Facility maintenance completed, back in the business of providing the community with a welcoming hub. Books to lend, to buy or to donate. Extensive digital library access. Vast children's section, programs. Events to educate, to inspire. More here https://www.lapl.org/branches/westwood Knowledgeable, caring, witty librarians. Generous, free (with validation) parking in adjacent lot. "Books break the shackles of time; proof that humans can work magic." - Carl Sagan read more

All the books! Love this place! I wish I could get the books quicker, but thus is life!

Beautiful library, not super populated and easy to find in a nice location. Quiet and not smelly. Great place to get work done. Easy to park and 90min free with validation. No complaints. read more

Decent branch located withing walking distance from the Westwood Village. Some parking avalaible, closed on Sunday. Pretty big, cozy, many seating and reading nooks, nice space if this is your branch to pick up your books and movies. They have clean restrooms and nice staff. I was enticed to come in by their Book Sale (I love libraries anyways), so it's a nice resource for getting cheap, used books. I don't live in the area, but it's a nice resource for fellow bookworms. read more

Wow, this library might as well have been built on the college campuses of UCLA. This library pretty much lays in the middle near the University. I was really amazed with this location a little bit. Kind of hard to find parking here sometimes. I started reading and looking at some books. Pretty quiet here, and lots of University students also come here to study as well. Lots of resources here too. Staff are cool here, and service is decent too. read more

Came from out of town and decided to stop by for my library card. It's a beautiful building. Librarians there were super helpful.

I've been going to the library since I was 4 years old. My mom would take my sister and I and let us pick out as many books as we could carry, it was our twice a month excursion and it's me made a huge library fan. This location has easy parking, it's super clean inside and has that wonderful smell of old books. I've put books on hold and picked them up with ease (even during the middle of the pandemic). The offered a drive up service where you could pick up your books from a table in the garage. Perfect! The times I've been inside (since they've reopened) the librarian has been helpful in showing me how to make a request for a book that they don't have a copy of. Did you know that you can request they purchase it and add it to their collection?? Awesome! I'm a huge fan of pretty much any library but this one is especially great because of the convenience factor. When was the last time you read an actual hard copy book? Do it! Go ahead and feed your brain, you won't regret it, I promise :) read more

Helpful staff, clean premises, tons of resources, parking. Everything you want in a (not that small) public library branch. Plus free COVID tests to take home. read more

I came here thinking that I would be able to get a nice quiet study session. Boy was I wrong! There is only one floor to study at, which is the second floor. There's no walls/rooms or anything so you could hear kids yelling and playing. There's no quiet area either, and librarians don't care that homeless people roam about. Theres pee all over ground in front of the bathroom door. I wouldn't recommend coming here to study. If you're a student, go to ur uni library. If you're not a student, go to another library. read more

Cozy library!! Parking is free for the first 90 min and a dollar for every hour after. There's a few unsheltered folks taking refuge there and occasionally strange smells but it doesn't feel super unsafe since they have a security guard on staff and security cameras. Staff are super kind read more

A nice spot to visit to find an interesting newspaper, magazine, or book. Very helpful staff!

Michelle is very astounding here at the library. She's very proficient, she knows her way around the building and great personality. I'm not sure how long she's been there, but hopefully they make her the head manager read more

This is the noisiest library I've ever been to ever in my life. If you want to get some focused reading done or studying, headphones are a must and blast your study music! Otherwise you'll leave fast just like I did. People asking for stuff at the info desk or paying at checkout desk have no consideration for others. The kids and adults talking will make you feel you are at a shopping center. There were very brief minutes when it was quiet. People have full blown conversations with the workers about what they're looking for. This older man went to both desks asking for stuff and he was loud, sooo loud. No point on traveling to the library to get some studying done if I need to do the same thing I do at home: put headphones on. read more

I love the library, quite simply. I love almost any library. Westwood Library is no exception. While it may not be as large as some of the other libraries in Los Angeles, its convenient, quaint, and never too crowded. If you want to use their complimentary one-hour Internet access for members, you won't have a problem. The fiction section is smaller than I'd like it to be - it lines the left wall. Nevertheless, I'm always able to find a good read. read more

Westwood Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Westwood, California

Gaenell at circulation is extremely argumentative and argues instead of answering questions. The next nearest branch to Westwood, West LA, had suddenly closed for 3 months, unexpectedly. It had been a substitute working there last time so I had received no heads up and had been assured everything was fine in every manner regarding my library status. The last time I had spoken to the regular circulation staff at the nearest branch to Westwood, I had showed my documentation demonstrating that I qualify under the criteria for eligibility to have my library card. I had also been assured I did not need to show it for again for a couple years it sounded. I had even asked both the regular staff and the staff there last time I was at West LA branch, if it was closing, since it had closed earlier during about the last year, for multiple weeks. I had been told no.  Gaenell insisted I show her eligibility for library card documentation again. I do not carry that around all the time. When I asked about the assurance I had recently been given, and asked for the date I was approved through, she refused to answer. She combatively and loudly repeated herself, insisting I show it again just 1.5 months later, as a line started to form behind me. After I showed a picture of it, she was extremely slow on her computer.  After I asked again for about the 4th time, she said she had just changed it so I don't have to show it again until after the new year, in 3 months. After wasting 5 hours due to her and this attitude, I have to go back again to inquire into if I must have undone the change she apparently did, sounding like it shortened the time before I have to show it again. Also, for months now the library site only lets me log in to 1 card, instead of another card that also is saved on all my devices. This happened no matter how many times I logged out then tried to log into another card account. Gaenell at circulation refused to answer questions about my library account status and argued as the line that had just formed behind me began to grow. She scolded me over and over that the nearest branch to Westwood is closed, as if that is my responsibility, after I had just said this myself after my arrival at the Westwood branch. Instead of hearing updated status then going home to retrieve a couple books, as I said repeatedly I would like to--then going to another branch near me from there to return these--I could not because she argued so loudly and continuously. She did not tell me status and dates so I did not have time. After going home and getting my 2 library books, I did not have time to go to another branch before the library closed, and the libraries are closed for an extended holiday weekend now. She reminds me of the circulation person that was repeatedly scolding me and another customer for following the instructions that had just been given us each, respectively, over the phone during COVID and seems like the same person. She does not seem suited to customer service. She appears angry, judgmental and accusatory. She takes no responsibility at all for her wrong answers or additional wrong answers, errors and inconveniences caused by the library staff and months of closure with no advanced indication at the nearest branch. She appears to love, above all, delaying an ability to know my library account status and my due dates and return my books. And, especially more than anything, she appears to love scolding and accusing customers for her and the library's mistakes, repeatedly and incessantly, so that it takes 40 times longer to do anything than it did at the next nearest branch. She also comes across as adoring causing a noisy scene unnecessarily and to need constant attention. She repeatedly talked about me to the librarian, Ruth, disparagingly in front of me instead of telling me my library status and due dates. Thankfully, Ruth, the librarian helped to the extent possible. However, I don't think Ruth should have allowed Gaenell to continue to carry on in this noisy, rude and completely counterproductive manner for about an hour or so. I had to repeat ten times to each of them each question before receiving an answer, as Gaenell continually interrupted to scold me and repeat herself. She even commented loudly and laughed out loud at me about how, once Ruth started assisting me, I continued to speak to Ruth, who still had my book. Gaenell interrupted loudly and endlessly,  throughout. This happened after I said, as I had first arrived, that I drove there after a special trip I had already made driving to the suddenly and unexpectedly closed West LA branch in an earlier week. read more

It has its own parking garage with 2 hours of free parking. That, by itself, is a HUGE plus. It's also got a good seating area for studying or reading, but around 4pm it gets really crowded with loud kids. Good for the kids, not so good for the studying. The librarian didn't seem super friendly, but maybe she was busy... read more

PROS: -beautiful space!!! gorgeous! (see my uploaded photo..complete with instagram filters) -perfect for studying -FREE parking for 90 minutes. And if you don't mind walking a couple blocks, there is free street parking for as long as you please. CONS: - A LOT of homeless people inside and living outside the library...never bothers me, but just thought you might want to know the only reason i didn't give it a full 5 stars is because i have been completely spoiled by the UCLA Anderson library :o) read more

Westwood Branch Library - serenity - Libraries Near Me - Westwood, California

Not the best public library I've ever been to but it'll do simply for convenience. For every pro there's a con. Parking structure but only 90 minutes of validated parking, otherwise it's metered parking on the street. Personally I could spend hours at a library so that time isn't enough for me (couldn't they just make it two hours?). Inside, the facility looks nice but it is quite small. On the plus side, you can place holds on books from other libraries and pick them up here at no charge. The caveat of that though is that you might end up with a rather dirty and worn looking copy (hey, I keep all of my books looking like new). You can print here but it costs 25 cents per page (b&w). Also, the majority of the chairs are wooden without cushions or padding. There are about 5 cushioned armchairs. It's like they don't really want you to get comfortable and stay. So basically, if you need a book or quiet place, this place might just do (for 90 minutes). read more

Westwood Branch Library - Just before sunset - Libraries Near Me - Westwood, California

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Started coming here after Borders closed. Its a great library and there is typically parking available. If they don't have what you need library transfers from another branch are hassle-free and typically in stock in a few days. They have regular events and it is a great place for the Westwood community. read more

I've been here off an on through the years, either at their infant/toddler singing/reading groups or to play in their park space. The librarians are nice and the place is super quiet and has good acoustics so that you don't hear everyone's conversation. Everything has always appeared tidy and organized and doesn't look rundown. They offer free parking in their garage. read more

Is there a purge at the Westwood library of all conservative books? A few days ago, on September 6, 2018, I went to the Public library in Westwood and at the entrance of the Library, in the hall there was a cart with a sign "Free books" meaning books that have been withdrawn (and is so marked with a stamp) and is now free for anyone to pick and take home. There were about 40 books. And I noticed that most of therm were books criticizing the Left. I took 9 books and here's the list Crisis of Character by Gary J. Byrne (about Bonnie and Clyde..eh, I mean Bill & Hillary Clinton). The silencing by Kirsten Powers (about silencing conservatives voices). Oriana Fallaci- The rage and the ride (a book about islamic terrorism). United Sates of jihad by Peter Bergen They are all dated in 2015 so they kept it only 3 years I also got some books that are not controversial but historic like "Deliver the Vote" that looks at fraud in American election since the beginning with George Washington, the Civil War and LBJ, Carter and others. It attacks both parties and I look at the date and that was acquired by the library in July 2006. So this book was there for 12 years! Armageddon by Dick Morris. How Trump can beat Hillary acquired by the library in November 2016 (yes one week after the election but it is still interesting to see of the predictions and argument pass the test of time). Terrorist hunter. And I took two or three other books that are not political. In fact there were more books that I could take but these 9 books were already heavy and I had only two plastic bags with me (my plan was to go to the supermarket; I didn't expect this). I don't drive so these two heavy bags was all that I can take. The trip to the market was canceled. But about the books that I didn't take were a few that was also criticizing the Left. It reminds me of other free books I had one year ago like this one: Hollywood Hypocrites by Jason Mattera acquired by the library in March 2012, so 6 years compared to 12 years or more for "neutral" books. So I ask the question again: Is there a purge at the Westwood library of all conservative books? I will check the Library to see if they replaced these books with a exaggerated number of leftist books. I understand there must be a balance but if I found that 90% of their books are one-sided that is not acceptable. read more

When I was in first grade at Gardner Street Elementary School, I got my first library card. I used to go with my mom every two weeks to the nearest branch and work ever so hard to choose just ten books (the limit) from the twenty I had I selected. I sat there for what seemed like hours, ruminating every possbility. Then some snotty boy in my class ripped up my card. That was probably the last year the library card was made out of paper. Anyway, the Westwood branch library reminds me of the excitement I had for city-owned books. It's mostly the "new car" smell and feel of the place I like so much. It's the most spacious Los Angeles public library I've been to, and I've been to about five. There are many big tables, lots of natural ight, and a more than comfortable walking and thinking space. I spent many a Saturday here studying for the goddam LSAT so I can't help but associate this place with mental torture. But besides that, it's a great place to study. Not too many people or whiny kids, and helpful librarians if you need helpful looking something up. read more

I am an unabashed library fan. And, I am a fan of this library. Like everyone else has pointed out, you can request books through the website even if your local branch doesn't have what you're looking for. That is sooo cool. The sad part is that this option is not available for DVDs and CDs. You can't have everything. Still, the Westwood LAPL has saved me lots of dough on DVD rentals, though this won't work if you are averse to choosing what to watch based on what is on the shelf. Also, there is a decent variety of CDs to borrow, though I must point out that this branch is rather lacking in the R&B, (neo)soul, and Spanish language stuff that I am partial to. If you're looking for Persian-language music or books, though, you're golden! The building itself is nice...it's not a huge library, but it's new and the inside is light and airy. Hours of operation were recently expanded...they're open until 8p most nights! If they could find it in their budget to have Sunday hours, I'd be ecstatic... Then again, if I had to choose, I'd rather they use that money to buy seasons 2-4 of Nip/Tuck. They have occasional used book sales, which I invariably forget about. Someday, though, I'll make it to one. Finally, the nice people here once reduced a $28 fine I had racked up to a mere $5. I must admit that I do accrue the occasional library fine...but I would rather pay these than pay $5 a pop to the Blockbuster empire every time I feel like watching a DVD. read more

I sometimes come here to study for my CPA exam. My recent visits are only to print out something because my printer is broken. Haha Very clean and quiet...oh and cozy:) Staff are helpful. When I was having trouble with an internet on their computer, the female staff took the time and tried hard to solve the issue.(she couldn't fix the issue because their system was messed up all day) I've never had any bad experiences with the workers. They all seems to be nice. Unlike LA County libraries that gives you 10 free printouts/day, it's 25cents to print out.(this library is operated by the City of Los Angeles btw) They have a parking lot and validate for 90 mins. read more

What can I say the westwood branch is awesome. Easy parking and 90 minutes free with validation. You can order books online from all over the City and pick them up here. You can even return them to any City Library Branch. They have a pretty decent dvd collection for a library. You get to keep them 2 nights and can take up to 3 all for free. If you borrow them on a Friday you end up getting to keep them until Monday because its closed on Sunday. You won't always find a specific movie but if you're open minded you can find great classics or recent releases that weren't worth seeing at the theatres. And its only a couple of years old so everything is nice, clean and new. read more

From the perspective of a UCLA student, finding the perfect seat at the library during midterms (or finals) season is a challenge. I was having my computer serviced nearby and decided to give studying here a try while I waited. I like that its clean, very spacious, has lots of light, and there are many electric outlets on the ground at every table. This is the perfect place to study. The only downside I faced while there is that it gets really loud around 3 or 4 pm. Parents bring their kids in after school to check out books and the kids get kind of rowdy. Otherwise, this is a great study place as an alternative to studying on campus or at a coffee shop. read more

This is now the closest library branch to me and while it's somewhat a drive, it's worth it for the quiet tables and the a/c. I really don't ever browse the collection as I do all my library hunting on the www.lapl.org Web site and then have hordes of books sent to the Westwood branch so I can just go in and pick them up (the Library's HOLD policy is wonderful), however I've glanced through the stacks and it looks like they have a decent collection. There are a bunch of little tables that are easy to secure and then mark as your own territory by spreading out your stuff. People are pretty cool about sharing and not being noisy and it's a great place to just put on your headphones, work on your computer and zone out. The monthly book fairs are excellent too - you can get books for incredible deals and you're helping out the library! The parking is 90 min free with validation and then a $1, so it's pretty good but if you plan to stay there a long time, like me, either ride your bike, walk, or find other parking ... or I guess you could not be cheap and just pay the money :) read more

Yup, Lisa C. knows where it's at. You can be sitting around at home, watching tv when you remember the name of the book that you are dying to read, log on to the website, and have the book held at the library of your choice. That is a pretty sweet deal. Now, I have to be honest. Westwood is like my least favorite neighborhood in LA. The homeless are aggressive, parking's a freaking nightmare, and everything's always unspeakably crowded. But, the Westwood Library is an oasis of calm. Just south of Wilshire on Glendon, the library is 50 times quieter than anything in the village. It's a spacious library and the staff are friendlier than the many other branches. Plus, 90 minutes free garage parking! Also, this library seems to have it going on a bit more than other branches--their events calendar is always packed. read more

I honestly would not have known about this place had I not needed to stop by the CVS nearby. This nice little library does not offer a huge selection of books, but it's really nice and quiet. It's not too crowded either. I wish I had known about how great this place was when I went to UCLA, but now I decided to get a library card since I still live and work in the area. The librarians are extremely helpful and nice. I highly recommend this place to locals. I decided to pick up reading some of the old Stephen King novels. Unfortunately their selection only has one shelf of his works, but that will do. I guess my goal will be to read that shelf and then to see where else this library will take me. I'll be back soon to check out another book! read more

A pretty building with at least one nice room for special events. Parking is validated (up to about an hour, I think). Over the phone, I found them to be helpful and responsive. When in person, on an another day, a different librarian came across as quarrelsome and less helpful. Maybe I elicit suspicion with my new-fangled library ways! While I agree digital piracy is of vital importance, I thought the librarian was woefully out-of-date in her understanding of how recorded materials are used and consumed in 2014. Typically, one rips a CD (especially an audiobook) to hear it on an mp3 player, a tablet, etc. And yet, it was made clear by her questions that my actions were absolutely NOT OKAY. The irony is the discs in question were incomplete and/or duplicates for a particular title. This set her off, and it devolved from there. Sometimes, I could imagine the joy of revisiting the more digitally innocent days of say, 1998. However, that's not the world today. And perhaps this Branch could have a Digital Czar or even a workshop for their librarians and other interested parties about this. Aside from that, I enjoyed my couple interactions and visits to the Westwood Branch. read more

Good collection of art books, general interest magazines, and art films. Helpful and friendly staff and a nice clean library. Lovely and its free too! Read a book! read more

Great library to study at, plenty of tables and the windows are really big. I've never actually checked out any books or dvds so I cant really review the rentals, but the library itself is a great study spot. The only thing that could use improvement are the hours, it closes at 6pm on mondays, wednesdays, and saturdays. 1:30-5:30 pm on fridays, noon to 8 on tuesdays and thursdays. other than the early closing hours, the library is beautiful and a great place to crack open some books. read more

Westwood Branch Library is by far the best perk to working in the area. Each of the staff I've encountered has been very helpful and polite. Whether it's asking the librarian to help find a book or asking the front desk when their next book sale is, the service is top notch. It's a small place so their in-house inventory isn't extensive. (But, you can always have them transfer a copy to this branch from its other branches.) I come here between 1 and 3 o'clock on weekdays so there's always a table and/or computer desk available for me to use. This isn't a County of Los Angeles library, but a City of Los Angeles public library. So, even if you have a card from the County, you'll need to register for the City. Five drop boxes are on the sidewalk to make returning really convenient. 5 stars! read more

Small but nice and quite library located in Westwood, very close to UcLA campus. Came here for reading my books........ read more

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I had to come out this way for an interview and needed to kill some time. Now in full disclosure, I was thinking they'd have some sort of wifi connection or something here that I could get on via my laptop whilst I waited. They didn't. I didn't look around too much as I had a limited amount of time. I rode public transit to get here so I can't tell you about parking. It was well kept and very organized. But not as many magazines as I would have hoped. There was quite a bit of Jewish related books. Not too many magazines. But all in all it was a very small branch. Maybe another visit out that way will help provide a better look around. This time it was just alright. read more

It's a nice place to study and has a good selection of books. Only thing is that Parking is only validated for 90min.

Even though anyone would hate having to deal with Westwood traffic, this library is an oasis in an otherwise clusterf**k part of town to be driving in. Free, validated parking - yay!! Nice facility, good selection. A group of tables are apart enough so one can study with others (i.e. quietly talk and not be disturbing). read more

"Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card!" -Arthur Read This library is THE reason why I started reading books regularly again! Before, the closest thing I did when it came to leisure reading was random articles off the internet. The Westwood library changed that. For a West LA resident, this library is really convenient for several reasons. -Parking, which can be disastrous in the Westwood area, is located in a connected garage and free with validation for 90 minutes. -Borrowing books is a piece of cake. I reserve them online and will get an email once they're available for pick up (books can be ordered from other locations). -The librarians are always friendly and helpful. -The building itself is very nice and has a good amount of space, whether you're there by yourself or in a group. read more

The staff were all really nice- 5 stars Free parking with validation (not sure for how long) but I had to give it 3 stars because... The bad: People there are LOUD. This is definitely NOT the library to go study at. The kids are loud and the parents aren't doing anything about it. Some of the patrons that visit this library are rude! The middle eastern patrons are so pretencious. The only reason why I visted this library is because UCLA's library only had one copy of the book I wanted to read, and so I had to come check out the book from the public library. I'm not sure if all I see were all the books that they have. If so, there doesn't seem like a lot, but you can get a book from another branch's library and have it sent to the Westwood branch. read more

This is a great library. Modern, full of light. I also love that it is a true place for all including homeless patrons. I have never had an issue with any of the people who sleep at the library and they are generally very conscientious about cleaning up their belongings which is really appreciated. Hours are pretty good too and I've found the librarians to be helpful and nice. Could update their "popular books" sections/turnstiles though. read more