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Brand Library & Art Center
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
1601 W Mountain StGlendale, CA 91201
(818) 548-2051
- Hours:
Tue, Thu 12 pm - 8 pm
Wed 12 pm - 6 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
23 reviews for Brand Library & Art Center
23 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer P.
Cerritos, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here for photos for a friend's bridal party. Not only were the architecture and landscaping amazing but the drive up to the library itself was a great, scenic view of fantastic houses in the neighborhood. I had almost forgotten about this gem.
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Review from Mary A.
Pasadena, CA
Love love love this place.. The most peaceful and serene spot in glendale. It has an amazing view, great walking/hiking, the library is beautiful
Theres a japanese tea garden where u can just go picnic or take a cup of coffee or tea and just bask in the beauty that surrounds u.. -
Review from Sarah G.
Los Angeles, CA
7/31/2011
Have loved it here since childhood. I remember when they used to fill up that little pool in the summers for kids to splash around in.
The park is beautiful and my friends and I love to get in swing time, even as adults. A great hiking spot, even for those who are not a fan of physical exertion like myself. Look out for field mice, snakes, lizards, and all kinds of fun little wildlife.
The Doctor's House is beautiful and the gazebo is a great place to sit and sketch in, if that's your thing. I haven't seen the Japanese Teahouse since the revamp, but I'm excited to go. The koi and turtles are fun to watch there in the garden.
I don't do the library too often, but it is a wealth of music, books, and video. An art lover's paradise. They have gallery exhibitions and musical performances on occasion.
My only sadness is that this place is a hot spot for weddings, children's birthday parties, and mildly irritating teenagers and tweens on the weekends. Come here during the week, if you can. -
Review from Chau V.
Los Angeles, CA
4/21/2011
A friend of mine told me that he would take me to a library close to his house so I could study while he was at work
So he drove up the mountain for like 10 minutes and I asked him where we were going. He insisted "to the library". I was so confused. "What? but where?" Haha
As we came up to plateau, I saw the beautiful entrance and something looked like a castle. "Woooww!!! This is the library!"
Very awesome architecture.
Modern design inside.
Lots of book.
Quite environment to study.
I see lots of people taking their wedding photos here as well.
Free parkingListed in: Libraries
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Review from John W.
Long Beach, CA
Glendale is full of history and surprises. However, nothing beats good books, an art museum, a nice park, and a Japanese Tea Garden all in one!
Brand Park and Library has all kinds of cool and unusual stuff to do and see. It's a spectacular place to bring your family or someone special to just hangout or hike on some of the trails up behind the library area. Lot's to look at and enjoy in a very simplistic kind of way.
Couple of things you wont want to miss are:
- The Japanese Tea Garden: This area is only open on certain days and times so plan ahead.
- The Hiking Trails: While I didn't get to see it all, these trails look fun and inviting. Bring water.
Whether you are a bookworm, trail enthusiast, dog walking lover or just a fan of some nice scenery, this little location has lots to offer! Also, if you get a chance you should walk around the neighborhood here. So many beautiful homes and sights to see. -
Review from Drea K.
5/27/2011
this library is amazing and the art center is neat.
first of all, i can't believe this is a public library because it seems very much like a research library or an art school library. the collection contains over 125,000 items (according to their website) including 80,000+ book titles, 100+ periodical subscriptions, 26,000+ compact discs, 10,000+ records, almost 1,500 DVDs/VHS, 200 slide sets and several hundred framed or mounted art reproductions. it's an impressive collection that is centered around all forms of art.
as for the borrower policy, you are allowed to have up to 100 items checked out at any given time with specific maximums for each medium:
-50 books
-25 compact discs (5 of which may be boxed sets)
-25 records
-6 DVDs
-6 VHS
-15 framed prints
-15 unframed prints
-15 slide sets
these limits are unbelievable. also, this place is a branch of the glendale library and shares a library card system with the pasadena library. if you don't already have a library card all you need is a form of identification with a current address (i.e. driver's license). the librarians are very friendly here and have been nothing but helpful.
altogether, the art center (which shares the building) is a a great accompaniment to the library and makes a visit to the brand library even better.Listed in: get cultured.
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Review from Sarah T.
Van Nuys, CA
7/9/2008
There are already plenty of reviews gushing over the incredible collection of the library.
However, if you go hiking behind the library and have enough time to explore, you just might find Mr. Brand himself, buried inside a pyramid in the graveyard.
If you find him, tell him I said "Hi." -
Review from Joe R.
Burbank, CA
7/22/2011
What they said, Brand Library rocks. I found The Yardbirds Greatest Hits here in 1974 and they still have copy today. Outstanding architecture, design, art and music collections for all to enjoy.
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Review from Carina O.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2008
Hands down one of my favorite places in LA is Brand Park and Library. It's somewhere that I discovered completely on my own and have been going there since I began living in LA. It feels like home to me. I got in trouble once for making out with my boyfriend in the dugout there, it would be cuter if it was my first boyfriend or a Jr. High love. But it was my first boyfriend as a college student and he was a big mistake. He always said it was our place. But that was never true. It was always and still is mine.
I do picnics, read, do homework, talk to astrologers on the phone in the parking lot, cry, laugh, and other such activities there. Oh yes and I most certainly check out cds (they have a huge music collection). I think this library has contributed like 20% to my iTunes library, so that is great. -
Review from Shara D.
Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2010
Maybe its because I was never into libraries but somehow this one always had me coming back. I guess it was because of the park that was surrounding it, cant go wrong with the study n play combo. Im really happy that this is still around I know times are tough specially for gov approved sanctions. The Governator isn't helping with more and more cuts to the school... but this library is very clean and it IS always quite in here =]
TFR -
Review from Valarie C.
Burbank, CA
8/6/2008
I'm writing this because of the recent theme of summer picnics. Brand Park has long been a favorite place of mine for several reasons. There's lots of shade, making it an ideal place for a picnic. My son (now almost 25), went to the day camp program for two consecutive summers, and its hiking trails make it a great place for a day with the family.
The library and art center (YIKES, I'm old enough to remember when they added on the latter section!) is a great place to enjoy with a cerebral date (my gentleman friend appreciated seeing this last year). The audio-visual section is so impressive, with their massive collection of CD's. When I was in grad school, I borrowed many of them for use in various projects. The art center is often a venue for free concerts, and their gallery's rotating exhibits support the efforts of worthy local artists.
So, for an answer to your Saturday "What do you wanna do?" quandaries, I recommend this place.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Cat L.
Hermosa Beach, CA
5/27/2008
Glendale hosts the greatest libraries possibly ANYWHERE, IMO. But the Brand Library is more than just a library, it's a literary palace! The tranquil grounds are gorgeous and very zen you will not believe you are in Glendale. A great escape on a bad day, good for reflection and studying as well. There is nowhere around quite like it. Not to mention, when the World Wide Web exploded in the 90's, this library hosted computers with full internet capabilities, a scarce resource at the time in other public establishments. I surfed the internet for the VERY FIRST TIME here.
If I remember right, you can use your library card from the Glendale Public Library to check out books, CDs, DVDs, etc. I usually don't check out anything when I'm there because it used to be a bit of a drive away from my old home and I no longer live in the 818. I just enjoy browsing and listening to their vast and eclectic collection of CDs and albums (they have everything from classical opera to hip hop), checking out the art gallery, and strolling through Brand Park, the grounds that host this magnificent library.
By the library there is also a hiking trail, tea garden and doctor's house museum that seem to have odd hours because they are always closed when I go but I have seen a number of brides being photographed in the garden. Definitely will have to check it out the next time I visit. -
Review from Genie L.
Los Angeles, CA
12/27/2008 2 photos
I just camped out at this library the last two days burning music to my computer for free. They have a wide selection of film scores and soundtracks as well as many other genres: pop/rock, classical categorized into instruments, jazz, ...
I have not been to the other sections of the library, but they didn't mind me sitting there all day with a CD-fort around my laptop. There are not too many places in which to plug your laptop, but there was one right under the computers by the window in the architecture section of the library. Not that crowded... peaceful inside.
Only downside is that I got delirious towards the end of my stay and started burning a bunch of ABBA to my computer. -
Review from Benjamin H.
Burbank, CA
12/28/2008
This is a terrific library on many levels. First of all, it's quiet and people respect the notion of the library voice. Music, jazz, orchestral, world, rock and roll, and vinyl too! Plenty of art, as this is the library's focus. The bonus is in the hiking trails around the art center. When I need a serene place in which to get away for reading and studying the Brand Library is at the top of my list. I hope the Brand Library will be there for many more years.
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Review from Ronald B.
Glendale, CA
8/9/2010
I have been going to this park since I was 6 years old and I have grown up walking all the way up the stairs toward the library. The incline is pressing but worth the walk, bike, roller blade, etc. Now I venture the 3.2 miles in total up to the park from my house back down with my lady and our two pups. I only wish people who used the park would be more careful of their trash and mindful that the park is a terrible thing to dirty. Also, I am aware of the culture in Glendale, but all loud and annoying park goers who just want to sit around and blast their annoying music, please do it down the street next to the railroad tracks. The park is too beautiful to be disrupted by your halala cds, fake gangster rap, and techno music.
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Review from Scott B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/2/2008
You are going to so thank me for this advice all y'all. If you have an iPod that needs to be filled, you must head up to the Brand Library. They let you check out 15 CDs at once! (Not on your first visit though, you have to engender a little bit of trust with them). And they have a huge and very bizarre selection of all genres. And a box set only counts as one CD, and trust me, they have lots of boxed sets.
After I received a 60 GB from my friend Lisa (whom also told me about yelp), I felt a serious need to fill that sucker up. So, after downloading my own seemingly measly CD collection into it, I would make it a ritual to head up to the Brand Library and check out the maximum of 15 CDs. And I was checking out all sorts of shit that I would probably never buy, but what the hell. So, I would walk out of there with eclectic stacks of Tom Lehrer, Jay-Z, Thelonious Monk, Kronos Quartet, Los Lobos, Jethro Tull, etc., and then I would download them that night, return them the next day (or day after, they keep weird hours there), and then pick up another 15 CDs, this time getting Rock Against Bush, Brad Mehldau, Lauren Hill, the A Chorus Line soundtrack, Maria McKee, David Bowie, and a huge John Coltrane box set that probably costs about 100 bucks retail. And then I would lather, rinse, repeat.
My then girlfriend really hated this downloading obsession. She called my iPod "the other woman."
Sadly now, my iPod is full, and so I'm always having to erase certain whimsical downloads, such as The Partridge Family (I, of course, kept "I Woke Up In Love This Morning"), the Jay-Z album (what the hell was I thinking?), Michael Penn (sorry, you're no Aimee Mann), and some other crap. -
Review from Tom C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/11/2010 6 Check-ins Here
This is a fantastic Art & Music Library! Great for Research and the CD collection! You can check out 25 CDs, so it's a nice way to fill your music library or get exposure to types of music. The Park is lovely and a great place to hike up the Mountain
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Review from Ara A.
10/28/2008
Great library for artists and art enthusiasts! The area is gorgeous as everyone has stated. It is the perfect place to unwind and get away from your troubles. If you haven't been here it's most certainly worth at least 1 visit.
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Review from Jessie C.
Los Angeles, CA
2/4/2008
This is just too much for me!!! This is like dumping me into an ocean of arts and appreciation... This can never go wrong. Especially with their exhibition room which I go with satisfaction each time. The library itself... wow... an ocean of arts? I dig and dig and find more than what I expected. The rarest CD's, sheets, and books are hidden in this place. It's magical, really magical.
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Review from Lee C.
Chicago, IL
3/25/2008 1 photo
I am reviewing this because I miss it so. The Brand Library is probably the most unique public library I've ever been to. It houses only items that deal with the arts, and has a huge collection. Tons of CD's and records, including box sets. Books, DVDs, magazines, and an art gallery. I would spend hours here, and after browsing for so long would wander about the grounds. The building itself is a work of art, an old mansion I believe. If you live anywhere near Glendale, GO GO GO!
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Review from Rudy d.
Glendale, CA
1/5/2011 3 photos
One of my favorite places in Glendale is the Brand Library & Art Center. It's location 1601 W. Mountain Street makes you feel you're on top of the world. For me, it's more than a Library. It feels like home. It's probably the most unique public Library I've been - it's sorroundings is so green and provide plenty of shades, making it ideal for picnics or just plain getaway. The Library is housed in a mansion built in 1904. The architecture is considered Saracenic, mixture of Moroccan, Spanish and Indian influences. In contrast to the elegant, cool white exterior, a Victorian decor was followed inside. This Library is considered the art and music section of the Glendale Public Library . If you an have an ipod or a Zune that you need to fill with songs, this is definitely the place to go. Did you know that with your Glendale Public Library card you can check out up to a maximum of 15 Cd's in one visit and would probably never buy since this library has a massive collection of music CD's. You'll be surprise and will end up spending hours and hours browsing to their entire collection that are quite hard to find these days. I must have borrowed the complete collection of Sergio Mendes and the Brazil 65 to his latest Timeless CD collaboration with current artist. Whether you like the Beatles or Andrea Bocelli, you will find their CD' collection here. There is also an Art Gallery that features changing exhibits of work of the contemporary Southern California artist. The Brand Library hours vary. Tuesday & Thursday 12 - 8 pm, Wednesday is 12 -6 pm, Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays and Mondays. So when have time, go and visit this library and believe me you will find yourself coming back for more.
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Review from Lisa Z.
9/18/2009
This is a great libary and is a historical site and park as well. It is a beautiful place. This site used to be the home of Mr. Leslie Brand, given the name El Miradero, which you still see on the gates as you drive up to the park and library. The original lobby of the library still has his portrait and still looks like it has the original wood from the house. The Brand Library is part of the Pasadena/Glendale Library system and is a true gem for music lovers everywhere. They have an extensive music collection on CD as well as rare sheet music which you can photocopy for a nominal fee of $.10 per page. My mom was in heaven here getting some rare sheet music (she is a pianist). The grounds are beautiful and a lovely picnic setting. There are also trails around the back which are a nice walk if weather permits, and the Doctor's House and Mr. Brand's grave are also a nice things to visit and learn about. A great little stop for a few hours on a weekend afternoon. I don't live in the area, but I'd love to come back - especially when it's not over 100 degrees.
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Review from linda n.
Los Angeles, CA
10/25/2009
yes, absolutely awesome. i have to say though, the first time i visited this place, i expected the interior to be just as gorgeous and serene as the exterior and surrounding grounds. the inside of the library section consists of various rather small areas with shelves of books, and desks and chairs tucked around here and there. it felt small and somewhat cramped, which was totally not what i expected. i guess i thought there would be vaulted ceilings and beautiful paintings on the walls and sculpture displays and a massive skylight.. i guess i forgot it's a library, not a museum. it's still very nice though, and lots and lots of great books. and the tea house on the other side of the parking lot, though not very impressive itself, is a nice little place to have a quiet walk or pull out a lawn chair or sit on the grass and read.
