Great place to get work done. The AC is nice here and there's plenty of outlets. The library is also spacious. read more

Mar Vista Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I love this local library because the librarians are always so sweet. They frequently have book sales, which is good for people who want to discover new books. Often, if they don't have an item, then you can request it from the LAPL website, which can be delivered to the local library. I've done that pretty often especially if I'm trying harder to find old DVDs or books. It doesn't feel extremely busy at the library so I don't have to wait in line and it's pretty easy to get a table. The library also helps out the community by giving out free Covid tests. There is a small adjoining parking lot. If it is full, there is nearby free street parking. It can feel a bit sketchy at night in the front so try not to come too late. read more

I was talking to my friend Mer yesterday about getting a library card that you could use in every public library in the Los Angeles area. We were talking about a book I want to read and she said just go to the library. I said I didn't have a card. She's like it's easy peezy lemon squeezy! Well, I went this morning and it took literally 5 minutes to fill out the form and hand it in and boom I have a card! My local library is beautiful and new with the most helpful and kindest people there to help you. I definitely will explore whether I can volunteer there to read to or tutor any children this summer whilst on hiatus from Shenandoah Elementary School... Doing service in my community is important to me! I give them "reading is fun and fundamental 5 gold stars"...plenty of parking...highly recommended! PS you can download the Kanopy app and be able to watch movies and documentaries using your library card! This is fantastic! read more

Mar Vista Branch Library - All the things our public libraries offer! - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This is a much bigger calm and collective library. I stopped here for the hell of it one day to check it out, because i still like visiting different public libraries as a hobby sometimes. Very good professional librarians working here. They greeted me as i walked inside. Pretty clean in here, and bright with lights on everywhere compared to some others i have visited in the past. Lots of resources here on books and newspapers. Plenty of magazines and older books here as well. All i can really say is that i was impressed with this library. read more

Mission accomplished! Decided to get a library card after so many years The Mar Vista Branch was closer to me and I was happily surprised to see how nice and organized it's. The lady that helped me was very informative and introduced me to some of the things I can do with the library card. I'm definitely enjoying using the app to make selections Thank you, great customer service read more

Mar Vista Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This Library is just the best library if you were going to go to any. Now, the parking could be improved and the hours are a bit confusing but every visit I have been impressed with the staff ability to help, courtesy and kindness. It's a small, quiet library with everything I need and for that I can say that I love it. read more

Small and quiet. This library has a small free parking lot with a guard out front. The librarians are nice too! Unfortunately they don't seem to have enough room compared to other libraries which causes most of their used books section to be kept hidden behind closed doors. Service is great! The ambiance is quiet. read more

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Lots of tables for working with outlets right under them. Though there are lots of tables, there are also lots of patrons (which is awesome!) so you might have to share a table with someone (don't be shy!). Parking lot is compact but there is one so that's a plus. I didn't notice any study rooms here. Staff is nice and helpful. Library is quiet and perfect for working/reading. WiFi is great. read more

So my son loves to come to this library he's special needs. We checked out some videos and checked out a book. I went to return them today and the lady at the front desk was just so rude wouldn't give me back my receipt told me I had to go talk to the librarian. and went and talk to librarian. She was very helpful Not very warm and cozy but that's OK didn't have the cases for the videos. We accidentally threw them away, so we brought clear cases from our own library for them and they accepted it this time which was very nice and they waived the fees. We went back to go get my receipt, because I want them to prove to me that I had other things that were checked out the lady at the front had thrown it away in the trash when I had already asked her for it back! so karma she had to go in the trash for it! I expect Better customer service at least a smile and not be rude. Of course we're gonna go back because my son loves to go and get a book or a movie but I hope I don't have to deal with this lady ever again at the front desk. It's a new year! Cone on! read more

The most unpleasant experience coming here and trying to get a library card. The people working the front staff made a huge deal about me not having a California license and I had serval other ways of proving I have an address here. The man at the front desk kept harping on me being born in Columbia. After I told him it was Columbia, Maryland. Its insane its easier to by a G** in the USA then get a library book. read more

I truly enjoyed going to the library and I felt that way my entire life. The Mar Vista, Branch library is small, yet accommodates everything most people need. There's a lovely children's area with lots of tables and chairs to sit and read or spend time doing homework. There are numerous computers and it seems to be quite a few people utilizing them often. Most importantly, the amazing staff is always ready to help. From the branch manager to the district manager to the staff in all others categories, they love being there for the community. Everyone is happy to help, patient, kind, informative, and available to expand your knowledge of all the different options and classes the library provides. And, you feel welcomed the minute you walk in the library doors always getting a smile and hello from Desiree the security person. Mar Vista Library is community and we are fortunate to have such a resource! Thank you. read more

I frequent this library as it's a great place to get work done. In my recent experience and in contrast to other comments: It is very clean inside, someone walks by and cleans the tables and chairs all of the time. The tables are large and have very convenient outlets. No sleeping is allowed, you will be asked to leave by security. Bathrooms are clean, large bags are not allowed inside. WiFi is excellent. You can print up to 10 pages for free. Well staffed and librarians seem very helpful. read more

This library has the most helpful and kind staff! We were able to easily order books not in stock at this branch.

I fall under the category of people who are currently working from home that cannot get any actual work done from home. Therefore, libraries and cafes are my go to spots, and this one has been pretty decent so far. Yes, there are homeless people there everyday. Yes, they particularly love "showering" in the bathroom. Yes, the place looks a bit outdated. But I think a lot of people forget that it's A PUBLIC LIBRARY. If you can get past all the "cons" that come along with using a public facility, you will appreciate the fact that this place has a good amount of tables with easy outlet access - a must for anyone working remotely. Parking is HORRIBLE. I drive a subcompact car, and even that feels tight in those narrow spots. My other main complaint is that the book selection is fairly limited in this location. I'm relatively new to the area, so I'm not sure if this is an LA thing or not, but I did find myself having to request a lot of holds for stuff to be delivered to this location because they did not have it. read more

Sometimes the patrons may be smelly, but the facilities aren't bad and the staff can be really nice! They have free workstations and wifi. Black and white printing only for 25 cents a page. Central Library downtown is the only One that has color printing. Parking can be a pain Cuz the spots are so darn narrow but you can also park on the street. I like to order books to be held at this branch and I'll get an email letting me know when it's ready to pick up. Just be sure you pick it up before the indicated date otherwise you'll be charged a fee! There are two places where you can drop off your books without going inside. One is near the parking lot entrance. The parking lot gets gated after hours so you'll then have to use the return drop off on the front side on venice blvd. pretty easy. read more

Mar Vista Branch Library - Hours according to their website - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I love libraries. I get a sense of peace just walking in and seeing shelves and shelves of books. I love taking my two boys there and treating my 4 year old to taking home books. Here's the rub about this particular library, there are some very sweet librarians who have helped me but for the most part the women (never seen a man back there in 5+ years) manning the checkout counter are always pretty cold, now and again downright unfriendly. They have seen me come in on a regular basis, seen me through two pregnancies and now two kids but for every time I walk up you'd think it was the first time. Now I know they can't be expected to recognize everyone (although the restaurant down the street seems to have that handled) but at least a little warmth! They are magical gatekeepers of books! Lighten up! read more

I am definitely a fan! This place seems dirty & run down, and I might prefer to pee my pants than to check out their bathrooms... but either way, if you just reserve what you want, pop in to pick it up, then drop it off when you're done - no harm, no foul. The parking is a complete NIGHTMARE, probably just best to find a spot on Inglewood & parallel park and walk - or come with someone and just run in while the have the hazards on. The rules are super crazy, like I couldn't use my husbands library card to pick up a reservation unless he signed a form, and vice versa - but whatevs. The staff is iffy. One of the several times I've been in there was an amazingly friendly woman that was super helpful and happy - most of the time it's not that way. There was even once where we needed help to find something and the lady at the help desk (in the center of the library) was NOT helpful AT ALL - and hardly spoke english. Their DVD selection is pretty FAB - and if they don't have it you can request it be sent there under your card #. I recommend! read more

This is one of hundreds of LA County Public Libraries that isn't a bad place to chill to read/study and use their computer and printer. Bring quarters to use their printer though. The best part of MV library is that it's brighter and cleaner than most and there are big tables with electrical outlets under each! Score! Especially for your laptops and phones that need new life while your there. There seems to be a wide selection of DVDs if you're looking to save money. If they don't have what you need, like all of the other LA county libraries they will gladly find it for you at another branch for later pick up there. Bring the kids here because of it's pretty huge kid friendly reading area. The parking is limited and the bathrooms are a bit smelly. Overlooking the fact that all of the LA county libraries could use some more TLC, MV library does the trick in providing a pretty good public place to get your reading and studying on! read more

We are walking distance to this branch, so I walk here regularly with my 2 year old son. There is a small children's section with baby books and blocks for young tots. It's a nice place to go on a rainy day to kill some time and get out of the house, but there isn't a ton there to keep him occupied for a long time. More than that, we mostly utilize this branch for story time. We go to the toddler story time on Wednesday's and my son loves it. I'll be honest, I haven't been crazy about the teacher of that class, but as long as my son has a good time then it's good in my book. The other staff have been great, and I love the greeter at the door to the story time room (right off the lobby). The bathrooms are now locked and you need to obtain a key to use them (I was told by an employee that they had an overdose and had to implement that new rule). I haven't ever used the computers there but my husband attempted to once, as he needed to print something there when he was unable to print at home - long story short, he was never able to as the computers were in use far too long and he was sick of waiting. There is definitely a large homeless population in the area, but it seems they do their best to maintain cleanliness of the facility. read more

I love libraries. I do what I can to support libraries. But this one needs some help... The area for the children is pretty filthy and I'm fairly certain my entire family got a stomach bug the last time I took my son. today, he begged to go back so we gave it a shot. The area was blocked off which is totally fine and understandable, perhaps they are giving it a deep clean but a gentleman was sprawled out napping right in front of the entrance. There were several librarians and security in the area and no one seemed to think this was at all inappropriate. Afraid I disagree. read more

Mar Vista Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Very friendly and helpful staff. Nice accommodations with usually seating available for computer use. Best of small neighborhood library.

Terrible staffing! You now have to sign in and out for the bathroom key which the librarians hold hostage. Most of the staff at this location is rude! Is this the environment that LA tax dollars pay for ??? The security actually came INTO THE BATHROOM while I was in there and said I was supposed to sign the key out even though the librarian handed me the key! Very unprofessional! A few weeks back I asked the librarian at the front to renew the books on file. I handed her my card, she scanned it and said it had been done. I asked for the receipt and she said I didn't need one! Few days later when I had a chance to go online, I saw that she didn't actually renew them. And NO she's not new! Libraries aren't supposed to feel like prisons! They used to be warm/ welcoming places for people to go. Not all of the staff, but MOST are rude at this location! read more

My kids love to visit the Mar Vista Branch Library. Melanie, the children's librarian, knows her inventory like the back of her hand and gives great personalized reading recommendations. She asks insightful questions of each of my 4 kids (ages 4 to 10) about their likes and interests and then personally leads them to find new reading treasures. The best part is heading home with stacks of new books and the hours of peace and quiet as my kids get lost in their new literary finds read more

"Libraries should be allowed to remove homeless people who are simply using the library as a shelter." Yeah, I said it. No, I'm not gonna say sorry for it. The WORST part of this place along with most other libraries in the area (including Santa Monica) is that they aren't allowed to ask homeless people to leave. This turns what should be a comfortable, reasonably sanitary educational resource into an abbreviated dash to find what I'm looking for before getting the heck out, post haste. The front desk people are almost comically rude. I checked ONE book out and I felt like I was really inconveniencing the front desk woman; like I spoiled her grand plans. Look, if you don't like your job, go masturbate in the bathroom like half your homeless patrons do, and slap a freakin' smile on your face. Geez. Barbara, the woman who helped me at the reference desk, was VERY nice and answered all of my questions almost like it was her job. Smile and everything. THANKS, Barbara. * Selection here is decent. If you're a serious lover of libraries, I wouldn't pick this location as a first choice if you're looking for abstract books or attempting to do research. * DVD choices are numerous, given the small size of the library. * Parking gargles manbag, big time. I go here because I grew up in the neighborhood, so it's convenient. Would I like it if they redesigned the parking lot and expanded the library? Yeah, but I'll still pop in from time to time, even if I feel like bathing in Purell when I leave. read more

***This is an okay library with pleasant service though it definitely gets busy; the worst part is the parking; the (free) parking lot is small and the spaces feel very crammed (which crowd the path for cars entering and exiting); the library also does not feel as new (well kept) as some of the other branches in LA like Playa Vista or Westchester*** As mentioned, this library does feature free parking, but I would recommend parking on the street where you can easily find free spaces. read more

Ok, so I'm here at the library writing this review and I actually feel like people are watching me write this...... (looks over right shoulder)....but i can't tell. My initial reason for coming here was to just sign up for a library card, but wanted to take a look around to get an idea of what they had. And maybe compare it to my old school Alameda Library from my home town... well this one is definitly different. The need for a key for their restroom was my first inclination that there was something amuck with this library. And (I know you want to know this) when I was 10-200 a guy started banging on the door ranting about needing to use the restroom... since I had the key and was indispossed I couldn't let him in, so he kept banging on it; like when your brother or sister is in the restroom and they won't let you in. . . My 2nd sign of something was wrong with this library was that when I sat down to read a book, one of the employees told me I cna't sit there because it's for people waiting for the computer.... there were 8 other chairs, and 2 open computers.....so I got up, and walked behind him to see what he was working on (from a distance)- Hey I wanted to know what was so darn important..... and it was his fantasy baseball... So what is good for this place is the use of internet, there are about 20 laptops here all online and a slew of desktops (like the one I'm using) that are free for 1 hour to use as you like, facebook, myspace, twitter, yelp ;) Other possible pluses, that really apply to the LA library system, are there are over 50 other libraries and they're all connected; so if I check out a book from here I can turn it into another library near home in the valley and it's all good. No worries (it's like what blockbuster should do). Well I hope you enjoyed this review about the Mar Vista Library. If you're in the area and need a computer, it won't kill you to stop by. Just be sure you have your library card. read more

I always seem to find something useful/interesting for my bookshelf in the free or $1 book carts here. It's a nice place to get some work done in a quiet, well-lit environment. The parking lot is perilously cramped -- use it at your own risk. Really, I mean it. I'd recommend parking on either Venice or Inglewood and walking over. The book selection isn't much, but with the LAPL's online reservation system, that problem is solved. read more

Yeah, all libraries get five stars. I mean, free books, dvds, etc. I guess that's the definition of a library, though, so maybe it's not right to rate them all so highly, because how can you possibly choose between them if they all rate the same? Hmm. I make a good point. Still, I'll let others knock the public library system. My five stars are sticking. OK, the Mar Vista branch is nice. They have a small parking lot, the sort of lot where everyone seems to think they qualify as a compact car. Not so, as evidenced by that big ole white nissan that shared some of its paint with my dark green compact. Whatever, it rubbed right off. I hope you, Nissan, were not so lucky. Soo, this branch is quieter and smaller than others in the area. It's clean, it's new. The staff is a bit friendlier & more helpful than the branch on Overland. read more

*Free wireless - good * About 10 good sized tables each seating four with outlets for everyone - great * Relatively small, which means the children's section is close enough where I could hear the buggers screaming - bad *Book selection - meager looking; but I'll have to do an actual search to measure the actual quality of what they do have * Temperature - freakin freezing (i was wearing a long sleeved tee and yoga pants; but I walked here with no jacket) - i wanted to stay here all day and study, but I had to leave here early because i couldn't concentrate because it's so cold. - big fat minus Overall, an average experience highlighted by particularly annoying moments like the screaming babies and my desperate need for a jacket read more

This was my first time in a Library outside of school and my hometown. I tagged along with my boyfriend and I won't lie, I was pretty excited to get a library card again. The process to get the card was super easy just had to fill out a one page form, they enter the info into the computer, and hand you a card and key ring version. This branch was much smaller than the libraries I'm use to but they had all of your basic, fiction, nonfiction, classics, sci-fi (super weak in the star trek, I only found one TNG), how-tos, children's, and comic sections. I tried looking for a couple of books, but unfortunately they didn't have them :( Some of their selection is weak (minus star). If there are any books you can't find in this branch it is likely that will be able to request it from another branch and wait to pick it up. It is just a bit of a hassle to have to wait. There a bunch of computers that library card holders are allowed to use for 2 hours to surf the web and search the entire Los Angeles library database. My boyfriend requested a book and it arrived at the Mar Vista Branch in less than a week. When I went after 3:00 pm on a week day just about every chair and non computer area was filled with a students working on a laptops or a casual readers. If I came in to do work it seems that it would be really hard for me to find a work area so unfortunately that is a negative star. I suspect was full because it was prime time after school and it was close to final season, but those are the times I would probably utilize the space the most. Also the parking lot is really small so just a heads up It is not your super deathly quiet library where it is easy to fall asleep and it is not too loud that you will want to throw a book at someone to shut up. Overall I could tell it was a well loved library just a bit small for anything above a three star rating. read more

Horribly rude staff (they act like checking out a book or saying hello to them is inconveniencing their whole day. ) its never quiet, the brunette manager (the only young employee they have) is beyond rude, and the security loves to stalk the study area glaring at people dressed in alternative clothes. Several times about ten minutes before close either the dough-faced, round glasses wearing white chick or the incredibly dour African American older lady have come to the table I was studying at, and LOUDLY pushed all the unoccupied chairs into the table, as if to say, "get the hell out." That was all one long run on sentence but hey, that's how much they irritate me. Libraries that inspire bad grammar should be avoided. read more

Well... it's a library and it's free... I rather have it here than not but it's really outdated. The computers are so slow that if you use a 15min computer you have enough time to log on to your email, it's literally that slow. How do most coffee shops have faster internet than the library??? I don't get it. The staff is always friendly which is refreshing. I like the new security guard, she is very nice. read more

Decided to check out my local library. It's small, but has the basics such as computers, tables and chairs for studying, reference desk and parking. The employees are friendly and kind. Will be coming back to check out books. Note: although there is parking, the lot is extremely small and the spaces are narrow. I visited 10 min. after they were open and the majority of spots were already taken. There may be residential parking close by? read more

They close a couple minutes early! Stop closing early! I was there a couple minutes before 8 with 5 movies, and now thanks!- their two minutes cost me $5. The girl with long, light brown hair wouldn't let me in and told me to return them in the bin outside and "Just pay next time". Wow. And no apology for closing early. Otherwise, good library with plenty of books, DVDs, and music, to be fair. read more

Free wifi. Lots of nice 4-seat tables with outlets. Parking lot in the back around the corner. Water fountain near the bathrooms. To quote another yelper, "Some of the patrons may be smelly" read more

Great library with large collection for kids books and very helpful staff.

Melanie, the children's librarian is a true professional. My son needed resources on volcanoes and she jumped to her feet to help us. She personally helped us and made our experience extra special. So fortunate to have her helping the families in this community. read more

I really liked studying here the first time I came, but yesterday it was way too noisy (ironic, right?). Just a lot of people coming and going, and lots of chattering. Putting on the iPod helped, but eventually I left in search of more quiet. I do like the large tables, lighting, and plentiful outlets, though. Free WiFi available, which is good yet bad. The parking lot is kind of a mess, since it's so small. I've seen other law students here before too haha. read more

The staff is super nice here and always helpful. A few times I've emailed that I will be a day late to pick up a book that was about to expire, and they hold it for an extra day for me. Once I asked to recheck out a documentary DVD from another library and they let me do it (even though their not supposed to recheck out). They're just all top notch here. Why pay for Netflix or Blockbuster or Redbox when you can have any DVD sent to an LAPL library near you for free. They tend to get the new movies pretty quickly and have a great selection of indie and foreign films, and if they don't have something, you can request that they get it. This particular branch has a lot of Criterions and foreign films. read more

"Unfriendly, lazy staff" If at all possible usually go to the Playa Vista or Westchester-Loyola Village branch , even though this is only a few blocks from where I live. Besides parking being a nightmare, the staff in general is not very helpful or friendly. Even when you try to great them with a Hello, how are you today? Don't bother asking becuase you are wasting even more of their time. Both ladies at the exit/checkout desk were so miserably unfriendly and thy were only open for 1/2 hour. It would be nice if they would appreciate their city job as much as other people would. I just needed to renew a book , that was due in about a week. She told me no you have to return it. I asked , not until the due date, right. Big Sigh, well yes but someone is waiting to check it out. OK we will have it back on its due date. Then I asked about 3 books I had on hold, she said there are only 2. I made the mistake of asking " would you mind checking again, it shows online that it is here" ANother big sigh, "its not". ( Im sorry, I didn't realize you would have to get up and check again on that shelf way over there 2 feet) So I went home, cancelled the hold and will kick myself AGAIN for giving them another chance. read more