I still remember the days when I would head over to this library after middle and high school. Wow.. that was a while ago... Not much has really changed IMO, and this library is still one of the best ones I've been in. It's really convenient for HS kids because it's right across from AHS and there are a lot of places to study or "hang out" in the large parking lot. It gets REALLY crowded after school hours and it's usually louder and more rowdy. I prefer to come when the school kids are not here... which is in the mornings or later on at night. The selection here is VAST and there's also a little used bookstore right when you walk in. The "New Arrivals" are also close to the entrance and I like to browse those. I really like their self checkout machines... I duno why I like them that much, I just do and I'm fascinated by them! Lol. Oh, and if the book you want is ever checked out, you can pay a dollar to reserve it. Happy reading! read more

I had been going to this library for years and really loved the nice environment and friendly and helpful librarians. Several Important Facts You Need to Know: 1. Easy parking is a plus, but *BE SURE to park less than 2 hrs in the area up front, or if you think it'd take you longer than that, park by the church a little further down (those are 4-hr parking limit if im correct), and do not take your chance since they are constantly people monitoring the parking to issue tix in collecting budget for our broken state! 2. I especially like the private study rooms offered at this library, but if you want to have one, you need to get there before high school is out, around 2:50pm M-F as kids from AHS flow into the library and take every spot they possibly can! It's operated on "first come, first service" basis, well as least supposedly. 3. The main area in the library is usually quiet and nice for studying, yet you cannot avoild some loud talkers talking between stacks or yelling in the rooms-RIGHT? I am asking myself the same question?-why are they here again? If you happen to be one who needs talking in the library, I suggest you to go over to the kids' reading section, however old you are as that's a better place for discussion! 4. The collection is okay, WAY better than most other local libraries, yet not quite enough for academic research.. I notice it lacks the collections of autobiographies, so if you need them check out Pasadena library, and if still no luck-go to UCLA Special Collection and Database! 5. Get comfortable with the self checkout machine as it really will save you a ton of time when there's a line! I like the fact that you can also check out DVDs, but BE CAREFUL when you return them, DON'T drop them off in the recycle bin- you might laugh now but trust me it's confusing and you don't want to end up paying hundreds of dollars for a stupid mistake, YES the fines are HIGH! Enjoy your studying and good luck! read more

Horrible horrible customer service I rushed to get into library before closing which was 6pm I get there and rush to find my books then go to checkout to pay a fine and check out my books and I'm told the registers close service at 5:45 I called prior to coming in to ask about my fines and was never told that if you get here at 5:45 you can't be helped I was told we close at 6 pm This is poor poor service and misleading Jaime the supervisor was also no help Didn't even care about the situation This was very very upsetting after I rushed to get into library before they closed read more

I hardly come here anymore, but when I do, i start to regret it. I usually stop by if I need a place to just do some work in solitude. The thing that bugs me the most is that their internet is horribly slow. I guess no one can really complain about free internet... except ME! I almost rather have no internet than slow internet. But overall, its an ok place to just come relax and work alone. just dont count on a reliable connection. read more

Convenient, clean, and plenty of parking. Parking is 2 hours but plenty of it. Walked right in a look for an empty tesk and went to work. No hassle at all read more

Nice and quiet, for the most part. Well, this is the summer. But then it does get unpredictable as to when the kids come in and out of school, since they don't have a strict schedule. During the school year, just avoid 3pm-5pm. It gets kind of ridiculous unless there's someone to monitor You have your general book stacks, and the library is fairly clean and tidy compared to the surrounding towns. STUDY TIME IS IN SESSION! read more

Tired from studying in cafes while spending a ton of money on teas, coffees, and snacks, I've started spending more of my studying time at either the Arcadia or Temple city libraries. This library is SO much better than Temple City library, because 1. It's much more quiet 2. There's more study space 3. There's a bigger selection of books 4. You don't have to put your library card in every time you want to use wi-fi (having to punch in the number and remembering which PIN I used bothers me okay). I just wish that it was open on Sundays, when I actually do my homework. read more

Who in the world would ever get a fvcking parking ticket in a public library because u want to spend more than 2 hrs studying! 2hr parking r u serious! Acadia doesn't like people going to their library or what!? Then don't even build one, or maybe the point of building a library is that they can get parking ticket money! I'm going to their city district to file a complaint. Ridicules! read more

I really don't have much to add to what others have said, but I wanted to throw in my 2 cents anyway. I love libraries. A lot. & I can't help but compare them all to the Pasadena Public Library's main branch... it's just the most perfect library ever to me. But comparing them all to it doesn't mean it's the standard; if it was, I'd almost never go into another library. The Arcadia library doesn't compare in any way, shape, or form. But it's a nice big library with a decent selection, & its relative newness means that it's pretty clean & comfortable. No, it doesn't have everything, but with Pasadena so close (I mean really, a 10 minute drive isn't gonna kill anyone), it doesn't need to be. It's a good community library, in my expert (hah) opinion. read more

On weekdays, after middle school and high school are out, it's pretty loud and kinda crowded here. But if you're trying to get work done, I recommend inking here in the morning as there are plenty of seats and it's more quiet. On Saturday afternoons, the children section is sometimes pretty crowded as well. read more

got to finish this book...James Patterson. the kids got story time n crafts with Dora the Explorer. yeah! read more

Ok I have been coming here since I was small and I just love the environment and the services they provide. There are also a bunch of fun little activities that they do! I have to be honest, I have had some overdue books and lost library cards but they are always so productive and help me to quickly solve the problem! read more

Parking: easy but says on sign near library entrance that it is strictly enforced & to move your car from the 2 hour to the 4 hour West parking lot if you plan to stay more than 2 hrs. If I do, I will be moving my car soon. Seating: love the cubicle-like seat I found with a high-back wooden chair!!! Noise: perfect EXCEPT a man is SNORING as he falls into deep sleep while sitting in a chair against the wall!! The chair is located right behind a sign that says "Silent Room"...Ummm, snoring is not silent. Shouldn't librarians specify that people cannot sleep here or is it allowed??? If it is supposed to be silent though, & you obviously don't know who snores & sleeps silently, wouldn't sleeping automatically be out the door?? Come on librarians.. Some structure has to be enforced; otherwise, the "Silent Room" will soon be full of snoring sleepers as I have seen it be in some Yelp pics! Other than that though, it seems like a greatttt place to study. I heard the Internet connection is slow here but haven't had to do much on the internet yet so can't tell. I will update my review if/when I encounter a problem. read more

I remember walking in once upon a time when they first got the self-checkout stations. That was when I only knew the Alhambra and San Gabriel Public Libraries. I can't remember if Bruggemeyer Library in Monterey Park was done with its remodelling yet. Now, I don't even talk to the people unless I need to get my card renewed. That's not to say the staff isn't good. I've never had a problem asking for books in holdings or service clarifications. Coming back from college to do some studying over break, its still a good study environment and the staff maintain it well. It seems like kids have changed these days, especially the ones that don't utter a word of English. Instead of keeping it outside like way back when, they hog study rooms, treat them like soundproof recording rooms or something (read: are loud a f), bang doors coming in and out constantly, shuffle/giggle/run through the aisles. Obviously, it was audible from the front desk (study rooms are on the edge of the premises!), and the staff came to kick them out. Too bad the kids gave her attitude asking when they could go back in and badmouthed her in Chinese the whole time they were relocating off the premises. Kudos to their layout as well. I love how the cubicles are spread among the various wings and nestled behind book shelves. Lots of privacy when I need it. Definitely better than an open room with endless cubicles. I guess their computer room is still kinda irk-worthy for that reason. I run into wi-fi problems farther out though. Of course, what with a taste of university libraries with free holds and the like, the public library isn't as awesome as it once was, but it's still a great library in a very convenient location for the city. read more

It's a big, grand library. They have plenty of parking, although some of the seats are for limited hours - so be careful. I've seen several people being ticketed. Another downside is that it's right next to the high school, so right after they get out, the place is nothing less than a zoo. They have some good programs in the summer for kids, which I appreciate-- from past experience too. I also like that there is free wi-fi and plenty of private-ish spots in the library. They also have the perks of the private study rooms if you need that. read more

I visited the library for the first time about a week ago; I was looking for information about Hugo Reid, one of the city's pioneers and early residents. The library staff was unbelievably helpful! Yvonne Ng, allowed me the opportunity to do research in the library's archive in which I was able to recover important early material.. By coincidence, she informed me that her next-door neighbor was none other than Ronald C. Woolsey, author of the authoritative work, "Migrants West: Toward the Southern California Frontier", a book that I planned to purchase for my research. I was completely blown away when she informed that Ronald had not only brought a copy of the book to the library as a gift for me, but he had personally autographed it. Talk about customer service! read more

Arcadia Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Arcadia, California

This library saved us during school shut down. My daughter reads so many books I can't keep up with buying. This online order and front door pick up is amazing. Highly recommended. My daughter read over 47 books since summer started. read more

Definitely one of the best libraries around. They have a great kid's section, wide variation of books for all age groups, and the best selection of kid's magazines. Worth going to even if it's not your local library. Good selection of Chinese books too. read more

One of the nicest libraries around, but this review is not for the library in itself but the toddler class my child is enrolled in at their imagination auditorium. I enrolled my one year old in their music class lately and since there are only less than five students in the class they decided to combine the younger toddler class with the older toddler class. The kids are all interested in the music the teacher is teaching every week. Actually I was a little bored and thought the teacher could've done a much better job, but hey it's a community class and it's only $12 per class vs going elsewhere for $20+. But as long as my baby is having fun it's all that matters. Since this session was fairly small, they decided to combine the two classes and there's this one 4 year old boy in the class who bullies and misbehaves. No one controls him because he comes with his old ass grandparents who just hem and haw and laugh when their grandchild doesn't cooperate or resides to bullying the younger toddlers. I don't think the library should allow this combination of classes as it is natural that older kids tend to bully the younger ones. Before you enroll you should probably get down the number of students enrolled to see if they will combine classes, as this is not something I'd probably do again because my child, when i'm not watching, will get shoved or poked in the face by this older kid as he has done with the other kids. I should really get down and discipline the grandparents instead but they are too old and might just laugh it off or not even understand a word i'm saying. I should really smack this kid upside the head, but then again he's not my kid and this type of action will probably get me a nice cell in jail. Please granny and gramps, take your annoying 4 yr old grandchild outta this class! read more

Don't use the bin to return books. My books were stolen from the bin and I was charged $50 for books that were stolen from the bin!!!!!! I stopped using Arcadia library because they lose books and charge us to pay for those books. read more

This library has been a favorite for many years. Good staff and good parking.

Free wifi & internet Excellent movie & book selection. Clean Lots of parking Lots of places to study It's about a dollar to put an item on hold. Usually pretty crowded. read more

This is the library I chose to study at. It is nice and big and have different sections to sit at. I like to go earlier in the day because it is really quiet, however once 3 pm hits all the kids start coming in and it gets loud and annoying. Staff does not say anything either. If I can not make it early in the day I go in the evening when it would be quiet again. I am able to concentrate here and get a lot of work done at this library. Many times I have also used the private study rooms by myself. Those are hit or miss because sometimes the room can be extremely cold, or you can hear the people in the next room talking. read more

Best library in the area, for sure. This is a quiet, family-friendly library that is good for the kids, adults, and students. Lots of quiet areas to study or work in. A fantastic range of books, movies and more for whatever educational or entertainment pastime you may be looking for. Courteous staff and well-staffed. Many different other resources as well such as 3D printing (FDM), passport and more. Love it. read more

My previous post was removed so will do another repost-this is a true experience that happened at this library! Went to the library for a while. 2 of their employees who kept goofing around, continuously gossiped and were so disrespectful. I made a verbal complaint to the manager and even after that I was at the library and the 2 employees at the circulation desk, Stephanie and Anne, were being rude. SO I made an official complaint/concern letter was completed. Just so sad library has 2 rude staff that mistreats patrons & customers. Sure, people aren't perfect and make mistakes but when it was an ongoing issue and staff continued their misbehavior after a verbal complaint was made-reprimanding someone like that doesn't work when they already got a warning. This is a library-not high school or little league. The library should be a safe place-not somewhere where patrons wonder if unprofessional staff will continue their unruly bad behavior. Just very disappointing. Go to another library nearby! Monrovia library is just 10-15 minutes away. Pasadena library is in the same area.If you do go here-be careful! I will say there is a great awesome computer lab! Great book selection! Just rude staff. read more

This library is okay. I usually have to come in the mornings and leave by 2pm to avoid the middle school and high school students who make their way over here like a swarm of locusts bent on disturbing your peace and quiet. Besides having to leave by a certain time, it's almost always really cold in this library. The A/C is constantly on full blast even when it's cold and rainy outside. No matter where you sit, it'll still be cold which makes it hard to concentrate when all you can think about are various ways to keep warm. I even overheard the front reception area librarians complaining to each other about how cold it was in the library. Is it that hard to adjust the temperature settings according to the weather conditions? Also, the Wifi is really spotty. It can be working just fine, then suddenly it freezes or the connection cuts off and you will have to reset it again and again. They are also unreliable when it comes to book holds. I've put a book on hold and they did not contact me to let me know that the book was available to check out. After waiting past the book's due date, I find out by searching the library catalog that the book was checked out again by someone else even though I had already put the book on hold. Now on the plus side, this library is clean and has plenty of seating. It also has a high volume of books, dvds, and other resources for you to check out. The librarians here are also pretty nice and helpful. So basically if you can't stand the cold, unreliable Wifi, loud children who are not there to be quiet and study, and wasting time on book holds that don't go through, it would be best to go elsewhere. If you don't mind any of the above, or do not plan on staying too long and just want to check something out quickly, then this library is the place for you to do so. read more

Arcadia library has a decent selection of books and a substantial section of Chinese literature. It is a great place to study before all of the kids come in from school. However, it gets pretty noisy past 3pm and it is overly crowded. In the same vein, the study rooms are decent, but it is very difficult to reserve one when school is out. read more

Staff at reference are not helpful. Asked lady for librarian, she replied that she didn't know what I meant. She was sitting just on her tablet instead of helping patrons. The children's librarians are rude, they don't help users find what they need. They will do well to review RUSA and treat patrons with more dignity. I will say that the staff at circulation was very friendly and helpful. read more

Arcadia Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Arcadia, California

One of my favorite libraries to take my kids for the following reasons : 1) Friendly staff :-) 2) CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN.. you will be surprised of other libraries 3) colorful environment for children 4) story time for the little ones is amazing. The readers enthusiasm is contagious . 5) diversity 6) parking is ample but it i can see getting packed on one of MANY library events :-) 7) definitely check out their calendar of events !! So many activists for little ones and teenagers 8) library"s commitment to community engagement read more

I don't know if bad luck seems to enjoy my company or something, but the wifi is NEVER working whenever I come here to study. I've only ever gotten lucky with their "Arcadia_Library" connection, but my computer had to perform some matrix-like movements on the very edge of my desk, and I had to type with one finger while straining the muscles in my arm and neck. So if your studies require an internet connection, BE WARY! ARRRGH, I've ripped out so many hairs and Hulk-smashed one too many tables trying to connect to the internet; I'm surprised my name isn't on the "banned" list... yet. Also, parking here is a nightmare! Why would a library slap a 2 hour parking limit on library-goers? LOL, PLZ TELL MEH DAT DIS IS A JOKE!?? They are really strict about it too; it's like they are telling everyone to hurry up and GTFO of their property. What happened to that "Reading is FUNdamental" slogan teachers threw at us in elementary school? I also thought people were encouraged to read more, but it doesn't seem like the case here. The slogan here must be "Reading is FU...CK YOU AND GET OUT OF OUR FACES YOU DUMB ASS MOTHERFUCKERS WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE??" When your time is up, you have to either get up to move your car or relocate elsewhere to study. But if you do get up to just move your car, there are signs all over the library telling patrons to not leave their personal belongings unattended, so WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO, LIBRARY? MAKE UP YOUR DAMN FREAKING MIND! I always park in the 4 hour limit spots, and every time I leave the library, I never fail to discover my tires all chalked up and shit! Damn stingy-ass people trying to hu$tle innocent folks for their money; I'll make sure you never get a dime from me. Too bad, s0o0o0o0o sad ;) Since the library is right across the street from Arcadia High School, it always becomes a zoo full of hyper little school kids at around 3pm. There will be a lot of screaming, talking, yelling, running, stomping, eating, and nose-picking, so you should probably bring some earphones to drown out the noise. DAMN YOU KIDS, GO HOME AND STOP LOITERING! LEAVE ME ALONE! WHERE ARE YOUR MOTHERS? Almost got run over by a kid on a skateboard and headbutted by a ball once when I was walking to my car. read more

This library is the worst. It's directly across the street from arcadia high. After school is over (3pm) it seems like the most ANNOYING kids come here to hang out and bug the living hell out of you. These kids are seriously everywhere, there's no escaping them. They're out by the entrance throwing around paper planes, yelling and screaming inside the conference study rooms, hogging all the seats and tables so they can play cards and make noise.... kicking, rolling around in the grass, cursing, you name it. These kids are full of trouble. It seriously baffles me that a "library" would allow such loud, obnoxious behavior. Someone needs to rename this place to "daycare center" instead of "library." To continue calling this place a library is a huge disservice, you're misinforming the whole damn city. read more

This is a great library and I love that it's smaller so it's less crowded. Surrounded by beautiful trees also making it a great photo op. Very strong children's programs. I love to get away and work on studying at this library to change the scenery of home, work and school ambiance. I always recommend supporting your local libraries. Community support is so important so check out this library if you're in the area. read more

I love this library so much! As a resident of Arcadia it's a pleasure to see such a beautiful library. My kids love riding their bikes to the local library to pick a book and maybe a movie. I love their amazing programs that they have to really encourage children to read and get that spark of the love for books. With technology taking completely over, this library in particular really tries to put that love of books in people again! read more

Don't come here to study or read during immediate after school hours (3-6pm), unless you possess the uncanny ability to be able to study/read amid the babble of a day care center. read more

I've come to this Library for Over a Year. GET THERE before 2 pm Because after that its Nothing But Kids on the Computers playing their Games they can play at HOME. Seems Arcadia Public Library is Running a Daycare instead of limiting the amount of kids in the Computer room. There are People that Need to do their work, bills, or other things and shouldn't have to compete with the kids being loud, or on the computers playing. Pick up a Book and Learn! read more

i attended the 'law day' event 2008 that was on saturday may 10, 2008 from 10am to 1pm. i got there at 12 noon and waited like 30 min. until i spoke with a lawyer (actually 2 because they were 2 different issues). my questions were answered!! yey!!! i highly recommend you check this event out next year or after, i give it 'six stars!!!!!' read more

Love the place. Associate counter very helpful. I was going to Arcadia Mall, crossing by and saw the library. I'm glad I did. Children's library spot was an awesome area, very clean, quite, and safe. Theres alot computers to use for public whi which is good for all student. Also, there's Wi-Fi for you very convenient. And the DVDs very organized. Definitely, going to visit this place again. read more

This library is too crowded for me. I would suggest coming anytime before 3pm. After that the kids are done with school for the day and this is one of their hangout spots along with Honeyboba across the street. They're everywhere. It's hard to find a secluded area inside the library to study. I wish they had more cubicles for privacy rather than having to sit right next to someone. Overall, the library is big and they have a large selection of books. But wifi can be slow sometimes. Parking has a limit of 2 hours, lame. read more

I got a ticket from parking, I never heard a library will give a penalty for parking. My car parked the two hours parking lot, I only late less than 10 minutes, when I left, I found there is a ticket on my car. I think the library doesn't welcome people. I have been a lot libraries, it never happens. The library is sucks. read more

l LIKE IT A LOT.it is good place to prepare for exam.it s very quiet and the staff are very nice to help.its a good one read more

Arcadia Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Arcadia, California