This is an absolutely spectacular library. What it lacks in size/inventory it makes up in just sheer beauty. This library feels more like an East Coast manor than anything else. It feels almost like a church for books and it's something to see in person. The land it's on also adds to that manor feel as there is a large grass area surrounding it that just begs you to use to read whatever you just checked out from inside. I will say there is no parking. It's street only. So, depending on what day or time you go to, you might be able to get a spot right outside or you might find yourself circling around. Just be aware of that. read more

Memorial Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great Library in a great setting! I went to LA High School, way back when, so am very familiar with this branch. They have historical Judson Studio stain glass windows (front and back), that give this branch incredible atmosphere you can't get at other libraries; it's "real" Los Angeles. FYI: It's across the street from LA High. AND, of course, the librarians are friendly and helpful; especially my favorite: Debbie (or should I say, Deborah, ). read more

Quite. Nice staff. They will help you with what you're looking for. Over all nice and quite to read a book outside since it's at a park

Designed by the same architect as the Griffith Observatory, John C. Austin! This library is an old one floor and small library when compared to others in the area. Still a relatively quiet place to read and work, when children aren't running around ;) read more

Memorial Branch Library is Such A Fabulous Branch. What Makes it Fabulous is First of all The Staff and The Patrons. In Addition to this, The Branch has Beautiful High Beam Ceilings, Windows That bring in Natural Light and Art Work etched near the Windows of People who fought in The War. There is also a Beautiful Park with lots of space to walk your dog and exercise. If you get a chance please stop by. You will definitely not regret it and will walk out empowered and with Self-Satisfaction. read more

It's a library--- I don't know what else. It feels sort of dirty just because there are lots of people that come and go and touch books and touch their faces and then touch books again... I am somewhat... er I am a mysophobic... The staff is very nice, helpful, and the books are there they stare at you wanting, longing to be read by you... read more

Memorial Branch Library - Gargoyles( or something like them) read too! - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I like this library, but it can be really noisy if you go there after school hours when the LA High School students across the street come over to socialize there. If it wasn't for that, it would be a nice little library. The librarians that work there are great...super helpful and super cool. You know, I think librarians are some of the coolest people around. Seriously, when's the last time you met a librarian who wasn't a nice, good person? read more

You can't really rate a library with one star. It's the library! I love the library. Especially LAPL. The Memorial Branch library is one of the smaller libraries. This library is located in a park with a little kids play area. The staff here were all nice the time I've gone. And there is a good selection of DVDs here. There isn't really a parking lot for this library unless you're handicapped. Don't worry, there's neighborhood street parking. And, depending on when you go, it could get crowded since the streets are pretty narrow so try not to go when the high school kids are being let out. read more

After a long day... Food adventures. Work outs. Fighting off a cold. Walking around on a broken foot, I thought to myself what do I have to show for my day? Then in my car, waiting was a book I checked out from this library hours previous and had forgotten about. Like a forgotten treasure. The most important treasure of all, knowledge. Not just any knowledge, just frivolous knowledge. The best kind of all. The book of knowledge! The library is quiet. Great people working their. A family library like the kind I grew up with in the suburbs of Oregon. It's so easy to make a library card. So easy to find something. They have book signings, free classes, clubs, its just cool. I mean its like Yelp. Cept its a physical location. And there are children there. And there's books. And there's books about everything. And nice people who work there. And there's people tutoring. And computers. And DVDs. And its very nonthreatening. And there's no food allowed here. And no drunk people. So it's just like Yelp except for all that. read more

Memorial branch is my favorite library for its quaint old fashioned architecture and serene park out front with grand old trees. Parking is hard to find. read more

This venerable LAPL branch reminded me of Sesame Streets. There was education, multi-ethnicity, friendliness, and the smell of books and possibly diapers. It's a beautiful old building, in a nice family park that is busy in the best kind of way. I don't envy the staff though, come 3pm weekdays, when the high schoolers stream out from across the street. Adolescence, the bane of librarians everywhere! Oh, but watch out on saturdays afternoons though, because they have this like new age campy boot camp drum circle thingy going on from 2pm to 3pm. Weirdos... read more

Best, Nicest Branch in LAPL. The staff here makes the difference. The librarian at the front desk helped me scheme how to get back at evil Jefferson Branch Librarian! MuuAHA HAHA! (evil laugh) read more

Good old branch 49. By pure luck, I moved about a mile from this branch & have been singing its praises since. It's a small little brick building across the street from Los Angeles High School, built in the '20s in honor of the alumni that died in World War I. There is a great little park outside with grass and trees and a little playground people bring their kids to. Since it's in a nice residential community and is so close to a high school, they have lots of programs for kids all ages. A magic show for the little ones or a program for teens to promote their success transitioning to adulthood. They even have a monthly Teen Council where they ask teens what they want the library to do for them. They rock. There's a list on the website: www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=49 Memorial has a pretty extensive DVD collection of films, documentaries, and TV series. The librarians are incredibly nice & every Saturday there is a troop of knitters that meets in a room there to help each other out & also run an awesome library sale: paperbacks for a quarter, hardcovers for 50 cents. Unlike the Central branch, there's usually a computer not being used if you need to get Internet access too -- though every branch has free wireless (this one had been a little unreliable for me in the past, but it's all aces nowadays). read more

It's very strange that I went to high school across the street and good friend of mine lived across the street and I've never been in this library until today. It's small and calm with nice comfy armchairs. Too bad they are making me sleepy and I won't be getting much work done. It's got big windows so there is so much natural light that comes in. It's a little worn looking but hey it's just a library. read more

gorgeous, nearly 100-year old, gothic-revival library nestled among large trees & rolling lawns. 'memorial' in the name refers to veterans of world war one, with an imposing series of stained glass windows, two of which list the war dead. these jewel-like windows are worthy of a cathedral. too bad most libraries, this one included, use fluorescent lighting everywhere. it casts a depressing glow over what would otherwise be amazing reading rooms. i dread the change-over to the curly, long-life light bulbs, all of which cast fluorescent light... a guy in germany has already hoarded 5,000 incandescent bulbs in anticipation of that day, and i've considered that myself... good variety in the dvd section, i scored a few bollywood epics that i plan to watch tonight. read more

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I have to thank Yelp for helping me discover this branch. It's a pretty location next to a park and across from a high school. I needed to get some books that the closest library (the Durant Branch) to me didn't have. This one is about 15 minutes away so I figured I'd check it out after seeing it's good reviews. This library isn't huge put it has plenty of books. All the books I was looking for. Tons of DVDs. The building itself is gorgeous and the staff is friendly and nice. I'm spoiled by having a branch with such great parking near me but street parking here was a breeze. With my usual library across from two schools attracting lots of kids I worried that this would be the same (since it's across from a high school) and perhaps be loud like some can be but this library was quiet. I think it's part of it's success is the playground right outside, all the kids that would usually be loud while their parents peruesed the stacks were playing outside. There was a big group of teenagers there, but get this, they were studying! I was impressed! Go dedicated studying in July kids! I'll be back. read more

I couldn't have asked for a better neighborhood library. It's located in the middle of a small public park, with plenty of street parking. There's a playground right next to it. It is the absolute perfect place to bring your school-age kids. The super-helpful librarians are on a first-name basis with my wife and daughter. The kids section is extensive and they have free events (storytime, etc) all the time. And we've met some super-cool families who come here too. This place has made me rediscover all the amazingness of a library. Did you know you can go online and have any book in the LAPL system shipped to your local library - AND IT'S FREE! I have delved with abandon into origami, knitting, physics, algebra, Korean, plumbing and haiku. Who needs Amazon reviews when I can leaf through the book myself? Free shipping no longer holds sway over me. Now I just walk out of the library with my book in hand. I'm sure a lot of this is true about any library. But after "unplugging" myself from work, my family and I have come to this branch, chilled out at the park, finished up in the library, and left feeling like we're human again. Thank you! read more

I like this branch a lot. The precise area and patrons are so indicative of "L.A.". Right across the street from Los Angeles High School, this branch gets high school kids, families and singles. Situated at the north end of a park area, many people (and even taco trucks) come here often. The selection is good. Notably, books and DVDs in other languages (predominantly Spanish and Korean). Good movie section, plus the DVD documentary selection is good; you can find stuff on Mozart, WW2 and Yoga. read more

I've attended this library since childhood. There's a certain older short lady with short wild/messy looking hair whom I've never really liked, because of such attitude she's always carried. Recently she's gotten extremely rude. I was trying to get my loud toddlers out of the library and she decides it would be best to stop me? (seeing that I was trying to run out of there) & "kick me out"... By the time she was done talking, my kids would've been buckled up in my car. She's also been rude to my mother when she's asked for help. Today I had it with her... A customer asked for help and the librarian snapped and said she was on the phone to ask the cashier for help. The customer was very embarrassed. This lady needs to retire!!!!! Seems like she hates her job. **UPDATE The lady mentioned above is no longer at this library. They've got new people who are very willing to help!! read more

To the young Caucasian female with curly brown hair who works here, SHUT UP!!!!!!! I don't know if you know, but you work at a LIBRARY. No one else is speaking here but you. So irritating!!!! Otherwise, the location is pretty nice considering the ample amounts of parking. The inside isn't too bad either. However, they should really talk to the worker(s). If you're bored, don't talk. Read a book. read more

As an LA High Alumni, and (former) resident of the neighborhood, this library has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. It's been about a year since I've been here, and almost 8 since I last checked out a book so I had decided to renew my library card as it has been expired for quite some time now. The librarians here are very nice, friendly and helpful, Though not the biggest library in the city I would still say it is one of the best. There are plenty of Books, videos and computer terminals to use. Also, the park outside is very relaxing to just hang out, sit under a tree or just read a book from the library, listen to an iPod, or just sketch...or just take the little ones to the jungle gym area. read more

It is a building filled with books, which is something I very much look for in a library. It has as decent a book selection as a public branch library gets these days; is kid friendly; has public wi-fi; and is clean and comfortable. And it's walking distance from my apartment which, for me, is super sweet. read more

I love this neighborhood library. Staff are friendly, helpful and super efficient. I have all of my library holds sent here and it works like a charm. It's a lovingly well used library with a play ground outside and right across the street from Memorial High School so plenty of folks of all ages most of the time. That being said, it doesn't feel rowdy inside, feels buzzing, but peaceful. Air conditioning was being used only sparingly on a hot day earlier this month so it wasn't super cool inside. I don't usually spend a lot of time inside. But it's both cozy and airy there and feels like a pleasant neighborhood hang out. Plenty of free street parking adjacent to the park. read more

Just went to this local library and there is a sign on the door that says closed until further notice. I am so sad. I wanted to take some books out to read but now I'm going to have to go to another branch. read more

I came in and I knew my book was way over due so I was already ready to pay for The fee but I was letting the clerk know I had just finish finals and John took care of me. Patriece was real sweet as well. The customer service was out standing and actually caring about the people that come in. Great attitude! Im glad they have happy people working in the morning! Thanks guys! This needed to be on yelp for Great Customer Service even for a library! Keep it up guys! read more

Every time I come here, TIME STANDS STILL! --In a bad way! This branch is full of bumbling workers who do not know how to make a visit as SIMPLE as possible. Let me make this clear, first: I love libraries. I even worked at one, in high school. I patronize many branches in my L.A. area: Palms, Playa Vista, Mar Vista, Roberson--and this one, Memorial, is the only one that consistently tests my will to live! Last time I was there, this lady was holding up the line with a huge stack of books, asking the clerk to go through each one for some reason (checking her renewal status? Overdue fees? --God only knows!). This wasn't the library's fault, but they lacked the resources or initiative to help the increasingly growing line of patrons who were waiting to be checked out. What's even worse, is that there seemed to be THREE workers behind the counter. Besides the one who was tending the patron from hell, another worker was tied up with a different patron at Information. The third? Who knows. I'm guessing she was a volunteer and wasn't allowed to check patrons out? Finally, after ten minutes, another worker returned from break, and checked me out. Today, I had another bad experience: their computers WENT DOWN! There were two patrons before me, and there were two workers. The clerk at the checkout counter kept trying to log in to both computer. She restarted her computer too. She should've given up on logging in early on, but she just kept trying! Finally, she had the sense to just write down all our bar codes from our Library card and the items we were checking out. The other worker was helping a patron find a book that apparently didn't exist; she was incredibly slow, and therefore not able to help check out items for the growing line of patrons. I had to wait a total of 15 minutes, to finally be checked out. When you are standing in line anywhere for something as simple as checking out 2-3 items at a library, 10 or 15 minutes is EXCRUCIATING! I have a simple motto: SIMPLE things should NOT take time. That's why they are SIMPLE. In any business, you want your customers to feel like what they are doing is incredibly SIMPLE. We have LIVES outside of your service. We don't want to over-complicate anything, more than it has to be! Please simplify your service. I come for simple things, and yet I feel like the energy and time that is put into these simple things, is incredibly inane and unnecessary! This library does NOT get it. They lack efficiency, initiative, and common sense. read more

I love this library... don't get me wrong but they need to get their stuff together!!! They need to get toddler story time back!!! The library across from LA High has several story times, game nights, classes... stuff for sale... etc etc. They need more stuff for their community and their neighborhood. I miss volunteering and I'm sure the kids miss Story Time... :/ read more

Beautiful library! WWI memorial building with stained glass. Smaller intimate library, reminds me of the kind I grew up with as a kid. Great children's area and some study work space in the regular stacks. Very friendly and efficient staff and loads of free street parking read more

Rather small, but that is what I like about it. However, if you drive here, be aware that there is no parking facility. Finding parking is easy, but there is a 2 hour parking limit on the side streets. read more

Beautiful library with stained glass windows that is "hidden" on a busy street, bc it's set back from the road behind a lovely little park. Great public resource. Friendly staff. This branch (and many of the other LA library branches) host fun events, including a solar eclipse viewing with free glasses for the public. Plentiful two hour street parking when we went. read more

Love this branch. Very friendly staff and great service. A bit small and can be noisy at times with all the little kids but that's part of the charm. Pretty good dvd and graphic novel collection. read more

everyone who works here is SUPER NICE and helpful! i think this must have been someone's house a long time ago or something, but it's very quaint (aka: small) and there's no parking provided (so u need to find street parking) and easy to get around. i also like their summer reading programs for kids! read more

So far, so good. I've just moved to LA from a small Midwest college town. One of the things I missed the most was being able to walk to the local library to work, pick up some easy post-work reading and DVD, etc. This place, as it turns out, is just a little over a mile from my house! Small inside (only a handful of work places and computers, if you were going here to work for the day) and a little dark even during the brightest hours of the day (it's a Tudor-style building, so a lot of the windows are stained glass and the ceiling is vaulted--hence, not a lot of light). Small-ish selection of fiction books, but did do a good job stocking newer titles. And you can always order from other branches to be sent there! Staff was a little surly when I obtained my library card (I dunno why, tired? volunteers?). Overall, excellent neighborhood library in awesome small park setting! Go! read more

I love this library and the neighborhood. It can get really loud during after school story time, but besides that I enjoy coming here to study. There is easy two hour street parking. read more