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    LA County Library- El Monte Library

    3.7 (19 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    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.

    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.

    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.

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

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    2 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    7 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

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

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    12 years ago

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

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    10 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    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 2 reviews

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    Crowell Public Library - Art hallway

    Crowell Public Library

    3.9(113 reviews)
    5.7 mi

    During heat waves like this week the library turned into cooling center had a room so the elderly…read moreand frail can go their about 2 days ago they had it open late so our elderly don't die from heat wave I think yesterday it was in the 90s and the other day it was like 100 so thank you crowell library keep in mind it's still technically winter and March so global warming maybe but this library is a life saver

    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.

    Photos
    Crowell Public Library - Art

    Art

    Crowell Public Library - Lifelong Learning Center?

    Lifelong Learning Center?

    Crowell Public Library - Art hallway

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    Art hallway

    Matilija Lending Library - Variety of books for sale

    Matilija Lending Library

    5.0(7 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    Awesome local bookstore and lending library. I like that they have local artists' work, some…read morestationery items, as well as lots of books, free resources, and a free seed library. They also have a section of their shop that is a library that you can borrow books from if you're looking to save money! I love the interior decoration- it feels very cute and cozy and overall they're a great place to find community and great books. I met one of the owners while I was there and he was very nice. I've been to a few events like a night market where they had local art, handmade sketchbooks, delicious tacos, and even a few tattoo artists! They have a lot of events here that they advertise on their IG. As of this review (March 2025), their hours are temporarily limited to Saturdays from 1-5pm, so definitely spend some of your Saturday supporting this local bookshop/lending library!

    I am so grateful that Matilija exists. This little community space is only open one day a week, but…read moreyou should definitely make it a priority to come here when they are open. The owners are very welcoming and the space itself is amazingly curated. It's very cozy with little trinkets and cool posters around. You always notice something new when you come again. They also have a good selection of books and artist produced goods. I love the stickers and cards/postcards you can get here. My girlfriend loves getting muji pens from here! Overall, I love Matilija and look forward to attending one of the events they host for the community!

    Photos
    Matilija Lending Library - Books for sale and cute chairs to relax on

    Books for sale and cute chairs to relax on

    Matilija Lending Library - Postcards, greeting cards, and more

    Postcards, greeting cards, and more

    Matilija Lending Library - Interior

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    Interior

    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

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    Shelves

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

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