Altadena Library

Can’t believe they are going to renovate and destroy this. Yeah, I’m sure you’ll “try to keep some things the same”. But you won’t. You’ll destroy it. Unbelievable. It survived the fires but it can’t survive the real evil, those who always have to destroy things because they think they know best.

SO impressed by the care at this library creating a place that feels warm, creative and alive - like a giant living room. 🪴 LOVE all the big green indoor plants... makes the library feel happy, not sterile. Whoever takes care of them, you really have a green thumb! 🪶 LOVE the Native American educational displays: Display case along the window had great info on local efforts for Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa land conservancy, Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center up Hwy 2 in the Angeles National Forest, original names of animals and tribal places in local language. Would love to know who created the exhibit. 👏🏽 Also the Native topics book display. LOVE the creative kits available for check out: 🌲Hiking backpacks filled with trail guides, Gabrielino-Tongva dictionary, CA state park pass... 🎥 Camera/video equipment, 🐝Native bees flash cards... 👻 Even a ghost hunting bag with Ouija board (🙅🏻‍♂️ no thanks, not touching that)... 🌈 LOVE the LGBTQ+, BIPOC representation of materials, titles, faces, imagery. 🖼️🎨🎭👩🏿‍🎨🪇🎸 LOVE the creative programming, arts, sculptures, concerts, crafts you offer. Agree with others: Librarians, please nicely remind loud talkers (often adults) to keep a respectful volume and no phone conversations. We as patrons can't ask them to if you don't. ✨ Thank you to the library staff and leadership who clearly are keeping the Altadena Library system relevant, diverse & inclusive in the 21st century but in a human, cozy, creative and progressive way. Whereas so many libraries are sterile with modern updates or languishing in the past, You've achieved a wonderful blend of warmth and modern tech in a colorful, inviting environment and tons of engaging materials. And of course the setting in mature trees, with boardwalks and cool architecture is just great. Going to be working from here more often! (Also emailed these comments to the library)

Since I lost everything in the Altadina fire, I am so happy that the library is still standing. I have been living for the past 3 months in Monrovia. I only have 10 more days before I need to move out. The Altadina library is the only one I have been going. Thank you.

This has to be the most charming, lovely just treasure of a library. It's on the smaller side of the libraries out there but it's so pretty and everyone who works there is so freaking nice. The selection of options is also pretty lovely. 10/10 I go to this place all the time.

Beautiful space. Helpful staff. I've come here just to work quietly. Really a gem. I need to see what business resources exist here.

Another amazing event at the Altadena Library. This Library does an excellent job of supporting community and has an amazing array of programming for all ages

Great for kids and families! The open and inviting children's area is filled with books, toys, computers, and activities that are great for young kids. Plus, Altadena Library constantly holds wonderful family and child-focused events that are fun and engaging. This library is a wonderful community resource!

Love the convenience of this local library. They are NOT plugged into the county library system so their resources can be a bit limited. Still, they strive to provide you with whatever materials they can. Incredible friendly staff and a wonderful community room. Lots of parking. Late hours (that alternate frequently! Look before you go!) Giving the experience only 3 stars because of the regular homeless presence on the grounds can make the place feel tense, unpredictable and unsanitary. The library has a robust children's events calendar and incredible community involvement. Which can be a negative if you're hoping for a quiet library experience - the open floor plan means you can hear the often noisy children's section from anywhere in the library. Avoid children's events and you're likely to find a pleasant atmosphere and a well maintained library fill of wonderfully displayed materials and comfortable spots to enjoy them.

I went to a seminar in the library's community room, and it was very informative. SBA spoke about helping families out with mitigation. The community room was a nice size with rows of tables and chairs. This library is historical in Altadena and has an old-school nostalgic vibe. Everyone was nice. It has easy parking and is great for finding items needed for research, etc.

The staff is so nice. And very good working atmosphere :) highly recommend to study and research!

Absolutely lovely library! It's deceptively huge - and surrounded by the most peaceful gardens and grounds - just lovely! They're currently showcasing a small exhibit of beautiful native California bee photos by local conservation photographer Krystle Hickman which was the reason for my visit. The exhibit is found in a small seating area in the center of the library. It's almost like a little outdoor courtyard in the middle of the library! Lots of natural light and plants surround cozy seats and the back wall is highlighting the bee photos - it's a very beautiful small gallery and I'm so glad I visited! Her work with the native California bees has been significant. I took a class with her at the LA Arboretum this year and learned SO much! So I was very excited to learn this library was promoting her work! There's plenty of parking in their large lot. They have a water conservation garden section outside with interesting info on plants and wildlife. They have a huge beautiful art piece near the door. You have to climb several small flights of stairs to enter this way - but there's a handicap entrance around the corner in the front. The inside is quiet and very welcoming with friendly, helpful staff. Definitely a great place to relax, read, and get work done.

This place used to be wonderful when my kids were little but I had an awful experience today. As far as I knew, a library was a quiet place for one to read, work, study, what-have-you , but today was toddler story time. The children were allowed to scream and yell. But at least that was temporary. Worse were the patrons making phone calls. At least 3 people were having loud conversations that I could not drown out by covering my ears. Finally I asked the librarians. While one was sympathetic and mentioned she was going to speak to one of the loud people, the other stated "this is a Working Library. For people who can't work at home." Needless to say I will not be back. Starbucks is quieter. It's unfortunate my tax dollars are going to a public WeWork rather than a place everyone can enjoy.

This is the best library. Our kids are growing up in this library, learning to read in this library. Staff are friendly. Layout is so user friendly and enrichment classes are awesome. We love you Altadena Library!

I absolutely love this library! The architecture mid-century and the furniture. The services they offer as well is really amazing . The staff if very helpful. The area they sell books is addicting. I was there the day of the fire & the Director was speaking w the attendant about closing & not hosting an art event that evening ( it seemed they were all excited about it) because of the winds. Shortly after they closed up early and kicked us out. Thank goodness she made a good decision! I'm sad for the fire but grateful they are still standing ! I do hope the staff are ok!

I've been to all the libraries in Altadena and Pasadena and THIS Altadena Library is my fave! Why, you ask? Friendly staff and a ton of coolness here- natural sunlight from their center garden reading area, a little bookstore selling used books often for a few bucks, lots of computers and just plenty of magic. Lots of local creative events here too. Love it all!

Beautiful library, in a wonderful, tight-knit community. Looking forward to the rebuilding of the town, and the return of spaces like these.

I come here nearly everyday whenever I visit the Altadena area in California. I so love visiting and hanging out at libraries, especially the local, neighborhood ones. This is such a cool place, with an atrium that lets natural light in. Beautiful walkway, too. Everyone is helpful. I love coming to this place. Serene, spacious, special.

Wonderful afternoon with my Nanny kids! Very kind and helpful staff, and fun Children's area. We had a great day, great library!

I can't believe how noisy this library is. Starbucks would be quieter than here. This is my 4th time coming into this library, and every single time, they're allowed to giggle, talk on the cell phones, or just talk loud inside. You can hear their personal conversations clearly, and no one here is to stop them. Aren't there basic rules for the libraries for noise levels people are allowed to make? I just don't get it.

Opened in 1967, this is the library my wife grew up visiting, often, while living in Altadena. Her main stop through high school to study and just to read. And frequented by the both of us on occasion after we started dating. I grew up in Inglewood. I always considered it quite a forested area; it does sit on the corner of Mariposa and Santa Rosa, in the heart of Christmas Tree Lane. And like her library memberships throughout California, still a favorite stop of hers for books. A bit of nostalgia.

stopped in to do some work in a quiet place while waiting for a friend. small library and unfortunately it's not that quiet. also it feels a little unsafe for females. there's always a couple creepy men in there that juat sit in the table area without any books...just gawking at people. could be just people watching who knows. be safe out there. safe is your typical libraian

One of the best public libraries I'd come too when I lived in Monrovia. They are a small library hidden in the hills of Altadena area of San Gabriel Valley. Nice community place with a bunch of old books and magazines Computers and great resources here to borrow books and return them. Parking you car can be tricky here. But I like it here, and I miss coming here.

I love this library, especially the kids room and activities. The librarians/ staff are always so welcoming and helpful and they plan such fun events for the kids every week/ month. Such a great selection of books. Adult activities are also entertaining and free/affordable. Always clean and we feel safe.

They let people snore loud and don't say nothing on computer lab. Staff sitting and don't get up to let the person know they're loud asleep snoring. I cannot focus on computer lab writing reports. Bad service no security to be found. Sad news nice community but loud sleeping noises not nice.

This has become my new favorite library location! The location itself is a lovely space, very clean, plenty of natural lighting and always the perfect temperature. There is a reasonable sized dedicated lot for parking and street parking is plentiful. It is located on Christmas tree lane, so the outside scenery is pleasant as well. I began coming to this location in the beginning of June because I saw there was a great number of events for tween/teens my son could attend. He is doing their summer reading program and has really enjoyed the activities so far which have included: gaming hours (Nintendo switch, wii, and PlayStation available for in library use), lab hours where they can use a 3D printer, virtual reality head set, and more. This summer my son has attended gaming hours, vinegar and baking soda rocket class, and candy sushi. He looks forward to attending more events at this location. It really has worked out perfectly for him and I. Well he attends events I study and utilize the WiFi printing (.15 per black and white page). I'd recommend checking out the location for yourself and utilizing their webpage to check out upcoming events.

Truly, one of my favorite places to go. This Library is really incredible. Its offers a great experience to its patrons and adds quality to the community. I've never looked for books or media on a particular subject that wasn't available there. Pre-pandemic, "homework helpers" was great for the kids in the community. The calendar has awesome activities and crafts that helps to enrich the quality of education for the kids up here. There's always something to do, from knitting classes to live music. There is definitely opportunity for growth, but even if it never changed, it's already awesome!

My favorite library to go to. Clean and well lit. Plenty of desktop computers for browsing. Laser printer for printouts. They also have tax forms during the tax season. Nice selection of movies and audio books. I also use Libby/Overdrive iOS app to borrow digital copies of some of the popular books.

Okay so I am a little biased; I work here but we are popular with those who know about us. And well, we have so much to offer, programs for the entire family, tech classes, book clubs and a great collection of books, DVDs, music CDs, Audio-books, magazines and don't forget our rental video game collection! Besides that your community is here! Come in for a visit and take advantage of your tax dollars at work!!!

Love love love this library. They have a section specifically for children so when I am helping a student practice his reading we don't have to take the books to go. The environment is comfortable, accepting, and open. Yes it is a library and sure it is suppose to be super quiet but honestly it isn't super loud here either, it is just right. There is another sister library on Ventura St. which isn't that big but caters more to adults which is a much quieter location if you need minimal noise. They have great resources for all levels of reading and all ages. Did I mention they handle passports here? I renewed my passport here and it was such a simple process (book an appointment in advance though). Thank you Altadena for such a wonderful library!

Altadena Library on Mariposa is not actually a library but rather a noisy recreation center that happens to have shelves with books. There is a large tv with video games being played in the "teen" section with shouting, etc. There is noise and chaos at this library anytime you go. Ear plugs did not even help. I contacted the board of trustees and complained and received absurd replies, blaming the acoustics of the building. They spoke of hiring an architect to fix the problem instead of *enforcing basic library rules/protocol and asking kids to be quiet or leave*. I've never seen the basic integrity of a library violated so egregiously. Do not go to this library if you want quiet.

Passport Center- Overall service was amazing! Toni (I hope I spelled her name correctly) was informative and efficient. A word of advice...you will spend less than half an hour there if you have your forms completed and all the required fees and paperwork in hand.

I came here to do studies and find that it isn't the library that I was expecting. It was more a 'hang out' place for locals. It was rather noisy, with children playing in the background and other people watching videos or listening to music on the computer. You really have to seek a space at the back of the room but even then it wasn't great. When I asked the lady at reception desk I was told 'it was more a family place'. The word 'library' is not one that should be used to describe this place. Disappointing...

This place is a hidden gem with free wifi. There are so many free activities they hold here like eclispe viewing party, movies nights and wine events after hours. Most people forget to use the local library.

I have never enjoyed any library so much. The area is lovely with outdoor areas. Inside the library is bustling. The Mid-century modern furniture is inviting with plenty of tables to sit in various groupings. So much is happening there. I love seeing a library utilized. The computers are in use, the book displays are inviting and changed frequently, there is a VR/3-d printing area for kids. (Not all children have gotten to interact with these technologies.) I even saw a sewing machine available. They welcome tutors to meet with students and frequently have a conference room available. (First come first serve) Everyone working at the library has been extremely nice and knowledgable. I love the Altadena Library.

The Altadena Library suffers from a schizoid identity crisis. It is more like a student union with books than it is a library. Last year, the Altadena Library "deacquisitioned" thirty thousand books. In their place, it created a space for teenagers to play computer games. A library that does not feature its books is a community center. The library is noisy, allows food to be eaten everywhere, and it's smugly self-satisfied staff loudly declaims to each other as they waddle through the remaining bookcases. It is entirely likely that there will soon be a snack bar installed so that the mostly young patrons can chew their cud and stage food fights regularly. There is no effort made by staff to control the noisiest of this open concept building, so the screams of children, the murmurs of teenagers conversing, and the loud expostulations of staff and adults in de facto meetings at the many tables scattered throughout the central room are a constant distraction. You are best advised to bring noise-cancelling headphones. The library censors internet access under the guise of protecting its young patrons. It does not restrict access to tinder, tumblr or Twitter, it it does restrict access "content sensitive" to homosexually-themed websites. Homophobia thrives here, albeit indirectly. Rather than allowing patrons (or their parents) to select a level of censorship for children, the Altadena Library imposes it on everyone. To opt out, I was told I had to write the absentee director, Mindy Kittay, to request full access. A library that censors content is not a library. The "Pasadena Weekly" of 4/19/18 ran an article on the internal warfare between library trustees and director Kittay, who has been out on stress-related medical leave for three months, so far. Small wonder that the library is mismanaged and lacks direction when leadership is violating the Brown Act and is at war within its own ranks. Rude, loud staff, excessive noise, poor book selection, lack of uniformity in policy, and leadership involved in internecine warfare has resulted in a student union style of environment that is not conducive to quiet study or reading. A library where you cannot read may be useful as a community center, a student union, a youth center, a babysitting station - but it is not a library.

I was recommended here for my passport & I am so glad I came in. It literally took me 20 minutes or less to get my passport ID , I was helped by tony she was incredible, super nice & friendly . She made me feel so comfortable I would recommend this place to all my friends and family.

Very impressive public library. Congratulations to the staff, board of directors and the donors on a wonderful job. I came here to pass a couple of hours while my daughter was in Spanish class nearby. The word that comes to mind is "spacious". The central section is wide open, with plenty of tables and natural light for reading. And talk about friendly staff! A volunteer checked in on me as I wandered the stacks for a biography. The front desk staff then checked many places throughout the library for this book (recent returns, new books section, reshelving section) as the library catalog showed it as being in house, until they found it. This library is quite special.

It was a pleasant surprise coming here for the first time. By far, this library has the most healing effect on me, mainly because it is surrounded by live plants both indoors and out. I could just sit here all day and contemplate life or something of the sort. The book collection was quite substantial and up-to-date, being that I found some books that are not available in other library hubs. The staff were friendly and accommodating and there is sufficient parking along the streets and in the back. At this very moment, I'm planning my next visit and it will be a whole-day affair, most likely.

You need not go anywhere else. Ever. books computers printers videos friday movie nights poetry and cookies wireless writers workshops And a swanky 70's feel to boot! A must-do.

If you need a passport, go to this library! The nicest and most competent people will help you with your application. Avoid the post office on Lake at all cost, unless you enjoy being insulted!

This library is great! I like going there with my kids, the children's section is very nice. The staff is also very helpful.

It's small and quaint! The HAPPY HOUR is awesome! Kidding! Bit noisy for a library, but there's is free WIFI and I can see and get some searching done amongst the redwoods, or whatever the heck those giganticus trees looming over me are!

Free wifi for all visitors, and you don't need to have a library card. The library is clean with lots of natural light. It's on the smaller side, but parking is ample and available. I am in love with the location of this library, as it is completely surrounded by trees and fresh air!

The only library I've ever been to where, if you forget to pick up your holds, the librarian will call you personally to remind you. An important hub for the local community, especially teens. Also hosts a seed bank, a maker space, and lots of events. The selection of books is rather limited, though.

Heartbroken and disheartening. I grew up in this library in the late 1980's to the mid 90's, and it's a shadow of what it once was. It's noisy, chaotic, and may as well be a public rec center. I understand that it's small and difficult to section off for noise consideration (i.e. the children's section and the teen reading area), but this isn't new but the noise certainly is. I studied here in the early 2000's while attending college, so my memory is clear that the noise issue is a newer issue. I've been a couple of times in my 30's, and it seems to get progressively worse each time I attempt to go back. I often find myself leaving in frustration before I'm actually ready to go. Little to nothing is done to enforce, what should be common sense, what is acceptable behavior and volume in a library. Just like Webster's, Balian mansion's Christmas tradition, and countless of other elements that made Altadena my home: I'm going to have to say goodbye to this one too.

I hated this library as a kid. They had a really rude employee named Heather, and WOW I dreaded going (my mom would take me to do homework.) I haven't been here in years - and I don't think I ever will. I only gave two stars because the scenery is beautiful and it was always quiet; no issues.

My favorite library in LA. Environment is so so nice, great architecture, huuuge trees, and particularly nice employees. They have a lot of unique things here such as virtual reality, 3-D printing, events, exciting board meetings (lol), and a loving small community vibe (which is probably my favorite aspect).

I think I've found my new favorite hangout. Comfortable, welcoming, well-organized, and brimming with all kinds of activities and programs (storytelling, book-themed speed dating, nutrition classes for teens, etc.).

I love this library. Truly a hidden gem. I came here to get my passport a few years back, and boom. Easy and smooth process. Sometimes I come here to study or do HW. It's not the always ideal place for those two things because sometimes it can get noisy (teens messing around and story time with kids) but I don't mind it much since I have my headphones in most of the time. And can we talk about the aesthetic? SUPER OLD SCHOOL! And I love it. I hope they don't change the look of this library, that's my favorite part about it lol.

I hunted for books for my class for about an hour. The staff in the children's area were friendly and helpful. I was able to find the books for which I searched and many others. They are all in excellent shape. There was a very good selection on the topic that I needed. Children played in the children's section and it was fun and comfortable. THEN, I checked out! My Lord! I had about 25 books and the clerk suggested that I try the self check out. That system is HORRIBLE! It took me a long time to figure out the system. A nice guy helped me out and it even took him several attempts to get the bar scanner to read the barcode. It took me quite a lot of effort to get all of my books checked out. They obviously do not believe that my time is important. I decided to go ahead and get the books since I'd spent so much time finding them. However, once I return them, I will not go back to this library. The self check turned a good experience into a very frustrating one.

I usually only come here on Saturdays. But when I do, there are 2 guys that sit on the other side of the wall that are SO LOUD! The employees even join them in talking LOUD and LAUGHING LOUD. It is happening as I am typing this review! I love this library, but please! Please Altadena Library.... Please tell the patrons to keep their voices down and not laugh out loud as if they are at a bar or nightclub!

This is a really nice environment where one can enjoy a nice read through the pretty updated selection of reading material. I love the foliage that surrounds the library and the library staff is very helpful. Best of all, my son loves this library and my wife gets all of her books here.

This is a fantastic library. I have to admit, it's probably the smallest library I've been to. But, it's such a refreshing place to study. Big windows with plenty of greenery and natural sunlight. I love the lamps in the lobby area. Awesome library.

This review is for the passport services, but the library itself seems like a old school gem in the foothills. After a horrible possible 3+ hour line wait at the Glendale post office, we walked out and I made an appointment here to get passports. We came about 20 minutes early and the clerk, Tony was so incredibly welcoming and nice. She took us right away. She was professional, quick but thorough. She even gave our kids paper to draw while we waited. Please make an appointment here instead of the crazy lines at the walk in passport services. Getting a passport and the like is never "fun" but this was about as painless as it gets.

I am in this library right now, and I want to scream "SHUT THE **** UP!" Serioulsy. This place is awful. There should be restrictions on who is allowed in. Clearly some people don't understand why libraries exist. For real, shut up. Just close your mouths when you are in here. I tried to make it clear to some people that you need to have complete silence if you want to study but some people just don't seem to GET IT. SHUT UP. THIS IS A LIBRARY. SERIOUSLY, JUST SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!!! NOW!!!

Pros: The library here has a great selection of books. I personally come here for testing handbooks and children's novels. They have awesome kids' programs. They sell old books for a decent price. It's quiet. They have a dvd/vhs/cd section. They have a computer area that is never too full or overbooked. They have seating especially for teens. The parking is great. You can rent laptops for use. Cons: They started charging for DVD rentals, and the DVDs are usually bad (skip a lot or are damaged). The seating here isn't great if you want to plug in your laptop. The chairs are uncomfortable and seem too big for the tables. The teen seating is usually empty but the adult areas don't have outlets. it puts me in an awkward position where I feel bad that I'm in a "forbidden" table, but if I don't break the rules I can't study without my laptop.

There are TONS of programs and activities for kids that are both educational and fun. I remember spending a great deal of my summers there as a kid. From what I remember, librarians are not afraid to ask children to be quiet.