My local library. Not the best really.. but it does the job and I generally just request books through the app. Support your local libraries! read more

Beautiful Library & I'm loving the new floors. They've replaced the carpet with new hardwood flooring. I think it's vinyl laminates that resemble hardwood. I think it looks nice & upscale. They did a good job. Don't get me wrong...I've always liked that carpet in the San Pedro Library, especially when I would come in on rainy days. It felt so cozy with the carpet. I guess they can do large area rugs if need be which would be a nice touch. Anywhoo...They have pretty good wifi at the San Pedro Library & still have alot of books. The people at the counters were friendly & professional. read more

Kudos to our new regional library new floors and paint indoor and out. Beautiful stained glass brings class to the library. Free printing service for accredited library card holders. Friendly staff welcomes all library users and ready to lend when needed. I want to at the same post to the overall improvement in the whole city. Seven grand structures are being completed to upgrade the port o call at the harbor. The roads have been repaved. Can't wait to come back here on weekends to enjoy the fish market and the mariachi bands. Margaritas and beer can legally be consumed there. What i don't know and what i always fear is parking spaces. Hope there's enough parking. read more

David. The branch manager and his staff are so nice . They have been so supportive to patrons that enter the library

What a lovely library and wonderful staff. David Ellis assisted me and provide excellent help. As I was finishing up with him, he offered me his card and said to call him if I needed any help in the future. read more

NOTE as of AUGUST 2, the library is back to the old hours INCLUDING OPEN ON SATURDAY and SUNDAY! ******** Opened June 1 and what a shock. Newer computers. Fewer computers. No working 15 minute computers. No more 2 hours a day on computers - just one. Open limited hours considering it is a REGIONAL, but not Saturday or Sunday. Patrons coming back in. Yes. Few enough to keep distance. BIG HEAVY SEE THROUGH SCREENS AROUND THE LIBRARIANS and CHECK OUT DESK... Only problem? Can't HEAR through this barrier. Whispers of reopening on Saturdays too. The offer of an E card - which is the wave of the future we suppose; You can do everything E with the card include read certain books using an app like Overdrive. Someday there will be no need for PAPER BOOKS. No need for SHELVES. No need for LIBRARIANS. LIBRARIES WILL JUST BE HUGE DATABASES. So do we not WANT to have interactions with librarians? Even the research desk has a somewhat "You can do that yourself" attitude. If you have a plastic card you can ORDER IN BOOKS from any library in the vast system, which is excellent. DO NOT LEAVE DONATIONS OF ANY SORT OUTSIDE. Not books, not videos, not music tapes. Leave NOTHING. It will at best go into a garbage can. THE FRIENDS ARE NOT THERE TO PROCESS. The librarians don't find hauling this stuff in to be in their job description. Let's go back in time. PUBLIC LIBRARIES are for PUBLIC USE and some of the public in Pedro are homeless, disabled, coming in out of rehabs - yea unlike many other LAPLS - lots of rehabs. How would you know who is who, and who is not simply retired, or perhaps a professional writer or researcher? Maybe stink? Personalities? Your service dog going nuts at the smell of crystal meth on someone? We recently saw an obviously crazy man walking back and forth between the library and the corner business looking like he wanted to be hit by a car. An hour later when we passed again, he was still out there. The guy needed to be picked up and taken in for treatment somewhere but absolutely nobody called. read more

I absolutely adore San Pedro library. This was a safe haven and dreamworks studio for me when I was growing up and had no other options or hobbies or lovely things to do throughout my high school days at Pedro. The library is so spacious and has so many books. I just returned recently to find that now there is a really cute children's section with tables, as well as renovated tall-height desks for book-reading purposes. I do wish they could order more computers for public use. There is a very cute room that's "friends of the library." They have so many gem books that I got to purchase a two-dollar book called Colors of Paradise by Fereidun Shokatfard. Mr. Shokatfard's paintings and poems are just lovely I am a proud financial supporter of the Library Foundation thanks to San Pedro Public Library read more

I don't know what these reviews are talking about this is a great library! I signed up for a library card yesterday and the 2 staff members were fast and extremely helpful. I was able to use the computer to find the books I wanted. The only thing that could make this library any better is if they served coffee LOL. quiet, great atmosphere, lots of resources available. Fees are waived currently and they are doing automatic renewals. Can't wait to start coming here often! read more

The San Pedro branch of the library is in dire need of a face lift. It's the smallest library I've seen and the selection of books is terrible. BUT the staff is wonderful, I probably come here once a week and they all know me and are very friendly. We chat while they are checking out my books and the Librarians are helpful. They occasionally have events, like community bike rides. The BEST part about the library is that it is part of the Los Angeles Public Library system and you can get any book from any branch delivered to you. This also goes for media like CDs and DVDs too. It's amazing. If there isn't a wait on the item it usually takes only a few days to get it into the branch. I have been using the library as my main source of reading and music downloading for years now. I never buy anything anymore. I have recently discovered how great audio books are, and the library has audio ebooks for download and they are LIFE CHANGING. No CDs to fumble through, and the book stops and starts when you pause it. You can close the app and it remembers where you were. You can also navigate with the index or rewind/fast forward. Amazing. When you are a member of the LAPL you can also use a ton of other online resources for free. Hoopla is one of those sources and you can books, movies, ebooks, music, etc. I have found books that have several hundred holds on them at the library, readily available on hoopla. The only snag I have found is in the quality of the playback on the audio ebooks, they tend to skip a lot which both weird and highly frustrating when it's happening. But again, I wanted to read that book and I'm on the waiting list for months before I get the overdrive copy of it, so I can deal with the skipping just so I don't have to wait. It's a trade off I'm willing to take. read more

My star rating is only for the inside of the library. It's a decent little library. I enjoy checking out books on a frequent basis. However, the parking lot near the book drop off of the library is altogether another story. The times I've been there have been quick stops to drop off or pick up books. There have been some occasions when I have seen vagrants loitering. Yesterday, my husband was dropping off a book for me at the book drop off box when he noticed three men conducting a drug deal. He said two of three men appeared to have stashed drugs inside a planter near the drop box to hide their drugs. He concluded that they probably do that on purpose so that if cops show up they can claim they have no idea who the drugs belong to or who put them there (plausible deniability). Anyway, he said the men carried on their transaction, despite his presence, as if it were business as usual. My husband said he saw a female library security guard in the parking lot walk past the men as if nothing was happening. He tried to make eye contact with her, but she refused to make eye contact. She ignored the situation altogether. So, I think that if you go to this library just be aware that there may be people selling and buying drugs in the parking lot. BTW, my husband called the cops. When he drove by there later, he said the men were gone. read more

Middle of the pack South Bay library. Grand space with some beautiful, harbor themed, decorations. Quieter than the Torrance libraries and the RPV library. Could easily be 4 stars and even push for 5 stars if not for a seriously disgusting men's room. Inexplicably no janitor seems to work here. The restrooms are open to transients who seem to have done a number on them over time. Now, I understand that transients have limited options in terms of secure places to brush their teeth and use the bathroom, but based on the upkeep of the mens rooms, it seems plausible that these poor folks may have abused this liberty over the course of time and taken advantage of a space that is for the public rather than strictly their own private use. The result has left, what could easily have been one of San Pedro's great institutions into kind of a run down, dingy location that, if you can overlook the sanitation problems in the restroom, has still a certain noteworthy personality to it. read more

I just wanted to study for a bit before going to volunteer @ the Toberman Center. My belly is full of pancackes from the Denny's in RPV, and all I want to do is to grab a quiet spot, break out my reading glasses, and it's off to the races. But wait, I need to find a parking space. "Holy S-word Batman!" This parking lot is jacked up!! There's basically nowhere to park in this microcosm. Ten minutes later, and I'm parked against the wall, no longer cursing each time I have to do a lap around the lot... Took the librarian 3 minutes to get my card activated, and here I am now typing away after reading until my head hurt. I think this place could have been constructed as a church in the 1970's. That's the vibe I get at the moment while I'm sitting here; high slanted ceilings with the whacky 3 prong lighting (see for yourself in the photo). I won't be coming here on a regular basis, but it does the job for today: I don't see any "gang-bangers", or homeless (not obvious ones anyway), HOWEVER, there IS an elderly gentleman sleeping a bit across from me who keeps burping every once in a while...at least he isn't snoring. read more

San Pedro Regional Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Pedro, California

Hello! I like this library although I hope you guys can update the hours here on google. I literally drove early bc I thought they open 10am on a thurs but they said they open at noon. Wasted my planning and time. No hate to the library tho just update the hours so we can plan our days better. read more

The San Pedro Library on Gaffey Street is NOT the best; however, it is always great to have a library....and therefore, I will give it 3 stars. The place is outdated, but the librarians are always helpful. I choose NOT to go into this library because there are always dirty, smelly homeless people in there. They do NOT bother anyone; however, they smell so bad that you cannot stand it. The homeless also sleep right outside of the library....every night. I do NOT think that this is a safe environment for kids because, oftentimes, homeless people are unstable. However, I have never seen any bad incidents here. read more

This is a great library! They are so helpful and I love that you can order books to the library and it's so accommodating. I wish I could spend all my time in the library reading and relaxing! Let's get some more comfortable chairs going in this place! read more

This is my local library and it is antiquated to say the least. The parking lot reeks of pee and that is just nasty. The people at the library are nice. I only come here when I need to and generally will drive farther away to Harbor City Library instead. read more

This is a cute library with great hours, maritime decor, lots of light and helpful staff. Pay attention to the librarians' picks at the front - I found a book called The Long and Faraway Gone by Lou Berney and was totally immersed the whole week. As for the "criminals" and "mentally ill" who supposedly populate the library - sounds to me like a fair share of prejudiced people come here sometimes. I found that this library is a comfortable and safe place for anyone looking to find a good read or a quiet place to get some work done in San Pedro. read more

I've been trying to call Molly Carter and tell her she's my best friend and thank you for donating

This library has not changed for more than 15 years (that was the stretch of time between my last visit as a middle schooler and just a few days ago to use their copier). Our family spent hours every weekend here when I was a kid (until we found out about the newly renovated Peninsula Library), picking up books, magazines, cds, etc. I was there when it was still a paper catalog system and watched it transcent into the electronic system, from the paper library card to plastic. But sadly, not much else has changed in terms of innovation or renovation; the library has a feeling of sustaining for the homeless drifters that wanders in and books that are either outdated or sticky and torn-up to take home. If you love books, take the trip and head to the PV libraries. read more

This is a decent library but nowhere near as nice as the libraries nearby in PV and Malaga Cove. One thing they do have up on the PV library is that you can check out educational (documentary) Dvd's for 7 days for free. At the pv library they charge $1. But this library doesn't come close in the selection of videos that the other more funded libraries have. There is the transient contingent to be expected here as well. The staff is very personable and a pretty good selection of books to choose from with New ones peppered in here and there. Support your local libraries peeps!!! Long live the printed word!!! read more

Great selection of books and for the most part not busy inside. Employees always helpful and nice. However, there are always creeps outside (welcome to SP) and the parking lot does smell like urine. Yuck! read more

It's a sad, old, tired building with worn, uncomfortable furniture. Not the most pleasant, relaxing atmosphere and while it may lack the luxury and updated gadgets of newer and nicer establishments, it's still a library and and Pedro residents are lucky that it's even here! read more

The SP Library is on the corner of w 9th st and Gaffey. They have a front and rear parking lot. It is an older but charming, very spacious center. They have a large assortment of CDs and DVDs to check out. The staff is very professional and the reference desk will make a dedicated effort to locate anything out there they don't stock and have it delivered to the branch for pu. There is also wireless printing, movie night, meeting rooms, a monthly books ale, etc. Those are the pluses, now the minuses. This library only has one AC dual plug for patrons to plug in their cell, laptops, iPads, so they need to find a way to install at least 3-4 more. Also, the library is very noisy at times and is an ongoing issue, unlike other libraries in the city that require people to be a bit quiet. They need a security guard because there have been some major conflicts and meltdowns inside and out. There are no comfortable, soft padded chairs to sit in to relax or cubicles that have AC plugs for laptops. Every library I have visited throughout the city has nice chairs to relax in and read. All said, we are lucky to have a place to go for free and checkout a variety of materials. read more

This is my local library and my daughter and I get TONS of use out of it! Books, dvds, and music galore. It's never too crowded when I need to run in and print something and the staff are all very nice. Definitely a fan of this branch. :) read more

It is unfortunate that many libraries get people off the streets who hang out in these areas, but that is nothing new. Palos Verdes seems to be free of that, but even the Torrance library and Redondo beach have the same issues. It is unfortunate, as the local high school students should have a safer place to go to if they need to use the library. The city should attend to this issue. Otherwise, it is not a bad place, and the library is free to anyone. Have not seen insane people, but occasional homeless. read more

I love san Pedro's library !!! It has all the new books . I love going there to relax and read or just do my homework . I love how the librarian are very helpful with everyone . I like how they have computers available and every type of books in different languages . If you are trying to read quietly then go to san Pedro's library . I really recommend it !! read more

I love the San Pedro branch of the LA library - I am even here right now! My work keeps me on the road and even though I live in SP, when I am near the business area, it's easier for me to stop in here and get a little work done between appointments than it is to go all the way home. There is a lots of parking, it's clean and cool inside and the staff is really nice. I took off one star because there can be some creepy guys here sometimes but you can find that pretty much anywhere in public. read more

HUMMMMM I have so much to say. When I was young i might have been at the library maybe once! It was OK I guess but I really never learned how to find a book etc. I had to go with my niece to get a book for her school "DANA" Reading count program. They have a book of what books the Dana students can read. I ask for help they point to the book. WTF get off your a$$ and show me!!! But I figure maybe the guy is tired. My niece writes a couple of book title we go and look for them and they do not have any of them. We go thru this a few times with no luck of books being there. I asked if they can help us find books and see if they have copies in the library they say write them down and look! I said we have been. He says well then we do not have them!!!! What is this? I couldn't understand why he wouldn't want to help us out! This was very bad I left w/o a book for my niece even. This library staff sucks bad!!! I am sure someone out there can do a better job. They need to hire people that want to work with public and kids!!! They get paid holidays etc. you would think they could be kinder!!!! read more

Christine (cyber lady) super nice and helpful. I couldn't print 2 PDF pages from "chrome" she instructed me to use "explorer" and problem solved! Thanks, read more

There is more to San Pedro Library than meets the eye. I see children browsing and borrowing books from the library's extensive children's collection all the time. Working parents are always grateful that the children have somewhere educational to go after school also. There is an adult literacy program, a summer reading program for school age children, and "Read to me LA" for 3-5 years throughout the year. For those who are interested in clubs, the library offers its place for the Stamp Club, Crochet and Knitting, Book Club, and Friends of San Pedro Library. Teenagers who need a forum to voice their opinion as they approach adulthood can go to the Teen Council meetings where they can say what kind of books and programs they'd like to see at the library. As an adult, browsing through the shelves is one of my favorite pastimes and I find myself picking up a few books any time I go there. An old book that is torn and tattered means it's just a good book because it's borrowed often. For those who like newer books look at the display shelves for new releases. But for those who absolutely must have the newest best sellers, go to www.lapl.org and search through their online catalog. It's always going to be hard to get a best seller at any library, but you'll eventually get a copy. If you use the online library catalog often, you'll find yourself browsing for books from the entire LAPL system of 71 libraries. Placing a book on hold only takes a few days for delivery to the library. With over 6 million books, you're bound to find what you need from the mundane to the highly technical. LAPL has it all. And don't forget about the databases. I tried counting the number of databases and got lost somewhere around 150, but there is more. Great resources for homework help. As for the homeless and gangbangers, I don't spend a lot of time sitting or studying at the library so I never notice them. But what I do know is that the staff tries their best to hold the riff raff down if there is any. You've got to give them credit for that. I've never had any problems with the reference librarians either. read more