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Arcadia Public Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
20 W Duarte RdArcadia, CA 91066
(626) 821-5567
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
27 reviews for Arcadia Public Library
27 reviews in English
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Review from Tiffany P.
Arcadia, CA
got to finish this book...James Patterson.
the kids got story time n crafts with Dora the Explorer. yeah! -
Review from Lillian C.
Arcadia, CA
2/28/2012
I still remember the days when I would head over to this library after middle and high school. Wow.. that was a while ago... Not much has really changed IMO, and this library is still one of the best ones I've been in.
It's really convenient for HS kids because it's right across from AHS and there are a lot of places to study or "hang out" in the large parking lot. It gets REALLY crowded after school hours and it's usually louder and more rowdy.
I prefer to come when the school kids are not here... which is in the mornings or later on at night.
The selection here is VAST and there's also a little used bookstore right when you walk in. The "New Arrivals" are also close to the entrance and I like to browse those.
I really like their self checkout machines... I duno why I like them that much, I just do and I'm fascinated by them! Lol.
Oh, and if the book you want is ever checked out, you can pay a dollar to reserve it.
Happy reading! -
Review from Katie H.
Temple City, CA
12/11/2011
Tired from studying in cafes while spending a ton of money on teas, coffees, and snacks, I've started spending more of my studying time at either the Arcadia or Temple city libraries. This library is SO much better than Temple City library, because
1. It's much more quiet
2. There's more study space
3. There's a bigger selection of books
4. You don't have to put your library card in every time you want to use wi-fi (having to punch in the number and remembering which PIN I used bothers me okay).
I just wish that it was open on Sundays, when I actually do my homework. -
Review from Lyn F.
Pasadena, CA
5/4/2012
I've always been a fan of libraries ever since I was a little kid. I must admit that the Arcadia Library is definitely one of my favorites. The place has nice librarians and workers. Books are organized. Check-outs are always convenient. As a high school student, I came here to check out the books. As a graduate student from college, I came here to study for my Boards and I still reminisce about this place, go figure. :)
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Review from Waishan Y.
Arcadia, CA
3/6/2012
Like all public libraries, there are weirdos but this one have less. It's very quiet since the kids area is separate from the adult area. Free wifi. You don't even need to be a member to log onto wifi. Clean restrooms. Only reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of parking. YOU MUST MOVE YOUR CAR EVERY 2 HOURS. That's the limit and they are very strict about it. There is chalk on my tires every time I go to check it. So move it and save yourself $53 bucks!
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Review from Kim T.
San Gabriel, CA
8/30/2011
Chicken Soup for the Soul Books and Disney Videos, oh my!!!! Which can be found in the Used Books and Videos Store by the Checkout Area. I love going in there to find out new little treasures to come home with, hehe! :D And they're pretty cheap and affordable, and of all the libraries that I have reviewed, it's the very best!
It's freaking crowded when the school year is in session, and so if you're lucky to find a table or private cubicle, the stars have been aligned for you. However, the one other thing that I honestly do not like with this library is the limited parking area. At the most, four hours is all you get, and if you go over, even by like 5 minutes, those parking bastards end up ticketing you. Grrr!!!
Nice remodel of the library, but seriously, the parking situation sucks! -
Review from dan V.
Monrovia, CA
8/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I hardly come here anymore, but when I do, i start to regret it.
I usually stop by if I need a place to just do some work in solitude.
The thing that bugs me the most is that their internet is horribly slow. I guess no one can really complain about free internet... except ME! I almost rather have no internet than slow internet.
But overall, its an ok place to just come relax and work alone. just dont count on a reliable connection. -
Review from Judith C.
Irvine, CA
1/1/2011 5 Check-ins Here
This place holds many many memories for me. When I was in elementary school, I'd walk here with my parents to borrow books. I participated in that Summer Reading program every summer and often attended arts and crafts events. When I was in middle school, I'd stop by the library on my way home to get a drink of water (hah) or just study and do homework there with friends until I'd walk home in time for dinner. When I was in high school, I often studied there and worked on projects with classmates in the study rooms. I've read many of the books in the children, teen, and adult sections. With many tables and ample seating, this is a great library. The staff are friendly and they really help make the environment warm and welcoming. The location is great - it's close to the high school, two middle schools, a lot of small eateries, and my house.
With that said, I've "grown out" of it - I need bigger libraries with bigger selections! -
Review from Hemang S.
3/27/2011 4 Check-ins Here
God I hated coming here during high school. They've upgraded alot since 2006, though.
Get your library card and come inside for a bunch of books, magazines and a plethora of open computers. They also have a lot of free Wi-Fi as well as desks/private study areas for you.
I love that there's a lot of parking, but beware on peak hours for the mass of traffic at Duarte/Santa Anita.
If you have kids, bring them here and sign them up in their youth programs. When I was little, I was always enrolled in some program and won things for reading, doing educational activities etc... it's also a good way to meet other kids/families in a similar age range with similar interests, always nice for your kids to have outside of school.
-1 star for being the place I spent 1000000 hours at from K-12, lol -
Review from Grace C.
2/26/2011 28 Check-ins Here
Some great things this place offers:
- Free wifi, which is super awesome when you are here studying (though, sort of bad when it distracts you)
- Plenty of space for studying, alone or in a group
- Parking galore! Just make sure to park in the right spot, whether you're here for 15 minutes or all the way to 4 hrs or all day
- Big selection of books
- Fun activities for everyone. They had movie nights in the summer; I was sad to have missed out on the night when they showed The Da Vinci Code!
- Ability to use your computer outside at the tables
- SELF CHECKOUT!! =)
I'm a nerd, I completely love this place. It was great for when I had to study for my CPA exam and they have an impressive collection of Agatha Christie novels--I'm still working through their inventory! -
Review from Daisy K.
2/14/2011
It's a big, grand library.
They have plenty of parking, although some of the seats are for limited hours - so be careful. I've seen several people being ticketed. Another downside is that it's right next to the high school, so right after they get out, the place is nothing less than a zoo.
They have some good programs in the summer for kids, which I appreciate-- from past experience too.
I also like that there is free wi-fi and plenty of private-ish spots in the library.
They also have the perks of the private study rooms if you need that. -
Review from Patrick P.
Monrovia, CA
2/18/2011
For what it is, a public library, it's alright. It's not as fancy as other libraries found in university campuses or downtown. But it serves as a functional local library.
It has more [and more current] selection than their Monrovia counterpart.
Parking is relatively easy as they have their own lot, though I will echo other Yelpers' thoughts that I have seen parking enforcement hand out tickets if you don't pay attention to the parking signs (time limit, handicap).
It can get rather crowded during after school hours, as it's right across the street from Arcadia high. You can reserve a study room, but do so in advance, as again, the school crowd plays a factor. I've found that getting on their wifi to be a bit of a problem on my Mac, again, a result of too many hormones in one place (yes, I went there!).
Oh, and recently I saw that they have containers to recycle batteries. How awesome is that? -
Review from Kim K.
San Gabriel, CA
8/6/2011 4 Check-ins Here
So I used to come here alot as a kid...running straight to the children's section. Now as an adult, I've come to appreciate the many cubicles around the library. I recently came here to study and really enjoyed my time here. Since it was summer, there weren't that many kids, so it was pretty quiet with the occasional toddler screaming and running around. The only thing I dislike is the 4 hour parking. When I go to the library, its usually for a full day, so having to move my car was inconvenient.
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Review from Cynthia Y.
Culver City, CA
8/15/2010 10 Check-ins Here
One of my favorite libraries around the SGV!!
Pretty big, lots of couches to sit on and plenty of tables to study at.
Not too loud but not a quite library. There are plenty of quiet zones but I've never been.
Lots of parking but they only have 2 hour and 4 hour parking spaces and I've hear that they're pretty strict on parking.
Theres also tables outside to study at.
This library is pretty nice looking too, compared to the other libraries in nearby cities.
Overall, one of my favorite places to study at back at home =)Listed in: San Gabriel Valley (626)
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Review from Corazon R.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 10/8/2008
-1 Star, and you can thank the librarians for that!
...though I haven't met any of them, I just found out that the Arcadia Public Library does not carry any of the essential books on/by Andy Warhol: http://en.wikipedia.or...
They do, however, have the children's book that accounts of his nephew's visits to New York to see his uncle Andy (cute, fun read).
They do have some books have him in it or have him referenced somehow, but it's not enough. Like him or not (or somewhere in between), he's a big part of an art movement and culture and the way people look at art today...how can you deny people from obtaining a bit of what he's about? Don't tell me that warrants a hop over to Pasadena...
FYI: You can search APL's catalog by going here: http://library.ci.arca...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/4/2008
I'M HERE RIGHT NOW ON THE INTERWEBZ (Please don't stalk me)!!!
Having been raised in the next town… Read more »
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Review from Anthony B.
Temple City, CA
11/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Great place to study. Their quiet area is actually quiet which is nice.
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Review from Johnny K.
Monterey Park, CA
7/28/2009
Okay, the collection is quite decent -- their single facility is more extensive than the surrounding 10 county libraries put together. However, they get one star for the following:
(1) On weekdays after 3 pm, the place will be inundated with geeky high schoolers who're either too unpopular or fearful of their parents to hang out elsewhere else, i.e. the mall. The teens will play cards, gossip, facebook, and flirt with each other in that socially awkward way found between the spaces of shifting hormones. Some will confine themselves to those study rooms, but it's easy to hear their antics through the paper-thin glass;
(2) Reserving a book costs money. That makes me angrier than a yak in heat; and
(3) If you park there longer than four hours, you stand a good chance of being ticketed. A security guard patrols the parking lot and marks your tires to see how long you've been there. I was at the library on a slow weekday morning from 10 am to 2pm studying like a responsible plebeian when I was rewarded for my good efforts with a $40 parking ticket.
One positive aspect of the library is that its urinals don't use water, meaning even in the wings of David Dreier's Republican fiefdom, there is some modest showing of environmental awareness. Don't eat the urinal cakes. -
Review from Susan P.
Irvine, CA
4/22/2007
Pros: wireless internet & computer stations, spacious, good study spots, self-check-out, good internet tools, well-cared-for books
Cons: grouchy circulation desk, crowded during after school and summer, A/C can be too strong in parts of the library
After the city of Arcadia performed a major renovation and expansion of their library, it took some time before I hung out here enough to appreciate my good fortune; that is, having one of the best and most modernized libraries in the area within close reach.
Besides the hordes of high school students, us library person are quite a diverse group and this library caters to us. From stressed out students to the Chinese man who just wants a quiet place to read his paper. I really believe some people come here when they should be working, so they can take in a book or read the day's news.
For college and beyond students, there are wireless Internet and computer workstations, career and education reference books, and even private study rooms available for reservation. When I couldn't find a reference book because the publisher ran out of copies, Arcadia library rescued my MSAR-desperate self. Even after spending hours upon hours of studying here and thus into the brink of insanity, I still love it here.
Here are the perks at Arcadia library:
a) Great parking lot and outdoor area for reading and relaxing
b) Self-check-out!!! You get a printed receipt too
c) Large, spacious desks with individual lighting
d) Private study rooms (though usually snatched up in the morning)
e) Wireless internet and computers
f) Books are usually in great condition. Even paperbacks, which are protected by plastic sleeves!
g) People who treat the library like home. I've seen older ladies who clip their toenails, peel and eat their bananas, and finish their needlework...and all at the same time! Gross, but absolutely amusing! Makes for great study breaks.
h) Helpful children's librarians. The children's section has their own computers as well.
i) Clean, well-lit bathrooms
j) Easy renewals and holds at their online website.
What to watch out for (the cons):
a) Circulation desk people can be unusually cranky and anal sometimes.
b) Computer room smells funky and warm when it's crowded
c) Librarians can be kind of noisy
d) The A/C is too good! I've seen people bring in blankets. Brrrr!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Sally L.
Tampa, FL
5/13/2009
I really don't have much to add to what others have said, but I wanted to throw in my 2 cents anyway.
I love libraries. A lot. & I can't help but compare them all to the Pasadena Public Library's main branch... it's just the most perfect library ever to me. But comparing them all to it doesn't mean it's the standard; if it was, I'd almost never go into another library.
The Arcadia library doesn't compare in any way, shape, or form. But it's a nice big library with a decent selection, & its relative newness means that it's pretty clean & comfortable. No, it doesn't have everything, but with Pasadena so close (I mean really, a 10 minute drive isn't gonna kill anyone), it doesn't need to be. It's a good community library, in my expert (hah) opinion. -
Review from Heidi K.
Auburn, AL
1/17/2008 1 photo
Susan P wrote the definitive review on the Arcadia Library so I won't even try!
I've been using this library for 15 years and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Though I avoid it like the plague after 2:30 on weekdays since it's directly across from Arcadia High School and is filled with teenagers as soon as the last bell rings. And, frankly, I'd rather deal with a swarm of zombies than a swarm of teenagers any day. At least zombies are afraid of fire. -
Review from Oscar X.
Arcadia, CA
6/4/2010
I had been going to this library for years and really loved the nice environment and friendly and helpful librarians.
Several Important Facts You Need to Know:
1. Easy parking is a plus, but *BE SURE to park less than 2 hrs in the area up front, or if you think it'd take you longer than that, park by the church a little further down (those are 4-hr parking limit if im correct), and do not take your chance since they are constantly people monitoring the parking to issue tix in collecting budget for our broken state!
2. I especially like the private study rooms offered at this library, but if you want to have one, you need to get there before high school is out, around 2:50pm M-F as kids from AHS flow into the library and take every spot they possibly can! It's operated on "first come, first service" basis, well as least supposedly.
3. The main area in the library is usually quiet and nice for studying, yet you cannot avoild some loud talkers talking between stacks or yelling in the rooms-RIGHT? I am asking myself the same question?-why are they here again? If you happen to be one who needs talking in the library, I suggest you to go over to the kids' reading section, however old you are as that's a better place for discussion!
4. The collection is okay, WAY better than most other local libraries, yet not quite enough for academic research.. I notice it lacks the collections of autobiographies, so if you need them check out Pasadena library, and if still no luck-go to UCLA Special Collection and Database!
5. Get comfortable with the self checkout machine as it really will save you a ton of time when there's a line! I like the fact that you can also check out DVDs, but BE CAREFUL when you return them, DON'T drop them off in the recycle bin- you might laugh now but trust me it's confusing and you don't want to end up paying hundreds of dollars for a stupid mistake, YES the fines are HIGH!
Enjoy your studying and good luck! -
Review from PETER L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/14/2008
i attended the 'law day' event 2008 that was on saturday may 10, 2008 from 10am to 1pm.
i got there at 12 noon and waited like 30 min. until i spoke with a lawyer (actually 2 because they were 2 different issues). my questions were answered!! yey!!!
i highly recommend you check this event out next year or after, i give it 'six stars!!!!!' -
Review from Christian G.
Alhambra, CA
12/29/2007
Lots of books and lots of computer stations. Yippie!
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Review from Alejandra W.
Arcadia, CA
8/25/2009
This library is okay. The kid's collection is pretty good, but the teen one could use some more work. The adult collection not too bad, but I noticed alot of the books are old. The books are in pretty good condition. Aside from the books, there is free wifi and the A/C is always on so it's nice and cool. The hours this place is open is resonable and you can find the books online. And if don't have a laptop you can use there computers. It's free and you can use it for 2 hours if you have a library card or you can pay for a guess pass which is $2 (sucks cause it use to be free). They even have a ton of magazines for everyone. Plus a copy machine, document reader thingy and printers, you have to pay to use it but it's cheap so it's all good.
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Review from Kristoffer C.
La Puente, CA
4/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
free wi-fi gets loud after school time. free movie rentals
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Review from Gary L.
8/13/2009 1 Check-in Here
This is my favorite place to be on a hot summer day. Its got 3 study rooms which can be reserved in 2 hour blocks, free wi-fi (which is useless if you sit next to the windows, so be sure to sit closer to the center of the library. It also gets really slow as more users log on), and DVD movies. Sure, it gets crowded after 3PM when the high schoolers and middle schoolers get out, but the security guard patrols and kicks you out if you get too crazy, or tells you to be quiet if you're being too loud. Parking right outside the library is 2HR parking. Park a little further and it is 4HR parking. Park even further and there's no limit. Still takes me 3 minutes to go from there to the entrance. I've found that some tables inside have ants, though. No ant trails, just stragglers. And watch out for the spiders that hang out in the plants outside. Might walk into their webbing if you're not into that sort of thinig.
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Review from Benton Y.
San Gabriel, CA
3/23/2010
I just do not understand why the Library put a 4 hour limit on the parking area on the side. It is never full during working hours. I got a ticket this afternoon for $50 for being there 4.25 hours. There needs to be a grace period to allow people to move their vehicles from the library area. I hope the Library management would review the parking policy for the library. They need to take into consideration that most people spend more than 4 hours in the library and just not convenient to move the vehicle every 4 hours. By the way, the parking is never full. It was barely half fill this afternoon. I do not see the big deal parking there for more than 4 hours. The Library or the City should refund to the people who received parking tickets at the facility.
