Oh what a HAPPY, HAPPY day! I wanted to take advantage of the State Park Pass offered FREE at our Los Angeles libraries, but figured there's NO WAY I could snag one the week before Labor Day. Whelp, there's no harm in trying. This Northridge branch was located smack in the middle of my SFV errands, so I swung by to try my luck I like this branch. It reminds me of the branch I had growing up, with a modest parking lot FILLED with beautiful shade trees. Some of the exterior on the local branches looks a bit industrial, but this branch has a mountain cabin feel. I parked and walked in. As soon as you enter, you can see the restrooms and a drinking fountain conveniently located at the front. Hubs headed there while I beelined a few steps further to the checkout desk, library card conveniently affixed to my keyring, tightly clenched in my sweaty palm. 'I know this is a crazy Hail Mary ask, but are there any State Park passes still available?' I asked as unstressed as possible. A quick glance behind, 'Hmmm...I don't think...wait! Okay, hold on, let's get your card scanned (beep!), then I can check(scan beep again) and seeeee....Yes! This last one is available!' WooHOO!!! How lucky I am! My adventure Angel was looking out for ME today! The librarians laughed at my reaction, which may have been a bit too loud for the environment, but they didn't dampen my joy. Thanks for being such a great resource for adventure and fun, be it within the pages of Robert Louis Stevenson or the dirt roads of Bodie. Cheers! "CC" read more

Northridge Branch Library - WHAT?!? Last State Park pass available! My angel is working OVERTIME!!!! - Libraries Near Me - Northridge, California

Recently, we had our Sweet Granddaughter for a day together. We started out by checking out a community festival at Pierce College. Then as the weather was drifting into May Gray coolness, we wanted to go to the Chatsworth Library for some indoor quiet time. That branch was closed at the time, having renovations on their HVAC systems. It wasn't that far to get to Northridge, so we checked out that location. We found a convenient parking place, then a clean restroom inside. Then it was time to visit the children's section in the back corner. What a delightful time for 6 year-old SG. She was in reading heaven. She browsed the racks, picked out several books at a time, then found various places to snuggle up with her finds. Dear Hubby happily found the magazines and started reading on his own. There are tables and chairs, and also computer desks near the kids' area, so we could be close, but give SG her space. I was checking work email for a while, and then Yelp reviews. The layout and design features of the children's section are very charming and create a cozy atmosphere. SG was excited to learn that she could have her parents get her a library card so that she'd be able to check out a certain number of books and take them home for a time. A library fan is born! I told her about when I was a kid on the first day of summer vacation I would ride my bike across town to the library and come home with a basket of books to read. That was my ritual throughout the start of the summertime. Read, read, read. Go for a swim, get something to eat, then read some more. Simpler times! read more

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To retaliate against a request to file a valid sincere grievance is indicative of the endemic abuse of authority which I have documented in the past and heard from other regular patrons of the Northridge public library. I'm working on a more comprehensive report of the authoritarian culture I've observed here. The supervisor, the librarian and the security guard triangulate in ways to avoid accountability. I'm well versed in all their methods because I've been subjected to them. These techniques are being used too often. They are too practiced and methodical. There's a stark contrast in culture compared to neighboring public libraries. The supervisor is a Karen. She has hand picked staff that are supportive of her behavior. She had trained them to coordinate her oppressive protocols. I will document all actions taken against me: be they open or covert. I will voice them publicly and at local city council meetings. The library belongs to the people. The library of all places should be inclusive. There are kind library ushers Working at this library Who are more suitable administrators. The cognitive dissonance Produced from Oppression at the Northridge public library Requires reconsideration of Management read more

I love the public libraries, but not this one. The security guard at this branch is extremely rude and creates a very negative and unwelcoming environment. My first interaction with this person was with a friend. My friend parked her car in the parking lot and we get out of the car, and this woman comes out and tells her " can you park better?" It was incredibly rude. On top of that, the parking wasn't even bad, however, if it bothered her, there were less aggressive ways to go about saying that. My latest interaction with this individual happened about a month ago. I went in to check out a book, and I stayed at the tables reading. The security person stood at the end of my table and just looked at me, and that other library visitors who were not doing anything inappropriate. She put her hands on her waist, so that's already an unfriendly and potentially aggressive pose, in terms of body language. This person just seems to really get off on power trips. Go elsewhere. read more

Cute library. Great story time & selection of books + toys for children. There's plenty of space for small children while still leaving space for your "average" library needs. read more

One of the loudest libraries I have been to in Los Angeles and that's saying something. Impossible to focus. People are going around shouting and talking in their full voice. What happened to the libraries of yesteryear when the expectation was that you would whisper or the librarian would hush you. The librarians who work here are just as loud. This place is as loud as a coffee shop. Also, extremely stuffy in here. It's also pretty outdated. I do not recoommend! read more

With most LA public libraries, the offering of free wifi, free resources, free wireless printing, free reading parties, and the space to study and read new books is a great blessing. However, at this branch I've noticed some problems that regularly occur here that get a bit annoying: - Front desk rarely knows anything to help you and will almost ALWAYS refer you to ask the librarian further in the library for help. One approached me because I was scanning some pages in my book with the scanner machine. She tapped me on my shoulder and asked if I was almost done very rudely because a gentleman had asked her for assistance. I rushed with scanning and left as soon as I can. Turns out he didn't even need the scanner machine, he just needed to print something out from the printer which was not being used! - There are somehow always that one kid making a loud ruckus (random screams, squeals, slamming of objects). Unfortunately, the librarian staff don't do anything (at least let the parents know that the kids are being too noisy). It makes it feel like the rest of us aren't being respected for the work or reading we are trying to do. When did hearing librarians go "shhh" stop being a thing? At least acknowledging the loud noise can help us all feel like something is at least being done about it. Instead, ignorance is used and it lets the kids think that it's okay to keep yelling at a space that should be more quiet. - Sometimes the said librarian looks very annoyed or clearly don't seem to want to help the older folks who have technology problems or need extra assistance in printing. Saw this happen several times and I feel bad for the folks. - Library branch does not follow opening times!! I've come here several weekdays to when they're supposed to have been open just to see it's still closed/locked! They don't follow the hours it seems to open yet they are always adamant with making sure everyone leaves right at the dot for closing because they "will lock the parking lot gate and lock your cars in". The service here is rude and not generally welcoming or nice unless you have an easy task (like checking books out). read more

Northridge Branch Library - Library Interior - Libraries Near Me - Northridge, California

This branch used to be so great. Throughout the summer, this was a refuge from screentime for myself and my kids. We had a blast attending events and getting through as many books as we could. Recently, however, they've hired security guards, who- while I appreciate the added level of security- are VERY child unfriendly. I'm not sure why so many people complain about the children being loud here, because children are absolutely not allowed to even exist here, it seems! Children love the kids area- with a reading area, a nugget couch and a reading playhouse. But no, don't let your children giggle, pick more than 2 books or make friends with other children in the branch or sound their words out, because these "security" will come over and reprimand you for every little thing. My 4 y/o was being followed by a big buff security as he grabbed books. My child frequents this library and checks out many books at a time, to last him through the month. How ridiculous to tell him to put them back...no. he will not, because we intend to check them out. Absolutely so unpleasant to visit here with children that I will now just head to the next nearest branch. Sad. read more

Very rude and demanding security guard who complained when we were talking in low voice. She had rude tone if brought ina drink without a cap. One of libriians was not very helpful in using the wireless printers and expected you to know how to use the scanner. The panorama staff is much friendlier. read more

Very rude librarian with gray hair. I hadn't been to the library in a couple of decades so I wasn't sure on how to locate a book on the shelf whether by title or author name. The books were for my toddler. She brought me to the section of the book I was looking for and proceeded to tell me that I "have to read to find the book." Very condescending. I know I have to read to look for the book but I wasn't sure whether by author name or title? If you have no people skills why even have this job? read more

Decent size. Smells and looks clean. Public restrooms and water fountain. Both clean. Cute little children's corner. Plenty of computers for children and adults. Also plenty of seating areas. There's a beautiful seating area near a window by the children's corner that overlooks the Main Street where CSUN and se apartments are. Private parking lot. It can get pretty packed but there's free street parking. Only thing I don't like is that it opens at 12PM buuut it doesn't take away from all the other positive things about it. read more

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Reasonable size. Clean in appearance. There's a public restroom and a water fountain, both of which are clean. There's also a cute kids' corner. There is a large selection of computers for both children and adults, as well as ample seating areas. The children's corner has a lovely lounging space by a window that looks out onto the Main Street. The private parking lot can be quite congested, however, free street parking is available. read more

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I've only been coming to this location once some of the LAPL locations opened up during COVI, but I have had a great experience. They've done a good job of making sure everyone keeps a safe distance as well as making sure everyone is able to get in, get their holds, and get out. My only complaint is that with the parking lot closed, there is only street parking available. And with this location sharing a street with lots of residential with no parking on one side of the street, there has been a few times when I couldn't find a place to park. I know this is just a problem for the current climate, but it's still something to keep in mind when you go to pick up your orders. And I also just want to point out, not just for this location, if you get an email saying your hold is ready, call as soon as you can. Usually I have to wait a few days before they have a slot open to pick up my holds. So if you're expecting to be able to pick up your order the day you get the email, that's most likely not going to happen. At least not while they are taking all of these extra safety precautions. read more

Lady with the glasses at the front desk is rude and snooty. Total Karen vibes. How does she have a job doing customer service?

These place is not the best the older women that work there are very snobby and since they have a little bit of power are incredibly rude. They work there just because they have extra time and they are bored. The student that volunteer are helpful and very nice but be careful about this place because also if they feel a void is damaged is the smallest way they will make you pay for it full price at the highest price the book was ever being sold and won't let you keep so called damaged book. if you have a situation like that though never pay them the fee at the library buy the book online which look brand new and just give that one to them. Definitely don't recommend this place if you drive panorama or north valley library way better and much more friendly and helpful individual s. Also not as busy so you can find most your books they or they order them really quickly for people read more

The person that checked the books out was rude and accused me of leaving a library card. She said that's why my online account wasn't working but in reality the last digits of my phone number were wrong on their end. I am always kind and responded politely but it was a really unnecessary interaction. I wish the library was still open though I can deal with the rudeness. read more

Refused to let me use the restroom. Extremely frustrating especially after sitting in traffic for an hour.

It can get a little loud when there are kids around, but it's a library and it gets the job done. There are books. There are tables where you can do your thing. There are computers if you need one. There's free wifi if that gets you excited. In terms of staff, they are friendly enough; one thing that bugs me is that the reference desk is smack dab in the middle of the library. The librarians basically make no effort to use their inside voices and the phones sometimes ring the hook. It's kind of inconvenient, but they also keep the bathrooms locked; I didn't think Northridge was that ghetto (you can get the key from the front desk). They often have events in the conference room in the front. One time, I came in and they were giving away cookies and punch :) unfortunately, about 10 minutes later, they announced over the speakers that they were going to have a drum circle. So much for the library being a quiet place :/ In any case, it's a decent library with a decent sized parking lot with plenty of street parking. If you don't want to pay the ridiculous parking fees at csu-Northridge, it's a good place to park. Just remember, there's a 2 hour limit (except on Sundays and after 6pm all other days)! read more

Northridge Branch Library - What... nobody told me it's a holiday! - Libraries Near Me - Northridge, California

It's a great place for little kids who want to use the computer, play, or read books or magazines, but as a college student, it is so loud! I couldn't find an empty table so I sat at a computer and moved the keyboard to work. Kids can ask the librarians for help on how to print, work on a project, use the computer, etc. You can pay to print something. The tables do have outlets. There are no private study rooms to rent. They have books in other languages like Spanish and Korean. The back of the library has its own free parking lot. The WiFi worked fine. The library is across from dining options like Panda Express, Little Caesar's, Starbucks, and more. A block away is the library. Across from the library is CAL State University Northridge. read more

I've been living in the Valley for 6 years now and I pass by this library practically 5 days a week and I never knew about it. I'm so glad I know now because this place is GREAT!! My friend had told me about their story time that they have 2 times a week, I took my son here and we both had a wonderful time. The lady who coordinates the story time is really sweet and just having the interaction with other children is nice. The library is clean and has of course tons of books and they have a nice area for children to sit and read books and just play. I even got a library card woo hoo! :) Looking forward to coming back and bringing my baby boy so glad it's so close by. read more

I had a change of opinion when it comes to this library ~~~I LOVE THIS PLACE~~~ The DVD selection is SPLENDID.....There are so many good titles to choose from it's awesome 8))) I am never without a great DVD.....nothing like FREE movies. The internet connection here is lightening FAST and NEVER knocks you off line (some branches you constantely can NOT stay connected)...so you can come in, read the newspaper, rent movies, and chill in the air condition on these HOT 90/100 degree evenings/days ____________________________________________ A sad event happened here at this branch on WED 5/6 A female had her laptop stolen from a table she was sitting at....she had walked away to do something and when she came back it was GONE So my advice to anyone using the library (when u bring your laptop and use it inside) WATCH YOUR SHIT!!!! Theives are waiting for peeps to slip...believe me SAD....But TRUE read more

Wifi is super spotty here and takes a long time to load. On the plus side, it looks like they have an option where you can print up to forty copies of something at any la county library remotely. This library is very close to plenty of eateries and is a short walk from the nearby university. The librarians are very nice and willing to help you. Noise level is controlled very well and the facility is clean. I only deduct a star because of the whole wifi issue otherwise it's an excellent location to study at. read more

Last week I had made an error on a request for a book to be picked up. Susan took the call, discovered the error and then acted on multiple steps to create a solution that was customer-focused. read more

Also a man named Robert messaged me on yelp about this review and told me "you won't be missed". He was defending the library because he couldn't accept my bad review. He Probably works there or have family or friends that works there lol read more

This was my first time at this library and I did not feel welcomed at all. I came in to print and asked the front lady at the desk if it was ok that I can print. She abruptly told me that it wasn't her job and i should tell the old lady in the middle of the library. I went to the old lady and she gave me 2 slips of printing instructions and directed me to the print station. I did what I was instructed and I was stopped by the old lady saying I cant use it for more other than printing. I told her I was trying to print custom pages and didn't know how to use the print release station to do that and that I should upload it again with the pages I needed to print. I did so and asked the lady at the front how much would it be to print she said 25 cents to print black and white, with an attitude. I spent $5 to print and I was on my way. Pocess took about 45 minutes, being tossed back and forth. read more

This is a really nice library. The staff is friendly. It is always packed with kids, but there is still a place for me to sit and get some studying in. One downside is you can't treat it like starbucks or other college libraries and bring your coffee in with you. They only allow water, which is understandable. Not what I'm used to after so many coffee breaks in the library, but understandable. They do offer free wifi and have plenty of computers for use should you need to. Most of the tables are situated above outlets, so you can plug your charger directly into the ground beneath you. The restrooms are located as soon as you enter the library and the key is at the circulation desk. I usually hit up starbucks around the corner for some studying time, but if I'm skipping the coffee, this place is a close 2nd! read more

Parking is very limited. The book selection does not have much other than silly fictions. Needs more up to date books on learning and education. read more

This is a great branch. The DVD selection is really good and there is a large selection of periodicals. There is a decent selection of books but it's not the largest library so they don't have a a great quantity. There are about 30 computers for use and the internet is quite fast. You don't get knocked off and the wireless is pretty good too. Every once in a while their internet connection is down but it's pretty rare when it happens. If you have kids, this is a great library for you. A huge portion of the library contains children's books and there is a children's reading section. The only problem with this is that if you don't have kids and you go in the afternoon when school gets out, you'll be listening to lots of chatter and possible screaming. I've noticed that a very high percentage of the parents who bring their kids to the library don't seem to have control over them so the poorly behaving kids continue to do so once they've started. The only other bad thing about this library is that so many of the people who use this branch seem to think that the rule about not using cell phones in the library or at least turning off the ringer doesn't pertain to them. The librarian at the help desk has to constantly use the intercom to say "Please turn your cellphones or off go outside if you need to use them" but they never kick anyone out unless they do it over and over. But it happens so often that it's basically a constant noise in the background that shifts between cellphones going off and the intercom. This is a great branch to use depending on the time that you come. It can be quiet and a nice place to read or study and it can be a noisy, prepubescent infested building where control is lacking from staff and parents. read more

There are many reasons to love this library. 1) it's next to a Wienerschnitzel 2) CSUN across the street, you get co-eds. And may catch the occasional porn shoot (the non-porn intro) 3) this is my favorite...watching people come up to the door not knowing the operating hours and seeing their disappointment AND for some reason...they ask you what the operating hours are when it's on the window and you just sit there watching them get indignant about the hours of operation when they can simply just read the hours. I mean, their body literally stiffens. This is FREE ENTERTAINMENT! It's astonishing that people can't read numbers...at a library. I like their DVD selection here. It's not big, but they have cool weird titles. Incidentally...EVERY single L.A. Library I've been to has a copy of "Amelia." From the box art, I assume it's about Amelia Earhart. I've never seen this movie. Nor seen it on Red Box, Netflix, Hulu, etc...It almost feels like the dvd is following me around. So weird. read more

This is a "library" yes. As in a place where you can borrow books, but it is so loud it mind as well be called a book rental store. People are talking at regular volumes, children are running around screaming, and people are even talking on cell phones. The thing is this library is just one medium sized building so every sound from the entrance to the back is transmitted and reverberates. If you are looking for a quiet standard library this isn't the one for you, if you're ok with noise while you study and do work then this might be alright. The library itself is clean and well kept. Personally will not come here again. read more

I come here to tutor a kid and this place is very clean and very safe.

Really disappointed. In an attempt to change up my study routine, I decided to go and study at the library. Oh how things have changed! I remember not so long ago when the library was a "quiet" place to study. Today I wasn't sure if I was at McDonald's Playplace or the library, it was that bad. There's a mat on the floor with toys and jungle gym looking equipment. Kids were screaming and running around, not a parent in sight. The librarian said "No shouting" one time, and that did nothing. I can't blame her though. If they have a playground set up in there, how can she tell them "Hey, this is a library...no playing!" It's funny how the security guard asked someone to get off the phone, I didn't even hear his phone ring or hear him talking on the phone. All I heard were kids screaming. Not going back to this daycare again. read more

I love this library! It's because of this library that I was able to read my favorite series. The people are so helpful and very kind. I love being able to hold books online as well which is my favorite part of having this library. You can just make an account online and you can browse books and you can hold them and the library can get the books from the other libraries and hold it for you. I love that feature. Thank you! read more

I love that the library is open and also offers audiobooks for free through their Libby app. My kids have been able to keep reading and enjoy the books during quarantine. read more

We had a great time at the Sesame Street Party. The librarians put on an entertaining show and the children got to meet and take a picture with Elmo and Abby. There were activity stations set up and they even offered refreshments at the end. Great event! read more

Great place to get some work done.. outlets under the table make it easy to keep your laptop charged

Looks ghetto the workers talk loud and it's too hard to concentrate a library should be a place to study and have quite time but they let little kids yell and run around and have adult talking non stop. When you first enter it's dirty and ugly. Never again read more

I have been to many LA libraries. It's so sad that all of the libraries become a daycare for children. This location is no different. It's so loud and there is no way I can do any study at all. Children are running around, and their parents either do their own things without properly teaching their kids manners, or just scream in non-English language. More sadly, people working there won't remind the parents to supervise their children. Just feel like a library without any dignity or respect. When I complained, the answer was "our culture is changing, our policy is changing too" What that supposed to mean?? it's the right way of welcoming new culture by getting rid of the necessary good manners and respect for others? Just like our society, It seemingly becomes more liberal but less respectful and civil. Def not coming here again, in fact, non of the LA library. read more

I like this library, it has most of the books that I want, and the staff is super friendly in ordering ones they don't have and assisting you with other things as well. read more

This is a small library, if you need something specific I would definitely check ahead of time online. This library was renovated twenty years ago, so it has that very mid-90's look. All the librarians and volunteer readers are really exceptional, and they are what make this branch a gem. read more