A great and quiet place away from the riff raffs of the streets of Beverly Hills and the love the atmosphere so far to study.

I had been wanting to come to this library for a while now. As expected, this is a beautiful and clean library. You can kind of get lost in some of the hidden pockets of it. If you desire a more communal public space, there are plenty of seats in the middle of the library. But if you are looking for a more quiet, subdued, isolated experience, check the far corners of the library at the end of some of the shelves and you'll find perfectly unoccupied spaces to be in your own zone. While I don't love that you have to take a ticket to park, the first two hours here are free. Bonus perk: you don't have to be a resident of Beverly Hills to have a Beverly Hills library card. I signed up for one and I'm looking forward to using this in addition to my LAPL card. Another bonus perk: they offer passport services here. read more

Beverly Hills Public Library - Near main entrance - Libraries Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

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We went for a very specific reason - a new passport application (to replace an emergency one due to loss). It is a looonnggg time since I have visited a library, and it actually felt like I was stepping back time! Of course - books everywhere but I asked myself - would I really want to take those books home, or even browse them in the library? After COVID - no thanks! Then I saw DVD's - but with streaming TV and the internet? I don't think so - and I no longer have a DVD player anyway. That said - the building was beautiful inside and out, free parking and the coffeeshop was pretty good. Did the passport service help, or have useful help or info? No. read more

Beverly Hills Public Library - Entrance - Libraries Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

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Came to this library to support their outdoor book sale and I'm so glad I stopped by. It was very organized and they had many $1 books. The ladies running it were sweet and welcoming. I went inside the library and the space was huge and very nice. They even have a bookstore inside with a great selection of books at really good prices. Definitely worth visiting read more

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I have been coming here for years and brought my kids here when they were little. My godmother worked here cleaning books so my kids would help her and get the disinfectant spray out and their cute little gloves and clean away. The library is gorgeous and they even have a little memorabilia shop inside. A++ yes read more

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We parked at the garage for a convenient 2 hours of free parking! Many levels to park in with a convenient elevator that brings you down to the side of the library. The inside of this library is pretty large with plenty of seating options in different areas. I was pretty impressed!!! I didn't explore the entire space but I walked up the big staircase to find some nice spots to sit at and study in. The outlets connected to the table unfortunately weren't working at all, but there was thankfully an extension at the tables behind me and my cords were long enough to go the distance. Hopefully the furnitures can get updated soon as you can tell they are quite old and stiff. Seating isn't too comfortable but I guess it's to prevent you from falling asleep since the space is extremely quiet inside filled with lots of people studying or getting work done!!! As most public libraries, the resources here for adults and children can be revolutionary, so never hesitate to ask the librarians for more info. There's a good amount of staff walking around and keeping the book aisles clean and organized. Would probably come back here again in the future if needed!!! read more

One of the better library around the area. 1. yes there will be homeless person wondering around 2. there will be inconsiderate nail slamming typers where they think they own the space. (i dont know what they are doing but they will not stop typing if you just want to type on your laptop without thinking please just do your work at home or coffee shop this is not your office) read more

This is the worst library! Most of the staff members are rude, lazy, and disrespectful. The library is not quiet; people make a lot of noise in the spaces. Additionally, some of the homeless patrons take multiple table spaces and chairs to prevent others from sitting down. The staff members are well aware of the behavior and refuse to correct the problem. This behavior is alarming, because when the staff members fail to address the issue, the homeless believe that they can take over the public library for themselves and their belongings. The library should be a place for ALL people. Trying to visit the library should not involve should include being harassed by homeless people. There are other issues at play as well. Avoid this public library if you can. read more

This is a beautiful library located right in the heart of Beverly Hills! I came here to study with my friend for some exams and we sat in the back where there are several large tables with charging ports for electronics and individual lighting you can adjust for yourself. There is structured parking nearby that is free for 2 hours only; they note your car's license upon entry so no, you cannot enter in/out to have longer free parking. Drinks are permitted by the study tables but I wouldn't advise anything more than water. Food is not permitted (obviously) but apparently some of these other reviewers have never been to a library before and were unaware. You can feel confident just leaving your stuff at a bench and going to a restroom break or to have a bite to eat outside. read more

Loud people and the staff accept it! I specifically asked one of the desk staff on the second floor, whether there are rules for keeping quiet and he said that if he cannot hear it, then it is OK and he of course would not hear it as the loud people were 30-40 feet away from him, but 2 feet from me. In all the libraries I have been until now (I'm 44) talking is either not allowed in the quiet areas or very close to it so this library I guess is different... Or it depends on who is working at the moment... This could be an amazing library, as the building, books, equipment, etc. is amazing, but coming here to find a quiet area is pretty much impossible. read more

I've been here twice to get my children's passports done, and it is the best place! The people here are so friendly, nice, and helpful. The passport people are actually librarians who have been trained to do passports, and so they are not doing passports all day long and aren't burnt out from doing so. On top of that this is a phenomenal library with an enormous children's section! This is the second time we've been here to get our passports, and this will be are go to place from now on. read more

Great selection of books and media, plus free parking in the garage. I've been coming here since the 1970s when I was a student at BHHS--still no complaints. read more

This is a nice library smack dabbed in the center of Beverly Hills. It's nice and has a parking structure-- free parking for 2 hours! Otherwise, it's $1 per half hour. No parking fee after 5pm. The library is huge and you should be able to easily find a spot to work. Logging onto the Wi-Fi was a breeze. I had no issues. On a Sunday afternoon, there were quite a few security guards pacing the library. Very solid library. Will be back. read more

Beverly Hills Public Library - Parking rates (Nov 2023) - Libraries Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

Outstanding library! One of the nicest I've been to. Magazine area has lots of comfy armchairs with outlets. Plenty of tables and computers available for reading and studying. There's even a coffee and fudge shop on the first floor. Free 2 hour parking in adjacent parking structure. read more

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I had a very bad experience on my first time taking my kids with this man he was making things very difficult for me to get a card for my kids gave me racial discrimination in my opinion i decided to asked another person for help which they did and were very kind (besides this guy in the picture saying to not give me a card)!!! read more

Beverly Hills Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

Beverly Hills Public Library is a great place to relax, chill, read, people watch, picnic, nap, play frisbee or do nothing. Located in the iconic area of wealthy homes and shopping it provides a sense of normalcy to the area. Imagine...famous people read books too read more

Beverly Hills Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

If I went to go study in a prison it would be more favorable than the two hours I spent in this atrocious library. Two of my friends and I decided to come here to study, only to feel suffocated by the the library staff. The librarian and security guard might as well have sat with us on the table with the number of times they paced around us. Within twenty minutes of us being there, the librarian fully yelled at us in the middle of the dead silent library that no eating is allowed which caused pretty much every single person on the floor to look in our direction. It is understandable that this is a rule, however, her tone was completely uncalled for, considering this is the first time she even mentioned it. We went downstairs to eat in the café and came back upstairs. Ten minutes later, we were told that we are not allowed to bring chairs from other tables (the table we sat at had two chairs originally, but we are three girls). I thought this was absolutely ridiculous considering that there were single individuals taking up tables fit for four people, so we did not really have a choice but to bring another chair. The security guard told us that we need to move tables. After being forced to move our entire set up, my friend was unpacking her stuff again on a new table and the security guard told her to put her unopened bag of chips away. She explained that she is not eating it and he told her it needs to be put away or else "people will think that it is acceptable to eat here." She put the chips away and I went to get a drink from the café which was the worst possible matcha I have ever ingested. When I requested a remake, they refused and said "I do not know what you want me to do." I was extremely frustrated with the waste-of-money beverage and returned to the table. At the lowest possible whisper, I began to tell my friend what happened at the café and the librarian shot up out of her desk to speedily walk over and tell us that this is the quiet floor and I needed to be quiet. I was barely whispering but okay. Finally, as we began to fully focus, the security guard signaled to my friend to put her leg down, as he mouthed "both feet on the ground." I'm sorry?? Are we obstructing the peace of the library because my friend's foot is not touching the floor? This was probably the most shocking incident to me because her leg was just bent slightly on a WOODEN chair. I would understand the security guard's reaction had she put her leg up on the tabletop, but this was overkill and uncalled for. Not to mention, there are homeless people lounging inside, but you're concerned about my friend's leg which isn't disrupting anyone? Ridiculous. Studying during finals is already difficult enough as it is, so please save your time and sanity and find a nice café to study at. This place is NOT it. read more

Phenomenal resource. Clean, well organized, and attentive staff. It's a great place to come and quietly get some work done, or to pick up the newest releases from the video section; I've probably saved hundreds if not a thousand dollars on video rentals there over the years. Free two hour parking in the garage. Highly recommend. read more

Excellent library. Very pretty architecture. A nice size structure. Lots of long tables and chairs for reading/studying. There is a Kelly's coffee shop in the building. They also have passport services but you have to make an appointment. They offer books to rent (obviously) but also music and movies. You can also rent digital books online from the library on their website. You can search the library catalog on your home computer as well. They have a magnificent children's department here which has its own section/room. A great place to take your kids to nurture a love of reading at an early age. They have an extensive collection of books. In 2013 this section of the library was remodeled. It is brightly lit with stark white walls and pops of color. They have a family story time program here and I'll bet they have other great events for kids as well throughout the year. They also usually have the latest, newest, most popular books as well as the classics. It's saved me a lot of money checking out books at the library as opposed to buying them online or in a book store. Most books I only read once anyways. So happy that if I don't enjoy a book I can just return it and be done. Don't get me wrong, I do love books. Especially, the physical kind. The library is a great way for me to check out a book (both literally and figuratively) before investing in it and adding it to my bookshelf. I discovered one of my favorite cookbook authors here after checking out one of her books. I ended up purchasing all three of her cookbooks for my home cooking library. The library also has a used nonprofit bookstore attached. It is called Friends of the Library. It's a very neatly organized space and you can find some good books very cheap for only a few dollars. The selection is always changing so it's hit and miss. However, it's nice to know that your purchase helps supports the library. There's a really nice big space you can rent out from the library on the second floor of the building. It's pretty private up there which is nice. There's a good sized auditorium which is clean and lovely. There's a long hallway there too. It's a great place to have a movie viewing or lecture. You can put tables in the hallway for people to check in. There are bathrooms up there as well. I believe there may be a kitchen up there too. The library is located across the street from Beverly Hills City Hall and Fire Department. The police department is next door. There is a parking structure adjacent to the building where you can park for free. read more

Wow, if i am not mistaken, this library did sets of the old tv show Beverly Hills 90210. I had the pleasure of checking out this library, and it was incredible. So many book, magazines, computers, just as expected. Lots of security too, so dont do anything crazy here. Good study library for the children. They really serve the community here. Parking is free for about 2 hours. I almost overstayed my parking welcome lol. But this is one of the best i have experienced. read more

Took my son and friend for the first time and they had the BEST time!!! The staff was very helpful and helped the boys get set up. Can't wait to bring them back! read more

This is an amazing library. It has very nice books and art and computers. There is even a microfiche and microfilm area. Everyone here is friendly and very informative. I will be a regular here soon enough. :) read more

I don't live in Beverly Hills, but I visited the public library to interview author Ed Lin about his new novel "Death Doesn't Forget," which you should absolutely go read. This was a free event, open to the public, organized by the library services manager Alice Kuo. She was a wonderful host, and she arranged for book sales on site, handled by Book Soup. The event took place after hours, at 7:00 on a Thursday, so I can't really speak to what the library is like when it's open. That said, I've worked in a couple libraries and visited many more, and this one seemed quite nice, large and pretty and impeccably maintained. I also gather that parking is free in the garage, which I found convenient. I'm a fan of libraries generally and it's always a good sign when the staff is able and willing to do the work of reaching out to authors and setting up book events. The Ed Lin event was fun and well run, and I hope the attendees got something out of it. The Beverly Hills Public Library seems like an excellent community resource, and I greatly enjoyed my visit. read more

It's a beautiful space, but the website is always down or there's an issue, and nobody has any sense of tech support, so placing holds, etc., is always a disaster. They either don't call you and try to charge you, or you can't reserve online. But it's beautiful if you have time to go physically and stay to work there. read more

I find it really weird how there is a security guard going around in the library every 15 mins policing the way people sit. I sat and studied on this wooden desk and chair for a long time. After a while, i decided to be comfortable by sitting Criss cross apple sauce style. Immediately, he came by to correct my posture. I've seen him do this to a handful of other girls too. I find this very strange and kinda stupid to be honest. Why is this man going around correcting the way people sit and study??? After all the chairs are wooden chairs with no cushion. It's not like we dirty their chairs. read more

Specifically reviewing for babies and toddlers. We were excited to visit The Enchanted Woods so we went this weekend. Unfortunately, the family room with the play area is closed on weekends. I wish I would've known before making the drive over. They are only open 10am-2pm on weekdays. This doesn't make much sense as it seems like this would defeat the purpose of offering this awesome area. Like others said, it's a beautiful library overall and free 2 hour parking. read more

Beverly Hills Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

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the workers here do not seem to regulate the noise levels in the library. I came here to study and MULTIPLE people kept passing by the study area, talking at normal levels and not being considerate about people who are there to study/ work on things. there was also a nauseating smell that lingered everywhere in the library..don't know much about what was going on there but it made the library trip VERY uncomfortable. on the plus side, they offer 2 hour free parking and after 6PM parking is free read more

Beverly Hills Public Library on Rexford Dr between big and little Santa Monica Bl, next to the BHPD BHFD...have been a card carrying member for over 20 years. To obtain BH library card is a challenge, as with most things in this city, which is over the top restrictive and protective, all good especially if you live in this city. Compared to other municipal libraries, it's probably the cleanest, most organized and helpful staff. There's a children section which closed off white glass doors, which is a good thing to protect them from potential child pervs that tend to loiter in libraries. This library is. It well lit, in terms of outdoor windows. Lacks natural light, sunlight. The seating looks dated and not worthy of me sitting on it. I have seen some not so clean people skimmed over asleep in these seats, I will pass on sitting or touching it. I spent so much time in law libraries, mostly at the university libraries for research and reference work to prepare briefings for cases, using Westlaw and Lex. This library is good and sufficient and it's in a safe neighborhood. The BH parking patrols are so anxious to ticket, but Parking is 2 hours free with validation, a definite plus. If you're not a resident and need to check/borrow books, this place is NOT for you. For a look see visit is good. Then go walk 5 blocks to Rodeo Drive to read and shop... read more

Came here to concentrate and this is a great place to get some quiet work time if you work from home. Parking is easy and the space is clean, well-kept, and quiet. Security guards are walking around to make sure everything is safe and orderly; plenty of comfortable chairs and desks for you to use. read more

Parking is horrible!!! Only 2 hrs of parking is not enough time to study for some. And if you leave parking and return you do not get more time! read more

Gorgeous public library. I came here for the first time to tutor a child. The free, covered parking was a huge asset (note: it is only free for two hours.) The library was immaculately clean, had a lot of resources and tables for working. Overall, it is a welcoming open space that is great for all ages and purposes. read more

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Came here to get my passport paperwork signed by a federal employee. This person was working out of a small office within the library. We came without an appointment and were seen in about 45 minutes. The lady was a little grumpy but nice and funny. We were out of there in about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to have your birth certificate and drivers license. There is plenty free parking on Sundays. This is the nicest looking public library I've been to. The property was kept super clean. read more

Beverly Hills Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

Getting my library card at the Beverly Hills Library today has been my favorite event since recently moving to Los Angeles . My husband had been years ago and told me how beautiful it is. And he was RIGHT- This is a TOTALLY AWESOME LIBRARY. I could have spent hours there browsing through all of the sections. There is a separate children's section that is HUGE. In addition to books, there are DVD's and Audio Books and a large assortment of newspapers. I was also impressed that the library is open seven days a week. There are kiosks to check out books, so everything is automated. Parking is in an adjacent parking garage and is FREE for 1.5 hours- a bargain in Los Angeles. Even the Library Card is beautiful read more

Beverly Hills Public Library - Beautiful Library Card - Libraries Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

You need a photo ID... AND proof of residency to get a library card in Beverly Hills. You could fly from Beverly Hills to Samoa, then on to Barrow Alaska continue to Puerto Rico and finally return to Beverly Hills. A trip that would cover 13,000 miles and cross the International Date Line and the Equator and never need to provide more ID than a driver's license. But to borrow a book in Beverly Hills you need that license AND some proof of residency. Unreal. read more

What a beautiful library to be ruin by such a poor staff. I had a very unpleasant experience visiting this library in which I felt very unwelcome. I had an important zoom call meeting in which I previously called to book a private studio room. Unfortunately all the rooms were occupied and therefore I was suggested by two employees to take my call near the passport area. I therefore decided to use my headphones so I wouldn't disturb any neighbor but I noticed several folks were talking out loud and therefore I thought I found a perfect place. I had a very important call as I was interviewing for job and so it was crucial for me to have this call with no disruptions. 5 mins into my call I began to get harassed by 2 asian employees that I couldn't take my call and that I needed to leave. I told them I was on a call and to please allow me to finish as it was very important. Immediately after the manager Alice came storming through with a disgusting attitude that I needed to leave immediately . I asked why I was single pointed out and was given no explanation. She concluded that I needed to leave and take my call somewhere else. Alice then assumed I didn't even a library card which I did and still did not pay much attention to my request. I was treated completely unfair and truly a very unpleasant experience. Because of Alice and her staff I had to interrupt my call and ultimately lose this job opportunity. I felt extremely targeted and was treated with little to no respect. I would highly recommend to advise staff to not advise vistors one thing and then have managers say another. I truly believe I was not bothering anyone but the staff themselves. Horrible experience. read more

From all public libraries.. How does the BEVERLY HILLS public library have SLOW WIFI?? So slow, that I can't

Everyone who works here should be ashamed of themselves. This is a PUBLIC space, yet the treatment of individuals who do not match the 'I live in BH' vibe are treated with immense disrespect and not welcome here. I've witnessed 'security' on two separate visits kick out people who were doing nothing but using the library as intended - reading, writing, catching up on emails. I frequent many LA libraries, and yes the facilities here are great, but this is NOT a safe space as all libraries should be. Massive disappointment. Make it a private library if you can't treat ALL visitors with respect. Embarrassing tbh read more

Worth a visit just for the architecture The building is Postmodern Spanish-Art Deco (attached to the Beverly Hills PD, Fire and City Hall). It's lovely to walk around enjoying the historic ambiance before heading into the Library. The Library itself is beautifully remodeled though the atmosphere inside can sometimes be a bit busy and chaotic with patrons and tourists. There are however lots of computer stations, working tables with lights and plugs for computers. There is a large kids reading area and plenty of help staff (if needed) and open on weekends. read more

For all it's historic significance and architectural splendor to say nothing of the wealthy city it resides the adult book and video selection leave a lot to be desired. You'd expect the best of everything but that's not the case here. Although they are making improvements it's still pretty grimy. Worn out carpet and chairs that all need to be replaced. Furthermore they arrange these chairs in a way where you're right next to someone. Usually a smelly homeless person or a coughing, sneezing person. Every time I shift the chair out of this unhealthy configuration one of the stone faced librarian rush over to scold me. I refuse each time to budge. I'm not getting sick because of their foolish seating plans. By contrast, and adding a positive spin the children's section of the library is magnificent. Art Installation galore, Enchanted Forest reading room and brand new bathrooms. (Which they discourage you from using saying they are for "family") That said they need to do a major remodeling of the adult section sooner rather than later. I find it embarrassing for such a great city to have such a drab library. read more

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Bathroom: stalls have open door joints zero privacy and the doors are not dirty they are filthy. Staff: talking at normal bistro restaurant level to one another, upstairs staff: speaking loud on the phone. Babies crying, and desks have hard old wood chairs horrible for the spine and workflow... I'm genuinely trying to be kind however for a town this lucrative this library should be state of the art. This space is not designed for users to get ahead there are fluorescent tables and moms pushing baby carriages thru the library it's not built for next life steps. People are nice I would be too if I could go to work and play in a library. read more