I'm not sure if I've just been spoiled by other libraries or what but, I think this library isn't that impressive. I like to study somewhere that's REALLY quiet and this just wasn't quiet enough for me. I came on a Friday afternoon in the summer so I don't think there were too many kids either... The outside is very impressive, with a large grassy area, but I'm rating the library based on the inside. The restrooms are right outside by the door and once inside, you can either go left or right. I went left, for the adult section. There are a good number of seats lining the perimeter, with a lot of light coming in from the glass windows, but my only complaint was the noise. It seemed that no matter where you sat, the noise from the librarian's desk still reached you. It's probably because the desk is in the middle of everything... I had to put my ear phones on to reduce the noise... Overall, I think it's a pretty new and nice library, and I would come here if I wanted to do some light reading. It's not somewhere I'd come to do heavy, FOCUSED work. read more

I think the library looks gorgeous and they have a decent selection of books. I also like how the front door has two doors so there isn't much outside noise. The staff honestly seems snotty and the people coming here to go on the computers honestly creep me out. Everyone seems really judgy and people are so freaking loud. One guy today was wearing earphones and banging beats on a desk for his music. I'd understand if it was a kid doing that, but this was an old ass man. It was rude and annoying and he wouldn't stfu about it. I like actual books, that's why I come, but I feel uncomfortable being here with everyone judging you. Not to mention the large amount of homeless people you see hanging out in the front of the library. If I had children I wouldn't trust them to be here. read more

The library in downtown Monrovia- to me, is as good as it gets for a self-proclaimed bookworm, a sort of savage among the stacks, a lover of literature, and unfortunately I reign, (and then am consequently fined *doh) in the overdue book department. Monetary donation is another word for fines, oh joy! The library is located on Myrtle Ave, north of the 210 freeway (that's towards the foothills BTW) and the building itself is quite a hot sexy, hunk of eye candy, you just want to cat call and whistle at when you walk by! This vessel of books and of knowledge and wisdom and occasional bathroom stop, is surrounded by green grass and lovely shade trees. In the back, there's a playground for the kiddies which is very clean and benches for parents to take a break. So sweet. Awww... The library has a community center, which plays movies. There are activities for the young and old, and for little old ladies who I am most certain are playing Wii Sports or something... Off to the left is a humongous children's section: complete with a reading area for story time, an activity room for "games" aka enrichment activities (so sneaky), and computers loaded with more "games". In the children's area, there are bathrooms, which is so convenient for parent's roving eyes, and there is a real live librarian solely for the kiddie section for some Q&A's. The adult section, has large print books, DVDs, Cd's and many computers. A lovely magazine section is keeps me updated in all of the important current events, such as Martha Stewart's doily napkins and Kim Kardashian's 15 ct. diamond ring, I am so in the know. There are tables where people can plug-in their lab-tops and plenty of seating. Private study rooms are available if you inquire with the librarian in the area. Better get them A's! Yes, it can be loud at times especially when the kids get out of school. But if kids flock to the library instead of graffiting my streets, I'm pretty thankful. Enjoy the library, it's a gem and it's location is fantastic!!! read more

Cute small library located in old town Monrovia. It's not very large, but if you're looking for something larger, you can head over to Arcadia or Pasadena for that. I'll come here sometimes with my laptop to get work done and enjoy a quiet location. read more

Avoid the library directly after school. I've never been inside a library where children dared to yell, wrestle or climb on furniture. It was to the point where the librarian had to go tell children to knock it off.....in front of their parents! My biggest complaint is that they have a ton of computers in the childrens section, complete with video games. My cousin saw people playing games and wanted to go play them instead of picking out books. Wow. Thanks, Monrovia! It's hard enough to convince a 5 year-old with ADHD that a book is exciting WITHOUT competition! The picture book section was pretty interesting. A lot of the books were obviously donated, as they were old and worn. It was like borrowing a book from an old friend. However, they had all the new classics, as well as older things I remembered from kindergarten! They have self-check out kiosks which were very helpful. The juvenile non-fiction section had books on drugs. Not sure that was appropriate, but whatever. I definitely prefer the main side of the library. Also, signing up for a card was like applying for FBI clearance! Had to show ID, give a bunch of personal info, etc. Weird. read more

First time visiting yesterday. I needed to squeeze out some work between meetings, and this was great. Not the largest of libraries, but lots of desks and the study areas are spread apart to ensure distraction free study, reading, etc. The adult and kids sections are on opposite wings of the building as well, so not only was it quiet, you didn't have too many rug rats coming into this section of the library. The entry way corridor is a bit trippy. It reminds me a lot of being in a bunker or spaceship. read more

One of the best libraries to study and get work done. Situated in the heart of Old Town Monrovia, this library has added to their beautification and renovation project Old Town was going for. The decor inside is modern and reminds me of the UCLA Andersen School of Management library during my days in college. The staff is extremely helpful and accommodating. I wish this place was open on Sundays for all the study bugs like me! read more

I love this library. It is closer to me than my own city's public library and also easier to access/navigate/use, so I come here all the time now. There is plenty of street parking on all four streets surrounding the library. It can be hard to find street parking on Lime (although there is a public parking lot there that usually has spots) so I usually park on Palm. The library is large and the park is pretty nice. There are usually a couple homeless people under the large tree on Palm but they keep to themselves. The library itself seems really clean, organised, and well-maintained. The staff here are super nice and helpful, and it is so easy to get a library card. It is also really easy to get a replacement card if you lose it like I did :P AND they even give you a mini card to put on your keychain! I actually use that now because it is so convenient. So I have been coming here a lot lately to use their computers. They have multiple computers set up for people to use--you log in with your library card # and your PIN (which is the 10-digit phone number that you signed up with). You are allowed up to 2 sessions a day, usually 120 minutes each (although it will be shorter if you come in closer to closing time obviously). All the computers feed into one printer. If you want to print something, then you send it to the printer from your current computer. Then you go to the printer computer, release your print job(s), pay the machine (it is 15 cents per sheet), and the printer will then print it out for you! So simple :) I would suggest bringing headphones if you want to listen to anything on the computer since you cannot play it on the computer speakers (as this is a library, shhhh ;)) I have not borrowed anything from this library in a long time but I remember it being pretty easy to do so back when I used to. My only complaint about this library is their short business hours on Thurs-Sat. I wish they were 10am-8pm every day! read more

The remodeled Monrovia Library is impressive visually, with the new structure, new park layout and water fountain. Their selection of books is kinda old though. But I think their wifi connection on my Mac laptop is immensely better than their Arcadia counterpart. Parking is generally never an issue, as there are street parking surrounding the park that it resides in, as well as throughout Old Town Monrovia. PS - Don't wear boots in here. Each step you take gives off this giant squeaking sound. Learned through experience. read more

After library-hopping for the past few months or so, I always find myself wishing every place would be more like Monrovia's Public Library. Here's why: the children's room is located in the separate wing, far from the more serious study area, meaning you could get some really good studying done in peace and QUIET. Other than that, I love how outlets are easily accessible, how the amount of table space is huge (complete with wooden chairs that are big enough to comfortably hold any large bum), and how the place is relatively well-lit and clean. Now, if only their hours were a little more flexible--perhaps even opening on Sundays--this place would definitely be my second home. read more

On the corner of Lime and Myrtle you will find a bronze statue of Mark Twain reading a book on a park bench with a little room to sit beside him and read over his shoulder. Just beyond the statue you come across a lovely fountain and the steps leading towards the library. All around there are majestic trees with an abundance of leaves that provide the perfect backdrop for a quiet read or a quaint family picnic. Just behind the Library building you will find an excellent park with various slide and swing structures and a kid friendly rubber flooring (ADA approved playground equipment). To the right of the park there is a band shell where they provide free concerts during the summer. Right in the middle is the Monrovia Public Library. Our little family finds this park and library to be our idea of heaven. Situated in Old Town Monrovia with all their little bistros, shops and plenty of parking my tweeny says she hear angels sing and the heavens part. As she always has her nose in a book, I told her it was the live band down the street ( Wednesdays they play live music in Old Town). We proceeded posthaste to get our library cards and check out a stroller bottom full of books. The DVD rentals are 3 dollars, the music CD's are free to check out. There is a fee to put a book on hold and there are a plethora of books to check out. The paperbook novels, CD and DVD's have to be checked out at the main circulation desk, all others can be a self checkout. There are two self check out kiosks, one close to the circulation desk and the other conveniently located in the children's section. The only downside I can think of is that the WIFI is not great. The book selection in both the Fiction and Non Fiction sections are very good. There is a really great teen area that provides a quiet hang out area for them. The Children's library is completely separate and is exceptional. With tablet devices for toddlers and some computers for the kids already preloaded with great content. They provide story times, arts & crafts and family movie time programs during the month and week. My tweeny loves the children's librarian Gail who helps her find new authors and has special ordered a few new books and kept her posted on their library release. They have a friends of the library bookstore and hold a community events throughout the year. I am loath to provide this information ( as you will add to the length of time waiting for a book), but they are in the Southern California Digital library program, that provides loans to your e-book device. I LOVE this library. read more

It is a beautiful library. However the hours make it difficult for night owls or lengthy studying. Mon-wed, 10-8pm. (open 10 hours) Thurs-sun, 12-5pm. (open 5 hours) Closed on sundays. Often, I will need to settle down and focus into the night on Thursday and Friday. But if they only open less than half the day that often, and exclude a weekend day, you feel a little hurried. Other than that, I like the surrounding area, it has it's own park with children, grass, trees, and a huge fountain. It feels like a nice little escape, it's tranquil, the view is nature-y and beautiful, and there are places to sit. There are always kids and teens making this their hangout spot, so it has a friendly vibe. Without a book or anything to do though, it may seem a little lonely since it's still a small town library. The parking is amazing, though. It has a time limit but it seems you can park there all day. read more

This review is just for the outside of the public library only. This past Saturday, I came here to take engagement photos with my fiance and our 2 little dogs. I picked the library because of the open grass and beautiful scenery. It is a perfect backdrop to our photos and also the fact that we could include our dogs in the photos. There is this really nice big fountain in front of the library and was a must for us to take photos with. We also sat on the cute little black benches and with all the big trees. The 2 great big trees right in front of the library are perfect spots for taking photos as well. Then after we were done with photos here, we took some more photos all around Old Town (which have plenty of wonderful hidden spots to take photos as well). The library here itself looks very nice and big (especially since it was built a few years ago) and I would love to come here some time and check it out. read more

This Place Is GORGEOUS!! Feels So Alive And Fun And They're Really Engaged In Selling The Quality Of The Literature And Movies Available At This Location. Their Kids Room Is Sick Too, I Can't Wait To Go Back!! read more

What a lovely library! The staff is very friendly and helpful. They help us getting our library card. We can use their computer, borrow book and CD, DVD. They even have a small book store inside library. read more

Love this library the building is updated very organized lots of community information and just a nice vibe

I really don't know why anyone wouldn't love this library. It is huge! It has a ton of books; if they don't have the one you want, they will order it for you. There is a huge tech center and the programs are fabulous! There is a killer Friends bookstore in the front too. The "kid" issue mentioned in another review is ridiculous. The huge park around the library is just that a park-a natural gathering place. The kids are harmless. I would rather have them at the library then causing trouble somewhere. The staff is super helpful. I would suggest you ask for help rather than write a bad review. read more

Just a fantastic library, and you can tell because the front steps are packed before opening time with people raring to get in. They also have a 3D printer!! read more

Great library, terrible hours. NOON to five Thursday - Saturday, and closed Sunday? A toddler who got into a coffee pot sleeps longer than this place is open. read more

The kid and the people who are always coughing is disgusting and annoy. Some home-less wonder around not a good place to study even though the outside environment is still looks good. The parking is very competed. read more

I prefer this library to Arcadia Public Library for its location and overall ambience. I like that it is located in Old Town Monrovia and has a park right in from of it. Every time I go there's a bunch of kids and middle schoolers nearby. Very kid-friendly as it should be. The building is nicer and apparently recently revamped and it shows. I've come here to just read and/or work on homework. I bring my laptop sometimes and there's wifi. I do think they should have more references but I can't complain because it is a small public library. I can always head to my university library for those. read more

This library is absolutely amazing. AMAZING. There are so many books that you can choose from. The staff are really nice. There are study rooms that you can reserve to study with friends or by yourself for a project. You can borrow books, cds, music, magazines, telescopes (I know, cool right), and even a basket to carry them. There's always ongoing activities for adults, teens, and kids. You can even use their computers! Important note: get your own library card. It's a really easy process and so worth. However the hours of the library might not be so generous it is definitely a worthwhile place. Very clean, very spacious, and a great study place. There's even a store where you can purchase books and magazines and more! read more

A top-notch small-town library, and definite improvement over the building it replaced. I watched in awe, as it was under construction, thinking it would be 2-stories! Although that didn't turn out to be the case, I was not disappointed. It's a very accommodating place, with a children's wing on one side, a small store, several conference rooms, movie/music rental section, and still enough space for an impressive number of books and magazines. My kids love to read as much as I do, so we often stop by and browse for a while before checking out some books (and usually go to the park or walk into town afterward). The self-checkout machines are convenient and the place has a nice ambience. Like someone else mentioned, the hours could be a bit better (maybe open Sundays and later during the week), but that's a minor quibble. read more

This is a nice library. Very spacious and clean situated inside a nice park. I have to take a star off though since they charge $1.00 for new dvd rentals. It's not the money but it is a library. Everything should be free to borrow...not a Redbox. read more

Monrovia Public Library is a pretty good spot to do some reading/homework/etc. They have a decent space to sit and read and lots of outlets for electronics. Their study rooms are awesome! Good place for me to go and crank our homework during my college days. Staff is friendly and helpful. The selection of books is not the biggest and it is typically very busy during the afternoons. I wish it stayed open later. The building itself is state of the art and very beautiful. It has a great park and fountain out front (and a cool mark twain statue). In the back is a stage and playground area. Very beautiful landmark on the scenic and historic old town Monrovia. Definitely worth a trip to check it out! read more

Great library- it's clean and quiet with a beautiful park, but the hours could be better.

Beautiful, tons of books, lots of activities for the kids. BUT....the hours are RIDICULOUS. Some days it opens at 10, some days it opens at noon. It's so annoying. read more

Monrovia library has a nice little selection of movies, I just wish the wifi worked consistently .

What a wonderful place to bring the kids. We have taken the tour with my daughter's school and the kids had a blast.

Free Monday night movies for kids.

Wonderful place to read and borrow books.. Staff are very kind and helpful. Great selections of books.

This is one of the most beautiful and modern libraries I have ever visited Beautiful landscaping with gorgeous old trees and a verdant grass lawn adorns the front of the library. The entrance to the library appears as this stunning architectural corridor. This is definitely the best of the best for public libraries. Thank you Monrovia. read more

So far, I have had an amazing experience at the Monrovia Public Library: Customer service has been absolutely fantastic. Whenever I have needed to find books about a particular subject, the librarians have been there to readily help me out. I would like to especially thank Stefanie (I hope I spelled her name correctly) for helping me out a couple of days ago. She led me to the books that I needed for a research project, and she even went out of her way to look for additional books that I might be interested in. My gratitude goes to Stefanie and everyone else who has helped me at the Library! Keep up the great work! read more

LOVE this library! we take our little ones here for toddler reading time

I came here to take an Improv class with some friends. Had a lot of fun! I didn't actually check out the library area though. The class was taught by Bill Chott who was on Wizards of Waverly Place and in the film The Ringer. The library is connected to park and is in the area of Old Town Monrovia. If you're into Pokemon go, this is a good place to play. read more

I love coming to this library because it is so quiet, clean, beautiful, and relatively uncrowded. I've been coming here ever since I was a child and they have made so many improvements over the years. They have many computers and age-appropriate sections in the library. The staff is very friendly, helpful, and eager to answer any questions you have. Although the library is not very large, they have a good selection of books and they are working on expanding their multimedia section. read more

Everyone here is very helpful. I go here to use They're copying machine. And sometime rent a video or two.

About the best library I been to. They have rooms you can use if your alone or have a study group. There's a time limit to the rooms but if nobody is waiting they will let you stay in there. Staff are friendly and very helpful. They also have many computers to use. Keep in mind you will need a library card in order to get a room or use the computers. Free library cards!!!! read more

I love the surrounding area and atmosphere. This library is not the biggest but it sure is great. I love that they provide you with private study rooms if necessary. This is my go-to study spot! read more

The Monrovia library is one of the few libraries that are kept very clean and maintain a certain atmosphere that I enjoy. The librarians are always helpful but most importantly, they know their books; where all the sections are and what books to recommend! On hot days in Monrovia, its nice sometimes to have some cold AC blowing and the landscape of the front of the library is absolutely breathtaking. Very nice for a public library! read more