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    Central Library Pasadena Public Library

    4.3 (234 reviews)
    Open • 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    Joyce G.

    10/13/2017 Thanks to Pasadena Art Night, I got to see this place for the first time. Definitely "old". Love the architecture. Humongous library!! You could get lost!! SO MANY places to sit so that you can do your homework/paperwork/study/relax/read! LOVE IT!!! I wish it was near my home, then for sure I would visit it often. LARGE DVD selection. FREE WIFI!! Since it was Pasadena Art Night, there were some works of art on display. We couldn't stay as long as we would have liked because some alarm came on and everyone had to leave.

    Hot summer day - cool inside
    Franklin M.

    Old school since 1927. Nothing beats going into a classic old historic library. The interior is so inviting it just makes you want to sit and relax for hours while you read a book and forget about the rat race outside.

    Ukelele program flyer
    Sophia C.

    Central Library has so much to offer to the community. I was quite surprised when browsing the children's calendar to see they offered free ukulele lessons for one month with performance. They also loan the instrument with your library card. I was further surprised to learn they did a similar program with guitars earlier in the year. I really appreciate they access they are creating for youth to music, art, and technology (3D printing, Sewing Machine, Virtual Reality Headset, and more). The location is a beautiful old building that is well kept. It has plenty of room for individuals to utilize the free WiFi, or just get out of the cold/heat. There are some homeless who come to the library for some relief from the weather I imagine but there have never been any problems on the many occasions I visited. I highly recommend checking out this library. They have so much more available than I mentioned.

    Ivan G.

    This library is the biggest and most impressive, architecturally, in the San Gabriel Valley. I think the only bigger library is the LA Central Library. You have to walk through the facility at least once if you reside in the area. It's a short walk from the Memorial Park Gold Line Station. Walking through the doors and quaint plazas always does something positive to my step and mood. Tons of media to browse through as well, which is why you should be going but you can find amusement and awe simply by appreciating the architecture. Best public utility in the area.

    Lolia S.

    Pasadena's main library is no ordinary library. Dedicated in 1927, the library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's located across from City Hall and has its own parking lot, courtyard with a fountain, coffeehouse (closed on weekends), bookshop, and large auditorium. There are various quiet reading rooms, high ceilings and long communal wood tables. It's open daily. The interior resembles a university library with plenty of dark wood and it's equally quiet. I've never encountered such a quiet, serious public library. People barely speak (not even to whisper). I didn't encounter screaming children. The air conditioning is marvelous and there are plenty of power outlets. The creaky old wood chairs aren't the most comfortable for long periods of camping though. There's a fancy DVD dispensing machine (similar to Redbox) where you request what's available from the nearby computer and pick it up at the machine. The original Pasadena main library was founded in 1882. You'll find a model of it in the current library and the original library arch in Memorial Park. This review was inspired by Brian S.

    Children's wing
    Irene Y.

    What an enormous library! You could easily get lost in here. The main hall reminds me of the Monsters University library and there are many corridors specialization in different categories. One thing that is different at this library is that all their dvd's are separated by age. Most Disney cartoons are in the children's section, old school black and white movies and documentaries are in the adults, and the remaining in the young adults. Enjoy!

    Valentina L.

    This was a beautiful place. Pretty sure I have seen it in several movies! It is old, and has character! There is a children's section that is well stocked, and a cute little cafe, and outside patio seating which I think will be wonderful towards the cooler months. I went there to sit with a friend while they studied, I just walked around and marveled at everything! My only suggestion: The TABLES in the main room, get moved the OTHER way, as you could FIT MORE rows in there, because the tables are TRULY LACKING in SPACE, and often there are NO SEATS.

    Exterior

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    4 years ago

    This place is closed due to unsafe conditions in the event of an earthquake don't come here they need to update this yelp

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    Page 2 of 6

    Ask the Community - Central Library Pasadena Public Library

    Can I donate books?

    Yes.

    Is it open to study during covid?

    Probably not.

    Can you bring your dog?

    No, but they might make a few exceptions.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Central Library Pasadena Public Library

    “Anyway I love the architecture in Pasadena Library and it's easy to find a place to study and research.”

    Mentioned in 17 reviews

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    Hastings Branch Pasadena Public Library - 6.10.26  Outside

    Hastings Branch Pasadena Public Library

    4.1(37 reviews)
    3.6 mi

    I enjoy visiting public libraries whenever I can. Hastings Branch Pasadena Public Library is one of…read moremy favorite library that I visited recently. The Library is very organized and spacious. I stopped by the front desk to apply for a library card. The staff who helped me was a very nice lady. It took less than five minutes to get a card, Voila! There is an adjacent parking lot. Street parking is available too. The kids section looks so cozy. In general, the library has very inviting and relaxing vibes. They have a wide selection of books and genres. Online catalog is available in which you can look for books and place hold on items. The staff will notify you when the book is available. You can check out up to one hundred items total. This includes books, DVD's , Music CD's , board games, video game, and steam kit. The library also offers E- Books , E- Audio Books, E-Resources of magazines, music, TV shows & movies. As it is said "Books are uniquely portable magic". So, if you are planning to spend a quality time with a portable magic, Hastings Branch Pasadena Public Library is your perfect destination.

    Library services in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California…read more.. Since I had some time, I wanted to check out a public library and do some reading. Hastings Branch Pasadena Public Library had good reviews, so I drove over. The small parking lot was free, but the access was a bit challenging. The left turn into the driveway was kind of awkward. When I got to the front door, there was a sign that said they were currently closed for renovations. Shucks. I peeked in the windows and it looked like a pleasant environment. Even the grounds outside were welcoming! I'll return in a couple of months!

    Photos
    Hastings Branch Pasadena Public Library
    Hastings Branch Pasadena Public Library
    Hastings Branch Pasadena Public Library

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    Crowell Public Library - Art hallway

    Crowell Public Library

    3.9(114 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    This library has been my go to for 2 years. Compared to many other libraries this place is optimal…read morefor seating & space. The library has outdoor seating , indoor study area with large tables, main seating tables by the bookcases , & ledge seating by the windows. Most tables are equipped with charger outlets. The library is well managed with staff who are doing headcount & open to questions or concerns. I haven't tried their actual checkout process for books as I only come to study. Parking can be tricky at times since the library is next to an elementary school. The golden hour is coming before 2pm or after 8am to avoid the car lines of parents or difficulty with parking. I personally enjoy the artwork that is displayed in the hallway which changes every so often as it's made by the community. Overall, a nice spot to study as you have different seating options & quiet environment.

    Those managing the library came across as surprisingly unprofessional during my visit. One…read moreinteraction in particular with a blonde staff member left me uncomfortable. After I handed her my library card, I kept my hand extended to receive it back. She initially appeared to be returning it directly to me, but then paused and placed it on the counter instead, requiring me to pick it up myself. I understand that this may seem like a small incident, but the deliberate nature of the gesture made the interaction feel unnecessarily dismissive. I cannot speak to her intentions, but combined with the overall lack of professionalism I experienced, it left a negative impression of the library staff

    Photos
    Crowell Public Library - Art

    Art

    Crowell Public Library - Lifelong Learning Center?

    Lifelong Learning Center?

    Crowell Public Library - Art hallway

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    Art hallway

    Altadena Library - Plenty of parking in their lot

    Altadena Library

    3.9(59 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    I went to a seminar in the library's community room, and it was very informative. SBA spoke about…read morehelping families out with mitigation. The community room was a nice size with rows of tables and chairs. This library is historical in Altadena and has an old-school nostalgic vibe. Everyone was nice. It has easy parking and is great for finding items needed for research, etc.

    Absolutely lovely library! It's deceptively huge - and surrounded by the most peaceful gardens and…read moregrounds - just lovely! They're currently showcasing a small exhibit of beautiful native California bee photos by local conservation photographer Krystle Hickman which was the reason for my visit. The exhibit is found in a small seating area in the center of the library. It's almost like a little outdoor courtyard in the middle of the library! Lots of natural light and plants surround cozy seats and the back wall is highlighting the bee photos - it's a very beautiful small gallery and I'm so glad I visited! Her work with the native California bees has been significant. I took a class with her at the LA Arboretum this year and learned SO much! So I was very excited to learn this library was promoting her work! There's plenty of parking in their large lot. They have a water conservation garden section outside with interesting info on plants and wildlife. They have a huge beautiful art piece near the door. You have to climb several small flights of stairs to enter this way - but there's a handicap entrance around the corner in the front. The inside is quiet and very welcoming with friendly, helpful staff. Definitely a great place to relax, read, and get work done.

    Photos
    Altadena Library - One of the lovely photos in their current exhibit of native California bees (July 2023)

    One of the lovely photos in their current exhibit of native California bees (July 2023)

    Altadena Library - One of the lovely photos in their current exhibit of native California bees (July 2023)

    One of the lovely photos in their current exhibit of native California bees (July 2023)

    Altadena Library - One of the lovely photos in their current exhibit of native California bees (July 2023)

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    One of the lovely photos in their current exhibit of native California bees (July 2023)

    Santa Catalina Branch Pasadena Public Library

    Santa Catalina Branch Pasadena Public Library

    3.9(12 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    I attended a speaking engagement at the Santa Catalina Library in Pasadena and was pleasantly…read moresurprised by its charm. It's a small, quaint library with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff was friendly, inviting, and genuinely helpful. The book selection is very good, especially for a neighborhood library. I can easily see this being a wonderful place for guest speakers, children's programs, and other community gatherings. The library has updated computers that make searching for books quick and easy without feeling overwhelming. One of my favorite features was the beautiful décor. Hand-painted book covers line the walls, adding a unique artistic touch and giving the library a special character. It has a very community focus fell. Outside, there are plenty of shaded benches where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Parking is available on the street, and the restrooms are located outside the building. Overall, Santa Catalina Library is a charming community library that feels welcoming and inviting. It's a lovely place to browse for a book, attend an event, or simply spend a quiet afternoon.

    Great children's programming and kind staff…read more We attended Bubbleology and it was a fun and educational program for both kids and adults. Library provides little floor pads for children sitting on the ground which is honestly such a luxury! The program finished early so even adults got to take turns standing inside a bubble! World's smallest parking lot. Don't even bother driving in to check for spots. Very hard to back out of because there's a large dumpster. Just get street parking in the surrounding residential area.

    Photos
    Santa Catalina Branch Pasadena Public Library - Neighborhood Pasadena library branch

    Neighborhood Pasadena library branch

    Santa Catalina Branch Pasadena Public Library
    Santa Catalina Branch Pasadena Public Library

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    The Huntington

    The Huntington

    4.6(3k reviews)
    2.2 mi•South
    Established in 1919
    Large group friendly

    Elegance, Beauty & Pure Serenity…read more The Huntington is truly an exquisite experience. The breathtaking gardens, tranquil pathways, cascading waterfalls, beautiful blooms, and lush landscapes create an atmosphere of timeless elegance and serenity. The Tea Room was equally delightful, with beautifully presented sandwiches, champagne, and impeccable ambiance, perfect for a special celebration or an elegant afternoon with friends and family. The staff was gracious, professional, and attentive throughout our visit. A wonderful destination for nature lovers, visitors, and anyone who appreciates beauty and sophistication. Absolutely worth experiencing!

    The Huntington Gardens have always been an amazing place to visit in the Pasadena area. I remember…read moregoing on a high school trip in the 1980s, and being amazed by all the foliage. You purchase your ticket ahead of time - though maybe you can get one when you show up. They do have free parking and it was easy enough to find a space. We walked around the Chinese and Japanese gardens mostly, and they were really lovely. It's kind of amazing just how much space there is, how much it is kept up. There are lovely paths everywhere. It was a little hot when I visited, so I probably would have wandered longer if I wasn't as hot. It does look like they have a shuttle now to get people around, and and also more accessible access for people with mobility issues.

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    The Huntington
    The Huntington
    The Huntington

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    Central Library Pasadena Public Library - libraries - Updated October 2026

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