I finally made it out to the Cerritos Library, and wow -- this place was really nice. Even before you walk in, that dolphin fountain out front sets the tone. The sound of the water and the dolphin family sculpture is so tranquil, and because I really connect with dolphins, it honestly felt like the perfect welcome. Right when you walk inside, the artwork in the glass displays pulls you in. It's creative, organized, and just visually nice to take in. As you wander further in, the large aquarium connected to the children's section is another standout -- it adds this calm, magical feel to the space. I grabbed a magazine and found a quiet window seat, and those 30 minutes of zero calls, zero texts, zero noise? Pure heaven. I didn't realize how much I missed just sitting and reading without a single interruption. Before heading out, I checked out the psychology and cooking sections, and it reminded me how much I've always loved libraries and bookstores. The whole visit made me want to get a library card and come back once a month just to enjoy that peaceful moment. I could've spent hours just checking out each section. If you want a quiet, beautiful place to escape for a bit, this library is it. read more

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I had a nice time browsing through the magazines and reading my books here. Parking is free and the grounds a kept clean. The library itself smells a bit moldy and it did trigger my allergies. The WiFi access wasn't available for me to use since I am not a Cerritos resident or a library card holder. What a bummer. The seeds library is nice and the 80s movie theater themed architecture interesting. I wouldn't mind visiting again if I am in the vicinity. read more

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We love this library! My toddler LOVES this library. My toddler visits regularly about every 2 weeks. We've only really spent time in the children's area, which is very big and engaging. My daughter enjoys the educational apps on the iPads, the huge fish tank, the beautiful indoor tree, the rotating art/ themed display by the art room, the indoor lighthouse, and the books of course. I'm not sure if the koi fish pond is part of the library or the civic center but it's all in the same vicinity. There's also a dolphin water fountain my toddler enjoys and a sculpture garden. We always recommend this library to our out of town friends/ guests. read more

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Beautiful structure but it unfortunately is not for everyone to enjoy. Library cards are $100 annually if you don't live or work in Cerritos and the WiFi isn't free unless you have a library card. The Cerritos library is inaccessible, elitist, morally corrupt, and the antithesis of what libraries are supposed to represent. read more

Cerritos Library is a nice place for families. The kids' area is fun, and my child loves watching the big fish tank. IThey also offer many paid classes and activities. But I was really surprised and a little upset that the storytime for kids only has 20 spots for the whole season. That's very few! You have to book early, and if you miss it, there's no chance to join later. For such a big library, I expected more space for children's free programs. If you want to go, make sure you register as soon as it opens! read more

Massive and modern! Cerritos Library definitely is up there in terms of one of the nicest libraries I've been too. I was quite surprised and impressed the moment I walked in here. It is super spacious with plenty of seating for folks to relax and read a good book. I always appreciate spots that are clean, spacious and relaxing. Cerritos Library definitely fits that bill! read more

Once upon a time, a lovely Yelp-worthy find! This library has it all! Quiet places to read/study, books!, meeting spaces, and all in a beauty of a building. Plan to be here for a while! Enjoy! The end. read more

This library is AMAZING!! The kid section is so beautiful with an aquarium, a fun entry way where you can green screen your way onto the screens, a dinosaur fossil/skeleton, a rocket, sitting in a fun hut, a beautiful indoor tree, and so much more. The adult areas/reading rooms were really nice also. Anybody is eligible to come use it, but to borrow or get a card, it costs money unless you're a Cerritos resident! read more

Brings back early 2000s memories with the low desks and chairs. They have a dinosaur wood theme downstairs for kids which was very nostalgic, and more quiet study areas on the back side + upstairs. You do need a library card to access WiFi though. Individual rooms upstairs with AC very comfortable in the summer read more

Great architecture interior design and lighting. Has a parking lot and nice area by street to walk around. Has a lot of outlets. Printing and Internet access kind of gate kept. Has a wide selection of international books (children and adult) in other languages. Cool to walk around and visit or for kids as its nicely decorated. Smaller than I expected for the height but lots of rooms separated like a maze. Nice noise level and ambiance. read more

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I grew up going to this library, but pretty much forgot about this place for a good minute. This library is always kept clean (including their bathrooms) and have fun little perks such as extremely cheap gently used books, dvds and CD's for grabs ($1 Christmas CD's right now!) as well as a little corner for kids to take home seeds to grow. I also appreciate the seasonal decor they have up to make you feel warm and cozy inside. I wasn't feeling the Holiday much this year, until I popped into the library. I need to make an effort to enjoy this wonderful space. read more

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This is truly a beautiful library. Extremely clean! It's very fears to all readers. And i love the seed library! I'm bummed that I had to pay $100 to get a library card. I get it, I'm not a Cerritos resident nor qualify on their terms. But other cities issue a card based on CA residency. read more

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A fantastic place to take kids! Half library, half wonderland for children. An 11 out of 10 for libraries. What a fantastic community resource! read more

A gorgeous library. So well decorated, extremely clean. Parking is free. So many beautiful areas to study or work from. Highly recommended read more

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Growing up in Cerritos, this was the library my dad took us to (well, also the one in Bellflower). The library is now a world class and renown for its amazing design and offerings. I've been to lectures here, studied, and just taken time to relax and read. The Children's section is amazing with a huge aquarium and large dino skeleton to name a couple of things. If you're ever in the area, come check out this wonderful plethora of books and more! read more

This is NOT a public library. Unless you are a Cerritos worker/student/resident, you have to pay a disgusting $100 yearly subscription. Absolutely disgraceful. Books and resources should be for all. read more

I used ro go to this library to tutor my nephew over 15 years ago. I haven't been there since... even though I had frequented the library on a weekly basis back then, I didn't know they had venues to rent special events. Last Sunday one of m y friends had her baby's 1st birthday party on the 3rd floor of the library. I forgot the name of the room but it was a good size with big windows. It was a very nice location & a pretty venue; with free parking. It's so nice the library incorporated event venues as people will get to see the library in a different light and realize what a treasure grove it is. The library's website has details about the rental fees which seems very reasonable. I will definitely consider the library for my next big event. read more

Cerritos library is my favorite library. I used to go here to study when I was in high school. Now 20 years later I have three kids and I still love going here. My boys love the children library here. read more

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I brought my 3 and 4 year old sons to this library for the first time. They really enjoyed the children's area. The decor is great and they have a lot of books and iPads for the kids. I found the library very clean and easy to get to. read more

Perhaps the nicest city library I've been to so make sure to check it out. I heard about it from an out of town friend so while having to go to Cypress, this was along the way. It's also big, quiet, and all chairs are Herman Miller chairs so super comfortable! The third floor is also available for reservation for events. It also has its own entrance. Since I'm not a resident I can't check out anything but definitely a nice place to come read, relax and even meet up with friends as they have many seating areas to gather. read more

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So pretty. Inside and outside the library. It's like a museum. It's a very interactive library. Lots to see and explore inside. It's almost a perfect library except it cost money to get a library card. Other libraries are free; take note! Anyways, it's fun to check out and will return to see how they change things around. read more

Came here with plans to study but was not able to since I'm not a Cerritos resident. I love the library and different sceneries and stations that it had. However, having to pay $150/year for a library membership because I'm not a Cerritos resident is not ideal for me. read more

This review is specifically for the children's area. We were looking for a place to meet up but wanted our kids to have room to run around. We decided to go to the children's library and had a great time. The reviews of this library are spot on. The aquarium is impressive, the Dino replica (?) is unexpected and cool, and the vibe is chill. Our kids had a good time. Thank you to the librarian for not judging us when our kids' volume was maybe more than what you'd expect in a library. read more

Cerritos Library - Libraries Near Me - Cerritos, California

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We originally had an event scheduled at the Cerritos Library, but due to an unforeseen power outage, they rerouted us to the Performing Arts Center and had a handful of the staff help us out for our birthday gathering. Primary staff is fantastic - the ones coordinating the movement, redirecting patrons, helping answer questions, and providing logistics were so fantastic. Valerie from Cerritos Library staff was so helpful and provided so much help with our setup and decorations. Prior to the event, the staff was friendly and helpful with logistics and answering questions RE parking, staff, tables/chairs, and support. The Sierra Room at the Performing Arts Center was perfect for the event with plenty of high quality AV equipment, easily accessible and clean bathrooms, lots of space, plenty of tables/chairs, and a nice open space. read more

I can only speak for the children's section, where I spent most of my time with my little one. For families, this library is a game-changer. The children's area is a dream come true. My kid was enthralled by the impressive aquarium, the space shuttle replica, and the unexpectedly cool dinosaur replica. The librarians are very understanding of kids being kids and so if some get a bit loud, I don't think they mind. In fact, despite the kids being a bit louder than normal for all library, the calm ambiance throughout the library suggests a space where respectful noise is welcomed, making it a win-win for parents and bookworms alike. It's definitely worth checking out, even if you don't have a library card, I think it's worthwhile to take your kids here and give them a moment of awe. Additionally, if you get a chance, visit the sculpture garden right outside the parking area. read more

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3.5 stars Heard many great things about the Cerritos Library for kids so we stopped by for a visit. Huge parking lot with above ground and underground parking available for shade. Upon walking in, there is a large aquarium tank filled with various fish. Right beside it is a beautiful entrance to the kids space. Within the children's space, there is a seating area to view the aquarium from the other side, a rocket with seating inside, a large tree, and a theater opened when there is story time or other activities only. I was wow'd walking in with the aquarium and decor but space was a little underwhelming as it was tight inside the children's area and dim. A decent spot if you want to get your kids out of the house if they enjoy books. Didn't get to explore much of the other parts of the library as we mainly stayed in the children's area. read more

Cerritos Library - Libraries Near Me - Cerritos, California

Cerritos Library is beautiful and massive with so many wonderful spaces to study and lots of resources available. However, you need to work, live, or go to school in Cerritos to get a library card here or even to log into their WiFi. If you don't meet their eligibility criteria, an annual membership here will cost $150/year. If you only need their WiFi, it's $5 a day. This is an impressive space for the residents of Cerritos! read more

Cerritos Library - Libraries Near Me - Cerritos, California

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Took my kid there for a couple hours. We enjoyed their large aquarium and T. Rex skeleton. He really enjoyed the kids area. Will definitely take him again. read more

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While it is a gorgeous and modern library, I cannot recommend this place because of its outdated, problematic, exclusive-based practices. It is absolutely ridiculous that you cannot access the WiFi unless you are a card-carrying member of this library. I do wish this library allowed all California residents to receive a card but fine, I can get past that. If you want to only rent out books and materials to Cerritos-affiliated folks, I can see the reasoning. However, this is still a public place and you cannot log onto the WiFi unless you are a member. Okay... if you aren't a member, what do you do? You have to BUY WiFi or BUY an annual membership. Excuse me? Absolutely not. In addition, there is ZERO service in this place. It is almost like they deadzoned the entire library so you cannot use your own data to go on the internet or even receive texts/calls. I wish I had seen the reviews beforehand before I came and wasted my time here. So ridiculous. Oh also, they don't allow non-Cerritos CA residents to get a card but they allow folks who are staying at the Cerritos Sheraton to get a card? How does that make ANY sense? Cerritos Library Cards A Cerritos Library card is available without charge to anyone who: Lives in Cerritos Owns property in Cerritos Attends school in Cerritos Works in Cerritos Works for the ABC Unified School District or for Cerritos College Is a current student at ABC Unified School District, Bellflower Unified School District or Cerritos College Is currently staying at the Cerritos Sheraton Is an active military personnel who are permanent or temporary residents of California. Those who do not qualify for a free library card may purchase a card for $150 per year. read more

This was our first time visiting this library. The kid area is so creative. They have a tree in the middle of the room. There's so much to do with your child. It seems to be very popular.The staff was great. They answered all of my questions with a smile. My son loved it here. He sat down and read some book. The second floor isn't as exciting. read more

This is a one of the most coolest libraries I have ever been to. I mean some colleges have some nice libraries but I'm talking about city libraries. It has a huge fish tank, makes you feel like you are in a different world, and even has a T. rex skeleton on display. Like it is a museum and a library mixed into one. It also has multiple floors, rooms, and even a huge outside with even a water area. If you just think a library is just a place w books, you gotta come visit here. Words can't describe fully how cool this place is. read more

Cerritos Library - Libraries Near Me - Cerritos, California

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Rating: 4.5 / 10-28-23 Beautiful, Peaceful Library. [THE EXPERIENCE] The parking was a bit hectic because of the festivities. I felt like I was walking into a experience. It was so much to take in -- art pieces, aquarium, the huge book props/display... escalator... their fancy!!! The Information and Help Desk were super friendly. All the staff I encountered were smiley and approachable. I enjoyed the vibe of this library and would love to return. [SUGGESTIONS] I was taken aback and disappointed regarding fees for non-Cerritos residence. It's very much so giving Costco/Sam's Club vibes --like if you want in on this you gotta pay a hefty price and that's not right... hopefully this is changed at some point. I think if this library change some of their policies relating to who can obtain "membership" (i.e. library card, access to private rooms, etc.) then this would take it to a 5 STAR library! read more

Cerritos Library - 10.28.23 - Libraries Near Me - Cerritos, California

We finally got a chance to see this beautiful library with 3 floors after hearing about it on the social media apps. We only spent about an hour. They have a lot of seatings area and their couches are comfy. They have very nice children and teen sections. They have a reading room, computer room, study room, DVD/CD room. Most of all, they have so many great selections of books. It is funny how this place actually echoes when you talk, so you need to keep your voices down. The only reason I am giving two stars is because for one, I can't even use my cell phone. There is NO RECEPTION SIGNAL AT ALL!!! I actually got separated from my family and I was not able to text or call. What if there is an emergency??!! If you do decide to come with someone, please advise each other where you will be or better yet, stick together. If you need to use your phone, just leave the library location. I was going to try my hotspot, but the past review says it is not worth it. If you want to connect to the free WIFI on your phone or laptop, you need be a Cerritos resident cardholder. Otherwise, for the non-resident, you can purchase it for $5 for the day. They even offer $25 for one month. If you plan to come often throughout the year, you can purchase WIFI for $50 a year. Check the library website for more details. I don't recommend non-resident of Cerritos to waste money on the WIFI. See if you can give-up the cell phone for an hour or 2. Will I come back again? I am not really sure. I would definitely recommend anyone to see this unique library at least once. read more

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Lovely library; worth the visit! My primary focus for this review are the children's areas. There's so much to keep the kids interested here. A giant fish tank catches everyone's attention as you walk in to the library and immediately after that, is the entrance to the children's department. Making your way in the children's area, you can sit and watch the fishes swim in the tank or look at the GIANT T-Rex they have in the middle of the room. There are a few tunnels for the little ones to walk/crawl through. Just be mindful that there isn't a one way in and one way out. Which means little ones that are crawling will need an extra eye on them so they don't get their little fingers stepped on. If you're looking for desks to get some homework done or just need a little space from the busy play area, you'll need to walk to the opposite side of the room where the floor to ceiling windows are. Plenty of desks in this area. Note that each desk has outlets and a built in light you can use. Since this is a library, let's talk book selection....I'd give it an 8/10. Good variety for the space they have, however, we been to other libraries that have similar inventory space but more quantity of the popular books like Dog Man, Captain Underpants, etc. Moving on to the sunset room, or the "craft room" as I refer to it. This is more of a conference room, so not necessarily connected to the children's department. Finding this room for the first time is a little tricky because you don't have access to it by walking into the library entrance. You will be using the elevator directly across from the library entrance and make your way to the 3rd floor. Once you exit the elevator, you'll see signs that easily direct you the rest of the way. I love the sunset room because there is PLENTY of space and they provide everything you will need for the craft. Crafts are pretty easy and can be assembled independently, even for pre-school aged kids. Overall rating is a 4.7/5 read more

This has got to be the most impressive library I have ever seen. The place is pristine. It's clean and neat and organized. Upon entering there is beautiful artwork. To your left there is an aquarium. The children's section in phenomenal. There's computers and ipads. There's plenty of books for all ages. There's fossils, a lighthouse, a forest and a spaceship. My kids absolutely loved it. There's several levels and sections from children, teen and adults. The outside is just as beautiful as the inside with a splash area, fountain & a secret garden. I highly recommend it for any book lovers. read more

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I can't remember the last time I visited a public library, but I was blown away by how grand and upscale the Cerritos Library looks from its titanium panel clad exterior. The Children's Museum is also next level with its decor. Take my word for it, not all libraries were created equal! Besides offering an extensive book collection containing over 85,000 hardcover and paperback books, online resources, an art studio and a little theater, the Children's Museum also features a 15,000 gallon saltwater aquarium, a 40-foot long and 12-foot high Tyrannosaurus-Rex replica named Stan, a scale-model NASA Space Shuttle, a lighthouse, a banyan tree and so much more! Of course the library is air conditioned, so it's a great way to escape the heat as well. Our daughter read several books in the Children's Library and we thoroughly enjoyed our overall experience. I highly recommend a visit if you have children, and I definitely wish I had known about this library back in the day when I was a kid! read more

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Beautiful library, great kid's section. The kids area is a little dark, part of the theme, but not the best for reading. It has a historic library feel in some sections. Definitely worth it to take your kids. read more

This library was a fun discovery! I really enjoyed exploring the whole library. The kids area is full of activities and really loud (LOL). I got a chance to be cozy in a chair and read for a couple of hours. I'll be visiting again. Wow! Wish every library had this kind of funding. read more

My aunt and I decided to take the kids here today to get out of the house for a bit. The library and parking are free. The library is right next to the sheriffs station, which is a bonus you can feel a lot safer especially when you have your little ones with you. The inside was so clean and amazing. I wish I took pictures but I was enjoying the moment with the kids. In the children's library they had a light house, a giant dinosaur, a space ship, a bridge, the other side of the aquarium and the ceiling looked like the sky. It was just so beautiful and so clean. The kids loved and enjoyed every moment of it. It's a fun adventure to take your little ones on if you want to get out of the house for a bit but do not want to spend money. Looking forward to coming here with the kids again. read more

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Arguably the nicest library in CA. Just go if literature is your thing. Children area is massive. If you're a resident, you definitely should be taking advantage. read more