Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    LA County Library- El Monte Library

    3.8 (20 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    LA County Library- El Monte Library Photos

    You might also consider

    More like LA County Library- El Monte Library

    Recommended Reviews - LA County Library- El Monte 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 - LA County Library- El Monte Library

    We early birds wait for them to open on Saturdays...glad to see so many people taking advantage of the free resources!
    Arleene M.

    I come to this library often because I tutor elementary and middle school kids that need extra help in math and English. I really like the fact that this library is small but has everything I need (which is tables and chairs basically) and I don't need to get on the freeway to get here from my side of the train tracks. I believe it has recently been renovated, most of their furniture looks brand new. I always see some of the same people here and a lot of older folks come in the afternoon to use the computers. I think this is a great library for the neighboring folks. The only downside is there is very limited parking. I've never had a problem finding a space but around 4 pm it gets busy so good luck. Overall, it gets the job done, it's clean, it's accessible to my kids, and it's a nice little spot where I can make a difference in the life of our youth one math problem at a time.

    Totally acceptable behavior right?

    This review is pretty much based on the ghetto stuff I've seen here because the establishment itself is nice and fine. Kids crawling under the computer desks, running around, screaming... Yuck. Teach your kids to behave, El Monte.

    Children's area
    Liliana M.

    Parking sucks! 13 parking spaces in total, one is handicapped. Looked clean & organized. Bathrooms have 2 stalls and were pretty clean. A/C is on full blast so it's nice to take the kids on a hot day. We were there for an animal magic show they were hosting. Check their website for family-friendly events. I would recommend this library to my friends.

    I absolute hate this , unsanitary ! 3 children watching themselves NO someone a manager needs to say something

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 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 Jacob D.
    5
    252
    67

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Diana A.
    2069
    559
    1237

    7 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 0
    Love this 14
    Oh no 2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy L.
    269
    187
    1234

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Love coming here. Very quiet and peaceful in here. The people that work here are very nice and helpful.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of D C.
    0
    15
    2

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy W.
    15
    30
    30

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K. R.
    38
    13
    4

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Eric H.
    6
    32
    14

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Li H.
    41
    51
    0

    12 years ago

    Limited parking (I had to park on the street) and the building is being renovated until end-of-October.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Melody U.
    16
    128
    40

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - LA County Library- El Monte Library

    Review Highlights - LA County Library- El Monte Library

    The process to get a library card is free and takes no longer than 5 minutes.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    LA County Library - Variety of DVDs

    LA County Library

    3.7(81 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    We had a great experience this morning. Staffs were friendly and helpful. Khanh Kiet Phung was…read morehelping my kids look for books and he was easy to communicate.

    This is the worst library to study at. Don't waste your time going here. I would give zero stars if…read moreI could. It's hot. There are few outlets. There are few places to sit. The staff are condescending. It's loud from children talking and dogs barking. I've gone to this library twice now and was not happy with either visit. Although the space looks like it has a lot of tables, there are very few with outlets to plug a laptop into. The first time I came, I was able to find only one available table with an outlet because I came shortly after they opened. That time and this time, the library was extremely loud. There were so many children running around and screaming. This time, there was even a dog barking and running around too. I just went to the library again today and was not able to find a single available table to sit at. The only empty seats were where the computers were. Only a couple of the computers were being used, which left 6 empty spots. I didn't really want to sit there since I already had my own laptop, but it was the only open table. I shifted the keyboard to the side and made do with the small space. Since there were plenty of computers still available next to me, I didn't think it would be a problem to sit there. Boy was I wrong. A woman with glasses approached me maybe 15 minutes after I sat down and told me that those spots were meant for people who were going to use their computers. When I told her that there were no more tables and that there were plenty of available seats still next to me, she condescendingly told me that I'm the one to ever argue with her because everyone else usually just moves. I told her that I would move if someone needed the computer. She again said I had to move then walked away without another word. Since there were no other available spots to sit at, I had to leave the library. This woman was not just condescending to me by the way. Right when I first sat down, the same woman was speaking to a man by the printers. The way she was speaking to him was equally condescending. I didn't want to listen in on their conversation, but her tone was really mean and obnoxious as she told him he was wrong about something. She was speaking to him in a way that felt like she was absolutely looking down on him. I hope upper management has a word with her about her customer service skills because they are terrible. My last note is about the temperature of the library. It's really hot outside, so I thought it would be nice to study where there's an A/C. Although it was slightly cooler than outside, it was still pretty warm in there. It did not feel that much more comfortable than studying outside. I don't think it was warm just because there were a lot of people because it was equally warm the first time I went too(right when they opened).

    Photos
    LA County Library
    LA County Library
    LA County Library - Decided to read the book after watching the movie

    See all

    Decided to read the book after watching the movie

    Crowell Public Library - Art hallway

    Crowell Public Library

    3.9(113 reviews)
    5.7 mi

    During my visits to Crowell Public Library, I initially observed that the exterior architecture…read morecarries a historical charm and is visually appealing. However, beyond the building's design, my experiences within the library have been deeply concerning. Over multiple visits, I have encountered employees whose conduct has been inconsistent with professional standards. Staff behavior has, at times, been selective and antagonistic toward certain patrons, including both adults and children. On several occasions, this conduct has escalated into interactions that were verbally aggressive and physically intrusive in nature. Personally, I, along with my nephews, niece, and other family members, have experienced repeated instances of being singled out, harassed, and subjected to what can reasonably be described as hazing while attempting to use the library and its resources respectfully. These incidents have not been isolated, and I have documented several of them through recordings. The overall environment created by staff has, at times, felt restrictive and punitive rather than welcoming, which is not in alignment with the purpose of a public library. This pattern of behavior is unacceptable. Library staff and management are responsible for ensuring that all employees consistently uphold professional ethics, integrity, and appropriate standards of conduct--without exception or selective enforcement. I expect immediate review and corrective action to address these concerns and to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all patrons.

    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.

    Photos
    Crowell Public Library - Art

    Art

    Crowell Public Library - Lifelong Learning Center?

    Lifelong Learning Center?

    Crowell Public Library - Art hallway

    See all

    Art hallway

    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)
    5.4 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

    LA County Library- El Monte Library - libraries - Updated August 2026

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