How do I compare apples to oranges? The other two libraries that are my favorites are South Pasadena and Crowell library in San Marino. Each of those two include outdoor spaces. This library is centrally located for San Gabriel and surrounding areas. Yes, you are welcome if you live south of the tracks and if you are ESL. They say they are a safe place for people seeking safety. The library staff is helpful to place orders for books DVDs and audio books. I think the LA county system even loans things like sewing machines. Using the library website you can draw from the many small county libraries. I have always gotten a parking space and I do use the handicap door opener. When I visit it is invitingly cool and quiet. I haven't checked out the restroom yet. read more

I stopped by on a Saturday and couldn't find any parking spaces in their lot, so I found a parking space in the street. This library was packed inside which I was very surprised to see. I am glad locals are using the libraries even when some were using it just to stay cool from the hot weather outside. read more

LA County Library - San Gabriel Library - Love painted murals JUN2026 - Libraries Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Every one is very nice, we always get help, kindly happy to enjoy the movies that we borrow, very happy

First time visiting this location. It was a little confusing to find the entrance, however once I got in, it was a nice little library. Loved the collection of kids books in various languages. The staff was very helpful and I was able to find some great books for my son to do summer reading. Definitely will check it out again. Parking is limited however, there is a lot of street parking as well. read more

I love this library. The staff is friendly and patient. The place is clean. Books can be found easily and if it's not there, they just transfer it from another library. There is nothing for me to complain about. Edit: I thought of one thing I can complain about - the automatic sliding door keeps opening and closing whenever I am returning books in the book slot! read more

Great little library! I highly recommend this one if you're close by. The staff is helpful and the lot area is great.

As a child, I often visited libraries and loved the feeling of browsing the aisles. However, at some point, I stopped going since I had access to a library through school. Recently, I have found myself enthralled once again by the quiet, peaceful setting many public libraries provide. This review isn't about just any library; it is about the San Gabriel Library located off Del Mar. First and foremost, the staff provide exceptional service. I visited for the first time this year to show my toddler the magic libraries contain. We signed up for "Smarty Pants," a program that entertains my toddler with story time and playtime afterward. He loves coming here because they have a substantial play area with all kinds of toys and activities for him to engage in. He also gets to interact with other children, both his age and older. Now, what's in it for me? When I'm not towing my toddler in hand, I come here to work. The library offers clean and spacious workspaces with reliable, fast WiFi and outlets to charge your laptop. Their bathroom facilities are immaculate. If they don't have a book I need, I can place books on hold via their app and they can retrieve it from one of the other libraries, which is easy and reliable. The staff is always kind and attentive when needed. Lastly, they provide free lunch for kids and teens under 18 (note: this is a limited program over the summer). What more could you ask for? My one qualm is that I wish they opened earlier, but alas, we cannot have it all. Thank you, San Gabriel Library! read more

This is a tiny small Library in the City Of San Gabriel. Its like a hidden gem, because the first time I came to visit here, it was hard to find on the busy streets. Anyway, they have good old used books, and old and new magazines. Don't expect a whole lot here, because they are limited with very few books and resources. But its still a good community library that has everything for children and adults. Nice professional people working here. I love how unique this location is. read more

Helpful Staff ! Brought my son here for his first library experience and we had a great time !

I could never find parking at this library. Yes, probably because the parking lot is way smaller than the Rosemead Library. But seriously, the few times I've been here, I parked on the street around the neighborhood and walked over. Oh well, more steps for my Fitbit! I feel a bit claustrophobic here because this library is not as roomie. Most likely you'll share a study table with another person. It does get a little uncomfortable because you'll start building invisible boundaries so your paperwork will not get mixed with anybody elses. It is a bit cozier however, but still... It's a public library. I rather be cozy at home. Anyhow, the library staff here are a bit more stearn. Which is good! I here the librarian telling others to keep the noise level down, I heard one time she ask a person to take their bare feet off the chairs! I like that! It's called respecting other people's property. The also have a children's library area for after school literature. They have a decent collection of books too. The organization seems a bit better here. Cooler air conditioning, more organized, and adults aren't as loud compared to the other library. I hope this branch expands. But doubt it. read more

LA County Library - San Gabriel Library - Libraries Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Love this little library! It is clean, the bathroom is clean. They have self check-outs and they automatically shut down 15 minutes before the library closes. Everything is easy to find. Plenty of tables to use to study. read more

Decent library! I came here to do some work and the only thing that I was thrown off by was how loud the screaming kids and babies were. They cleared out though and it became quieter. Free wifi if you sign up for a library card! It's free and you need a valid ID with an address. There's air conditioning and a wide selection of books. Pretty small library but it works! read more

This place is small. The staff is friendly and kind. It might be kind of difficult to find parking in parking lot because it is limited. There is always street parking. Also the dvd collection is small and computer time is only 30minutes. Overall this library is clean and you can order it books or DVDs at others library and have them deliver it to this location but it take about 7 to 10 days but you do get noticification through email. read more

This may be a small library with loud kids, but it is an amazing library! I come here at least once a week unless I'm busy. The only way to make this library better is if they adopt a cat or dog and make it a library companion. Do not mess with my library!!! The US History section of the library is very impressive. The science section is in the kids' area and is sorely lacking. I love the teen programs that they do during the summer. The staff are very kind. read more

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How can you not love a library? It's got AC, internet, and tons of information.. Not sure if a book is worth buying? Stop in the library and check it out. All of these resources, believe it or not, are for free! The SG Library is very well maintained, looks practically new. There is a free private parking lot, however that can get filled fairly quickly. (Alternative is street parking or the 20 min green parking zone right at the entrance if you're just running in for a quickie.) They have self check out machines so you never have to wait in line. And if you prefer having a librarian help you out, they are readily available. There are computers for you to surf the net. There is also a small children/family area for parents who like to read book to their children. Overall, great library. Definitely will be back (since I've got books that soon will be overdue)! read more

I've decided this is a really nice community library and I want to bump it up a star for the following reasons: Every time I come here I get good service from the volunteers and librarians. For some reason my card doesn't work when I try to use the self-checkout kiosks. So I have to ask for help whenever I go... Everyone's really friendly, though, and nobody seems to mind the inconvenience. Today there were two kids waiting for help from the librarian, waiting to check out two books (one each)... also there was a little kid who was checking out her own books at one of the kiosks. Super cool that these kids are getting the exposure to books that they should! Also I noticed a library calendar entirely full of fun activities and events geared toward young children and teens. And adults, too, like origami and meditation... That's what libraries are all about! I love it. read more

Although a little small, this library has a lot of charm. For those curious, this particular location has cozy seating, clean tables, clean restrooms, outlets for charging, computers for adults and children alike, and many resources such as English and Foreign Language books, cheap printing, and free WiFi using your library card. Librarians are helpful here. Many sweet older ladies that I've observed helping folks with printing and signing up for library cards. Additionally, I've seen people being tutored one-on-one with math and English here. This library also encourages parents to bring their children to take advantage of their free meals and activities. Overall, a nice library for all your library needs. One thing that might be of concern to individuals is the noise and activity level when groups of children are visiting here. However, they tend to be escorted out when activities are done. Therefore, this shouldn't be too big of an issue. Lastly, there are few parking spots available in the lot here, so it's preferred to come on foot, bus or bike. read more

How can anyone say they're not a fan of the public library?! The San Gabriel Public Library has always been my go to public library to check out books. I frequently bring my little sister here to get all her favorite books. This library is definitely not as big as some of the other major libraries. It has a smaller more intimating feeling to it. The staff is always very friendly and excited to help if you're not to familiar with the Dewey Decimal System. They also frequently have used book sales where they sell old books for a few dollars. My only complaint is that the parking lot is quite small. It only fits about 10 cars and can be quite cramped on busy weekends. read more

Los Angeles is blessed with a lot of libraries, and I have to say I prefer the Los Angeles county network of libraries (COLA, county of Los Angeles libraries) over the Los Angeles public libraries (LAPL, which includes the Los Angeles central library downtown). Sure, there are libraries with better science fiction collection and graphic novel collection (that would be the Glendale central library which belongs to the pasadena/Glendale library network). But the staff in general ranks among the nicest and most helpful, though the individual libraries of the COLA are small, you can always find some rare books at a different branch, book requests from a different branch is FREE, and the library staff don't accuse you of damaging their books and demanding a king's ransom like the bitchy staff at the Alhambra library (I will remember that forever! You old Chinese hag!!) What makes this library so kickass is they have a 10 page per day FREE printing on their computers!! No other library that I am aware of does that!! They also have a fairly decent collection of Chinese books here. If I have to nitpick, the parking is kind of limited and you sometimes have to park a block or two away and have to hike all the way to the library, which can be a royal pain in the ASS in the scorching summer heat. That is not enough to bump the overall grade to 4 stars, however. 清倉令郎聽湯 read more

Wa ～how wonderful that I can live close by enough to attend this library family story time, Saturday family programs and toy time. I know these encourage my children to read more, want to learn more and start to social properly with other kids. All children programs are well planned. Thank you so much to all San Gabriel librarians put together for us. I love the wild animal awareness event & summer reading program ice cream celebration. Learning should be fun! I know children and Moms could be loud to impacts people who come to this library to study . From bottom of my heat to say sorry here, but please endure our children for just 1 hour laugh and learn. The new kid story time schedule is coming out. We should all check it out. read more

Great small library with fun activities for toddlers and children. My daughter enjoyed story-time and the kitchen play set located in the toddler area. Parking is limited here. Staff is always helpful and friendly. We visit on a weekly basis and enjoy borrowing books from this library. My daughter participates in the reading program and receives prices when she completes the 10 activities listed. read more

The BEST part about being an LA county library member is that you can sign in online, search for the book you want, and have it sent to your closest library! They also e-mail you when your books have arrived or almost due. Did you know this? I certainly did not! (Considering I haven't stepped foot in a library since middle high school) Also, the check out process is so easy, fast, and convenient! At first I felt like an idiot trying to figure out how to scan the book, but afterwards, I still felt like an idiot considering how straightforward it was. When I want a book that's already there, I'm in and out of there in less than 5 minutes. 5 stars for convenience. Overall, this is one of the smaller libraries I have been in. It's a one story library located on a busy street (Del Mar) with a small parking lot in the back so parking is easy to find. My only gripe about this location is that it may be difficult to get distraction free studying done. There were a lot of young kids getting tutored when I was there. I am guessing mid afternoon on a weekday are bad days to come if you want to avoid this. read more

The San Gabriel Library is part of the LA County system, and this particular location is great for little kids, toddlers, and babies! The Baby Story Time is held on the 2nd floor conference room on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m., and it's a very fun, and FREE, mommy & me class. The class size is smaller, usually anywhere from 5 to 15 kids, and the nursery rhymes and games last for 15-20 minutes, followed by free play. The guy who leads the Baby Storytime and Toddler Storytime and Family Storytime is great! He has a lot of enthusiasm during the sessions. During the free play, it's very easy to talk to the other moms; not much snobbery here, as is usually present at more upscale mommy & me places (e.g. Gymboree). Also, this facility has a lot of toys, and a large area dedicated to the little ones! My one year old loves to play here, and it's simple fun for him. I am glad that this library is so kid-friendly. The librarians are always willing to help kids find books. The reference librarian even talks to a 2 year old to help her learn how to use the computers. What great service! Not a bad place for studying, although study space and hours are limited. The south side of the library is a little dark, and the desks near the entrance are brighter, although this section of the library is less quiet. Obviously, no food in the library, but if you are on a studying roll, and you need to grab a bite, Dandi's is just across the street. With such a kid-friendly library though, you won't find many quiet zones; hence, if you need utter quiet, then I would suggest other locales. The books at this location are a little dated, and some of the childrens' books have pages ripped out of them. However, this library has a decent Chinese language collection, which really pleased my dad. All in all, I love coming to the San Gabriel Public Library. It is a nice place, and a great community resource. It is smaller than other libraries, but it is this cozy feeling that gives it its own charm. Definitely clean, kid-friendly, and has a nice staff. I just wish it had more baby and toddler story times. read more

Tried to speak with a librarian and when I walked towards her all she did was point me towards another librarian desk. Which was quite rude and all I could think was maybe you can direct me verbally? Anyhow it seems like this place is a bit small and the furniture is used and abused (but that's the community's fault I assume). But the main reason I came here was because I wanted to study a bit before work and it was the closest library (walking distance). But to my dismay, it was extremely noisy and difficult to study at. read more

This is my favorite library. Even though the place is small, it is usually not crowded. The place is well kept and clean. A computer is usually available for use. Don't forget your library and pin to check out and use the computer. It is not the quietest library, but much better than other places. Bring a jacket cause they blast the AC. Also, come early for parking. read more

How long has it been since your were in a library? For me, it has been too many years to mention, but, what a great experience! First, they didn't make me feel dumb, when I didn't know the ropes of how it all functioned. Patience and lots of kindness. I am now an official L A County Library member. Yahoo! After walking in the door, off the back parking lot, the books directly to your left, would be books called "Friends of the Library". It's a used book section on all topics that you can purchase at a great valued price. How cool is that? I have found some great novels, and a diet book or two. With the internet, Kindles, and all, why would you want to go to a library? Well..... I love the fact it's a community landmark, opening in 1915 and in the older section of San Gabriel, across the San Gabriel Police Dept, and near the Del Mar Cafe. It's small and personal. It's a great place to research information, and has enough computers for those who need them. Movies to check out too. And if you are looking for social interaction, they offer baby, toddler and family story times. Just check for dates and times. So go pull up a chair, grab a book, and have some fantastic quiet time. Or take it home, and when done, use the drop box in front of the library on Del Mar Ave. read more

The best place, "library-wise" , to study!! It is a small library that has everything thats needed to study without the loud high school crowd, loud English music (i.e Starbucks) or loud Asian music (i.e Tea Houses). The librarians are helpful. True that you wont get the super-highed-up-w-coffee joker smile from them, but they get things done. I see a similarity between them and the Chinese waiters and waitresses around this area: grumpy, bored with life, and mean. The differences are that they arent Asian and they dont scream (shhh..its still library after all). read more

I have been here a few times, my girlfriend is a teacher and she asks me to get books for her while she's at work and when she couldn't find some, I suggested this library and you had them and were very friendly and helpful in my search for them. The staff is friendly and warm, they seem to love what they do and there's a kid safe area right near where they work so you know it's safe and family-friendly. I don't know why it say's that, but I don't live in the Bay area. read more

This is my first time here and I did not get to fully explore the library. I came here to study and the atmosphere was optimal. The chairs had cushioning on them which didn't make your back feel numb or itchy when sitting down too long. The temperature was pretty cold but it's perfect to put on a hoodie in there. The bathrooms were well-kept and clean. Overall the whole library was quiet and when people talk they whispered. I would definitely go back and study there again. read more

It always have kids running around and making loud noises ! It feels like a playground after 3:30pm each day, doesn't feel like a library it should be. Told the librarian and they don't care. It used to be a place I can study, now I would aware this is not a library anymore. Very disappointed read more

If you need a quiet place to study, this is not the place. There's playground upstairs with kids stomping their feet. I approached the librarian to sarcastically ask if there is a playground above. She repled, "Yes, there is." read more

I called this afternoon 20 minutes before closing time to ask about renting a DVD , they told me the process so I was there within 5 minutes...I spent some time looking at dvds within a few minutes the women who worked there told me have I found anything yet because they are closing down the computers . I asked don't they close at 5? Because it wasn't even 5 yet she said yes but they start shutting everything down early . She seemed pretty rude . I rushed to find a movie I wanted , gave them my info to rent it and gave them a 5$ bill when it's 2 dollars to rent a movie , the rude women then comes out again and says they already put away the money so I might have to come back tomorrow to rent my movie if one of the employees don't have change. So unprofessional it's was 4:58 . I'm pretty sure everything shouldn't be close up and put away before closing time at 5pm. The customer service was very disappointing. If they close earlier then the closing time stated on the website I should have been informed when I called about renting a movie . read more

This library is for little children and their parents. If you want a quiet place to study - look elsewhere.

Like the new layout and the wi-fi. Beats having to log on to their computers (there are more of them now). Using the County Library's website helps to get books from their entire circulation (including other County libraries). Service here is friendly. They replaced my card for free b/c mine was getting too old. I usually go here first before Alhambra, Pasadena, or L.A. City. read more

So I came here on a Saturday to study and the parking was a bit hard cuz there's limited parking but eventually found a spot! I saw a bunch of ladies on their work our outfit with yoga met coming down from the elevator and I was so confused! Later I found out that they have yoga classes on Saturdays and they have different events planned for every month! I was in the study zone and it was pretty quiet. There are a lot of people just studying reading books and newspaper! I would come back to study and read some backs anytime! read more

it's my library i like this place the staff are very friendly and nice. good place to study or read a book. it's the best place to keep cool when theres no AC at home. printing is free here. last time i didn't know i when to the copy and print, like ups store they charge you money! why pay if you can get it free. oh yeah free WiFi too. read more

EXCELLENT customer service. The handful of library staff I interacted with were extremely timely in providing helpful and friendly customer service in a timely manner. Was able to sign up for a temporary printing card in no time. Thanks, SG Library! read more

Business as usual - computers malfunctioning all the time, staff letting adullts and kids screaming and running around, ...

Came here to study on a Thursday afternoon. It was 75% packed. It's a relatively small library. I sat at the tables in the center of library; plugs were below the tables. I was able to concentrate well, but I was slightly distracted by the kids playing in the children area. And I kept hearing the beeping noise as people were checking books out at the kiosk. The parking lot is also pretty small. read more

I only came here a couple of times, but the atmosphere is nice and quiet. It feels like a library and is very organized. This would be a good place to study or just sit and read it book. There are several tables and chairs so it's quite easy to just sit and read. However, the computers are usually full. They have an express computer and free wifi. In terms of neatness, it is quite neat and clean, and it seems like you can always find what you're looking for there. The service and staff are quite nice too! read more