I enjoy visiting public libraries whenever I can. Hastings Branch Pasadena Public Library is one of…read moremy favorite library that I visited recently. The Library is very organized and spacious. I stopped by the front desk to apply for a library card. The staff who helped me was a very nice lady. It took less than five minutes to get a card, Voila! There is an adjacent parking lot. Street parking is available too. The kids section looks so cozy. In general, the library has very inviting and relaxing vibes. They have a wide selection of books and genres. Online catalog is available in which you can look for books and place hold on items. The staff will notify you when the book is available. You can check out up to one hundred items total. This includes books, DVD's , Music CD's , board games, video game, and steam kit. The library also offers E- Books , E- Audio Books, E-Resources of magazines, music, TV shows & movies. As it is said "Books are uniquely portable magic". So, if you are planning to spend a quality time with a portable magic, Hastings Branch Pasadena Public Library is your perfect destination.

Library services in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California…read more.. Since I had some time, I wanted to check out a public library and do some reading. Hastings Branch Pasadena Public Library had good reviews, so I drove over. The small parking lot was free, but the access was a bit challenging. The left turn into the driveway was kind of awkward. When I got to the front door, there was a sign that said they were currently closed for renovations. Shucks. I peeked in the windows and it looked like a pleasant environment. Even the grounds outside were welcoming! I'll return in a couple of months!

During my visits to Crowell Public Library, I initially observed that the exterior architecture…read morecarries a historical charm and is visually appealing. However, beyond the building's design, my experiences within the library have been deeply concerning. Over multiple visits, I have encountered employees whose conduct has been inconsistent with professional standards. Staff behavior has, at times, been selective and antagonistic toward certain patrons, including both adults and children. On several occasions, this conduct has escalated into interactions that were verbally aggressive and physically intrusive in nature. Personally, I, along with my nephews, niece, and other family members, have experienced repeated instances of being singled out, harassed, and subjected to what can reasonably be described as hazing while attempting to use the library and its resources respectfully. These incidents have not been isolated, and I have documented several of them through recordings. The overall environment created by staff has, at times, felt restrictive and punitive rather than welcoming, which is not in alignment with the purpose of a public library. This pattern of behavior is unacceptable. Library staff and management are responsible for ensuring that all employees consistently uphold professional ethics, integrity, and appropriate standards of conduct--without exception or selective enforcement. I expect immediate review and corrective action to address these concerns and to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all patrons.

This library has been my go to for 2 years. Compared to many other libraries this place is optimal…read morefor seating & space. The library has outdoor seating , indoor study area with large tables, main seating tables by the bookcases , & ledge seating by the windows. Most tables are equipped with charger outlets. The library is well managed with staff who are doing headcount & open to questions or concerns. I haven't tried their actual checkout process for books as I only come to study. Parking can be tricky at times since the library is next to an elementary school. The golden hour is coming before 2pm or after 8am to avoid the car lines of parents or difficulty with parking. I personally enjoy the artwork that is displayed in the hallway which changes every so often as it's made by the community. Overall, a nice spot to study as you have different seating options & quiet environment.

Great Arcitecture! I…read morelove visiting older buildings with vintage architecture and I love visiting libraries. Visiting this Library was a great experience. The inside is vibrant, cozy, and clean. The Inside sports very high ceilings, wood floors, and beautiful stained glass windows. They have free Wi-Fi and offer cozy Nooks to read or do work. The ambience throws you back to a period that is reminiscent of times you read about in books during the early 1900s. We stopped by here twice and if I was in the area I would stop by again. They have their own parking lot and there's also street parking. The librarians were very friendly. I am a fan.

Excellent library. Great layout. Even the lighting is fantastic. There is a great sculpture made…read morewith books that gives the library a very nice touch. The staff is friendly and the patrons as well.

Wow- is the building almost 100 years old? Built / opened in 1927, when walking into the building,…read moreit feels like you have stepped back in time. Many nearby libraries have undergone major renovations and if you are a fan of older buildings, this would be a place to visit. Within 10 or so steps you can easily find yourself on the next floor - there are 4 floors altogether and the main floor is the 2nd floor. (+) free 3 hour parking (+) reasonable amount of seating in certain areas. Not as much seating amongst books. (+) decent variety of magazines There seems to be constant complaints of the homeless population, but this is typical of any city library. As long as they are respectful, I am OK with that. I hate to rate a public resource low or average, but the experience was mediocre at best. The stairs are very industrial-like and loud and the carpet looks like it could be cleaned. With all the taxes the city of Pasadena collects, there should be more done to preserve its charm.

Three years for a retrofit?? Seriously hope tax dollars aren't going to this place considering they…read morehave been closed for 2 years and aren't scheduled to be open until end of 2023. When it was open the building was cool and a great place to study. Security guard was on a power trip and spent his time telling people to put their water bottles away instead of dealing with the homeless that were sleeping there or causing a ruckus. Why was this person not fired is beyond me. City of Pasadena needs new leadership if it takes 3 years for a retrofit. Ridiculous and poorly run--play it again sam welcome to LA --land of the incompetent.

I went to a seminar in the library's community room, and it was very informative. SBA spoke about…read morehelping families out with mitigation. The community room was a nice size with rows of tables and chairs. This library is historical in Altadena and has an old-school nostalgic vibe. Everyone was nice. It has easy parking and is great for finding items needed for research, etc.

Absolutely lovely library! It's deceptively huge - and surrounded by the most peaceful gardens and…read moregrounds - just lovely! They're currently showcasing a small exhibit of beautiful native California bee photos by local conservation photographer Krystle Hickman which was the reason for my visit. The exhibit is found in a small seating area in the center of the library. It's almost like a little outdoor courtyard in the middle of the library! Lots of natural light and plants surround cozy seats and the back wall is highlighting the bee photos - it's a very beautiful small gallery and I'm so glad I visited! Her work with the native California bees has been significant. I took a class with her at the LA Arboretum this year and learned SO much! So I was very excited to learn this library was promoting her work! There's plenty of parking in their large lot. They have a water conservation garden section outside with interesting info on plants and wildlife. They have a huge beautiful art piece near the door. You have to climb several small flights of stairs to enter this way - but there's a handicap entrance around the corner in the front. The inside is quiet and very welcoming with friendly, helpful staff. Definitely a great place to relax, read, and get work done.

I attended a speaking engagement at the Santa Catalina Library in Pasadena and was pleasantly…read moresurprised by its charm. It's a small, quaint library with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff was friendly, inviting, and genuinely helpful. The book selection is very good, especially for a neighborhood library. I can easily see this being a wonderful place for guest speakers, children's programs, and other community gatherings. The library has updated computers that make searching for books quick and easy without feeling overwhelming. One of my favorite features was the beautiful décor. Hand-painted book covers line the walls, adding a unique artistic touch and giving the library a special character. It has a very community focus fell. Outside, there are plenty of shaded benches where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Parking is available on the street, and the restrooms are located outside the building. Overall, Santa Catalina Library is a charming community library that feels welcoming and inviting. It's a lovely place to browse for a book, attend an event, or simply spend a quiet afternoon.

Great children's programming and kind staff…read more We attended Bubbleology and it was a fun and educational program for both kids and adults. Library provides little floor pads for children sitting on the ground which is honestly such a luxury! The program finished early so even adults got to take turns standing inside a bubble! World's smallest parking lot. Don't even bother driving in to check for spots. Very hard to back out of because there's a large dumpster. Just get street parking in the surrounding residential area.

This is a nice public library in South Pasadena…read more The children's section was huge and there were 2 computers for kids to use with kid-friendly educational games. There was a librarian seated in the section, but she looked busy and didn't seem to want to engage with the kids while we were there. Street parking is available around the library. The library is located in a pretty park like setting. When we visited a few weekends ago, there was a tai chi class finishing up.

Such a poor selection of toddler books. Whoever curated this has no clue what books toddlers like…read moreor need. Also, the majority of them are hardcover with paper so the toddlers rip the pages. They should be board books, not paperbacks. There is always a wait for any book I've ever wanted. I asked if I could donate some toddler books and they said yes. When you donate a book, they sell it to make profit for the library... I told them they actually need some good books not a minimal amount of money that they're gonna get from selling mine. I'd rather them just keep the board books for toddlers, than sell them for a dollar to use that measly profit for something else in the library.

Super small but cool library in the Villa Parke Community center. It has a small computer lab, copy…read moremachines, a couple of desks and some new book releases too. Hacob and Renado are both very friendly and helpful. I imagine this to be a good place to do some reading, studying and research. Its on the second level and inside the community center. Being a bookworm, I naturally love this library.

Classic library. I am sure you could find all the books you want in this library! Worth to…read morespend a day here just to read and enjoy the building. Great for retired people to spend time here as well as students to find a place to study. It's near Pasadena old town so that you could go have lunch or dinner afterwards.

Incredibly helpful staff with lots of resources from seeds for you garden to book club packs and…read moremuch more

Come one, Come all…read more... Gotta love all kinds of libraries here around Pasadena City College, CA.....We gotta be so fortunate as current returning/existing students here having all these libraries!!!! Ain't complainin' one bit.... Surrounded by all these upscale looking libraries is just going to get my life's other focus back for now....where to go 'Tis the question!!!! I just got a free two-hour parking spot earlier today, but I'll be back for more pics. Nothing Bundt Pics again....later on the weekend.

I call it the Disneyland of botanical gardens. ;) I am a member of the Huntington, and have been…read morecoming for years. It is my absolute favorite Zen spot in the world. I no longer live in the state, but visit every few weeks and make sure to visit the gardens every time. I've painted these gardens over the years and will continue to do so. My favorite gardens are the Rose garden, the Japanese garden and the Chinese garden. This is the perfect date spot as well as a perfect place to walk in the morning amongst nature before the day gets too hot. The children's garden will entertain the littles and they even have a water feature on the hot days. The art pieces throughout the museums are not only beautiful but historical and should not be missed. There is a great coffee shop to grab a cup for your walk and a great gift shop at the exit. There are a couple of quick food options as well. Parking is plentiful- but make reservations! Verdict: perfection- everyone must visit this lovely land at least once in their lifetime.

I've been a member for six years, and overall, I love this venue. The gardens are impeccably…read moremaintained and constantly changing. As a representative of the garden once wrote during the COVID era, it truly is a place of solace and comfort for those going through difficult times. The gardens have lifted my spirits during several challenging life events, and I'm very thankful for this space so close to Los Angeles. It provides a beautiful opportunity for my daughters and me to get outside, enjoy nature, and share a healthy, memorable day together. The food offerings are high quality, and we usually plan to have lunch during our visits. I've attended several special events, including holiday celebrations and Lunar New Year, and they have all been thoughtfully executed. The gift shop is also so much fun to browse. It's expensive, but the items are unique. The reason I'm giving four stars is that there are a few relatively easy-to-fix issues that could be improved. We love the Children's Garden, and so does my daughter, who has played there from ages two to eight. However, the black magnetic sand is rarely replenished and is often nearly gone. The water in the main fountain also frequently runs out--sometimes both issues occur at the same time. Most of all, I'm disappointed by the changes to the entry system during COVID. In the past, members could visit whenever they wished; now, reservations are required. The garden is enormous, and even on the busiest days--such as Mother's Day, which I attend every year--it remains enjoyable and never feels overwhelmingly crowded. Aside from the inconvenience of the reservation system, visitors used to receive a sticker to display on their clothing indicating that they had paid. Now, there are two additional "check-in" points after the initial entrance where visitors must show their tickets again. On one occasion, as my two daughters and I were leaving, my youngest dropped a stuffed animal near one of these checkpoints. We had walked fewer than five steps away when an aggressive guard made us show our tickets again in order to walk those few steps back. The staff at these checkpoints are often unfriendly, and the process detracts from the overall experience. The personnel also seem ill-equipped to handle urgent or inappropriate behavior. Since we visit frequently, we have unfortunately witnessed boys vandalizing the garden while their parents allowed it. On one occasion, teenage boys were picking roses, ripping them from the plants, and throwing them into the air. We reported it, but the staff member did nothing. On another occasion, young boys were using a blue crayon to draw all over a seating area in the Chinese Garden. We reported that as well, but the staff member appeared frightened and bewildered and did nothing. Finally, one day my three-year-old ran over to stand next to her older sister near the koi pond. She accidentally lost her balance and fell into the pond. I pulled her out, and thankfully, we were both fine. When a staff member arrived, I asked whether they had a towel, but they did not. I later witnessed another child fall into the pond while visiting with a family. Fortunately, it was a warm day and the child was fine. Still, because the water features do not have barriers, accidents can happen. It would be reassuring if the garden had a clear protocol--and basic supplies such as towels--for these situations. Overall, the gardens do a great job, and we continue to return time and time again despite these inconveniences. I'm sharing these comments because I know the staff care about providing a wonderful experience and can address these concerns.