Shoutout to the Staff!…read more A big shoutout to the staff at Katy Geissert Civic Center Library! Everyone I interacted with was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely seemed to enjoy what they do. My background as a recreational reader is actually fairly new. I really started reading as a hobby in 2023, thanks to a friend who works at another library in another city. They encouraged me to participate in a summer reading program in 2025, and that eventually led me to sign up for the Torrance Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program. I had a few books in mind to start with, but once I finished those, I needed to find more. I also wanted to challenge myself to branch out and diversify the authors and genres I was reading. I'll be honest: the Torrance Public Library system isn't necessarily my first choice, but convenience matters, and this location is convenient for me. When I got stuck trying to figure out what author to try next, I decided to do something outside my usual routine. Instead of researching everything myself online, I actually asked a librarian for help. The librarian on the second floor wasn't personally familiar with the work of Tessa Bailey or Emily Henry, which were the authors I had been reading, but after I described what I liked about their books, she suggested Ali Hazelwood and Katherine Center as possibilities. She mentioned that she knew people who had listened to audiobooks by both authors, although she seemed a little hesitant about whether they would be a good fit for me. Well... I had nothing to lose! I ended up reading one book from each author, and both were great recommendations. In fact, those two books ended up being the final two books I needed to complete my summer reading challenge! That experience reminded me why libraries are so valuable. I could have easily continued searching the internet based on algorithms and reviews, but having an actual person listen to what I was looking for and make a recommendation led me to two authors I probably wouldn't have picked on my own. I also want to give a shoutout to the staff on the first floor. I asked about the Friends of the Library cash-only book sale, where they offer books at highly discounted prices, and they were so enthusiastic about answering all my questions. You could tell they genuinely cared about the library and were happy to share what was available. Overall, I really appreciated the staff at this location. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about books and the library itself. As someone who is still relatively new to reading as a hobby, having librarians who are willing to help me explore beyond my usual choices has made the experience even more enjoyable. Thank you to the staff for being such great ambassadors for the library!

This Torrance Library location is near what I believe to be the City Hall or main area for all of…read moreTorrance's City entities. Parking is easy and it's a big library with a main floor for the adults, a 2nd top floor for the youth, kids of all ages including an entertainment room with a movie theater like projection TV, then a bottom basement type lower floor for all of the non-book media, including CD's DVD's and Magazines. Their children's area has an impressive "Comic Book" graphic novel and collected editions area with a lot of titles and books by Marvel, DC, super heroes and non-hero literature. I'd venture to guess they should and might have some Anime and Manga too. As of June/July 2026 the library has the front main entry that looks like it's "closed" due to construction and when you walk in, it's dimly lit and often empty looking as if it's closed, but they're open and I get a sense it's going to be a spectacular renovation They do have a Summer Reading Program focused for the kids to avoid that "Summer Slouch" of education, with bonus incentive prizes for reading. There's also a program for teens and adults of all ages. The staff are friendly.

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 :).

I enjoy browsing this library since they have a larger inventory than the smaller branch on Artesia…read moreBlvd. in North Redondo. There's adequate parking in their covered lot, and I've never had a problem finding a space. They have convenient Monday thru Saturday hours. A benefit of the Redondo Beach library system is being able to reserve items online and have them available for pick up at the branch of your choice. It's easy to see due dates online and to renew items. It's also great to have the option of returning to either branch. The employees seem to alternate between branches, and for the most part, are courteous and efficient. There's not usually a long wait for checking out materials, and there's an option for self-check out too. The only downside is that this branch is dated and could use some refreshing.

Dear Lord. If you're sick, don't come to the library hacking and spreading Covid. Also, I will give…read moreprops to the librarian who shut it down with the rude dude who couldn't shut up on his phone. First time I've actually seen a librarian regulate. They should do that more. I gave the guy the stank eye like it should have been common sense and courtesy to keep it shut.

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 took my little one to this library for the first time today because I saw there was a family…read moremovie night. The library itself has a very small parking lot, and street parking was pretty full, so I'm glad I was able to snag the last open space in the lot. The library architecture is beautiful with lots of wood and is quite historic. There were quite a few stairs to get to the movie viewing room downstairs, but my preschooler managed it slowly. It was such a cute setup with printed movie tickets and free popcorn with a variety of sprinkle toppings. Too bad my kiddo wasn't able to sit through the entire movie and wanted to go play in the garden outside instead. So we left early and walked outside. We went back into the library and sat on the rug in the children's section, and I read 4 books to her, so that was fun. I'm not sure if I was being too loud in the quiet library, but there weren't that many people there at 5 pm on a Friday, and we were the only ones in that section, so hopefully it was ok. Overall, it was a fun adventure to check out. We might try the movie nights again when she's a bit older.

Here for the Love So Right event, a fundraiser for the Filipino music community. The venue is…read morelovely with an outdoor garden, complete with a fountain. The architecture is beautiful. Great place for a private event, but you should limit the amount of guests to 100 or less.

The good: This is a small library that is organized and has…read morefoam blocks on the ground for kids. There's a table with coloring pages and crayons. They have a lot of fun events, contests, and prizes for special promotions. It's adjacent to a park. The librarian was friendly and quick. Signing up for a card was very simple and they had several designs to choose from. The bad: It's a very small library so it's extremely quiet. This is great if you're the only reader here but I felt too awkward here with my toddler who doesn't know how to control her volume well. Even at regular volume I felt like the entire library could hear us. There were very few board books. The interesting: You don't get a paper receipt but you do get an email. Books auto renew.

The Walteria Branch Library is fantastic! I could not ask for friendlier or more helpful…read morelibrarians. It is one of my feel good spaces!

Lomita Library is a hidden gem! It's almost always quiet and never too crowded, which makes it a…read moreperfect place to relax and explore with my kids. They have a great selection of children's books everything from popular series to fun educational reads. What I love most are the activities they offer for kids story times, crafts, and seasonal events that keep my little ones engaged and excited about reading. The staff is always friendly and helpful, and the space is clean and well-organized. Plenty of parking, too which is always a plus when you're coming with kids! If you're looking for a calm, family-friendly library with a lot to offer, this is definitely the place!

LA County has a gigantic library system, and you can access it all through Lomita library- there's…read morean app where you can request free transfers from any branch, there's the Libby app where you can get ebooks to use on your Kindle and e magazines, there are online courses, genealogy resources, all FREE! They sometimes have COVID tests you can pick up, and if there's an eclipse coming, I bet they have free Eclipse glasses! They are the biggest deal ever that nobody realizes we have!! Lomita library is in a nice civic center complex with lots of parking, it's quiet and air conditioned. Please visit, you won't be sorry. We need to keep this resource alive for so many reasons, it's really a community center.

This is a small beautiful library with an excellent selection of books and resources. They also…read morecarry wonderful children's books the staff is really helpful and they have some really good seasonal projects for children. The park is also a wonderful place to read when you check out . This is a hidden gem in the Torrance library system , go you will enjoy it!

What a lovely little library. If you haven't been in a while, it's a great hub of the community…read more Such warm and helpful staff. They have great programming, with plenty of events for all. Right now we're enjoying reading to therapy dogs and it's a win win. My daughter gets some practice reading aloud and building confidence and the dog gets more exposure to people. Excellent idea! Feeling very thankful I get to live here.

I love our neighborhood library. It's small but it does host many fun events for adults and kids…read more There's even a listen to an audio book while you walk meet up because we're so fortunate to be next to Victor Park. I just wish I didn't work those mornings because I would love to join them. There is also a family reading time once a week. Shortly after Covid it was held outdoors at the park which was super fun. The librarians here are so nice and friendly. It's gotten to the point that when I walk in they will tell me my held books were just pulled. I go to this library that often. Yes did I mention it's next to Victor park? So when your kids come play at the playground they can stop by and check out a book afterwards.

[Review #812] 2024-011…read more The Isabel Henderson Library is 1 of 6 libraries in the Torrance district, located west of Victor Park, off Emerald & Garnet Sts. I haven't been here, but my son visited this location a few times for their events; he really enjoyed the "Tony Daniels Magic Show" this summer. I needed a place to hang out until the local fencing club was open & stopped by to work & peruse the stacks earlier in the month. It's slightly smaller than sister Southeast Torrance Library (definitely quieter even with the proximity of Victor Elementary School & St. James Catholic School), with a nice collection of youth & middle school books to entice my son to read. ツ Free WiFi is available... the login & PW is posted at the front desk/check-out counter. I get decent connectivity working here while waiting for M to finish his homework or do some light reading. I stopped in again mid-11/2024 to attend the "Traveling Naturalist" event. We ran a little late, but there's room for us to join in (capped @ 40 people). It was facilitated by Ryan English, Lead Naturalist from the Environmental Nature Center. Can you believe she traveled 39-mi.? Wowza! \(*o*)/ She started with a short story to lead/pique the children's curiosity of the animal that is to be introduced. I missed the book that announced "Blueberry" (Blue Death Feigning Beetle), & saw her escorting the insect around to be petted. This guy was "alive"/active this time. Ryan said it has "feign death" (its defense mechanism) at some presentations. She followed up with the popular Frog & Toad book, & shared a toad named "Mr. Pickles" (look but no touch due to his sensitive skin); he squeaked several times like a dog's chew toy. You can hear the kids collectively sighing: "awww!" The next friend that was introduced was "Fiesta," a rose-colored Boa Constrictor. M thought she was really pretty & cute. We had to leave after her, missing out on the rabbit/bunny (M sneaked a peek at the next book). While I was waiting for the l'il guy to wash his hands, I shared my gratitude & appreciation to the librarians for hosting this awesome event! We love our local libraries, especially for the fun, interesting, educational, etc. activities for the community... there's even events for adults! Stop by & see what this local library has to offer for you & your family, you'll be glad you did!

I'm so lucky to have this library just a few minutes from home. It's become one of my favorite…read moreplaces to pop into, whether I'm looking for a new book, browsing the shelves, or checking out a movie. One thing that really surprised me was their huge DVD collection. They have rows and rows of movies and TV shows you can check out for free. It's a great reminder that you don't need another streaming subscription to find something to watch. The children's section is absolutely adorable. They have plush animals perched on top of the bookshelves that make the perfect little reading buddies for kids. It's such a sweet touch that makes the space feel welcoming and fun for young readers. Every librarian I've interacted with has been incredibly kind and helpful. If you have a question or need help finding something, they're always happy to point you in the right direction. This library is clean, well organized, and a wonderful community resource. If you live nearby and haven't stopped in, I definitely recommend paying it a visit.

The library recently added a way to get into the library before their usual opening on Monday thru…read moreThursday at 11 am. If you're in good standing with the library, you can apply to enter between 9 am to 11 am. The back entrance near the parking lot has a new device which scans your library card and requests your password. I'm told that there will not be staff to assist, but it's a convenient new service which will allow us to pick up holds and to use self checkout before they formally open. This is a useful new service!