Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Covina Public Library

    3.8 (47 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Covina Public Library Photos

    You might also consider

    More like Covina Public Library

    Recommended Reviews - Covina Public Library

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Interior shots of the library. Tons of light.
    Alison S.

    Covina's library is contained in one of the best Midcentury buildings in the area--Designed to admit light, to create discrete spaces for various departments, and to present a welcoming, organized, environment. With a strong collection, it was my first library experience and conditioned me to love libraries to this day. At some point late in the 20th century the city decided to have it vandalized a mural of People No One Knows applied to its facade....so now the bright white, sleek statement design is gooped up by irrelevant, poorly matched turn-of-the-20th-century portraits which, though on their own are okay, and lettering, which is fine for a turn-of-the-century vibe, but which wreck the midcentury quality of the exterior. Which suggests not malevolence but a misunderstanding of the gift at hand. Too bad, really. The choices to memorialize a panoply of white people--though thankfully, women were included--also blurs the importance of the Latino participation and influence of early Covina and the San Gabriel Valley and obscures Asian and Black people altogether, when all these groups and others were significant contributors to California--not only that was, but also that was becoming. Covina did the same thing with its Bandshell, a 1963-built Midcentury bright white piece which also did not call for murals of turn-of-the-20th-century style portraits of historically nice but esoteric ideas of importance. The funniest (or silliest?) thing about these works is that they highlight very specific figures: faces we have never heard of, cannot identify, and who do not figure significantly in a manner we normally appreciate in mural form. The artist, Art Mortimer (artmortimer.com) is an excellent muralist, and he manages more than one style well. It's not the art--it's the selection of subjects that is the problem. They appear to have been chosen by a committee. "The original librarian." Who, again?" "One of the Library's founders." Uhhh. "Gladys Ratekin, who preserved much of what is now known of Covina's early days" and "an early mayor" driving a car (but very far in the background) adorn the Bandshell. These are odd choices for permanent public art that will change the facades of buildings, reshape and refinish their entire look and style, and lionize the past. It would've been so nice if someone had said Hey, wait! Stop! Let's think this over! To guard against the deleterious effects of badly matched styles and committee'd choices, imagine what history could do if it were carefully storied, interpreted, extended with care and strategy. Before a face landed on the side of a building, were the building considered, the ongoing community considered, and the story considered: What compels us, centers us, describes us--best and most?

    Isles and isles of books ! Reminds me of an old college library.

    I love how spacious and open this library is. Super high ceiling. I do wish there were more seating options with outlets.

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ray M.
    442
    1264
    11331

    1 year ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Deb Z.
    2
    29
    6

    1 year ago

    Great place to study. Lots of windows so you're able to enjoy the trees outside. I would definately return

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen P.
    6
    107
    72

    2 years ago

    Very nice, clean, and cool. Lots of books to choose from. Great place to study. Kids love it here lots of benefits.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Still looks the same as it did 20 years ago. :( Nothing has been updated. The AC doesn't work.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ana S.
    1
    221
    2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kevin B.
    65
    4672
    454

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Domenic R.
    29
    102
    24

    3 years ago

    Really nice library it's clean I like how the workers are nice and staff also volunteers

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron L.
    4970
    1681
    7416

    16 years ago

    Helpful 21
    Thanks 0
    Love this 23
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob F.
    0
    199
    0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Matthew M.
    99
    56
    201

    11 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jose C.
    71
    63
    21

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gina C.
    13
    62
    13

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Allison C.
    142
    39
    30

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of I-Hua M.
    436
    51
    40

    8 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of CC J.
    1
    35
    120

    9 years ago

    I like the way they classified children books into different colour codes. It is easy for parents to choose good books for kids.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Allan L.
    45
    74
    49

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Covina Public Library Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Covina Public Library

    Review Highlights - Covina Public Library

    I recommend the Covina Library.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Libraries 1,786 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    LA County Library - West Covina Library - Newly renovated area to right of library entrance. (Taken in 3/2025)

    LA County Library - West Covina Library

    3.8(66 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    THIS IS NOT A QUIET LIBRARY…read more I've been holding off on writing this for a long time because I genuinely couldn't believe how consistently frustrating the experience has been. I come here often and stay for hours at a time to study. I'm not popping in briefly. I'm here working, focusing, and trying to use the space the way a library is traditionally meant to be used. I understand this is a public space funded by taxpayers and open to everyone. I respect that. But libraries also have rules for a reason, and here they are rarely enforced. That's the real issue. The open concept design might look modern, but it completely eliminates any sense of quiet. You can hear every front desk interaction across the floor. Phone calls, loud conversations, audio playing from devices, and people speaking at full volume are constant. Some librarians genuinely try to maintain order and I truly appreciate them. But others make no effort at all. Over time you start to recognize who will step in and who won't. I've had to get up and specifically find the staff members who will address disruptions. I should not have to do that. There is no dedicated quiet section. None. That alone is shocking. If you are looking for a peaceful study environment, this is not it. It feels more like a social space than a library. Food policies are inconsistently handled. I originally thought eating was allowed because everyone does it here, only to later learn at another county branch that food is not permitted. The rules technically apply here too, they're just not enforced. The same goes for phone use and strong odors, both of which are clearly addressed in library policies but frequently ignored in practice. The men's restroom also has a persistent odor issue. What makes this even more disappointing is that I've visited the Diamond Bar branch, which operates under the same county system, and the difference is night and day. The rules are upheld consistently and respectfully there. It's calm. You can study for hours without constant interruptions. That experience makes it clear that the issue here is not the public, but the lack of consistent enforcement and management. To be fair, there are positives. There are plenty of tables and outlets. The children's section is well designed and engaging. They offer programs for kids and adults, including community classes. The book sales are fantastic and affordable. And again, some librarians are helpful and professional. But the core function of a library should be to provide a space where people can read, study, and focus. When you cannot go more than 20 to 30 minutes without loud disruptions, that is a management problem. I'm not expecting perfection. Public spaces will never be silent. But basic rule enforcement is not too much to ask. If you want a quiet place to work, I strongly recommend going to the Diamond Bar location instead. The difference is immediate. It's disappointing that the library in my own city could be so much better with relatively simple changes. Consistency would fix most of this.

    after construction, it's so beautifully spaced out and organized! i lov how the fiction section is…read moreso large

    Photos
    LA County Library - West Covina Library - New book shelving

    New book shelving

    LA County Library - West Covina Library - Keke

    Keke

    LA County Library - West Covina Library - Shelves

    See all

    Shelves

    Irwindale Public Library

    Irwindale Public Library

    4.0(14 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    I called before even going to ask if they were okay with service dogs the lady had said yes the guy…read moreat the front dest wasn't welcoming at all I walked in with my dog in my hand just cause her paw had a cramp seconds before walking in, the first thing I said was If I can get help to open up my library card he proceeded to ask me if my dog was a service dog and I replied with yes then he continued to say what service did my dog perform. Ive gone to plenty of places with my dog and I am never asked what service she performs so I replied with I don't need to answer that I may have had too but his demeanor said it all to me that's why I felt the need to not answer. I proceeded to say "I can show you her ID and plus she isn't bothering you" at this point he was on his computer typing I don't know what but I got irritated and asked if we were going to be able to open up my library card he ignored me and continued typing and continued to ask me about my dog. he continued to say that he was going to open up my account but at that point he was just annoying to look at cause what was the whole point of asking me about my dog if you were going to open my card anyway ? So I left and called him an idiot on my way out he was most definitely having a bad day but he met the right one cause it's never that serious to be honest plus the library is so small ugly and low vibrational I'm glad this happened cause either way I don't think I would've been going just cause of the vibe in there everything can improve starting with new staff

    The ladies in the front were so nice and helpful. They all went out of there way to answer all my…read morequestions. So helpful.

    Photos
    Irwindale Public Library - Love books just like Matilda

    Love books just like Matilda

    Irwindale Public Library - One day these places will be in a museum...

    One day these places will be in a museum...

    Irwindale Public Library

    See all

    LA County Library - Baldwin Park Library - Entrance

    LA County Library - Baldwin Park Library

    3.0(24 reviews)
    4.5 mi

    I'm giving Baldwin Park LA County Public Library one star and I feel obligated to start with a…read moreclear disclaimer: if you are looking for a quiet place to study, focus, read, or work, do not come here. This was my first time visiting and it will absolutely be my last. I arrived around 11 AM and stayed until closing close to 6 PM, hoping at some point it would calm down. It never did. The noise level was nonstop and completely unacceptable for a public library. Phones were ringing, people were answering calls out loud, full conversations were happening openly, and multiple times staff visibly noticed the noise and did nothing to address it. At one point I overheard a loud conversation about someone recently getting out of jail and trying to retrieve their belongings. I'm not judging anyone's situation, but this is a library funded by taxpayers that is supposed to maintain a peaceful environment, and today it felt more like a chaotic public hangout than a place meant for learning or productivity. What shocked me most is how little effort was made by staff to maintain any sense of order. Children were running around as if this was a playground or daycare center, not a library. Because the building is essentially one large open floor, you can see and hear the children's area, teen center, adult area, and everything in between all at once. There is zero sound control. Librarians themselves were loudly laughing and chatting with patrons, completely ignoring the basic expectation of keeping voices low. I watched a phone left charging ring multiple times without a single staff member stepping in to locate it or reduce the disruption. Nothing was addressed. Nothing was enforced. The entire experience felt like a circus. I even tried using the study rooms and you can hear everything through the walls, including loud conversations happening inside other rooms. Even with earbuds in, the noise was impossible to escape. Another major red flag was the restroom situation. You have to be buzzed in to use it, which already signals safety concerns, and once inside it was dirty and smelled unpleasant. That alone shows a lack of proper maintenance and oversight. This is not about attacking individuals, it's about the overall failure to maintain a clean, safe, and peaceful public space. For comparison, if you want to see how a library should actually be run, go to Diamond Bar Library. The difference is night and day. Quiet is enforced, rules are respected, and the environment actually supports studying and learning. Unfortunately here, I couldn't even focus long enough to appreciate what the library might offer because the disruption was constant. The negative reviews are absolutely accurate and after experiencing this myself, I fully stand by them. As a taxpayer, what I witnessed today was unacceptable, and I will be submitting a formal complaint. This level of disorder should not be the new normal for a public library.

    My first time here and very impressed with alll the recent upgrades. I noticed every single table…read morehad an electrical outlet and usb charging port. The facilities were clean and the restrooms provided free hygiene products. The only con is that there parking lot seems a bit small and the compact spots were a little tight.

    Photos
    LA County Library - Baldwin Park Library - Study room

    Study room

    LA County Library - Baldwin Park Library - Big meeting room to the left side when you walk in

    Big meeting room to the left side when you walk in

    LA County Library - Baldwin Park Library - Front of library

    See all

    Front of library

    Covina Public Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...