This was my first time visiting the Covina Library, and honestly, I'm conflicted because there are so many things done right here, yet one major issue overshadows the entire experience. As a Covina resident, I didn't even realize this library existed, since I usually go to West Covina, and more recently my favorite has been the Diamond Bar Library because of its overall standards and upkeep. From what I understand, this library is city owned rather than a county library, and unfortunately I think that's where the responsibility lies. The moment you walk in, the smell is overwhelming. Not subtle, not something you get used to after a few minutes, but truly unbearable. It honestly reminded me of walking into an abandoned home, which is shocking considering how lively and community focused the space actually is. I tried to push through it, hoping it would fade, but instead it gave me a headache, which was really disappointing. Layout wise, this library has so much potential. You walk in and there's a community area to the right, restrooms nearby that were clean but clearly very small and in need of updating, and a book section where you can purchase books, which is a nice touch. The librarians' main desk sits to the left, and the high ceilings immediately stand out in a good way. There's a children's section, computers in the center, and overall the space feels open. I was initially unsure where to go, but I was so grateful to find a designated reading room. That alone is a huge plus. Unlike West Covina, which can get quite loud, the librarians here do an excellent job maintaining a quiet and respectful environment. They whisper, they're attentive without being disruptive, and they clearly care about preserving the purpose of a library. There are plenty of outlets, and the reading room is thoughtfully placed so you're not constantly distracted by foot traffic or noise. What makes this even more frustrating is that this place could easily be a gem. The reading room has windows facing outside, so you still get natural light and that sense of being connected to the outdoors. There's even a patio area and a citrus tree right out front, which gives the space so much charm. The setup is fantastic, the staff is great, and the intention is there. It just desperately needs renovation. I truly believe more people would use this library if it felt more inviting. City of Covina, if you're reading this, please address the smell. Whether it's the carpet or something deeper, it needs attention. This library has so much going for it, and with some proper updates, it could easily become one of the best community spaces in the city. Unfortunately, this was my first and last time using the library. I hope the next time I visit is when it's a grand opening after renovations. read more

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I love coming to the library any chance I get. I usually come here for some peace and quiet, getting some work done. This library in particular has a good amount of parking. The inside feels a lot bigger than what it seems, which I love! A few remarks is that not all tables have an outlet accessible and the wifi itself could be a little bit stronger. Other than that, a wonderful library to experience and support! read more

Covina Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Covina, California

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I have enjoyed reading books my entire life. Sure, reading just about anything and everything on my phone is very convenient but there is something about holding a book in my hand which I find truly relaxing, fun and relaxing. I used to be a huge customer of Barnes & Noble which I still am however, purchasing books can get a little expensive. Libraries, are definitely a thing for me. The Covina library is a great place to visit as they offer thousands of books on just about any topic, the library is always clean, well organized, and the staff is AMAZING and very friendly. There are many desks scattered throughout the entire library and a section with big comfy chairs to sit and get lost in a great and interesting book for a few hours. The library also sells books as a means to fundraise for the library and they do accept book donations by appointment Parking is always avail in their huge parking lot read more

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Total of 2, count them 2 shelves of children's Spanish picture books. Been asking for 4 years to get more to no avail. My child had read every single one there. They are also the last library in the area to charge late fees even tho they have a system where auto renewal can be programmed. So until they upgrade to match Glendora, West Covina, irwindale, Azusa, and Monrovia libraries they are actually making books and free education less accessible. Please make a change for the better. read more

This is a very nice and clean library been coming here since I was a teenager high school in early 2000s. The staff is wonderful and very polite for the most part however I encountered one particular receptionist that just seemed like she didn't have the time to help or acknowledge me in fact when I was at the counter asking for her help yesterday she made a snarky remark saying that I was talking facing the opposite direction of her face and I thought that was pretty rude. Aside from that particular staff member this library is awesome. read more

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

I love hanging out in this library. Staffs are friendly, and they often have good events and giveaways. But I wish they have kids computers and 3d printers, would be perfect if they have them read more

Very old building. Not many places to charge laptops or anything. Very loud at times. Staff is always friendly which is why I keep coming back but man, the noise in this place is sometimes pretty loud. read more

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

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? read more

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Absolutely love this quaint library nearby to our residence. Staff has been extremely friendly & helpful every time I bring our kiddos here. They have lots of new books available every visits! read more

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

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

We took our grandsons to open they first library card. Our twins are 6 year old. I told the boys go to the front desk. Ask the young lady you need help to find your book. She was so caring with them. She took both of the boys together and told them .first we look for your brother book first them your .We followed her with the boys. After she told them ,would you like to color.She brought them paper and crayons. After they finish we go in line to get there library card for each of them. One thing I did not like That homeless are waiting to come in to. They sit on the couches where the kids area is.oh No. I know it been hot. They can go to center in covina. We as parents and grandparents much protects our kids. The library should not allow them to come in period. So if you see coming in tell the person in charge . Enjoy your visit .I will go to West Covina library next time. read more

Small library , but a good one in Covina i have visited many times. Right next door to the police station and Fire Station in Downtown Covina. There are a whole bunch of books and computers here. Staff are nice and professional. No homeless lounging around because they wont tolerate it. Good place i miss visiting. read more

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

To Betty: 1950's?? Really?? I actually used this library back in the 1950's as a child when it was an old concrete building, a Carnegie Library. Great old building. Sadly, they tore that down and built this one. To tell the truth I like the old one just as much as the new one but "you do you!" And yeah the Wi-Fi is a little slow but guess what they've got more and better computer stations there than... try Long Beach! (they open at 12 every day, close at 5 or 6 or sometimes 8 o'clock - always closed on Sunday and Monday). You've got a pretty good deal here at this library so don't complain. read more

Worst library ever... 1) It's old and out of date. It still looks like the 1950's in there. Will they ever upgrade? 2) Weird/rude people. Full of weird people who openly talk on cell phones and don't whisper. Smelly homeless everywhere. 3) Not much selection. They never seem to have what I want. 4) Terrible WIFI. Slow and unreliable. Have to log back on every few minutes. 5) They charge $1.50 to rent DVD's? Every library i've ever seen lends out DVD's for free. And they charge $1.50? outrageous! 6) Weird hours. Closed monday and doesn't open untill noon on tuesday? Who is running this place? read more

If I could give 0 star in this library I would. They will not allow you to use their wifi inside if you are not using their computer.! The lady approached me telling me I can use the wifi outside in a hot day over 90 degrees heat. I came in with a mask ready to study and I got ousted saying there is another library nearby. I told her we are in a pandemic I would recommend using my own laptop over the public desktop!!!!!!!!! So upset in this place. I will never recommend this place and I will never come back. read more

Covina Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Covina, California

Doors whisk open.. People reading and studying With tons of books stuck in their faces.. The fresh aroma of books... With pages and pages of knowledge, wisdom, history at my fingertips. I can't find a thing I begin to ask a question... Ssssh ...says this old library lady. Well...I'm kinda lost...so could you please help me... Where are the computers?? Over there and there is a wait. Your time is limited and you must leave when time is up. I still love this library, A great selection of books read more

Hi-ya! This library is near an old bell tower that's so cool. Anyhow the kids area is wide open and clean. There's plenty of kids computers and the atmosphere is how'd you expect a library to be. Quiet and organized. The room is well lit and there are plenty of desks that can be used to study and or casually read. It's a good place to let the kids read and peruse books. The only negative was some grandma trying to take videos of her granddaughter and being actually loud about it. At one point she bumped one of the kids out of the way with her big butt to get a shot of her, "Emily"...you swear you can't or haven't ever had a video of your grandchild before. Not to rant, but it's the library not Disneyland. read more

Small and comfy. Tons of interesting books. Not 5 stars because it's so small you can hear whispers from across the room and it upset the librarian read more

This library has nowhere to sit. I asked the librarian why they were open and she said for the computer use. You have to stand while using the computers. This is not the case in LA County libraries. The library and Tommy have staff of 11 or 12 working at the library but is essentially closed. This is a great example of waste of taxpayer money. The city Council should look into it probably. read more

The library is ok. Well kept and nice little space for kids to study or use the computers. I find checking out books and finding books to be more inconvenient than more up to date library systems. There is no self check out and there are fees for interlibrary books. You cannot renew books online or reserve online. That seems very out of date to me. Hopefully that is some thing that will change one day. read more

Gotta say this place is pretty awesome for a library. Very big and spacious and we'll lit and even with a good amount of sunlight and A/C. I luv the section they have for kids which is a great size and good amount of books for them. They even offer some good computer programs for kids to so a big plus. I especially luv the fact they offer little seminars and programs for kids and even adults! Not many places offer such things so be sure to take advantage of them because they are all awesome!!! I usually come here to print some papers out for my classes and surf the web if needed to whenever I don't have my son with me and never had a problem with the computers or long waits to get a computer or to print. Only dislike I have about this place which is why I don't give it the 5th star is because they are not open on Mondays ahhh!!! I understand budget cuts and all but on Mondays, really?! I could understand like a Tuesday or Wednesday, possibly a Friday but not Mondays. Other than that though this library is pretty great and amongst the best I've been to :) read more

I heart the Covina Public Library. So I decided to write this yelp review on Valentines day. The Covina public library is a jewel and great place to visit in general. It is independent and in no way does it form part of the Los Angeles County library system. So do not try to return county materials here, they will not accept them. To be eligible for a library card, you must be a california resident with identification and or proof of current address. If your current address does not appear on your ID, they will accept other forms of identification (utility bill, vehicle registration, bank statement or consular card). I call this my neighborhood library even though my city is West Covina. Call me a traitor, but I prefer the location and historic atmosphere here. I love the old photos hanging around the library. My initial visits, I spent time just walking around reading the captions of these photographs. Like other have mentioned, this place might not have the most recent books, DVD's, Music CD's but they certainly make up for it with their programs and services. They have programs for kids, teens and adults. For Kids: the have drop-in homework hours, books, puzzles, movies, workshops, story-telling. For Teens: They offer reading clubs and volunteer opportunities. For adults: they have book groups, second start literacy programs to learn english, and Typewriters. Yes, you read correctly, Typewriters! If you are a self-identified geek/nerd like me, then you can appreciate the fact that they have those available. The cost to use a typewriter is 50 cents for each 20 minutes. Anyhow, if you are looking for a quiet place to study, read, reflect, or use a typewriter. I recommend the Covina Library. I am sure you can also appreciate the location and services. To close, like Ralph Wiggum would say, "I choo-choo-choose you, Covina Public Library!" read more

This place is dated but it has everything you need. Books, books, and more books, organized and ready to be checked out or read within the library walls. My kids and I really enjoy the child-friendly environment that the staff has created. The right side of the library has computers for future readers to use and bookshelves at a child's height. This section also has a kid play area that my youngest refuses to leave. It includes puzzles, puppets, stuffed animals, and blocks. Several months ago I took my daughter to the Story Time provided by one of the librarians. She enjoyed the singing, dancing, and bonding. As a parent and educator, I really appreciate the early literacy experiences that the library is providing to our community. For your reluctant readers, the library provides book lists that would spark their interests. I have taken these lists and provided them to parents within my own classroom. read more

The Covina Public Library is a great place to study, read, do research, etc. I definitely prefer it over the West Covina library. I enjoy the quiet environment it has to offer. Every single one of their employees are extremely helpful and courteous. They have so many activities for the kids which I absolutely love. If I ever need to get some work done away from home in a quiet environment, this is definitely the place I will always be at. read more

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Been coming to this library for about 10 years now and it's my favorite especially compared to the West Covina library quite nice and simple. read more

I love the service and the very friendly lady at the front desk. Its always a beautiful feeling to come to the library and greeted. You feel welcomed. The times that I have been there the staff have been very helpful and quick to assist you in your search. read more

What a wonderful place.. I grew up in covina and during high school I did my homework here after school.. now a mom I take my son to baby classes here and they have a great kids section full of themes, colors and a ton of children's books and play stations! Recommended this place for children or adults who want to study or use a computer ! It's huge! read more

Just left the library earlier than planned because I felt targeted & unwelcomed there by the old, white, heavy-set librarian lady that was working by the kiddie play area. It was my first time there. I was really enjoying myself because my daughter was being entertained by two older sweet girls & watching them interact was really heartwarming. My daughter is not 2 years old yet, & the older girls (aged 3 & 6) were teaching her how to pretend play with cooking & taking care of her. The girls were all having a great time, not at all obnoxious. Just some giggles & occasionally a raised excited voice from the 3 year old. The librarian approached me & warned me that they're getting a little loud. I apologized & the other mom later told me that she's always like that. More parents & kids came to the play area. By this time, I was trying to clean up & instructing my daughter to help clean up... since more kids were there to play. I guess other kids were running around? But my daughter was not. That librarian approached me & only me again!!! She caught me off guard & warned that there's no running, only walking. By reflex, I said "ok". Then I thought about it & realized My kid was not running or loud, & why did she only talk to ME?! There were other parents there! Did she think I was the nanny of all the kids?!! Was I targeted because I'm Asian & tatted?!? Another father there heard the librarian warning me & told me my daughter is so quiet! I really wanted to go to her desk & tell her off, but I bit my tongue. Next time I won't be so nice! I'm a strict mom, & I know my daughter was well behaved!!! Very disappointed by this first visit. read more

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

Great library, I enjoy it more than my hometown library (Claremont public library) Nice staff, always comfortable in there. Always a nice experience, plus it's a great library for kids too! 5 stars read more

Some staff are so unfriendly towards children, but otherwise, it's a regular nice library. Nice children's section with plenty of books and a fun play area. read more

Have you checked out the comics they have here?! Whoever is ordering those comics sure knows a thing or two about comics. AND they have a Graphic Novel/Manga club!! This place is the premiere Comics Library in Covina. read more

I really don't like this place. I used to take my son here to check out books and toys. The head librarian of the children's section is particularly rude and stuck up. She never said hello to me when I arrived with my son. She only addressed my son. She was so rude and I would ignore it thinking maybe it's in my head. Then I arrived with a friend ( I never told him anything) he said to me, " Wow, she does not like you!". I KNOW! It's pretty obvious and I never had any idea why but I would still take my son. The rest of the staff was ok but not really kind. There was one girl who was super sweet but generally that place is toxic with tons of attitude from most of the workers there. I finally stopped going because the last encounter I had with the head librarian made it pretty clear she didn't want me going there. She said since my son got a box for his toy participation, that he shouldn't check out another toy as it would confuse him about which toys are his. Ummmm... it's pretty obvious which toys are new and which are checked out from the library because those toys are very old and beat up. What does she think my son is stupid? Probably. I stopped going there but they really need to talk to their staff. They are rude and unprofessional especially the Children's librarian. I've been to lots of other libraries and they are ALL far better. The staff at Monrovia are so kind and it's a pleasure to go there. I'd much rather drive out of the way to be treated with respect and kindness. read more

We come here and get our books for the kids and we out. Never stayed very long or taken advantage of any other services they offer. Place is little outdated, but it doesn't matter. It's a library, and we borrow books... Our kids love books and we have never had a problem picking out over ten books at a time for them. They have lots of books and Liberians are always nice enough to help when asked. read more

Wonderful assortment and a great staff. I personally get audio books because I'm usually stuck in the car for long periods and I've been very pleased with their selection. read more

It's a pretty good library. It has a nice (but not too large) selection of books. It's usually a pretty quiet place to study, but you can find the occasional creepers. read more