I have been waiting to write this review for 3.5 years!!! This will be very thorough since I have…read moreliterally been at this library every day during those years. ---A little background--- Payson Library is the only library on "main campus" of Pepperdine University. In the whole campus, there are two other libraries (Drescher Library & Law Library). Payson is 99.9% undergraduate students and has the most hours out of all the libraries. ---Layout--- Walking into the library you will have two options: upstairs and downstairs. From experience, I would say upstairs is definitely more for talking or group work since it is mostly tables (no cubicles). Upstairs we have what is called the ACE Room, where all the computers that have photoshop etc. all those programs that not everyone uses. There are only about 6 study rooms upstairs which are usually always booked (book online). There are three other rooms upstairs that are more hidden towards the back. These rooms are great but there is one problem, there are little to NO outlets. It is 2015, we need electrical outlets to study now!! Thats why these rooms/areas are usually avoided. Downstairs now: where most of the printing occurs (although there is printing upstairs), most of the public computers, the couch area for mid-day napping, the "new" room, and the cubicles. The "new" room was installed in 2015 or 2014 (can't remember) but it is beautiful and relatively small but great for group work since each has a large tv screen with HDMI to display what is on your personal computer screen to a group of people. The cubicle area is where the ocean view is and its GREAT. It is the quietest area. My favorite part is that I can sunbathe inside the library while studying and looking at the view. The downside of this area is that it is pretty packed and it again, NEEDS MORE PLUGS. Only about half the cubicles have plugs. Under the library there are more study rooms but those are to be avoided... Most of those rooms are very cramped (best if its just 1 person) and the white boards are completely trashed, some of them you cannot even write on them. ---Services/Rentals--- Obviously, its a library, so there are a ton of books. Honestly, its hard for me to say how great of a selection it is, since there is literally no time to have pleasure/leisure reading. If you're looking at articles there are many large databases available to you from the library which has been great. There is a service that if there is a neighboring college that has the book you need, you can have it shipped to Pepperdine. I have not done this but from what I heard you need to put in the request way in advance because it takes a while. Besides books, there is large selection of DVDs. To rent (only to stay within the library) are headphones, earphones, certain books, computer chargers, phone chargers, and calculators. These services are incredible and LIFE SAVING when you forget all your cords. Now to talk about the writing lab/speech lab. The writing lab is available only by appointment (to be made online). The times are very limited from what I have experienced. The writing lab is run by usually junior/senior writing and english majors who are very helpful! Almost every paper I have written has been read by the writing lab people. Also, the writing lab has an online option conducted through google doc. I have done this once and it was GREAT. Get on the google doc at the same time and watch them make changes and use the chat feature to ask questions. Problem with this--- this is almost NEVER available. This has such great potential but isn't being utilized!! I want to be able to get the writing lab experience while I'm in bed!! Make this happen! Lastly, the speech lab is also available to practice your speeches in front of someone and have them critique you. I have done this once as a requirement for a public speaking class but never again. ---Printing System--- If you want to print in this library, you have to have an ID card... I don't think there is anyway else to do it. I would love to see a change made in how to print here. I think they need to make it an option to pay directly from a debit or credit card. Sometimes it is such a hassle to have to put your money onto your ID, just to use your ID. Printing is way expensive for color! ---CHANGES THAT NEED TO BE MADE/ SUMMARY FOR SUGGESTIONS--- -Consider expanding the library -Add in a vending machine or mini cafe!! I would love this. -Extend the hours on the weekends since they are vary limited -Change the printer system to use credit/debit cards directly -MORE ELECTRICAL OUTLETS EVERYWHERE PLEASE - Fix boards in underground study rooms - Make the writing lab online options more available !! Probably best for after 6pm In conclusion, I am sorry this was so long. I am a Payson Library expert. Bonus: I have heard this semester that there are rumors of Payson getting a full makeover after I graduate in 2016. This wou rumor they will be redoing.

A great place to spend all day reading and researching. There's a great Johnny Cash photography…read moreexhibition along the walls and also a great view of the Pacific Ocean just outside. Highly recommended as a place to have some quiet time reading without any distractions!

I was here for first time on Friday 9.18.26 to get the Hello Kitty Library Card!! Wow...I wish…read morethere was a library like this by me!! I feel so safe here...I'm saying this because I came before they open to stand in line and the area outside the library is clean, peaceful, and well maintained. I feel very comfortable and safe waiting outside, which I really appreciate. Because of this huge collab with LA County Library and Sanrio, I feel this place was so organized and well prepared!! The librarians were all so nice and helpful!

People treat this library as a free day care service. Extremely loud!! The parents have no…read more situational awareness and cannot contain their kids. Don't come here if you plan to study or enjoy quiet reading time cause this is not a library apparently. Welcome to day care!

We love coming here! This is my go to spot to entertain my son! They have a fish tank with lots of…read morefish, a puffer fish, and even an eel. The selection of books, cd's, dvds, and games is great! They even have thick board books in different languages for the babies. Then after you've selected some books for the week you take a short walk over the bridge and they have a turtle pond, two playgrounds for different age groups, and even a duck pond. It seems like you can rent a covered picnic table area to host an event. It really is a neat spot. The library staff is also kind and helpful! Definitely reccomend brining your kiddos here!

Best public library I've ever been to! Great area/space for the little ones & even an aquarium!…read moreAlso a great place to put your head down & study. Highly recommend!

I had a wonderful experience at this beautiful library. The parking lot view to the courtyard is so…read morewell landscaped and is super inviting. The staff here are so friendly and helpful, from the front desk, to the hold desk and all the staff members I met in between, everyone was so kind. The library was very clean and well organized. Placing something on hold was super easy. I will definitely make this one of my regular libraries.

Beautiful and very clean Great service…read more Large parking lot Lucky enough we stopped by when they were having a free animal show! My daughters both enjoyed themselves here !!

We absolutely love this library. Julia from the children's section is so helpful and wonderful. She…read moreis such a gem. She has so much patience and knowledge for the kids. My eldest child is an avid reader and she knows what books keep him engaged. This is a great library, the only thing that I would change is to make them open on Mondays too. It is in such a prime location and I love the Calabasas library app. My husband, myself, and children have linked accounts so it is easy to keep track of everything we check out.

This library is like a local retreat for me. I've come here on many occasions and it has been…read moreconsistently clean, orderly, and well-stocked. By far one of the best libraries in the area. Note that this library isn't part of LAPL so if you'll need to sign up for another library card here if you'd like to borrow books. One of my favorite things about this library is the monthly craft club. The two librarians who put it on are hilarious and a good time. These crafts are geared towards adults so I wouldn't bring your kids here (double check to see if they have a kids craft club at a different time). Because this library is in a well to do area, I assume they receive generous funding which in turn translates to generous crafts.

More Than Just a Library…read more Peninsula Center Library was the very first library I visited when I moved to the Los Angeles South Bay, and over the years, this place has been through a LOT with me. I've used it during periods of unemployment, for booking study rooms while interviewing for jobs, and simply as a quiet place to sit, read, think, or get some work done. It has become one of those places that holds a lot of memories for me. First, the building itself deserves some appreciation. The modern design and huge windows that let in so much natural light are a must for me. Walking into a bright library just makes my day better. There's also an underground parking structure, although it's limited, and I especially appreciate it on those hot South Bay days when having my car parked in the shade makes a difference. I also LOVE the Friends of the Library sales. They have highly discounted books, CDs, DVDs, and -- my personal favorite -- PUZZLES! The larger monthly book sales are especially fun because they open up the big room and have a much bigger selection. I've bought countless books and puzzles here over the years. I've participated in their reading program, too, and the staff have always been helpful. More recently, work has made this location less convenient for me, so I don't get here nearly as often as I used to. I now visit Katy Geissert Civic Center Library more often simply because of convenience. I used to come here 2-3 times a week, and now I'm probably here around 2-4 times a month. It honestly makes me a little sad because I still love this library. The library's online/app services have also been incredibly useful. I've used them to reserve study rooms and place holds on books without having to make an extra trip. And speaking of study rooms -- these have been a lifesaver. Whether I need somewhere quiet and private to focus on work or a reliable place to take a virtual job interview, being able to reserve a room has been incredibly valuable to me. I also love the bookmark contests! I get to see the creativity of local kids, and some of their artwork is seriously impressive -- sometimes downright jaw-dropping. I love grabbing a free bookmark on my way out. At this point, my typical library visit feels like: walk in for a book, walk out with a book AND a bookmark. The kids' area also looks like such a fun space, even though I don't personally use it. Overall, I love the staff, programs, resources, architecture, and just the general vibe of Peninsula Center Library. It has been much more than a place to check out books for me. It has been a quiet refuge, a workspace, an interview space, a place to discover books, and occasionally a place to find a great puzzle for a few dollars. Even though I don't visit as frequently as I used to, this library will always have a special place in my South Bay story. And yes -- I'll probably keep coming back for those Friends of the Library sales and puzzles.

I luv this library, it's big, clean, convenient (open 7 days) & staff is super friendly. There's…read morealways art on display by local artists. When I stop to browse the paintings & photography, it's like a little indulgent break in the middle of the day that I didn't know I needed. I always leave just a tad bit happier :). There are 2 parking entrances, one on Silver Spur & the other on Deep Valley (rooftop w EV charging). They have book sales pretty often which I hope to check out in the future :).

In this quaint part of town, I decided to take a pit stop and get a refill on water as well as…read moredrain the radiator. Plenty of shaded lot parking for a Saturday afternoon though fairly strong attendance of library patrons all the same. With parking down below, the library was up on the second floor with the front of the entrance decorated with tall red, blue, and yellow flowerlike installations. The library looks and feels inviting, warmly lit by sunlight peering in through the front windows. Sprinkled around are decorative pieces showing the local wildlife, mounted on the walls. Noise level was kept to a minimal, so it also felt like a great opportunity to just relax and getting some reading done. As for me, there was a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle near the center of the library that kept me occupied.

They had a $1 book sale in front, clean and spacious inside, and it feels like a tree house getaway…read moresince the library is on the second floor

It's a very nice, very clean, and very pretty library. Lots of parking, very secluded area but not…read moretoo far off from the main streets. Definitely a nice library to visit, with a very cheap bookstore.

Nice building and clean. What happened to soft voices in a library? The women that work there are…read morethe worst offenders.

Toddler space is good, and there's a very accessible space for activitiy in the back. Parking is…read moredifficult, otherwise, good library for toddler.

This was my first time ever stopping here, and boy was I impressed for a public facility! For those…read moreof you who are ever in the area and need to print out a few forms or documents, you can't beat this library. Your first 10 printouts are free. And while my home public library in Culver City is up to the task and gets the job done, the environment here is on another level all together. Perhaps it has something to do with looking out on the mighty Pacific right? Lol Leslie and Ann were super helpful immediately upon entry as my guest and I had never been here before. In addition to their great customer service, the cleanliness of the facility also stands out. Would highly recommend to anyone.

I recently stopped by the Woodland Hills Branch of the LAPL. It was my first time visiting a…read morelibrary in person in a very long time. I wanted to renew my library card, along with getting a 100th anniversary Card Catalog Stamp for a friend collecting the scavenger hunt cards. Everyone was so nice and helpful! I was able to get everything accomplished quickly. I didn't have a long time to stay for the visit, but I definitely look forward to stopping by again soon. There is a parking lot, but it is pretty small, so you may have to look for street parking when you visit.

Such a cute library! I am a big fan of LAPL libraries, and the free resources they provide for…read morecommunity members. This location is very quiet, clean, and a great place to get work done. I had a good experience parking. There is more than enough for everybody and a book drop conveniently available outside. I set up my study materials on a large desk near an outlet and it went very smooth. I also asked one of the librarians for help with my library card, and they were very helpful. Overall, very nice area, great vibes, and ample parking.