Although I've only been here a couple of times but every time the front desk ladies have been very courteous. My family and I all got library cards and were helped to find books of our liking. read more

Been a member at this branch since the mid 1980s! I'm always impressed by the friendly staff and their helpfulness through the years. Some staff members have been here a long time. Every year they have a great summer reading program for young and adult readers. Sign up inside the branch at the help desk. I actually signed up this year! They will give you a welcome pack with some freebies to get you started on your reading journey (recyclable bag, pen, notepad and summer reading booklet ) .At minimum, you must read at least three books and write a small review . The more books you read the more chances you get to enter prize drawings . Definitely,a fun way to encourage reading! What are you waiting for? Stop by, and sign up! read more

I love coming here for baby story time, but I don't understand if you have a room full of babys, infants and toddlers... Why no changing table in the restroom? That doesn't make any sense. read more

Brought my kids here often when they were younger. They were always very polite and helpful and had monthly schedules full of fun activities! read more

They did a major remodel of this branch in 2012. The building's footprint is now larger, but that came at the expense of the green space north of the building next to Starbuck Street. Unfortunately, they also cut down two large, lovely pine trees that had been planted when this area was first subdivided in the 1950s. Those missing trees' cousins remain all along Santa Gertrudes Avenue, so you can see just how big they were. The library looks nicer now than it did before, both inside and out. That form, however, doesn't necessarily follow the function of the library, or at least the library doesn't make very good use of its newfound space, so the remodel is an overall disappointment. I really miss the separate children's area and how mysterious it felt. They have a new, larger children's area with a greater selection and an entire teens' room, but unfortunately for the library's adult patrons, there's no physical barrier between the children's area and the rest of the stacks, and the librarians seem completely uninterested in keeping the children's voices down; so what was a peaceful place to read, study, and work is now almost completely unusable for normal library activities on weekday afternoons. I understand that libraries exist for children and that maybe the old rules days of shushing everyone maybe weren't ideal, but there has to be some balance among different patrons' needs. If kids want to run around, they should do it in the park across the parking lot. This all brings me back to the poor use of the new space. They spent all this money to add space and open up the entire library to more natural sunlight. That's great, and like I said, it looks much better inside and out. But instead of truly re-imagining the entire space, they just used the new space as an extension of the old library. I understand that some sort of interior wall or glass sound barrier might interfere with the open floor plan that the architects intended, but there are myriad ways to approach design and especially interior spaces, and unfortunately, the library chose to do as little pre-planning as possible. It's also unfortunate that they didn't add much to the second floor. What this branch truly lacks are small meeting rooms and other study spaces that individuals or small groups can use. According to the branch's website, there are study rooms, but when I asked a librarian when I was here, he said they didn't have study rooms. Only one of those statements can be true, obviously, but the larger point is that they had the opportunity to expand the useful space of the library but chose to increase its total cubic area without adding much that is of value to actual library patrons. Although the old metal gate that prevented people from just walking into the library was mysterious and fascinating to me as a child in the 1980s (and that whooshing sound when the gate opened was probably the coolest, most futuristic thing I had ever experienced at the time), I'm really glad they ditched the gate completely and now allow people just to walk in. It's not a college campus; there's no need to prevent people from walking in off the street. I do like the new public art they've installed in front of the library, along with a few benches. The front door was locked when I came, and I assume it's locked most of the time. This is unfortunate, and again, completely unnecessary. Both front and back doors access the exact same hallway on the south side of the building, so closing that front door doesn't really serve any security purpose. Have only one security guard? Station them closer to where the librarians are or just anywhere in that hallway. The person could easily monitor both doors from a central spot. And this is Whittier we're talking about, so there really isn't a security concern in the first place. I was able to accomplish some work here when the Internet wasn't working at my parents' house, but I had headphones, and I could still hear the children talking and running over my music. The wifi is OK, although it's definitely not fast. I perused the stacks before I left, and I was impressed at how much more extensive their non-children's selection is than it used to be. I really love libraries, and I will always associate this branch with my childhood. Nostalgia aside, they could have done a much better job with and after the remodel. read more

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It's a decent library. Their young adult section is great, I'll say. However, it's a pain sometimes because all day Saturdays and every single day after 3p they don't let actual young adults in there, they keep it to teens only. This makes it a little inconvenient as someone who works and can't make it there all the time outside of those hours. I'm a book reviewer and like to read things from all genres so it's a bit frustrating that they segregate the genres like that. Young adult applies to those in their 20s as well. If you get a nice librarian they will let you in there, but most likely only if no one else is in the library. That's really only my issue with this branch. Other than that it's great and the selection is pretty good! read more

Love this library! Staff is great and helpful. Love that they have events for kids and adults.

Always such wonderful help selecting books for my 5th and 6th grader. Several times they did not have the book I was looking for and had it sent over from their sister library. Clean, quiet and bright inside! We love the Whittwood library read more

It's walking distance from my house! Hopefully they will bring back The Reel Club programs & special speakers.

The Whittwood Branch of the Whittier Public Library System is a small branch that is tucked away behind the the Whitwood Center and next to the YMCA. There is ample parking, the space inside is relatively new (remodeled) and it is easy to access. The selection is not that great as you would find at the main WPL, but that is due to the small size of the library itself. The teen room is quite small, but they do have the main books, manga and other cool teen stuff you would find at other libraries. The main room in the library houses the adult and children sections together. This can cause some loud noise to be bouncing off the walls. Make sure you bring some headphones or earplugs if you plan on getting some work done. I usually just come here to check out audiobooks myself. Again, the selection is not great, it will make due for now. You can always request items online to be sent from the main branch here. read more

It's was under construction and didn't know about it. Drove all the way to find it closed! Needed internet badly and had to drive around to find another location read more

First of all, this is a newer library. Second, this library is about 50% kids and 50% adult type books. By that I mean literally, if you go to the right side of the library, it's got books for the kids while the left side has seating for older people , computers, and of course adult literature. They also have a few quiet rooms, a toddlers area, small dvd and audio books rental, and some books for sale. What I love about this library is the summer reading program they have here. It's pretty damn awesome. If you read, you get a tshirt, a book, bookmarker, etc. But unlike any other library I know, they throw a party for the kids. No kidding! We attended this party and it was HUGE! Every kid can bring a plus 1 and we had hot dogs, chips, water, games , face painting, balloon bounce, raffle, book sales. If would be 5 stars totally, however recently we got a notice that we didn't return a book. We always return all of our books together and apparently one was not returned according to the library. So we called and they told us that it take 6 months for them to look for it. If they don't find it, we would have to pay for it. Totally doesn't make sense because we've never had a problem returning our books until this time. read more

Went here today to sign up my 5 year old for summer reading... I sigend her up, but will NOT be taking her back here EVER again!!! This library looks fine from the outside, but once you step in one of the first things you'll notice is how SMALL the children's section is... There are hardly ANY tabled to sit and read to you child with, and the staff there is really RUDE... No computers, no interactive centers... old looking and sad... From the clearly annoyed tweens behind most of the summer reading desks to the old white ladies who are supposed to be in charge of the program, everyone who volunteers here seems to have a condescending attitude when you have the nerve to ask them a question! Pathetic, sad staff working here... if they want to increase their circulation numbers, they should put forth a bit more efffort recruiting people who are high-energy, friendly, helpful, and who want to be there! Maybe I've been spoiled at other branches, but this was just plain sad... If you want your kids to be excited about reading, take them to the branch next to the Whittier Police Station/Courthouse... SO much better!!! read more

Molly helped us with our passport. She was very knowledgeable, professional, and courteous!! Would highly recommend for passport services!

Most of the librarians are okay except the guy in the check out station. He is so rude to my 5 years old kid.

Having recently moved here from Westchester (LAX area) my family and I were very impressed with this library. With 4 grandchildren ages 2-7 yrs found an extensive selection for them to choose from. In general we have found since moving to Whittier that most people are not un-friendly , just more folks seem to be long time residents and sort of on the reserved and conservative side. Different than the LA Westside vibe. If you've ever been to any of the LA County libraries like the Westchester branch or Culver City you would find over run with homeless napping making it not the ideal environment for taking children. We therefore appreciate the cleanliness and ambiance in this Whittier branch. As for the librarians and front desk again on the reserved side and yet very helpful and considerate. Overall great library experience. read more

0 stars the old man who was kinda bold with black hair, white man. He was super RUDE, I Asked for help if someone could just show my son and I how to do the one copy, and he acted like I told him to do back flips. What an idiot, he kind of pushed my son out of the way, in a mean way and said move I will show you how to do it? And then he was being so rude to us and so outta line. I did nothing to him! Worst customer service ever, and my son has Autism! So good thing my son didn't know he was around a jackass. Never gonna go there again, it smells like a**hole there!!!!! read more

I've been bringing my kids here for years and it's great to see the same staff here as sooo many years ago. They are nice and helpful. The remodel has made the library so much more pleasurable to visit. DVDs are only $1.00 to rent but I wish you could rent them for 5 days. read more

Negative stars...I only indicated one in order for this review to post. Worst customer service ever!!!!! I see why libraries are becoming obsolete... lady named Marie was super rude, very dismissive maybe it's time for her to retire. I know I will never visit this location again. Plus I will tell my friends this is definitely not the place to bring your kids. read more

If you are looking for a smaller library that is bran spank'n new...then look no further my friend! there is a large library of DVD's as well as e-Books. each table -that seats 4 people- has 4 outlets to plug in your electronic device such as your laptop. this is a great idea (in my opinion) because normally where ever you sit in a library or coffeeshop, you usually look for seats with an outlet that can reach your laptop, which is why the seats in this library are helpful. the book selection is pretty good, though a bit small. there is a whole area for children in this small library. the central whittier library has this as well, but not all library's have it outside of whittier. read more

I'm a big fan of going to the local library. I just am. I love going into the library when there are a ton of kids around, reading and interacting with other kids in summer programs. It reminds me of when I found my passion for reading as a little thing. It's not the most technologically advanced library, it's still pretty old school. But the kid's section was nice, definitely not as big as that in the main library on Washington. But this is a branch! The main and branch are separated by a mere four miles. So while this library doesn't have everything the main one does, you can easily drive to the other. It's not the best stocked, most advanced library, but it's a small town place with that kind of charm. read more

A nice library to study but so noisy. People talk loudly openly. Even the staff talk loudly -- and yet staff berates patrons who talk on their cell phones in the commons area. read more

I enjoy coming here over and over. I'm taking advantage of the fact that it's only three minutes away from home. Borrowing books and DVDs helps me save money. If you're not able to finish a book within the time allotted, you can simply give them a call end they'll extend it for you. Pros: -Clean restrooms (one by the children's corner and another one out in the hallway) -Courteous and cheerful staff -Computerized check-in and check-out process -Drop-off bins in the parking lot for books and media that's available even when the library is closed -Clean, bright, well-lit -Free Wi-Fi -Electric outlets on the table for charging -Great selection of books -Free online Zinio digital subscription with your library card -Comfortable seats including couches -Computers and printers for use -Shelves that showcase new books and media Cons: -No barrier between adult and children's section and children can be loud at times -People who talk on their phones -People use this as a tutoring area and disrupt the silence -Moms who bring their crying babies inside Much of the noise I can ignore. I love, love the small-town feel of this library. read more

The staff is always available and very helpful. They don't have a very large selection considering the size of the branch. You do need to show proof of residency if you want to check something out which I have never run into before but I can understand if none returns are a problem. The computers could use a good wipe down because the key boards are very dirty. read more

Great environment for public to enjoy reading time! Nice design, nice staff. Residents are lucky to have such library facility ！

This place is loud. Its not only the people visiting there that are loud, its also the workers. If you need a place that is quiet to read or study DO NOT GO HERE!!!! The only reason i gave it one star was because it was recently remodeled and it actually looks nice. Their Wi-Fi is also not up yet and they told me it might take up to 2 weeks to get it up. read more

I thought it was just me. I'm so glad I decided to read others reviews. The last few times I have been to this library I felt the staff was rude and had a miserable to be there attitude. But yesterday it was the worst. First the computers were down so we had to ask a librarian to help find a specific topic of books for my 7 yr old. You would have thought I asked her to borrow money she was so annoyed by my question. Next upon checking out the clerk wanted to update my address. I didn't have my ID on me so he would not let us check out books. Ok fine but the I don't give a crap attitude makes it harder to swallow. Right as he is explaining to me I can't check out books he picks up intercom and announces library to close in 15 min. I figure eff their attitude at this library the staff has made it very clear to me they are annoyed by me and my sons presence and now with telling me I can't check out. I decide to mess with him. I ask him to hold my books I will be right back. Just as I suspected. He told me he would not because they were about to close and I wouldn't be back on time. I responded in a loud very snooty mom voice "I'm pretty sure everyone heard your announcement about you wanting everyone out in 15 min. I will be back in time for you to check my sons books." He gave me the most annoyed look. I then purposely stood there and fumbled for my keys for 3 mins making him more pissed. I had my ID in the car I was not gonna let this little twerp get the best of me. Went to car got my ID stood in line and of course he checked me out but he was sooooo pissed. This is an institution of learning and advocating early reading. I do not feel the staff is motivated in applying this concept to the community. If this is the city of Whittier's service to their patrons then what is the point? I do hope that these reviews are an indicator that to the city they are a swing and miss, nothing to brag about at this branch. At the central branch I have had many enriched experiences with my little ones, in a very patient and motivated ready to read and learn environment. The staff is pleasant and helpful. It seems ironic because the central branch is much larger with a huge amount of patrons through their doors, why can't this smaller branch get it right? read more

The lady at the front desk was very rude extremely Unfriendly. I walked in with to no smile. Just a frown. I was trying to get a library card and she make it extremely difficult for me , I didn't end up getting one . I left. So thank you mean desk lady. read more

This is not a good library for kids so small n not enough space for them of course there going to b loud that's y many libraries have a separate place from them not right next to the adults section. So if u want to study here good luck lil kids are loud no matter what. read more

I don't understand why everybody is saying this is a new library. It was built around 1965. However, it was recently completely rebuilt, so it's new and old at the same time. Over the past few decades, anti-government types have decimated the library system with massive budget cuts, so don't expect the ancient Library in Alexandria or the New York Public Library. But they have enough books. I'm currently reading a history of Spain, and I had several books to choose from. I recently read a biography of Mao Zedong, and their China history section is pretty good, too. I am interested in reading a very esoteric book. Get this: I want to read about the history of the juvenile justice system in California. How's that for a thin slice of history? So I found a book on Amazon, States of Delinquency, but it costs $50 or more, even the used copies. So I checked with the Whittier system, and guess what? They have three copies: one at Whittwood, one in circulation in the Whittier branch, and one as a reference copy at the Whittier branch. Wow. Well, I guess it's natural that they should have it, since Whittier houses one of only three juvenile detention facilities in the state. The reference librarians are just fine. They're knowledgeable not just about books, but about tech, as well. There are generally two reference librarians on at any one time, which is very convenient. They also have a large selection of music CDs and Books on CD, and I was able to catch up on Katy Perry's latest, along with Pete Seeger, Al Jarreau, Pat Metheny, Bing Crosby, and Patsy Cline. As far as I'm concerned, most libraries should get five stars. It's a library, dammit! Free books! read more

Cute, quaint location! Intimate and close to local shops for quick snacking between good reads.

This was my first visit to this library. I am looking for a reading activity for my grandson. Staff very unfriendly and not helpful. I got the feeling they wanted to go home, instead of serve me and answer my questions. I was unable to get a library card because I was told it was too close to closing time. Really... How hard a job is it to check my ID and issue a card. I will find another library. There looked like more DVDs than children's books anyway and we were there to read, not watch tv. read more

Staff is terribly rude and unhelpful. I am appalled that with 5 minutes until closing I would be denied getting a library card when the gentleman stated it only took 3-5 minutes to do. 3-5 minutes to get a card and 5 minutes until closing!? Umm.. Do the math, that's plenty of time to help somebody and get the job done!! I'm the only person at the desk and was told I would have to come back? What a joke. Very disappointed that this was my first trip to the whittwood branch and I spoke with 3 different employees inquiring about the facility and all were very short and unfriendly. Not where I want to spend my days with my young children. Will not be going back. read more

Not as baby friendly as a mom would like, and some of the staff is not very friendly. This is however one of the newer libraries in these areas and it is nice. Half of the library is dedicated to the children and they do have a pretty up to date DVD selection. read more

Theres some good and some bad that comes with this library. The first positive aspect about this library is the recent renovations done. For as small as the library is, theres a lot of space for reading, studying, etc and a natural light that brightens up the room during the day. Consequently, the hours are unreasonable and in the case that this place is crowded, theres not that many options on where to go to study. There has been numerous times that I have gone in there and all the tables are taken up but when I glance in the study rooms, its empty. According to one employee you need at least two people to access the study rooms. I understand the concept of the study room but for people that come in to do exactly that (study) it should be able to be accessed by those certain people. Even if they don't have a second party with them. If they're able to become more lenient on the use of the study rooms and consistent with reasonable hours (9am to 6pm maybe?) they would receive 5 stars. read more