Oh what a HAPPY, HAPPY day! I wanted to take advantage of the State Park Pass offered FREE at our…read moreLos 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"

Recently, we had our Sweet Granddaughter for a day together. We started out by checking out a…read morecommunity 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!

If you can grab a spot, there is more solo workspace here than the Valencia branch…read more There are lots of businesses near by if you need to take a break in your study/work day or grab a bite.

This is a review of the Summer Stars Tutoring Program. My child attended the program and they were…read morepaired with the kindest, patient and gentle tutor, Mr. Moore. He had the right countenance to balance my energetic child. My child really grew in their reading skills and comfort in reading. I'm co grateful for this program, especially to keep my child practicing through the summer months. In addition to that, they have great community programs for all ages.

Ada laws for service animals. They said mine didn't qualify under the guidelines they doread more

Really nice and clean library but horrible service. Went to renew passport and last was very…read moreextremely rude.

So we've been going here more regularly and it really is a nice library. Yes bigger libraries will…read morehave more books and space. But for a smaller library it's great. There are plenty of tables on the kids area. My kids never get shushed, though is still remind them to use inside voices. They have a nice little play area in the kids area. All of the librarians are welcoming. My son said that he overheard that the kids librarian may have moved away which is sad. But the ones at the front are always happy to help anyway. Oh and they have plenty of work and okay computers for my kids to practice their computer skills. The best part, it's always nice and clean.

I try to keep a sunny disposition always especially with people while I'm out and about…read more So when I walk into a business, I expect the personnel to have that same kind of attitude. Instead, you can walk into this library, looking lost. And neither of the ladies in the front will bat an eye your way. There's a kiosk even to check out books right infront of the desk of the woman who stayed stationed in the seat the whole time we visited. Scowled at the face. And very unpleasant aura. She watched as me and my 7 year old struggled to figure out why my card wasn't working. When I walked over to her desk, she was snarky. Since my library card doesn't specifically say Castaic Library on it, and we'd also gotten card at a Library in Canyon Country I wasn't positive I was using the correct card (since it wasn't working). So I asked the lady at the desk and she said "well it says LA County doesn't it" mind you, I'm a very quick to shoot off at nasty people kind of person. But I let it go since I just wanted to check out the books we had and return the one. I was advised the system automatically assigned me a pin. When I first got the card, I wasn't asked to set up a pin and I never received an email or notice to set up a pin so I thought that that was odd that the system chose one for me. I would've never found that out over at the kiosk by myself. And it really irritated me that she allowed me and my child to stand over there poking at this computer hearing us go on about something being wrong and she just sat there. But she was able to help me reset my pin. Now you would think since she already had her system up and my card and account information that she would just go ahead and proceeded to completing checking out my books for me. Nope. She shoo'd us away back to the kiosk advising if we needed anything else let her know. Fine. I completed checking out our books. Now I was a little bit embarrassed because I haven't been to the library myself in a long time and I wasn't positive so I asked her if I could also return books through the kiosk . She specifically advised me to drop the return book off in the bins in the front of the library. Again, I'm irritated because she could've just taken it from me to assure the return was returned. Something didn't sit well with her just pushing us away at every chance she had to help us. It was absolutely dead in there as well (about 330-4p). But we did as advised and dropped the return in the front bin. Fast forward to TODAY my teenager sends me a screenshot of an email from the library advising the book we returned is LATE and not returned!!! HOW?!!! When we did exactly as was asked?!! We checked out books fine but somehow messed up retuning the 1 book we had to replace that day?? There was no help when we called about it. Was advised we have to wait 90 days to see if they find it. It has to be wherever the staff left their customer service and smiles. I refuse to pay for a book we returned. So we shall see how this ends up going. Don't they have cameras?! Something.

I recently stopped by the Woodland Hills Branch of the LAPL. It was my first time visiting a…read morelibrary in person in a very long time. I wanted to renew my library card, along with getting a 100th anniversary Card Catalog Stamp for a friend collecting the scavenger hunt cards. Everyone was so nice and helpful! I was able to get everything accomplished quickly. I didn't have a long time to stay for the visit, but I definitely look forward to stopping by again soon. There is a parking lot, but it is pretty small, so you may have to look for street parking when you visit.

Such a cute library! I am a big fan of LAPL libraries, and the free resources they provide for…read morecommunity members. This location is very quiet, clean, and a great place to get work done. I had a good experience parking. There is more than enough for everybody and a book drop conveniently available outside. I set up my study materials on a large desk near an outlet and it went very smooth. I also asked one of the librarians for help with my library card, and they were very helpful. Overall, very nice area, great vibes, and ample parking.

This is a small but beautiful library that is slightly tucked away from a very busy street. You…read moredon't feel like you're right off of Ventura Blvd and that street's constant hustle & bustle. It feels like a little oasis from that. Once you're able to find parking (this branch's parking lot is practically non existent), the location is nice. It's somewhat plain inside, but that doesn't really bother me. I come to a library to look for & check out books so not having a ton of things on the walls or other decorations helps keep me focused. I've noticed this on almost all of my library stops, but I will say it again here: the staff is wonderful. The librarians were so wonderful and so helpful. I came here to get the branch stamp they have for the 100th anniversary of the LAPL and they lit up when they saw me ask for a stamp. They asked me how it was going & if I needed help getting to any other branches. Even when I'm not asking for books they still bend over backwards to help me. I absolutely love it.

The loudest library I've ever been to. If you actually need to get work done, please don't come…read morehere. I wish the people at the front desk kept up with library etiquette instead of practically shouting during their conversations with each other or those visiting. They also kept coming in and out of the back and slamming the heavy door. This place is small enough so everything echoes throughout. The rules of a library are pretty simple to follow, but I won't be coming back here.

I am in love with this library. It is warm and inviting and all the staff are wonderful! I love new…read morefiction and am able to easily find recent fiction books in a particular section, making it easy to discover new books! I can easily get holds from the library by making requests online and picking them up from this branch. There is a used bookstore inside the library as well which has a great selection of good quality books! There's always something new to find each week! There is parking out front, a parking lot next to the entrance, and a parking lot on the backside that lets you enter through the second story. Also, they offer great programs if you keep your eyes peeled! I also appreciate that this is an easy place to drop off voting ballots out front.

What a great location in the local community! This property is very clean. They have helpful staff…read moreand a great kids section. I especially like the computers for the kids to practice using. Parking lot is a bit small. If it's full you will have to park on the streets which is not ideal.

We absolutely love this library. Julia from the children's section is so helpful and wonderful. She…read moreis such a gem. She has so much patience and knowledge for the kids. My eldest child is an avid reader and she knows what books keep him engaged. This is a great library, the only thing that I would change is to make them open on Mondays too. It is in such a prime location and I love the Calabasas library app. My husband, myself, and children have linked accounts so it is easy to keep track of everything we check out.

This library is like a local retreat for me. I've come here on many occasions and it has been…read moreconsistently clean, orderly, and well-stocked. By far one of the best libraries in the area. Note that this library isn't part of LAPL so if you'll need to sign up for another library card here if you'd like to borrow books. One of my favorite things about this library is the monthly craft club. The two librarians who put it on are hilarious and a good time. These crafts are geared towards adults so I wouldn't bring your kids here (double check to see if they have a kids craft club at a different time). Because this library is in a well to do area, I assume they receive generous funding which in turn translates to generous crafts.