Been a while since I reviewed this location and so far it's still a pretty chill location for getting some studying or work completed. read more

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Had a very pleasant experience here renewing my library card and getting in the lab. Employees were extremely helpful and attentive. This location has an extensive book selection and computer lab, including meeting rooms, 3d printing, poster printing, and everything under Adobe for their desktops. Very excited to reserve some time and get started on some projects! read more

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the time i went (after 6pm) the staff were very helpful and kind!! i think libraries are a true gem and should be more valued but it had a good range of selections, i got my library card and will be going more often. max checkout of 10 books with 3 weeks but u get automatic renewals as well up to... 10/12 weeks i think they said read more

Pio Pico - Koreatown Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Super epic services here!! Beyond incredible!! So clean, polite, and secured! Outstanding services here from start to finish!!! Definitely my new favorite library. They give 25 black and white prints for free per day or 12 colored prints, yes for free!! :) I haven't even stepped foot into a public library in so long but this places makes me want to start again. Elliot was the lady that greeted me over the phone (extremely pleasant and very informative). She was so welcoming and gave me the details i needed. First thing i noticed walking in was the security, she was nice too. Also made me feel secure!!! It kept getting amazing by the second. Beth was absolutely excellent! She was so bright and very professional and proficient. I had to print a couple of pages and even when i was facing difficulties she turned everything around and made sure i got my documents printed. 20 out of 5 stars. Her personality was amazing on top of that. This is such a bright place to come. I feel extremely welcomed and honored here!! I hope this location gets the recognition it deserves!!! It felt like a 5 star hotel treatment. Im seriously looking forward to coming and telling all my friends and family to come here. read more

Pio Pico - Koreatown Branch Library - front desk area - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The Library: Well maintained. Staffs are helpful and friendly. They have good varieties of books in Korean. In children section, they have toys for the kids too. The Parking: Private parking lot. 2 hours free. read more

Pio Pico - Koreatown Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Used to go to this branch 10+ years ago and recently started coming again. The upgrades at this location are amazing. Great vibes for studying and getting work done. Staff were all very friendly and helpful whenever I had any questions. This place is a hidden gem read more

FIRST TIME here and good library just PLEASE do something to fix the homeless problem in here. I HATE having to constantly feel to look over my back to make sure I'm safe . So 4/10 read more

I have to thank my friend Ammy C for getting me onto the Korean Movie kick lately. Since we have been watching a ton of those, I found myself at the LAPL in Pio Pico renting Oldboy! Since I was there, I also found the Korean Version of My Sassy Girl so I got that too. In addion to that, they had a few Korean soap operas available for rent. I will be back! read more

I love the Los Angeles Public Library. I remember the excitement of visiting my local library as a child--must've been the Encino-Tarzana branch--and the pleasure of getting lost in the downtown library when I went for a research project in high school. I ended up working at the Van Nuys and North Hollywood branches for my first job, when I was sixteen. Pio Pico Koreatown is now my local branch. I went a couple weeks ago for an event with my friend and fellow Korean-American author Jimin Han. She lives in New York, but we'd been talking about doing something in LA together to promote her new book. She got in touch with Beth F., the senior librarian at the Koreatown library. Beth welcomed us and helped coordinate a great event in the library common room. She made up flyers and Jimin managed to get us a write-up in a Korean language national newspaper. As a result, we had a nice crowd of mostly Korean people, many of whom didn't even speak English. Someone brought a catering tray of kimbap, and Jimin's cousin's wife translated our conversation. It was one of the loveliest, most unique book events I've done in my five years as an author. I can't imagine it taking place anywhere other than a library, and maybe this one in particular, with its large Korean clientele (there's even a whole section of this library devoted to Korean language literature). Pio Pico carries several copies of my books, by the way. They were displayed during our event, and I was touched to see how thoroughly used they all were, the pages soft and browning, giving off that library book smell I've always loved. I'm not an especially well known author, and it was nice to see that at least a few people had found me anyway. If my books are getting traffic, that means a lot of reading gets done because of the services this library provides. I don't spend a lot of time in libraries as an adult, but I'm as convinced as ever of their enduring importance. Pio Pico is a friendly branch, a fantastic resource for our community. Once I have kids who can read, I intend to bring them here. Big thanks to Beth for the hospitality. I hope to come back soon. read more

It is very nice to have a public library- Libraries are very important for the community and to foster learning- This library can get crowded- Lot of Koreans and Hispanics- Then you add homeless and it can get really crazy- I think the staff is ok. And the reviews seem to reflect that however- The last time I was there, there was a homeless person who really was not abiding by the rules and nothing happened. So yup, he was ruining the whole library but nothing much.... That is a big no no. I really felt sorry for the people reading and doing the work there- We need to take care of the homeless but we also need to enforce rules and let the library function. Internet was kind of slow- Not so many books- Still really thankful that we have a public library in K-Town- read more

LA Public Library as a whole is great. Each location has its own character. This branch is in K-Town, so it'll reflect the neighborhood and demographics. So you'll see Korean material throughout the library and more Korean and Korean American folks at the library in an already diverse Los Angeles community. I study in K-Town's cafes, spend so much money, and it's nice...but I really should just go to the library where it's free. This one is maintained well compared to some of the others I've seen. Looks like you get parking for 2 hours free. read more

Disgusting smell, horrible bathrooms, staff looks like they hate their job, not a good selection, and WAY too many homeless people. I will go again to use their computers/printers but that's about it. Catch me at Burbank library- willing to drive for good service read more

There are no recent reviews of this library, so I figured I would write one while I am procrastinating. This library is pretty small but very close to the Wilshire/Western metro station. It is very old but I come here to study because this is the closest one to my work. The interior is not the cleanest or largest, but it has large tables where people can sit to read and do work. There is a limited selection of magazines (the shelves are almost all empty) and books. The good thing is that they have books in Korean and English (and some in Spanish if I am correct). There is also a small section for Korean movies which is pretty cool. All kinds of people come here and it gets busy in the afternoons, so expect to share a table and hear some chatting (bring your headphones). There aren't many computers so I suggest you bring your own. There are also limited charging stations, so I would bring a portable battery or completely charged electronics. I would also suggest you come with someone so you don't worry about people taking your things when you make a trip to the bathroom. It is a simple neighborhood library good for all ages. There are mostly elderly people reading books or newspapers and sometimes children in the weekends. The library offers 2 hour parking for free and has its own parking lot. It is not the best library out there, but it serves its purpose. read more

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nice place, generous amount of tables and chairs for reading. It's just that the lights are I think a little bit dim for reading- I've seen libraries with very bright lights. It is clean, even the restrooms are. The parking is HUGE! Not a lot of people park maybe because it is a Paid parking! 2 hours is free though- with library validation. read more

I love all the events they have in the library I take my son occasionally. This one day though my son decided to throw a tantrum ( I can't control that) so I was trying to get my stuff as quickly as possible because it's a library and its supposed to be quite a place (I was conscious). Well, I didn't appreciate that an old guy that works there comes up to me and says "Are you going to leave?" like WTF do you not see me doing?? I was grabbing picking my son up and getting my stuff if anything they could have asked if I needed help to gather my stuff up (not that they have to but I was leaving already!). Staff is definitely rude at least some of them. The whole situation lasted 2 minutes from getting my stuff and walking out of the library, 2 MINUTES! read more

Let's be completely honest. The Pio-Pico Koreatown branch of the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is not the prettiest, it doesn't have the best selection, the organization here seems a little off - yes even with my man Dewey holding down his decimal system, and it kind of looks a like it was originally designed to be a fallout shelter in case of nuclear attack. But it's easy to find, it's extremely close to public transit options, and you can order books and have them delivered here just like any branch. It serves its purpose for what it is and I suppose we really shouldn't ask for too much more. But when we have other braches outshining this one by lightyears, then it makes me wonder why the Pio-Pico branch seems to get the shaft. Apparently they just did a remodel here not too long ago. Honestly, I can't tell you what improvements they made (if any). Maybe it was just an excuse to shut the place down for a while and give the workers some vacation time. So, yes, you can get your books here and have them delivered... for that purpose it's perfectly fine. I think libraries should be a welcoming environment though and the type of place you can kick back, relax and even finish a good portion of your book before you take it home. Unfortunately, the Pio-Pico branch is not that place. read more

I'm giving this experience 2 stars because this was the loudest library I've ever been to. I went thinking that I could get some stuff done in a quite environment but such was not the case. There were lots more small children than I was expecting. As kids do, they were running around and playing and just being kids. That's what I expect from kids, but not what I expected from a library. I remember going on field trips as a kids to the library (I wonder if that still happens) and thinking that talking in a library was a sin. They were always quiet. Other than the volume I'd say the library was okay. They have a private parking lot & the first 2 hours are free. It's $1/hour afterwards which seems pretty low to me. My only complaint is that it's really loud. consider yourself warned. read more

Um... Yeah...I'll stick to studying on my laptop and Starbucks. I came here to use the computer to study with a class mate since laptop was out of commission. As I explored the place, it was kinda loud for a library and the tall African woman with Braids looked like she hated life. A smile and some better service would be appreciated. There are some characters that come in, maybe they are homeless folks but still they cause a scene. A man charging his tablet on the ground yelled at an innocent Korean man to stop giving him looks and don't judge him. A woman yelled at some men because I guess he kept peeking at her screen. Police officers came in patrolling the place! So...that is what I got from my first day...oh , you only get 2 hours a day on their computers. Only 2 hours! My friend mentioned that the berverly hills library was was way more quiet and less dramatic than this library. So why the 2 stars, because as I am taking my online quiz, it cuts me off since it was an hour , and doing this quiz was tedious! The extra star because my friend was able to get through hers as planned. Would I come back again...I'll stick to the LACC library until something better comes. Bring cash because you will have to pay for parking after 2 hours free validation, which will come to $1 or $2. read more

I mean it's a library, what could you possibly ask for that you aren't getting? The only reason I'm giving 4 stars because the hours just don't make sense. They change throughout the week. read more

This place was my favorite when I was attending middle school & sometime in high school. This place seems dull to me now since I am more attracted to the Central library. The Books are pretty well organized & workers are generally great. So sad that many workers quit. read more

I've been going here for as long as I could remember but coming back here after 2 years...was this place always like this?! The staff I talked to was friendly but when I sat down to use the wifi (at least they have free wifi!) the man next to me wouldn't stop talking into his microphone...another moment someones phone went off...I also hear kids yelling in the background..and some guy giggling from behind the computer. I forgot I was in the library for the entire duration. Sigh, I'm pretty disappointed. At least they had the book I wanted on shelf. Probably won't be coming back here to study though. read more

This is the worst branch out of the 5 I've been to. There aren't many plugs for use if you want to use your notebook and that results in everyone having to sit extremely close together. Also the periodicals section makes me laugh because they have slots for maybe 15 magazines but only have around 6. Also there is a librarian here who is LOUD and that gets really grating after awhile. read more

It wasn't too busy when I went. I think that its a good place, but not ideal to study or use your computer. If you need reading done, this is a good place to do it. The WiFi is very slow, so if you need good WiFi, try other places. read more

Pio Pico - Koreatown Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My opinion has dropped drastically. Ok so returned some books, done. Got mail that said you have not returned said books. Angry I went there to dispute, lady said I owed $43 dollars for a lost book. I said WTF??!! Caused a scene and searched for the same books I returned to the library. Found them re-shelved and brought them back to the same lady. She went on her "break" so some other guy helped me out. Owed $0.40 cents afterwards for some other late fee. I found out that even the library doesnt know what books they have. When I asked the lady what book do I still owe she just gave me some 070 345 blah blah serial code. They do not update their system with a new book until it actually gets checked out otherwise they slap a sticker code all over it and call it theirs. While I still think the book fairs they have here are kinda cool, Im still pissed at that stupid lady who gave me lip. I've read every decent manga here and realized they do not get frequent updates on inventory, same old same old stuff. Weaksauce. read more

I just spent 30 minutes looking for books and they didnt have any of them. If you are looking for classical reads, this place will not have many. On top of that, it gets to crowded and loud sometimes. If you take in consideration that this has become a homeless person hangout, you'll probably want to make your trip brief. Nevertheless, it is a library and they have other selections you may want to read. read more

"this isn't a library, it's more like a Rec center" - Annoyed Librarian at Pio Pico My thoughts exactly. This is a small little library across the street from RAlphs. But more or less it gets the job done. Has lots of computers for internet use (for a small branch) mostly taken up by teenagers using FAcebook . You can sign up for your hour of computer time or use the 15 min stations, which I used if I only had to print something out fast. They have a small video rental selection of VHS/DVD, but they have a whole selection dedicated to korean books, video and audio. Pretty cool. There are a lot of younger kids running around and screaming so yes, sometimes it really does feel like you are in a Rec Center instead of a library. But it gives a little character to this library. And the korean babies running around are sooo cute !! read more

The library is small and inconspicuous but has a decent selection of books, dvds, and audio books. Just go online and see if requested books are here, if not request a transfer. It's definitely not a pretty library but it does the job. I was surprised they had audio books from Christopher Moore (huge fan) and stories from Guy Noir. The nice thing about this place is that it's within walking distance from the metro stop. read more

This is library people. I see many hispanic or asian parents who don't control their kids. The library is middle of ktown which is very convenient. Seriously people need to stfu in the library or at least, have some effort to speak quietly. read more

Noisy since people seem to think it is a playground for kids. They also go as families to select videos for a dollar. When I was there kids were playing with a balloon that popped right in the middle of the library and NOBODY said a thing! Librarians were missing in action since they had no control of the library or simply chose to not do their work. I definitely DO NOT recommend this library if your purpose for going there is to have a quiet place to work. read more

Parking: There is a parking lot provided that is free for two hours, if validated by the library, with an additional $1/hour for every hour after that. Metered street parking is also available in the area. Pros: It's not as loud as some libraries can be. Then again, I am here only a few minutes after it just opened, though there are still quite a number of people here. There are a ton of places to sit, mostly four-seated tables so that you can have a desk to yourself, but you can also share with someone if it gets too busy. It's very spacious, so you don't feel all cramped, especially between the aisles. As always with libraries, there is a great selection of books, magazines, audio books, etc. I haven't checked anything out yet, but I don't have reason to suspect that there would be a problem. There are more computers here for public use than at other libraries, say Felipe de Neve. Good Wi-Fi Cons: Very few power outlets available at tables. I've spotted a lot of power outlets, but they are always in corners where you can't exactly use your laptop. This is a big deal for me, since I am a laptop-user. There is one particular table reserved for people like me with an extension cord. Parking. I am not fond of paying for parking, but this isn't a major con, since the library is pretty nice. Overall, if it wasn't for the parking and the lack of power outlets, I think this would be one of my favorite libraries. It's still not as nice as the one in Panorama City (go figure), which had plenty of outlets. Power outlets are a big concern for me. I need my power. http://www.vthoang.blogspot.com read more

I went here on my break at work to try and find something to read (go figure!) and was majorly disappointed. They had so few books!! I do get the demographic and the Korean language section looked pretty big but otherwise, not a lot going on here. The librarians and clerks were helpful though. read more

oh dear pio pico library... i love you so much. it's my escape from the hustle and bustle of koreatown into the quiet study atmosphere of this cozy library. they have tons of korean and japanese comic books along with korean newspapers. its what mainly differentiates this place from any other library. also the fact its full of korean people. read more

I love reading, writing, books, and knowledge. Libraries are my favorite place in the world, not counting my home. That being said, this particular library is TERRIBLE. I walked in on a weekday morning with the intention of studying and getting some schoolwork done, and right by the entrance there is a cart containing free books -- mostly outdated manual-type books and a few novels. I scored one that looked good and wandered into the main part of the library. The library is lit well enough, and is on the smaller side. Someone wrote that it was "cozy" but it's just plain small. I decided to sit at the first desk I saw near a window because I personally like studying in natural light. It was in the Korean section, right by the Adult Literacy Center. There were voices coming from the Literacy Center and I assumed there was an ongoing class, but I was wrong. Two librarians (?) were in there GOSSIPPING not only loudly but also using curse words, along the lines of "You would not BELIEVE what she f*cking said to me. She is so full of sh*t..." An older Korean lady went in and asked where the literacy class was and they rudely told her it was in the "larger classroom" and as soon as she was out of sight (but not earshot), continued their gossip like nothing happened. I consider libraries to be wholesome, family-friendly places. This library (especially the people working there) do not seem to want to encourage that. I don't think I will be visiting again! read more

What a terrific library. When I first moved to the west coast, I moved to Koreatown, and this was the library that assisted me for so long. They have lots of programs for kids and adults, including classes and even their own Chess Club. The staff is always friendly and helpful (ask for Kevin!). Love visiting this place. read more

Been to alot of libraries..glendale, alhambra, arcadia,burbank....this one has the fastest wi-fi..thats all that matters...clean....lots o space..no bums...parking is free for like 2 hours...just park outside its free all day..remember..FAST WI-FI..period... read more

I have never had such a bad experience with a library. Let me start with the only good thing about this library is the free two hour parking. I tried to ask a librarian if the computers had word and excel. He first walked away. I thought he didn't see me know big deal. So I go wait it in the non existent line. Then the same guy returns to wait on me. All of this is done steps within each other. I asked him if the computers has word and excel. He didn't know but reference would know. I mentioned I reserved a computer and he painstakingly moved through the regular web page as he told me twice about how I could look it up. I told him well I am trying to get on a computer and there were plenty to use. I thought you might have a list for who has reserved one, as I had. I find my computer and log in and wordpad was the only option. A homeless guy smacking his lips and carrying on to himself made it even more enjoyable to sit there.Although, I say there were plenty of computers available. So I logged out. I returned to the reference desk to an older woman who was just picking her nails did not know either about having word or excel on the computers there. I am not sure if she even knew what it was. I has to ask the first librarian if he was paid staff or a volunteer. I just couldn't believe how terrible this place was, with so few patrons to keep them busy. Two people uninformed and had no interest in even finding out. No knowledge to be found at this place. read more

Fine branch easily accessible by public trans, also with free parking. Huge korean and spanish sections. Not my first languages, by any means, but the nice lady at the reference desk helped me pick out a korean phrase book that allows me to have fun at my neighborhood restaurants. They've also got a decent movie selection and you can get any book you want delivered right there. read more

Had I never been to this branch, my review would have been a one due to today's incident. Had I written my review before today's encounter, it would have been a 5. Let me start this by saying I became a library card holder about three weeks ago and have come back in once a week since! The staff is generally extremely helpful and kind. There's a gentleman normally manning the desk that has been amazing. He had apparently stepped away today. I was about to check out a book at the automatic kiosk. As I was doing so I remembered I had a book on hold and thought I'd double check to see if it was in. I walked directly to the counter as there was no one in line. I stood for about 30-45 seconds as a couple walked up and stood in line. The young woman at the counter had not acknowledged any of us so I decided to say something to get her attention. She looks up and I ask about my book. She then tells me she can't help me because there is a line. I explain to her what I just typed that I was there first. The people in line are confused as she continued to prompt them forward as I was stationary right there. I told her I needed a manager. She called someone and then proceeded to check out the couple and other patrons who walked up after me. When the gentleman she called from the information desk-not the manager-came up he apologized. I asked for her name and he said Elizabeth. Elizabeth proceeded to walk over to spell her last name. I proceeded to tell her I was not speaking to her, checked out my book and left. I'm so upset because again this branch has been so helpful. I also don't see why she would think I was trying to skip elderly patrons-I was simply there first and should have been respected as such. Of course this would have all been avoided had she been attentive to the "line" and the counter from the start. I'm taking deep breathes and as soon as I figure out who to mail a formal complaint to, I'll let it go so I can get back to my reading (I got the card to start a sizzling fall reading affair! Yup I'm that nerdy lol). It just burns me to the core when customer service is so rude and simply ridiculous. I am pretty sure I stand out in a crowd but for sure am noticeable when I'm the only person there. Her handling of the situation made me feel unseen and unheard at a public library. read more

This library is quite spacious. There's a bunch of space around the seating area. I feel like they could use a couple more shelves though.

Not quite, even employees are made a lot of noise.. They are not careful. Everybody talking.