what I have experienced. The writing lab is run by usually junior/senior writing and english majors who are very helpful! Almost every paper I have written has been read by the writing lab people. Also, the writing lab has an online option conducted through google doc. I have done this once and it was GREAT. Get on the google doc at the same time and watch them make changes and use the chat feature to ask questions. Problem with this--- this is almost NEVER available. This has such great potential but isn't being utilized!! I want to be able to get the writing lab experience while I'm in bed!! Make this happen! Lastly, the speech lab is also available to practice your speeches in front of someone and have them critique you. I have done this once as a requirement for a public speaking class but never again. ---Printing System--- If you want to print in this library, you have to have an ID card... I don't think there is anyway else to do it. I would love to see a change made in how to print here. I think they need to make it an option to pay directly from a debit or credit card. Sometimes it is such a hassle to have to put your money onto your ID, just to use your ID. Printing is way expensive for color! ---CHANGES THAT NEED TO BE MADE/ SUMMARY FOR SUGGESTIONS--- -Consider expanding the library -Add in a vending machine or mini cafe!! I would love this. -Extend the hours on the weekends since they are vary limited -Change the printer system to use credit/debit cards directly -MORE ELECTRICAL OUTLETS EVERYWHERE PLEASE - Fix boards in underground study rooms - Make the writing lab online options more available !! Probably best for after 6pm In conclusion, I am sorry this was so long. I am a Payson Library expert. Bonus: I have heard this semester that there are rumors of Payson getting a full makeover after I graduate in 2016. This wou rumor they will be redoing.

A great place to spend all day reading and researching. There's a great Johnny Cash photography…read moreexhibition along the walls and also a great view of the Pacific Ocean just outside. Highly recommended as a place to have some quiet time reading without any distractions!

People treat this library as a free day care service. Extremely loud!! The parents have no…read more situational awareness and cannot contain their kids. Don't come here if you plan to study or enjoy quiet reading time cause this is not a library apparently. Welcome to day care!

- Peaceful and clean throughout the facility - Always…read moreavailable parking - Has everything you need to study, work, or just read and learn Additional- - Clean restrooms - Office and copy center - Conference rooms - Computer stations

We love coming here! This is my go to spot to entertain my son! They have a fish tank with lots of…read morefish, a puffer fish, and even an eel. The selection of books, cd's, dvds, and games is great! They even have thick board books in different languages for the babies. Then after you've selected some books for the week you take a short walk over the bridge and they have a turtle pond, two playgrounds for different age groups, and even a duck pond. It seems like you can rent a covered picnic table area to host an event. It really is a neat spot. The library staff is also kind and helpful! Definitely reccomend brining your kiddos here!

Best public library I've ever been to! Great area/space for the little ones & even an aquarium!…read moreAlso a great place to put your head down & study. Highly recommend!

Beautiful and very clean Great service…read more Large parking lot Lucky enough we stopped by when they were having a free animal show! My daughters both enjoyed themselves here !!

Beautiful space, decent collection but excessively loud. The librarians almost shout to each other…read moreand to customers, customers listen to their devices without headphones and not only answer calls, but talk as if they're at home. And toddlers are allowed to noisily run amok, by entitled parents and oblivious librarians. But moving a chair to avoid the late afternoon sunlight activates the librarians immediately: "Sir, please put that chair back the way it was." Jawohl Herr Kommandant!

We absolutely love this library. Julia from the children's section is so helpful and wonderful. She…read moreis such a gem. She has so much patience and knowledge for the kids. My eldest child is an avid reader and she knows what books keep him engaged. This is a great library, the only thing that I would change is to make them open on Mondays too. It is in such a prime location and I love the Calabasas library app. My husband, myself, and children have linked accounts so it is easy to keep track of everything we check out.

This library is like a local retreat for me. I've come here on many occasions and it has been…read moreconsistently clean, orderly, and well-stocked. By far one of the best libraries in the area. Note that this library isn't part of LAPL so if you'll need to sign up for another library card here if you'd like to borrow books. One of my favorite things about this library is the monthly craft club. The two librarians who put it on are hilarious and a good time. These crafts are geared towards adults so I wouldn't bring your kids here (double check to see if they have a kids craft club at a different time). Because this library is in a well to do area, I assume they receive generous funding which in turn translates to generous crafts.

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.

This library is so cute and spacious! They have quiet areas and general seating for studying and…read morereading. They do have free WiFi and parking! There's an elevator fyi. I definitely will come back to study! :) support public libraries!!!

They had a $1 book sale in front, clean and spacious inside, and it feels like a tree house getaway…read moresince the library is on the second floor

We love the Topanga Library- AMAZING staff, clean, beautiful library. A great resource for kids and…read moreadults.

Came on a Thursday morning with my grandchildren so they can attend the story time and songs at the…read morediscovery area for kids. After that we watched the puppet show in the audio visual room. My grandchildren have fun and we ate snacks at the coffee shop just outside the library. My grandchildren are excited to go back again. I highly recommend

My favorite local library that's cute and well organized for each age group and/or interest…read more Love the pirate ship space in the discovery area for the little ones . They offer small activities and coloring pages for something else to do when the kids need a break from reading. There's a good amount of dvds you can rent as well as books.

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.

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.

Such a cute library! I am a big fan of LAPL libraries, and the free resources they provide for…read morecommunity members. This location is very quiet, clean, and a great place to get work done. I had a good experience parking. There is more than enough for everybody and a book drop conveniently available outside. I set up my study materials on a large desk near an outlet and it went very smooth. I also asked one of the librarians for help with my library card, and they were very helpful. Overall, very nice area, great vibes, and ample parking.

Love the children's section here and the programming! They have a nice teen area also…read more The parking lot is the problem. It has a horrible layout and often is packed forcing you to park on the street. Normally I wouldn't mind but crossing Ventura with children is not safe or ideal. They are closed for renovations and I hope they work on the parking lot as well!