1. Matilija Lending Library

    1. Matilija Lending Library

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    El Monte, CA

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    Matilija Lending Library

    5.0 (9 reviews)
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    Matilija Lending Library Photos

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    Irma B.

    Matilija Lending Library is a one of a kind third place available in the SGV. A third place is somewhere apart from home or work that you could relax and feel a sense of belonging and community. Matilija offers a space to the community where you could socialize, try new things, learn, and so much more. They have a wide variety of books by BIPOC authors to lend and also for sale. They have cute stickers perfect for water bottles, bookmarks, cards, and pins too. They extend their space to the community and host events such as a book club, bike club, art and nature events, movement classes, and even game nights. And all of these events are free and welcome to all! Here, I learned how to line dance, ate foraged food for the first time, planted native plants, fell in love with reading again, and best of all, I made new friends! Amy and Andrew, the founders of Matilija, are some of the kindest and most caring individuals I know. Along with making Matilija happen, they're consistently working on creating an equitable and inclusive community in El Monte, the SGV, and beyond. Come and check them out!

    Cute aisle, small space
    Clara C.

    I love the mission of this library: celebrating diversity of the community. They have over 1500 books covering all topics. They even have children books! Current hours are a bit odd: Fridays: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Saturdays: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Borrowing books is free, like you would at a public library. You get 21 days. I only wish they can open on other days of the week for the community to take advantage of this hidden gem.

    Interior
    Tara K.

    This charming, intimate community oriented library highlights BIPOC authors and uplifts voices of people who are not in the mainstream media! It is intentional in their featured art and decor that centers on featuring art from the community and culture. There's something special everywhere you look! The hours are more limited than a typical library BUT it is lovingly run by people out of their free time. Books can be borrowed for a month and there are no late fees. You can also choose to buy books and the cutest bookmarks as well as postcards to support their amazing work! It has all the necessary amenities from a gender neutral bathroom, wifi, and seating area. The founders Amy and Andrew are so friendly and welcoming to everyone. They truly mean to create a space for the community and open up the library for events as well. This is my second visit to the library, I most recently came by for their partnered event with PSL Los Angeles. They were also kind enough to allow me to display flyers for senior care programs. Plenty of parking around and easily accessible by transit. Make the time to check out this lovely lending library if you happen to be in El Monte during their open hours! Check out their Instagram @matilijabooks for more up to date information

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    3 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Charming lending library with a great mission. The library has wide variety of books by various authors.

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    I know this location only opened like 1-2 months ago…read more This is only a comparison to the one in the Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia. The selection is a lot bigger. The books in the front are more with pop culture and famous books that maybe considered for the "coffee table" books. Also in the front , are the stationary items, cute Knick-knacks and some blind boxes. The Japanese light novels & manga section was larger vs the Arcadia location. Plus there was surplus amount of certain mangas that are currently popular to ensure enough is in stock. In general, I find these books very decently priced. I have , in the past, asked them for a particular book if they have in stock, they'll check to see if they have it or not or will direct me to where it is in the store.

    My favorite Kinokuniya due to the amount of books packed in such a tiny store, it's always clean…read moreand never feels messy despite having so much selection to look through and choose from. They always have a ton of pens imported from Japan and they even have the little sticker tag on the pen itself in Japanese. Huge fan of the Uniball Zento Pens as I draw from time to time. I know it's great to support local stores, but I do wish they were a bit more competitive with pricing, if a book is only 10% more expensive here and I'm in the area, sure I'll buy it at Kinokuniya, but when the same exact book brand new is 40% cheaper on Amazon, I can't justify the purchase. It would be cool if membership allowed for price matching. Overall, this is probably the best Japanese book/manga shop you can find aside from the Book Off in Gardena.

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    4.5(215 reviews)
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    Alexandria Bookstore is one of those rare places that feels magical the moment you walk in. The…read moreselection is thoughtfully curated, with everything from spiritual and metaphysical books to unique gifts and meaningful finds you don't see everywhere else. The atmosphere is calm, welcoming, and full of character. You can take your time browsing without feeling rushed, and there's something about the energy of the space that feels grounding and inspiring at the same time. The staff is kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful if you're looking for something specific or just exploring. It's the kind of bookstore you leave feeling a little lighter and more connected. A true Pasadena treasure. I always find something meaningful here.

    I've been shopping at this store for the past seven years and have always enjoyed the atmosphere…read more The employees have been friendly, although they don't always acknowledge you unless you approach them first for assistance. Unfortunately, my experience this past December left me with a bad impression. I stopped in to buy Christmas gifts and while I was being helped by the employee at the register, I asked if they happened to have small handouts explaining the properties of a few crystals that came from the glass shelves. They weren't sure, so they asked the older employee/manager standing nearby. His response was rude. He came over and said they would have to print one out and didn't have time to do that. I wasn't expecting anyone to go out of their way to print something--I was just asking in case they had copies available at the front. A polite "no, we don't" would have been fine. Instead, the sharp tone was embarrassing, especially since it happened in front of other customers, the employee helping me, and my partner. I still purchased my items, but the interaction left me hesitant to return. This is a shop that should feel warm, welcoming, and relaxing considering what it offers. Nobody should leave feeling uncomfortable after a simple question.

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    5.0(36 reviews)
    5.5 mi

    Such a cute little hidden gem! ‍ It's easy to miss unless you're walking by and happen to notice…read morethe sign pointing you down the alley. Once you find it, though, you're greeted by this cozy little coffee and book shop that feels like a secret hideaway. They have a really nice selection of books to browse or buy while enjoying a drink, with a handful of seating options: from regular tables to comfy chairs and sofas. It's the kind of place where you could easily lose track of time and accidentally spend a few hours reading. I ordered an espresso over ice, and honestly... their coffee is pretty damn good. I wasn't expecting much from a place that doesn't primarily specialize in coffee, but I was pleasantly surprised. The jasmine green tea was also really good and refreshing, especially on a hot summer day. The ambiance is probably my favorite part--quiet, cozy, and inviting without feeling too stuffy. Definitely a great little spot to escape to, grab a drink, and browse some books. Would absolutely come back!

    Background On Visit: Decided to take a gander at this small bookstore. Believe it or not, but there…read morewas a Yelp Elite event at this location but for a different business back in 2018. Credit Cards: They are accepted. Restroom: They have a unisex restroom. Location/Parking: Located in a alleyway in old town Monrovia between Lime Ave. and Lemon Ave on Myrtle Ave.. Parking can be found either in the shared public lots or along Myrtle Ave. Ambiance/Decor: Nice cozy ambiance with 6 or 7 small tables to sit/read/drink in the shop. Service: Service is great. The staffers are very nice and informative. If you don't see a book that you want to have, you can request it and just pay for the book when it arrives. Lastly, ask for cat stickers! Black Cat Fables For Thought: Wouldn't mind coming back to explore the shop while enjoy a cup of tea.

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    Black Cat Fables - Their coffee shop is finally open!!

    Their coffee shop is finally open!!

    Black Cat Fables - Love the fall window display!

    Love the fall window display!

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    Matilija Lending Library - libraries - Updated September 2026

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