I am so confused why staff allows parents to keep screaming and running kids in the library for extended period of time but if someone they perceive to be poor/low income so much as stands up to loud they will aggressively tell them to be quiet. Also they themselves do not use inside voices. This is a library not a daycare center, those of us without children would love if we weren't subjected to over 30 minutes of the same children scream crying. The parent needs to be told if their child is having a melt down, to take it outside and not to the courtyard that backs up to the study area either--completely outside. Also Elvin thing was never resolved, the fact that the library cat was carelessly kicked out is disturbing. read more

My neighborhood public library! It's small, but the staff are kind and friendly and there's a decent selection of fiction and non-fiction books. Only a few computers/seating tables, so might not be the best place to go if you're looking to work from somewhere. The library-vibe is right here and the building itself is beautiful. Love to go on a lunch break and get lost in the books and I tend to find something to check out and take home and read. Definitely recommend stopping in! read more

Such a cute library! Signing up for a card was fast and simple. The library also has an outdoor garden area that is great for some vitamin D during your reading time. read more

Only reason for 2 stars is the historic building and courtyard are cool... But, every single time I'm in here to study, I witness the staff being incredibly rude (borderline harassing) anyone who comes in that they suspect may be poor or homeless. (Witnessed a lot of racist behavior across class lines as well.) The library is one of the very last free spaces for people to exist in this whole city. It should be a safe space for anyone to get out of the sun or cold, relieve themselves with some semblance of dignity, maybe read some cool books, or use the computer for any one of the endless tasks of this modern world that require internet connection (to get a job, housing, apply for support, etc.) There are so few resources in this county that are not utterly overwhelmed by the demand of the millions of us who cannot afford the basic necessities of life. Where else can people go without paying a fee to be there? Why can't we just let people chill out and have some space to breathe? It's honestly much more disruptive to hear the staff always gossiping and generally being very loud amongst themselves than it is to hear, see, or smell regular human beings trying to stay alive and out of the way. One of these parties is trying to be considerate, and the other is not. I am deeply ashamed by the conduct of the staff. They should consider the purpose of their work here; who are they here to serve? Why do they only serve kindness to those who are well-dressed and appear to come from a comfortable tax bracket? Is the public library some kind of sacred castle to be defended against those who need it most, for those who need it least??? Do better. I see no social justice values being applied here. also, the wifi sucks. read more

Attractive little library well planned in its space, but I'm always distressed that the snarky librarian (who greets as you walk in), finds some way to admonish me. I really am quite well behaved. "Shhhhhh" "but I didn't say anything" Chair straightened. "But I just got up to return book to shelf." This ultimately prevents me from using and enjoying this facility. So Elmer Fudd, Ernestine, or C., be sure you make people feel welcome. Perhaps I will now find some proofreader's marks placed in the margins here. read more

Alamitos Public Library - Goodies of the literary kind, food for the soul - Libraries Near Me - Long Beach, California

Maybe my favorite library in LB. It's not big or fancy. Seating is kind of limited in lighting is not optimal but it's a very soothing environment. Tiny, architecturally historic Adobe building with original tiles and lots of wood. It's cool land kind of like a dimly lit cave of books=my idea of a great place to spend an afternoon. Staff are all very friendly and helpful. General guest population is the usual throng of people using computers quietly there can be jockeying to get a place at the single table to sit at. I really enjoy sitting in the small backyard with the Charming Rose Garden. I also appreciate that the clean large wheelchair-accessible gender free bathroom. read more

This neighborhood library is fairly small, but its genuine beauty (both inside and out) make it all worth visiting. ive spent some time looking around, and yep, they've got books! as well as audio/visual sources, internet access, and a children's section. if you're looking to use your laptop here, you will get a signal, but finding a nearby outlet is next to impossible. better bring a full battery. there's also a quaint little backyard area with a couple chairs and a picnic table. grass too! a great place to enjoy your lunch while doing some reading. Ive mostly used this resource as a quiet place to read and relax. its really close to home, and their hours (as well as many other LB public libraries) have recently expanded. its a clean and cozy library, and im happy to see LB has kept it up and running. read more

Alamitos Public Library - the backyard/patio area - Libraries Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

I don't know what I haven't reviewed this place before, since I am here every other day in the summertime. I LOVE having a neighborhood library, and it is so darned cute! The building is old (dating back to the 20s? 30s?) and the hot librarian gave me a tour once, which was great. But, what I really love about this place is the neighborhood feel to it. I don't know what the job title of the people that check out books is, but the blond guy behind the counter (also pretty hot) always hands my book to me as soon as I walk in! I never even have to ask. Like the song says, "sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name." Even though the actual library collection isn't that large, you can actually get online from your home and order a book from anywhere in the lbpl system and they'll call you when it comes in. If you're like me and short on time but long on wanting to read, this works out perfectly. yay for the library! on a rather different note, once I ran into a girl that works here (or did?) at a club and she was HORRIFIED that someone recognized her as a girl that works at the library. I think I cock-blocked by mentioning it in front of a dude that she was picking up on, who proceeded to tell us that we both looked like library goers, as if THAT were an insult! read more

I love this library. The staff are helpful and they have some great free classes and programs for the community.

My favorite Long Beach Library! Brings back sooo many childhood memories. Mom use to take us walking from Downtown to the park on Cherry and on the way back stop by the library to check out books and sometimes read them in the back courtyard! I would spend hours and hours there while in high school doing my research and reports. I studied architecture and photography and soon will be visiting this amazing library the building is really nice on the inside and out!!! I hope to one day take my kids down there like my mother did with us. read more

My grandfather lived a few blocks away, and I was here reading everyday from about 5 years old to 8. I'd come on my own, and the librarians were really kind and helpful. I don't think I would have survived my childhood let alone become an English professor if I hadn't experienced books in the beauty and calm of this library. I'll never forget reading in the light of the giant window or taking books out to the patio to read. Libraries are so important. Thank you Alamitos Branch Library! read more

This is an adorable library. It's very small and cozy inside and has that cuddle-with-a-nice-book ambiance. The backyard area is great for taking a break to eat or reading outside too. It's very quiet here and the staff are very helpful. Only complaint is that there aren't many tables since it's so tiny. There is one large communal table to share with everyone and a table in the children's section. There are also no outlets available if you're here to work on your laptop. But other than that, this is one of my favorite places to study in LB. read more

I absolutely adore this little gem with spanish architecture. A wonderful neighborhood library that I can ride my bike to. The librarian and staff are sweet and very helpful. best thing is if they don't have the books on hand, they can request it from another branch and they'll phone or email you when ready. What I usually do is log on and have a list of books that I request, then pick it up when ready. The back patio is an oasis...they have seats and benches outside for some quite reading. I just wish they gave a little tlc to the plants and maybe have a grass lawn so sit out and stretch... read more

My favorite place. I live a few doors down and I'm there everyday to see the "New Arrivals".Staff is very friendly and it is a great older building. read more

This is the last time I come here. The snarky woman at the front desk has again pissed me off. Telling me where to sit? Really? But it's ok for the homeless to sit at the computers for hours and let them use the restrooms and stink up the entire building. Yup... last time read more

What I dig about the Long Beach public library system is that you can return books to any branch. I checked out books from the Bay Shore branch and brought them back to the Alamitos branch, because sometimes I just don't want to deal with the traffic and parking down in Belmont. Very easy. :) read more

I am a nerd (and a high school English teacher) and all I want to do on my summer break is read. I want to bring back that sexy librarian thing :) There is nothing better than reading a book by the beach, by a pool, or under a tree. I am so lucky the adorable Alamitos library is within walking distance of my house. This is a great place for kids to come in the summer or for anyone really. I just stocked up today, so I have some reading for my vacation. This place is small, so they might not have what you are looking for. Good thing the larger downtown branch is also close by. They are closed Sun and Tues which I always forget! I donate money, so I am officially a friend of the Long Beach Public Library! The outdoor patio is awesome! read more

So friendly and so nice and so cute. 5 stars, plus, I went there only days ago to ask if they had a book, they ordered it from another library and have it already! Thanks Alamitos Pub. Library you Rule! read more

I love this library. It's small, but I can usually find something I like to read there, and the building itself is a great example of the SoCal flavor of Spanish Colonial architecture. read more

Charming building and a beautiful area in back to read & relax.

Very charming library within walking distance of Bixby park and beach. The backyard patio is especially a delight- though I wish they would turn on the water fountain. read more

Okay, so, this has already been said but I LOVE this library. It's a pretty, old building, it's easy walking distance from my house, the selection is good but what they don't have they can easily and quickly order for you. I have not bought a book since I discovered how easy it is to go online & request books be transferred to Alamitos from other LB locations. Every book I have ever requested was somewhere in the LB system, even ones I thought were relatively obscure. I have yet to meet this "hot" librarian but the blond dude with the goatee is cool and has good taste in books without being snobby. He didn't even (outwardly) judge me when I checked out "6 Degress of Paris Hilton" (What? It's about the culture of pop media. Ahem. Sort of.) The only thing that is preventing me from giving 5 stars is that it is closed Sundays and Mondays and doesn't open until noon the rest of the week. Noon when you have a toddler is like early evening, we've already been up for 7 or so hours. read more