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Matilija Lending Library

5.0 (9 reviews)
Closed Closed
Updated 2 months ago

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Irma B.

Matilija Lending Library is a one of a kind third place available in the SGV. A third place is somewhere apart from home or work that you could relax and feel a sense of belonging and community. Matilija offers a space to the community where you could socialize, try new things, learn, and so much more. They have a wide variety of books by BIPOC authors to lend and also for sale. They have cute stickers perfect for water bottles, bookmarks, cards, and pins too. They extend their space to the community and host events such as a book club, bike club, art and nature events, movement classes, and even game nights. And all of these events are free and welcome to all! Here, I learned how to line dance, ate foraged food for the first time, planted native plants, fell in love with reading again, and best of all, I made new friends! Amy and Andrew, the founders of Matilija, are some of the kindest and most caring individuals I know. Along with making Matilija happen, they're consistently working on creating an equitable and inclusive community in El Monte, the SGV, and beyond. Come and check them out!

Cute aisle, small space
Clara C.

I love the mission of this library: celebrating diversity of the community. They have over 1500 books covering all topics. They even have children books! Current hours are a bit odd: Fridays: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Saturdays: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Borrowing books is free, like you would at a public library. You get 21 days. I only wish they can open on other days of the week for the community to take advantage of this hidden gem.

Interior
Tara K.

This charming, intimate community oriented library highlights BIPOC authors and uplifts voices of people who are not in the mainstream media! It is intentional in their featured art and decor that centers on featuring art from the community and culture. There's something special everywhere you look! The hours are more limited than a typical library BUT it is lovingly run by people out of their free time. Books can be borrowed for a month and there are no late fees. You can also choose to buy books and the cutest bookmarks as well as postcards to support their amazing work! It has all the necessary amenities from a gender neutral bathroom, wifi, and seating area. The founders Amy and Andrew are so friendly and welcoming to everyone. They truly mean to create a space for the community and open up the library for events as well. This is my second visit to the library, I most recently came by for their partnered event with PSL Los Angeles. They were also kind enough to allow me to display flyers for senior care programs. Plenty of parking around and easily accessible by transit. Make the time to check out this lovely lending library if you happen to be in El Monte during their open hours! Check out their Instagram @matilijabooks for more up to date information

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1 month ago

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29 days ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

Helpful 5
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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

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Photo of Susan M.
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3 years ago

Helpful 2
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3 years ago

Charming lending library with a great mission. The library has wide variety of books by various authors.

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Black Cat Fables

5.0(33 reviews)
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Background On Visit: Decided to take a gander at this small bookstore. Believe it or not, but there…read morewas a Yelp Elite event at this location but for a different business back in 2018. Credit Cards: They are accepted. Restroom: They have a unisex restroom. Location/Parking: Located in a alleyway in old town Monrovia between Lime Ave. and Lemon Ave on Myrtle Ave.. Parking can be found either in the shared public lots or along Myrtle Ave. Ambiance/Decor: Nice cozy ambiance with 6 or 7 small tables to sit/read/drink in the shop. Service: Service is great. The staffers are very nice and informative. If you don't see a book that you want to have, you can request it and just pay for the book when it arrives. Lastly, ask for cat stickers! Black Cat Fables For Thought: Wouldn't mind coming back to explore the shop while enjoy a cup of tea.

A beautiful, charming neighborhood bookstore, nestled right in the heart of Monrovia. From the…read moremoment I walked in, I had a good feeling they will be my go-to cozy spot to get some reading done. They opened in October of 2024 and are proudly women-owned and operated. They are located behind the blue Moo Moo Mia Ice Cream shop, so they might be a little easy to miss, but I promise, once you find them, it's like stepping into a book lover's dream - tall bookshelves, colorful book titles, comfy seats, and cat themed! I have to spread the word to all of my cat-loving friends. I first heard about Black Cat Fables from my bestie, who is a Monrovia native. She even took me to attend one of their store events - their 2026 Vision Board planning event! We got to meet lovely neighborhood folks, and spent an hour dreaming up the year ahead and meet the store owner, Nicole, and their event planner, Mikayla, whom are both super sweet and friendly. After the event, I couldn't help but grab some beautiful bookmarks and a full collection book of the Jane Austen novels, which is now my next read and sitting beautifully, waiting for me on my bookshelf. They also have their own curated selection of beauty products, home decor, and not to mention, an adorable collection of bookmarks that I just can't resist. I'm a big fan! I am subscribed to their email newsletter and followed their socials to stay up to date, since I don't want to miss a thing from them. I can't wait to see what they have upcoming this year and continue to support them.

Photos
Black Cat Fables - Their coffee shop is finally open!!

Their coffee shop is finally open!!

Black Cat Fables - Love the fall window display!

Love the fall window display!

Black Cat Fables - Love the vibes!

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Love the vibes!

Matilija Lending Library - libraries - Updated July 2026

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