I visited this library for the first time yesterday, and I was impressed at this facility. Parking is free (at least for two hours) if you park at the lot that is connected to the library. You can either walk around or cut through the path to get to the main entrance. The bottom floor is mostly kids media as well as DVDs, and when I went the library itself was pretty quiet, so that was a pleasant surprise. The construction of the building was nice to look at as well, with a lot of glass and stainless steel, and there were also a ton of art features, such as the hanging jellyfish when you walk up the stairs to the second floor. There are rentable study rooms, but also a good amount of tables and chairs, and most of the tables had their own outlets to use as well, making this a great place to study. I took up a spot at a table that faced the ocean, and it was just so calm and serene. I would come again, as it wasn't too busy from 1-3 PM. read more

This was my first time ever stopping here, and boy was I impressed for a public facility! For those of 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. read more

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I went to the Manhattan Beach Library yesterday and honestly... life felt extra amazing afterward. The building itself is stunning--glass and stainless steel, built in 2015, modern and elegant without trying too hard. It feels like architecture that wants you to slow down and be curious. Downstairs, the book collection is so beautifully displayed that I momentarily forgot I was in a library. I saw a cake book near the checkout and fell in love like it was a luxury coffee-table book in a high-end bookstore--then remembered: wait, this is a library. These books are FREE. You can just... read them. How lucky are we?? Upstairs is even better. The design is gorgeous, with jellyfish-like fixtures floating on the ceiling, tons of natural light, and study chairs so comfortable they feel like they belong in a chic café. And then there's the view--straight out to the Pacific Ocean. Studying or reading with an ocean view? Absolutely unreal. This place made me feel grateful, inspired, and weirdly emotional about public libraries. Five stars, no notes. read more

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Wow! this library is honestly SO beautiful! having a view of the ocean while studying is the best! There's not too many seats here and it gets taken pretty quickly! Overall, 10/10 I would go again :,) read more

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What a gem for library lovers! Careful, even though this library is located in a stunning glass and concrete structure, you may miss it if you're driving past it on Highland. Be sure you have ample time when visiting, even though there is a medium sized parking lot in the middle of Manhattan Beach's Civic Center, where the library is located, it can get crowded and cramped! So, be patient - I promise it's worth it. This is a two story library with stunning views of the ocean on the top floor. There are plenty of seating areas and study tables on the West side. During my recent visit, I requested help from two different librarians, both were very helpful and accommodating. One pointed me to the fiction and bio section. Another assisted with the self checkout on my way out. One drawback I do have to mention is the restrooms were locked and required a buzz in from a nearby librarian. This is a red flag for me - screamed transient issue. Once inside the restroom was very neat and clean. Just a note to keep in mind. All in all, this is a gorgeous structure, with a great variety of books, all seem to be well taken care of and are neatly organized. The library was busy but very quiet, which I very much appreciate! Best location and a gorgeous view. read more

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LA County Library - Manhattan Beach: Great Views, Productive Spot I was visiting LA and needed a place to work for a bit. This library was a great find! Parking is tricky, as expected in California, but the space itself is beautiful--lots of glass, natural light, and an amazing ocean view from the second floor. It's well-kept and modern, but it's not a silent library. The open layout means some background noise, and the children's section downstairs was busy even on a Thursday morning. That said, the staff was super friendly and helpful, which made the visit even better. If you don't mind a little noise, it's a great spot to work for an hour or two while enjoying the view. Just plan ahead for parking! read more

LA County Library - Manhattan Beach Library - Libraries Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

The library is a wonderful community resource. I've been attending the evening book club for nearly two years and it was the first way I found a way to engage with fellow bookl lovers in South Bay. The library also hosts many programs to help the community and educate people of all ages. Inside the architecture is beautiful. Bonus, we have a spectacular ocean view that gets even better at sunset. read more

LA County Library - Manhattan Beach Library - Cool book club swag - Libraries Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Beautiful, well-organized library with a beach view. So many resources and spacious quiet seatings, perfect for a studying session with the view of the famous Manhattan Beach! My kind of peace and how to spend a wellness day. Lots of parking and free for 2 hours! Definitely will come back when I'm around. read more

LA County Library - Manhattan Beach Library - Interior design - Libraries Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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I needed a library on Sunday and the only LA county library open was in Manhattan Beach. They are open 7 days a week. I am a big fan of libraries and they offer so much. The parking option is meter street and a parking lot meter. The librarians were helpful. I didn't get to tour the whole library but will be back. read more

LA County Library - Manhattan Beach Library - Libraries Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Very nice and clean library. It's convenient to park in the lot, however you can only do it for 2hrs at a time. Which makes no sense if you come in here to do some work. They even have private rooms. The view is magnificent and one of a kind of the ocean. Lost a rating for parking. read more

LA County Library - Manhattan Beach Library - Library - Libraries Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

One of the few libraries to open on a Sunday in LA County! I visited and was pleasantly surprised by the nice view of the ocean on the 2nd floor. Some highlights- I found the self return machine interesting as not many libraries have this. There's also a relatively large used book sale. Their second floor was a bit warm even for a 60F something weather day; they still have individual fans running! find it cool that they have an archive of old newspapers. read more

Very beautiful library with amazing views! There are 4 study rooms upstairs that you can reserve or just use if no one else if using them. Workers are helpful and parking is in the lot. Close walk to the beach and the park. read more

LA County Library - Manhattan Beach Library - Views from study room - Libraries Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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Quiet areas, friendly staff, amazing views. Ample charging ports upstairs. Great parking. 2 hours free in the lot behind city hall. Then you can move your car to another 2 hours free spot on the streets near by. read more

Beautiful library, but so few desks! I would be so grateful if they swapped out some of the awkward chairs for desks. Always a gamble on whether or not you'll get an adequate spot when coming here to study. The two hour parking limit is very inconvenient as well. Difficult to focus when you're always thinking about getting up to move your car, and then coming back. This library is gorgeous, and when you are lucky enough to get a desk it is a prime study spot. I just desperately wish that it was more user friendly with more desks and a better parking situation. read more

I come here when I'm visiting the sand dunes or the trail and this library is modern and pretty clean! They have private offices you can reserve in advance to study or hold a meeting in. Parking is always available! Nice kids area here too. read more

Parking is STRICTLY enforced. Do NOT try to beat the system bc they WILL ticket you $60. Just pay for parking and follow the rules (if it says 30 min limit, then follow). There is metered street parking as well as two parking lots (one underground and one at street level). The parking lot at street level is free but it's always full, its 1-2 hour limit, AND they enforce. Besides the parking being an annoyance, This place is beautiful. read more

I went here to get some work done and avoid driving through traffic and I am so glad I did. The most beautiful public library; honestly probably THE best public library in this area. I've been to quite a few (Santa Monica, Newport Beach, Beverly Hills to name a few) but this is the best in terms of seating, architecture, books, and people. Some of the other libraries I've been to have too many kids running around amongst people trying to study but this one mainly has the children's area downstairs and main study spaces upstairs. Its super clean and there are giant glass windows where you can overlook Manhattan beach. I will say that it's smaller than others but definitely not lacking anywhere. I was able to get a library card in minutes- the staff was very friendly and helpful. I feel like the people are just more respectful in general when I've gone. Everyone is quiet and there's a relaxed feel. read more

LA County Library - Manhattan Beach Library - Libraries Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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I love the LA County library located in Manhattan Beach. It's clean, easy to find books myself, and it's quiet enough. Children's books are on the first floor. If you put a book on hold, you can grab it yourself then check out with the front desk. The books on hold are right next to the entrances and front desk. Computers are on the 2nd floor. The computers aren't too icky. There's some transient folks but they mind their own and are quiet. (Some public libraries don't have this luxury unfortunately) The sitting area facing Highland is awesome. Great view. I like to bring a book and glance occasionally at the view. Women's bathroom is clean and works for being a bathroom in a public library. Overall every library has different selections of books. I like that they have a decent amount on religion, philosophy, and self-help. The private rooms are always being used. I suggest coming a bit early than the crowds if you wanted a study room to yourself. read more

This is a gorgeous library in Manhattan Beach, just steps away from restaurants and the MB Pier itself. It's a 2-story library which is part of the County of Los Angeles library system. The benefit of getting a library card is that you can borrow from here, and return to another County library. You also have access to free downloads of books, and from what I read, access to movies as well. There's a really nice children's section on the first level with children's computers and neatly organized books. The upper level has an ocean view! The only downside is there's no free parking. There's either metered street parking or several lots nearby. The lot across from the library is limited to 2 hours, but it's reasonably priced at 75 cents per hour. Applying for a library card is easy and free! read more

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If you're someone who wants to read for hours on end, this isn't the place for you. The upper floor gets pretty hot as it does not seem the A/C is up to the task of keeping it cool, very big let down. I'd also wish there was more comfortable seating, where one can recline and enjoy their book. Such a shame being it's a quiet space, perfect for focusing unlike other libraries that have folks of poor manners. read more

LA County Library - Manhattan Beach Library - Libraries Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Beautiful location. I just hate that the parking has meters. It's dumb. People from all over park in the upper lot and aren't using the library. Annoying. read more

Today 11/15/2023 at 1:30 PM, there is an elderly man with a hump back and black Nike tennis shoes, a light gray coat, blue jeans and a light gray shirt, with a light straw color hat on who keeps couching with his mouth open but he never covers his mouth. Everyone avoid this library like the Plague it will make you sick. Library staff are afraid to speak to him about his couching (They are as sick as he is). Today it's raining and it's about 60 degrees outside and the library has their A/C blasting. I think I am going to have to stop coming to this library all together, it's too dirty for me. There is another strain of the Covid-19 going around, this guy might have it and is trying to pass it over to everybody he comes in contact with. I wonder if he does have it. read more

Short walk to the beach once you finish checking out books. Very convenient location near to all the shops and eateries. LOTS of natural light throughout. If they don't have a book in stock they will order it for you, just ask. Delightful staff, always willing to help. read more

A great place to be when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the rat race outside. The glass building is beautiful and the interior has a very cozy feeling to it. read more

LA County Library - Manhattan Beach Library - Stairway to heaven - Libraries Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

This is a really nice library considering it is near Manhattan Beach. If you sit upstairs on one side of the library, you will see the view of the beach. I like the glass windows because you don't feel enclosed/in a bubble. The downsides are that you have to go at the right time to be able to get only 2 hour parking in the back and study spots may be limited depending on what time and day you go. This library has a few private study rooms, which is nice. read more

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I am glad we have the resources of the county available. If Redondo Beach and Torrance public libraries don't have an item, I can get a copy sent to the Manhattan Beach library from another LA County library. I really enjoy the free online classes and the YouTube recordings of ones I missed. Oleg Kagan does a great job running the Digital Technology classes. read more

This is a well designed library that is clean and organized with good access to parking. It's in an area where it's walking distance for shopping and eating as well as being minutes away from the sand and shore of the ocean beach. read more

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I needed a place to study and this library worked out perfectly. I got there when they first opened and there were many open tables and seating options w a nice view. read more

This is a fairly new library that opened in recent years. It has a beautiful oceanic view by the desks on the second floor and a gorgeous interior. I think this is one of the nicest libraries I have seen for a while. I decided to sign up for a free library card and found they provide free access to Lynda, a huge online learning resource. Parking might be an issue even on a Sunday when it first opens. But there's plenty of metered parking by city hall for the library. read more

Wanted to minus one star for the Parking - It doesn't exist if your patron of the library on the weekends! But I just can't, it's a beautiful modern library, walking steps & view of the beach! Brand new, high tech - state of the art equipment, modules, outlets/PC friendly & gorgeous ocean views (if your lucky to snatch a seat upstairs in the study area facing it). Nice accommodating areas to study/research (rooms for group studies), downstairs is children's area. It has a little study area, play area (really for story time), homework help, etc. Nice new & spotless restrooms, I believe both floors, for sure upstairs. Let's not forget the outside in back - nice area with lawn(s), benches, etc to study or read in. And most importantly friendly, helpful staff ready to assist you. I can't describe it any differently, as the most recent reviews state everything accurately. Again I state the only issue is of the parking. Sure if you come on the weekdays early is not a problem;it's the weekends (mainly Sundays since they now open at 1pm), parking's almost gone or can be challenging unless you know the area well & park a little further away - yes a great area to walk, but you struggle if you have your laptop & other small equipment w/you. There should be a portion of the parking garage reserved for library members only. What should I expect? After all, it's located within walking distance from the beach :( read more

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Wonderful library! My favorite library in Los Angeles area. Love going to manhattan beach public library! Very spacious and clean. Great computer lab on the 2nd level. Lovely fireplace area on 2nd level. Terrific and so relaxing! Staff are very helpful and friendly! Best part of all the spectacular views of the ocean that can be seen from the 2nd level. Delightful treat to sit down and gaze out to the ocean while reading or whatever else...desks are set up in a way to sit while enjoying the view. Only Downside is there is no parking but there is a parking structure nearby which is cheap but parking is definitely an unpleasant challenge...but perks and wonderful library overcomes the parking dilemma... Come to the manhattan beach public library! Highly recommended! read more

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Greatful that the Redondo library was closed. My first time here , came in to review some plans and grab a few books , very nice the adult section upstairs is very quiet and the view is amazing. ? read more

Wonderful, peaceful library. Had a grand time reading, writing, and working on some passion projects. Has ample seating. Great selection of books. read more

Fire this racist woman! Overall, beautiful and clean library. However, the staff is decent but this lady in this photo needs to be F I R E D !! Doesn't help. Talks on the phone super loudly!! WE ARE IN A LIBRARY!! She shouldn't be working here if all she does is be disruptive read more

We found this library by accident. My husband had to park extremely far away because it was a busy day at Manhattan Beach- So we were walking along and found this beauty! BAM! My husband said it was a library- I said REAALLYYYY! So we went in to check out- Wow- So nice, you can see the beach from the second floor and it is marvelous- No wonder, nobody is reading but enjoying the view- SO BEAUTIFUL! It is a new library so everything is GREAT! Tons of books, great furniture! I love the kids section- I wish I could bring my nieces- My husband liked the magazine section- It was just so awesome. Too bad that we don't live near Manhattan Beach- But we will come and study here haha- I already recommended this library to my friends and everyone is impressed by the photos- Definitely, come here and study :D read more

OMG. This is my all time favorite public library in L.A. The location and the modern building: WOW! I've been passing by this library for some time now and was so intrigued the first time I saw it. The architecture caught my eye right away; the exterior is made of glass, giving patrons unobstructed views of downtown MB and the ocean! The second floor is the best spot; pick any seat and enjoy. The interior design is ocean and aquatics theme which is perfect for this beachside library. I was able to get a card on the spot and I love how I can check out books here and return it to other LA Co. library locations; I can also reserve books from other locations and have it delivered to the nearest Co. library -- LOVE IT! Besides that, other perks include access to so many resources such as digital magazines, online learning (free courses, languages, professional skills...etc), movies & tv shows and music streaming and ebooks and audiobooks through overdrive, libby, hoopla and RB digital. I'm glad I'm no longer in school bc I don't think I could focus if I studied here, lol! My eyes would be fixed towards the floor to ceiling glass and gaze in the direction of the horizon all day. The only downside (as expected in this area) is parking. They share a small metered lot with the city hall and you can park for a max of 2 hours. Or if you get lucky, you can find a spot along Highland. Avoid Tuesdays (story time, lots of kiddos and farmers market) whilst other days during the week on a weekday is heaven... read more

Unbelievable library! I feel so lucky to have such a beautiful facility nearby to feed my book frenzy! The MB Library is a state of the art county facility. They have an on-line book library and reservation system. The staff is helpful and friendly. Great atmosphere too. Parking is ok. They have a free parking lot in the back towards the police station or across the street metered parking for the library. Happy reading y'all. read more

My grandson got his library card thus week and is so very proud. The folks working there were kind and enjoy children. read more

LA County Library - Manhattan Beach Library - Porter gets his very own library card! - Libraries Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

I'm willing to go out on a limb and say this is the single greatest library in Southern California. Take that Nixon Library! One thing to note is that even though it's a library, it doesn't have the insanely old musty book smell that can be found in other libraries. I think that's a nice touch. If I can take a moment to be serious, this library is absolutely incredible. It's one of the few places in all of Manhattan Beach that offers free parking, there is free wifi, insanely comfortable seating, and it has the multi-million dollar view over looking the ocean. And of course, it's freaking free! The loads of services the offer is incredible too. Because this is a county library, it has loads of connections to other libraries, so if you can't find what you need here, publication, book, comic, dvd (that's right, your can rent new DVDs here for free), then they can check one of their sister branches and help you out there too. If there was a single flaw to be had, I'd say I'm just sad that they aren't open earlier. They open at 10 a.m. on most weekdays, and noon o'clock on Fridays. Of all the libraries in greater Los Angeles and Orange County, this is the one I enjoy the most. read more

My oh my. This library is BEAUTIFUL. The only similarity with old one has to be its name because this place is thoroughly modern in every way; decor, equipment, etc. The meeting rooms are wonderful. I make it a point to come here at least once a week to study, read, and write notes. Having an ocean view upstairs doesn't hurt either! read more

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