Here's my complaint, parking bad, always full & lot too small. Too many homeless people, nothing against them but I was harassed last year by homeless guy bugging me to go out with him. In order to get rid of him cause he was following me around & wouldn't leave me alone until I gave him a landline number that I never answer. There should be more security guards cause I didn't come to the library to be harassed by some homeless guy for a date. There's this one female librarian who needs to retired. Twice I had DVDs on hold & she couldn't find it. I went back to ask another librarian to help & she found it. 2nd incident, yesterday I had DVD on hold, that librarian again couldn't find it & cancel my order & renew again. I find out later that it was on the way & because she cancel & renew my DVD, I had to go back on the waiting list again cause she didn't do enough research to find out the status. The only reason I know this cause I called later in the day to ask why DVD wasn't there, a young lady answer & told me the status that it's in coming. The other librarian was too lazy to find out the status. This is like the second time I got email saying DVD ready for pick up & I go there & it's not there, feel like it's waste of my time. Yea I do agree that sometimes librarian don't want to help you to check out cause it's self service now even tho there are no customers at the counter. But sometimes you have a problem with the machine & need help or wouldn't it be faster just to check out at counter for one item instead of starting over again at the machines cause one time I was there for 20 minutes cause I had problem with machine. read more

No upstairs bathroom! WiFi connection sucks. Seats are dirty and it's difficult to find an electrical outlet! They had be no where for children to use laptops in the children's library. It also gets really crowed.i would suggest going some place else. read more

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As I expressed in my quick tip, this library is one of the loudest libraries I've even been to. I haven't ventured upstairs yet so I probably owe this place an updated review. There is a huge great room-esque space when you walk in, and there are tables and chairs everywhere. There are typically outlets on the ground in the vicinity of a table, however, there some tables no where near an outlet. There are security guards that constantly roam around. That should give you a clue as to what kind of people frequent the place. Pro: Free Wifi Con: Questionable bathrooms. I'd hold it in and run the risk of getting a kidney stone than venture into their bathrooms again. read more

Strong AC. Great WiFi coverage and a fat internet pipe to go with it (15+ Mbps on a speed test, both UP and down!). Plenty of seats with power outlets. Reasonably quiet. Good book selection. Walking distance to good stuff (food, shopping, etc) in downtown Glendale. But... Stinky and ghetto restroom. 3 hour parking limit in the garage next door. Overall, I approve! read more

I love this library! They have story hour on the weekend for my kids. They allow you to extend your book return online for 2 more weeks. Plus, online you can do all kinds of things at their site. They have some pretty cool movies my kids love for borrowing. The place has a really good reference section for doing reports. It's relatively quiet (lol). Lots of people hang out in the front so there is always someone to talk to if you are bored. It's within walking distance of the new Americana shopping mecca. The layout of the place is easy to follow as well! The staff is always very helpful. Nice library. read more

Great location-lots of books and places to read. Open on Sunday and Monday, unlike LAPL. Wish they would outlaw cell phones. read more

An excellent place to study: very clean, nice staff, lovely architecture, few disruptions, and lots of good desk space. Not as crowded as many libraries. aThis is definitely one of the best libraries around! read more

This place looks really nice and lovely if it was not for the horrible "patrons". The worst about it are not the homeless community living inside the library as they are harmless. The inconsiderate uncultured population who do not want to learn the etiquette of a library are the worst! As I am writing this from inside the library, phones are ringing and people are taking to customer service at their banks, and the dude sitting across me is listening to loud 80's music while I asked him to lower it once... Wish the community was consisted of more civilized people! Forgot to add that this library also functions as an outdoor playground for screaming brats with their mothers who have no clue about education, books, or English. They believe it's an open space to bring their kids in on hot summer or rainy fall days! read more

I've been going to this library ever since I can remember. The Children's section is awesome! It's good that if you're not with a child, and are over the appropriate age they don't let you stay up there. There are way too many perverts at this library. There are also a lot of homeless people wandering about, marking their territory and lurking in the corners. BE CAREFUL!! Do not get cornered by any homeless/perverts. They come here to prey on young girls. So if you come to this library and need to wander about the aisles to get books, either get a librarian to assist you, or come with a buddy/parent. And pay attention to your surroundings!! I wish the security at this library was actually useful but they seem like perverts themselves. Glendale really needs to invest in making the library a better place. Everything around Glendale is improving, except for this important building. The library in Alhambra is way better, but if you're not able to make the trip out there, stick to this one or your local school library. read more

The good: I really like this library and the spaces it provides to study. It's a place to hunker down and get work done. I frequent this library a lot and work on the lower level in the cubicles that line the wall. There is free WiFi and outlets. The security guards are nice. The weird: Now, I know this is a public space, but there are some older patrons who don't bother to wear deodorant. When they walk their body odor lingers in the air and when they sit in the cubicle next to mine the odor makes me feel sick to my stomach. I would move to another cubicle but they're usually taken leaving me with no where else to sit. There is also another patron, who sits in the same cubicle with his double monitor set-up and black umbrella open against the window to block the sun, who cuts his fingernails throughout the day. This happens every single time I'm there. It's really unsanitary, distracting, and the sound is like nails on a chalkboard. It's really annoying when I'm here to focus on work. I see a lot of the same patrons studying and I know I can't be the only one who feels this way. read more

Wow. I love the library. Great access. Friendly, professional, and knowledgable staff. Too bad the WiFi is a useless waste of precious life energy. If you come to any branch of the GPL for the WiFi, you will spend a ridiculous amount of time waiting for a page to load. You're better off going to coffee shop or just staying home. In the meantime, Glendale should put a little money into upgrading their WiFi for residents. LA Public Library has a network that supports the needs of its patrons. And frankly, more people will use the libraries if they can count on a reliable WiFi network. read more

This is probably my favorite library so far. It has a really view on the top from the window side to the street. I like to spend my time here since it's really quiet and it's a huge library. There are so many new books and most of all, I love the self- checkout service. It's convenient. read more

Currently under renovation. Upstairs is section for kids. There are programs for children toys etc. 3 hour parking in the structure. read more

Glendale Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Glendale, California

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Facilities are modern and clean, and seating is fairly comfortable. Unfortunately this library is a hub for homeless people. This isn't necessarily bad, but many of them here happen to be extremely disruptive, loud, and on drugs or very physically and mentally ill. They often to not respect personal space or noise levels. I do not feel safe in this library. As others have said, children running around and screaming or crying is commonplace. My recommendation: bring earplugs and keep a close eye on your belongings. read more

Typical 70's-era building that has many nooks and crannies inside. Have borrowed many books and CDs recently and have been impressed with large and diverse selection. Ample parking in front/side of building. Close to Americana/Galleria/other shopping areas. Friendly staff who get you out quickly. Tried the self-service machines but they suck...=( Go Glendale. Plus: you can return most materials to Pasadena libraries as they share catalogs. read more

Props to the central branch for being open on a SUNDAY! Sure, there are tons of homeless people who hang out by the front door or talk to themselves in the private study area, but that's OK. As long as the smelly ones aren't within my sniff range, then I am alright. The chairs are pretty old and full of stains, but they work fine. However, every time I finish studying at the library I have to immediately take a shower because I feel super dirty for some reason. For some reason, this library is one of the few places where I can sit for hours on end and just study. I don't really like the parking situation, but if I could find a spot on the street on a Sunday then I am usually set for a good 3-4 hours. If you can't find parking in their medium sized lot, just park across the street in the structure and get your ticket stamped for 3 hours of free parking. It's really easy since their stamp is right by the front desk and you don't have to ask anyone to use it. read more

I really enjoy going to the Glendale library. The most important thing I look for when going to libraries is how quiet they are. For the most part the patrons are very respectful and do their best to provide silence. This library also offers a lot of study tables. I would recommend using the ones upstairs because they are a little quieter and they provide a great view of the main library room. One downside to this library is that only about half of the study tables offer electrical outlet access, so make sure your computer is fully charge if you plan on using it there. Also, the parking situation isn't the greatest but it's not terrible either. If you're not staying there for 5-6 hours like I usually do, then you'll be fine. They offer one hour parking on the premises and then they provide validation for up to three hours in the structure across the street. read more

Love their book sales! Great books at great prices. Parking can be challenging. You can, however, park in the Maryland garage and get validated. Nice, spacious, free wi-fi. read more

Sometimes they don't have the books I want. Very rarely though. The only weakness of this library is the 1 hour limit for the parking. My sister actually got a ticket there before, proving to me that they don't b.s. about it. Still, so many memories here from childhood all the way until today. The library still has an essence of the welcoming smell from about 16-17 years ago which makes me feel good every time I'm here. Such a big place and a staple for all readers and students in Glendale. read more

Whenever I go to this library, I usually pick up my reserved books at the front desk and then head up stairs so that my lil one can pretend play and or pick up books for kids while I sit quietly to read. My lil one especially loves the shopping cart and the baby dolls. Come to think about it, i dont think these toys are sanitized so play at your own risk. Your kids can also color to stay quiet and busy while you read/browse around. There are many things that I do love about this library. I love that this library has story time for kids. I like that you can do self-check out books if you dont want to line up. I also like the convenience of library books reservations and/or due date extensions online and there is no surcharge like other libraries. read more

I love this library! I grew up coming here and spend time here with my then-boyfriend, now-husband. We both love and came here as Children. We now bring our son here. We were very disappointed that there wasn't more remodeling done to the children's room. However, we have noticed more events for kids. That is great! I also greatly enjoy the events created for crafting or learning new interests. The library has done an outstanding job at bring kids, students and families going to the library. I will also make a note, I feel as their Children's book collection is better than the Los Angeles libraries. read more

Other than the whole parking ordeal, this place is so amazing! I just discovered this place at the beginning of the week, and I've been coming every day since to study. I'm someone who gets easily distracted the slightest sound, so I'm absolutely in love with how quiet the place is. Plenty of tables, outlets and study rooms are available. Plus, this place is in the middle of downtown, so if you ever need a break, pack up your stuff and walk down the street for some good food to eat! read more

An honest cumulative review... Location: Metropolitan area, there are a lot of restaurants and shops next to the library. Easy to reach via public transportation. Parking: Decent parking with 1 hour parking time limits. Pro tip: park across the street in the parking structure and get your parking validated for extra hours of parking for free. Internet: Wifi is pretty fast here. I have witnessed some patrons bring in their gaming laptop setup (think Alienware suitcase) to game through their wifi (PUBG and Overwatch). Staff: Pretty rude and lack of communication between departments. The asian male who works at the administration office sucks. Space: Open and plenty of tables, computers and cubicles to choose from. Almost comparable to a university's library. Library can get pretty crowded so people can't always be guaranteed a cubicle. read more

Wish the parking situation were better, but I guess it's expected for downtown Glendale. Library is clean and modern with all the amenities. It's also very spacious. A few homeless using the restroom for a bird bath. read more

There seems to be too little space for studying at desks and too much space for lounging. It looks nice, but looks are not everything. The old library had row after row of desks and I could always find a table to study,. read more

I frequented this library only about 3 or 4 times for the first time in a long while and recently came with my son who was on the computer playing roblox. I overheard a man yelling at another man on a computer next to my son looking at porn images on Google. The security came and talked to the man. He informed me he was a regular here and they block hardcore porn sites but not searches on google Craigslist. Security still let him stay in the library on the computer after talking to him. Pretty disturbing that this is allowed in a public library. Guess I won't be bringing my son here anymore. read more

AMAZING RENOVATION!!! lots of chairs, lots of study areas, nice view of the park, very spacious NEGATIVE PARKING PARKING PARKING. although there is a big lot parking across the street, it would be nicer to have a parking close by especially if your carrying study materials and have borrowed heavy books. but other than that THIS IS AN AMAZING PLACE studied school and licensure exam at this place since before renovation, brings back good memries! read more

I didn't know about this hidden gem till I started going back to school and I'm bummed I didn't come here sooner. The place is clean, open, and the staff is really friendly. The selection of books is superb and great wifi reception if you just want a quiet place to study and enjoy yourself without fear of dropping service. They are also within walking distance of the Americana and the galleria so if you want something to eat you don't have to go far. Also, and this is more of a personal preference, but the second level has a good view of Los Angeles if you just like a moments rest or a good selfie photo. Only downside is they recently are fixing water damage, but they will section if off and there is still plenty of places to study and read. read more

I went in today and my card was expired so the lady said I could check anything out. I went to the computer and they let me use them for the day until I got my address straight. Before I used the computer I saw mostly what seemed to be homeless people there so I was a bit creeped out to use the public computer. I felt like I need to take a shower afterward. Anyway what can you expect from a public place giving away internet access. read more

Occasionally I enjoy taking a step back in time, to when access to information took more than a click of a button and some would endure hours of digging to uncover a world wide web of facts and fiction. The library was a hub of activity of those idea seekers on a quest for knowledge, but sadly, that infectious energy is now almost extinct. Thankfully, for those of us that want to remember these simpler times, there are places like the library. This one, in particular, is a massive two-story building filled with aisles of books, clusters of tables, work stations, study rooms, an auditorium, and plenty of events that bring the community together. It's a peaceful environment that is much more calming than the chaos of a coffee shop, and I highly recommend popping in for a back to the future moment when you can. read more

My local library that I've studied at for the last 2 decades. I remember taking field trips in elementary school with my best friends and numerous kiddy crushes. I loved the kids reading room and still do (shhh). As for the "adult" part of the library it's quite big, 2 stories with all sorts of generes. They've added many computers and have printers if necessary. But, I have major complaints: -Bathrooms are really gross. I usually drive home and come back, don't judge me. -There are many homeless people here. It's really sad but they all linger at the entrance and roam around inside. -The gangsters, prostitutes and sugar daddy's are major turn offs. I can't believe this all happens in Glendale. -Noise level. Don't even getting me started on this subject. I need to study at the library to be serious but it's really distracting when you have kids and adults being loud and obnoxious. I've sshh'd people because it's a library and you're suppose to be quite. -Parking is bad!!! It's a small lot and you can only park 2 hours at a time. There is an option to park across the street at the market place but that doesn't cut it if you're planning on studying for longer than 3 hours. And now that the Americana is built, it's even worse. However, there are some good things to this place like the variety of books and length of checkout. Throughout the years I've check out books on astrology, the female body, witch craft (a short phase), religion, law, travel books, cook books, novels, dictionaries, poetry, fiction and dogs just to name a few. You can even checkout your own books with the scanner in front. FYI: They have pay phones if you've forgotten your cell, since we all have one nowadays. They have events here every month such as children's reading sessions or having an author come in and speak to the crowd. Workers are usually nice and helpful at the circulation desk. Go here if you want to check out a new book (take it home) but avoid the library if you need to study. read more

The place looks nice after the recent renovation but the atmosphere is not appropriate for a library. The place is full of local middle-schoolers who have nothing better to do but to hang out at the library in large groups and disturb others. It goes without saying that those individuals do not study or do any work in particular. Something needs to be done about that. read more

It's a beautiful library, but I feel that the space could be used more adequately - they have a huge lounge but few studying desks. The evening security man (Filipino?) was really nice, but when I came during the day, I thought the morning security guy was quite arrogant. On the plus side, they validate parking for 3 hours. Front desk lady was nice. read more

i have been coming to the Glendale central library recently for a few hours a day to find a place away from home where i can work in solitude... though i think in general it provides a fairly welcoming place to plug in the laptop and do research and work... the downside is that the positives are somewhat mitigated by the string of homeless, noisy armenian retiree chess players, loud teens, the hygienically challenged, the mentally ill, and half-way house residents that also think this is a grand place to hang out during the day... that said... don't get me wrong... they have as much right as i do to this space, and i reckon that my presence is as noisome to them as theirs is to me, but i can only review from my point of view so take my observations for what they are worth. in the end, there are worse places to spend a day when you need some solitude, and for me it is a damn sight better than the alternative... for me, the unsatisfactory alternative for a solitary 'writer' like me would be to embrace the 'dark side"... what is the dark side? well, the 'coffee house' or 'hip diner' route... why would that alternative not work for me? well, i suppose because i just don't think i could stomach looking like a self-important poser with a latte next to me and my laptop open at the coffee table or some such establishment. i know i could be wrong, but i just feel like less of a douche bag at the public library than i do at a hip neighborhood cafe with a coffee and my copy of 'story" or 'the writers way" by my side... a little pathetic, don't you agree? yeah... just a little... read more

I come here often to do homework. It a good environment and the employees are very caring. Thats actually why I'm writing this. I needed some post-its and i was wondering if they sold any. An employee told me that they didn't but he'd do his best to find me some. He looked around everywhere for 5 minutes including asking other employees if they had any and found me a huge stack that he told me to keep. I mean come on, thats just awesome. He went out of his way to make sure i got the most out of my studying. Awesome staff. (: read more

Its a library! crowded most of the time and you can always find the lone armenian in the back watching porn like its nobodys business. Good selection of books, helpful librarians. No complaints here, well just one, maybe have the porn addict face outwards instead of the wall read more

The only reason why I'm rating it 1-star is because there are high school kids coming to the "quiet area" every school day and making so much noise. If you try asking a librarian to give them notice, they will. But it will just be quiet for some time only. They should come up with better rules to keep the area quiet to respect those who are using the area to study for their finals. read more

I like the way they remodeled this library and it's a good place to study but I don't like the parking because it's only 1 hour. Who studies for 1 hour? They should change the parking hours at least to 3 hours. read more

My 3 girls absolutely loved this place even with the reno going on and no ac working . Entire upstairs dedicated to children's room only!! Large selection of books for elementary school age. Loving this "tree" inside as well. Can't wait for ac tho... read more

I love and miss this place. This is where I learned to use a computer and the internet. It is where I brought my children when I home schooled them. It is where I went when I was bored and broke. This library is comfortable to be in. It has nice soft chairs for sitting and reading and plenty of desks for working on projects. It had been a friend for a very long time. They have parking which is unusual for Glendale and they have a nice lawn with shade trees. I have spent many hours sitting on the lawn. If I had a home in Glendale it would be this place. read more