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Huntington Beach Central Library
Rating Details »
7111 Talbert Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 842-4481
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 842-4481
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- Hours:
Mon. 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tue-Thu. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
40 reviews for Huntington Beach Central Library
i refused to believe it until i saw it. all these good reviews for..a library?! when i was younger, i used to live in libraries. i loved it, that's why belle was always my favorite disney princess! hehe
decided to come here to check it out and study one fine thursday afternoon. i was pleasantly surprised to find how HUGE, nice, and clean this library was. within spotting the cheap books for sale section, i was freaken excited and wanted to spend all my time and $ there..but i remembered, i'm here to study!
i used to go to barnes and nobles in the area to study, but i was glad to "discover" the library on yelp. who woulda thought? the library is bigger, which means not looking out for empty seats/tables like a vulture, and much more peaceful. i love that there are so many outlets...like one at every desk. at my school library, people are usually searching for the selected tables that have outlets...that's no problem here. i got more done in a couple hours here than i have gotten done all summer long at barnes and nobles, and at home. i love it i love it!
Alright the library itself is awesome, there's no question about that BUT parking? Parking is awful, the library is right next to central park and the sports arena. On the weekends it's nearly impossible to find a spot. The waterfall and the wifi in the library are awesome, there are plenty of nooks to be found for your own private reading/surfing session. The book sales, staff, book selection and cleanliness make this a top notch library.
5 stars for the library -1 for the parking lot.
One of the best libraries in all of Orange county !
Great electronic resources, book selection and they even have a gift shop inside!
They have a beautiful waterfall, staircase and pond in this library. Its several stories high with a cafeteria at the bottom and a small gift shop on the main level. The staff is friendly and the all glass wall to see the view of the park is amazing!
Even if you live in other parts of OC you should check out this library for great books, electronic resources and a great computer database!
My only gripe is they have some odd hours on Monday (they dont open unitl 1 pm on Monday, weird, I know!? ) and they are open 1-5 on Sundays, but overall you should visit this place if you can! Worth the trip to HB!
Although I still love this library to death, I was not aware that on Mondays, they don't open til 1 pm. Gah. They open from 1-5 on Sundays.
But it makes up for the location being so close to Coffee Bean and Central Park. I grabbed my books and headed towards the park with my white chocolate blended mocha and read til it opened.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/24/2008
This library is the best place for a child like me to grow up in. Growing up in HB, this place has… Read more »
This library is the nicest library I've ever been to. It has a fountain in the middle of library and its quite soothing. They have free wi-fi with plenty of outlets to plug your outlet on. They have a great selection of used books for sale at rock bottom prices. This library is great for studying because it'super quiet. There's even have an art gallery within the library. Great selection of books, not to mention this library is huge. Whenever I have the chance, I try to make it a trip to head to this library. Love it!
Here are my qualifications, a sort of CV for your perusal before I get all cultist on you about the HB Central Library:
*I learned to read when I was three
*I've been a member of many fine libraries in the states of California and Hawaii
*I visit a library at least once a week for new books
*I read all the time (while driving, while walking, in line for something, on a picnic, and various other sundry places)
*I would spend summer vacations when I was a kid hiding out in the library in my aunt's house with my nose in a book instead of swimming in the pool with all the other normal kids
Of all the libraries I have been a member of and visited, this library is my favorite. There is something for everyone: E loves the fine (and fairly/very recent) selection of IT and programming books, I love the fountains downstairs (to sit on a chair next to and start a good book to), J loves the pirate ship in the kids' section.
I love this place like I love an old friend (picture stars in my eyes). I have nothing bad to say about it.
And the best part? It's all free. What In The Name Of All That's Reasonable could be better than that?! Free chocolate thrown in, maybe........
Huntington Beach Central Library is one of the best libraries in Orange County in my opinion. You can totally get lost in there. The place is huge and there are a ton of resources. It's a great place to study when you really want to get work done. There are plenty of tables and ones with outlets and mini lamps if you need it.
I usually sit in the same general area (by the art gallery) because it's a nice and quiet little nook where I can study and sneak snacks without being bothered. ;) And I love how I can just take a break from the books and just stare out the window at the surrounding park, listen to the fountain in meditation, wonder thru the art gallery or used book section or get a snack downstairs at the cafe.
HBCL, see you tomorrow!
-screams-
A WORK OF ART.
The HUGE book selections make me so overwhelmed with happiness! and ahhh the smell of books fascinates me!
The is surely book heaven :)
They have many stories in the library piles with desks, and
books of ANY kind i swear!!
They got more than just books too:)
The have a food area and gift shop, and nature
springing to life with waterfalls!
I sat at this one area where there was all windows around me,
and in front of me was liek ALL WATER.
I felt like the library was sitting on a fountain!
COME HERE!!!!!!! and you'll be in your own little world :D
What a Fantastic Place to Study!!
This library has an atrium like setting. You can sit on tables and look out at the duck pond. There are indoor fountains and plants. Sure is a nice break from the typical libraries.
There is also an indoor cafe for when you get hungry and Free Wifi! The hours are also great. It is even open on Sundays (1-5PM).
This place truly is my refuge.
I come here to unwind on a hectic day nestled next to one of their many water fountains, cram for big tests at one of their many spacious desks that are equipped with outlets for your computer or simply just to people watch, which there is an endless supply of different types of people to watch.
I love this library!!! I feel truly blessed to have such a nice library in my own hometown. Their hours are great (except Mondays, they don't open till 1pm), they have free wi-fi, comfy places to study and relax, cheap vending/coffee machines, and a good not great coffee stand (alittle pricey and the girl that works there has a bad attitude, I recommend the coffee machines instead.)
Check out their website because they frequently have concerts, play, etc in the park where the library lies.
http://www.hbpl.org
I absolutely LOVE the Huntington Beach Public Library!!!
I grew up in Huntington Beach and have seen this library go from great to fabulous!!! The improvements they have made through the years are just fantasitc and they have really made this library cater to everyone in the community.
As a child, my parents would bring us there for story time. My siblings and I often enjoyed listening to the librarian read stories from these wonderful books. They have a great selection of books for young children as well. In fact, they have their own children's wing - complete with an area to hang out at and a study area. We would go there and check out several books for the week and come back for more once we were through reading them.
Not only do they have a great selection of children's books, but they have a great selection of books for adults too. They have everything you can imagine! They even have periodicals and micro film for things that are old. They have computers that you can use, copy machines and fax machines that you can use in case you don't have one handy at home. It's a perfect place to study or do a school project at because they have everything that you need.
They have a gift shop where you can buy supplies that you may have forgotten about. They also have unique gifts that you can buy there as well. Things that you don't normally find at a regular store.
If you get hungry, they have many vending machines, and they have a small cafe where you can buy goodies, sandwiches, drinks, etc.
The library not only offers you books and snacks, but they've got some sound proof rooms, for those who want to get a study group going - or maybe for those that just want absolute silence. They also offer conference and meeting rooms too.
They have a geneology section that is just fabulous if you are ever interested in researching your history.
This library offers so many wonderful things that not every library offers. I just love it here. The architecture is great and views from all of the different levels are great too. It doesn't hurt the fact that there is a gorgeous park that surrounds the library, so the sound of the fountains and the view of the trees outside make a really nice combination.
I hope they continue to make this library a great one.
I think this must be the most beautiful library in the world!
My only complaint is with the new desks they installed that have no partition between them and as a result you have to look right into the eyes of the person on the other side of the desk two feet away, and as a result people prefer to go only one per two man desk. The old desks had a partition between them as they should.
Another complaint - as others have noted - is parking. No problem during the week, but on weekends it can be a big problem, especially when there's an event going on in the park or at the ball fields. I don't understand the planning really - Why are there pay meters when there is also adjacent free parking and other spots for handicapped? The pay meters are always vacant. Also, the locked gate to the adjacent ball field and its huge parking area and the one dollar charge on that side of the fence.
I've loved this library since i was a child.
The library itself is quite large. There's a great children's section. I love that there are so many places to sit and read. There's a cafe downstairs if you get hungry whilst stuck in a book and don't want to put it down for too long. The surrounding park is amazing. I ride bikes here when I can.
I've never gone to this park/library and not enjoyed myself immensely. I doubt you'll be able to keep yourself from enjoying your day there as well.
I managed to successfully avoid libraries during the majority of my life. So how the heck did I end up at the Huntington Beach library?
A claustrophobic's nightmare. Libraries are stuffy, old, dingy, enclosed places. I feel like I am rotting alive when I am at one.
I was dragged to the HB library and somehow I think I'm going to stay here. This place is amazing (for a library)!
After undergrad, I've somehow ended up studying more than I ever have in my entire life. WTF happened? I thought it was going to end!
Windows everywhere, an indoor fountain and stream, plenty of seating, roomy, good airconditioning, tables with individual lights and plugs, and a coffee shop with snacks!
Downsides are the hours and parking on weekends. The library shares parking with the little league field and can get hectic on weekend mornings. I wish this place was 24 hours, but it has public library hours (ie closes at 5pm on Sunday).
You will find me here probably every other evening and on all weekends from open to close until June 2009. Please don't hesitate to stop by and say hi...although patrons here seem to look down upon talking while there (kind of a good thing for me because I am the king of distractions).
There is no way I'm gonna give this library any less than 5 stars, especially given its track record on Yelp so far, and because, well, it deserves it. The library is located in a complex in Huntington Beach that also contains a huge park with a walking trail, and several baseball fields. The library itself sits alongside the park grounds so the view from the inside is just beautiful. The view combined with the indoor and outdoor water fountains, and spiral staircase makes this a surprisingly romantic setting. Who knew a library could be so romantic?
There are several features at this location that are typical of most libraries, like computer workstations, vending machines, a coffee cart with snacks, and, ummm...books. However, there are also tons of things about this place that sets it apart from the rest, like their massive media store where you can rent DVDs, and books on tape for FREE. They even have new releases! They also have a huge section of books for children only, where they have daily storytelling/readings in their own private children's theater. So cool! They also have a super hi-tech conveyor belt system they use to return books to their proper place (yes, I'm easily impressed).
This library really does have it all! It sounds funny, but this is a great place for a date. There were tons of couples holding hands, perusing through the books, having coffee, walking through the park, and doing other "things" in the park. Seriously, if you are looking for a fun and cheap way to spend the afternoon, this library/park combo comes highly recommended!
free wi-fi, ample seating, quiet, and tranquil atmosphere - what more can you ask for?
i absolutely love this library. i had been living in HB for a long time but have only recently discovered this place thanks to my bf. i love the lighted desks. each one has a power outlet so you can plug in your laptop. it's very quiet but you can hear the sound of water coming from the fountains which is very relaxing. if you're lucky enough to get a seat by the windows, you get a view that overlooks the park so it gives you the feeling that you're still enjoying the outdoors even though you're indoors getting your work done. i don't know about you, but the worst thing about having to do work on a nice saturday is the fact that i'm missing out on a beautiful day outside. being in this library makes me feel less cheated on those days. there's also a cafe downstairs if you need a snack or some coffee so i can easily stay for the whole day and get loads of work done.
Although this may be one of my best study spots, its a far drive and they charge you $25/year to get a card if you're a nonresident of HB! Whats up with that?! The wi-fi is a bit more restrictive compared to ocpl's. Lighting in the food court is too dim. The constant sound of running water may be annoying at first, but you get used to it. The book conveyor belt return system can be loud if you're on that floor....
You can always find a place to claim for studying or zoning reality out. People are mostly courteous and quiet and cell ring tones are almost nonexistent. The temperature is just right. I'm glad the kids section has its own room farrr from the rest of the library, too. That can only mean one thing: no annoying squeaky kid slippers jumping up and down to disturb your studies!! scoreee.
Funny story, one time i came here and a girl got stabbed outside in the parking lot!! and a guy was hiding from the police in the multileveled stacks!!
Nice views, huge entryway, spiral staircase, fish tanks, gift shop, cafe and discounted books! This is the best part of this library, next to the indoor and outdoor fountains- the book sale. And when I say sale, I mean really, 25cents, 50 cents, maybe $1.50 for hardcover, now that's what I call a steal! And its all the time, no special days or monthly events you have to pencil in on your calendar.
Take your new (used) book out to the park for a sit on the bench to read, under a tree or while you bust out a few sit-ups on the full circuit training course...abs o steal don't just "happen" you know. Especially if you love libraries so much to write a review about them
My review is going to be a buzz kill.
This library is huge. It's quiet. It's got decent selection.
But it makes me feel oh, so, dreary. I feel like hardly any light makes it through the windows and the light fixtures there are less than substantial. It feels all so artificial down there.
It is definitely not on my list of places to study -- although I know plenty of people who love this place.
Oh, yeah. Supposedly, there's free wi-fi now too.
I come here all the time, very relaxing and plenty of books and resources. I love the simple architecture inside. Usually I come on weekends when it gets a little more crowded, but I love it just the same.
This is one of my favorite places to study!!! The library is really big so finding a nice and quiet study spot is no problem at all. I've been coming here for years just to study. Although I do not have a library card here, I'm sure I wouldn't have a hard time finding anything I need since they have such a large selection of books. There's a small cafe located (in the basement I think) and they sell sandwiches, cup of noodles, drinks, etc. in case you get the munchies while studying. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the park outside of this library. The bf and I went for a jog the other day. Perfect place to have a picnic, take a walk, and admire the cute ducks by the mini pond. There are also a few cherry blossom trees that are in bloom around this time of the year so you can go and enjoy them as well. The HB library and park are both worth the visit!
doode. way cooler than the fountain valley library. they've gotta children's theater. free tutoring, a couple of coffee/snacks carts. they've even got an AWESOME surrounding environment. it's huge. it doesn't smell bad. the kids room has toys all over it and games to trick kids in thinking that reading and libraries are way funner. there isn't old people everywhere. what a perfect place to study.
I'd give this place negative 5 stars if it loweered the average and no one came to make it crowded. It seems the secret's out. I've been coming here since I was old enough to get a library card. From kids books to Cliff's notes to MCAT to Boards studying, the HB LIbrary has been my terrarium-inspired study zone. Relax on the top floor of the periodical section and look out over the fountain, set up near the back and scope the lake, or perch on the bottom floor made of stones and relax by the indoor creek under shelter of the huge prehistoric indoor trees that heliotrope their way to the ceiling lights.
Or get a cubicle near the stairs and bust out your TI-82 for some high school algebra. Love this place.
This place is amazing. The library has made a bunch of new improvements. My favorite part of the library is the stacks that have new fiction and non-fiction. The library has terrific stuff for kids. There are cool little nooks to go study and concentrate. Laptop friendly. There's a media center where I check out CDs and books on CD. The folks who work there are fantastic. It's everything that a city library should be. The view is amazing. There is a theater downstairs. Really peaceful. A great place to recharge your batteries and widen you imagination and interest. They even have this program where they ask the whole city to read a particular book each year. It might be the best thing going on in HB.
best park around.
the library is amazing.
the park is even better.
go there. get a book. sit in the sun.
have an amazing day.
cs.
This library is a beast! Offering everything you would ever need.
Being a Elem Ed. major, they have a kick ass children's area and many many educational videos that can be checked out for 2 days to a week at a time.
My favorite place in Huntington Beach.
This place is awesome. There's a giant fountain/stream that flows through it, with a big winding staircase that leads to a cafe downstairs, so you can get some books, get a nice cup of coffee and a muffin, sit next to the water, and read without anyone bothering you.
Impressive library for an OC library
You don't see libraries this big and nice outside of a university.
Little known fun fact for business research - having your library card gets you access to the Reference USA database, which is almost as good as Hoover's and unlike Hoover's, it's FREE.
Later,
Jeff
This is one of my favorite places to study. There is free Wi-Fi and lots of room and tables to study. There is also a section where you can purchase used books for really cheap. They range from 10 cents - $2.00. If you are looking for a nice place to get some work done -- this is the place. The only downside of it is that it doesn't open past 8pm.
I LOVE this library, there's free Wi-Fi , cafe space to eat , fountains inside & out & nice tables with outlets & nice helpful friendly staff. The atmosphere here is great for students & very relaxing since it's surrounded by a nice park with nice trails & baseball field nearby. =) Great place to just chill & relax or study up, it opens until late too.
This is the best library I have ever been to... I especially like the sound of the fountains... it helps me to think and read and write while listening to flowing water... they also sell pre-owned books and albums and magazines for a very low price, nothing more than one dollar...I've found some good books that way.. I'm so glad that I live close.. they also have several PCs here that you can use for free as long as you have a library card, so you will need to prove that you live in HB... and if I just have to be outside, the Central Park is right there...
I love this library! I've been going here since I was little, but it was only recently that I realized how cool it is. It's totally a midcentury modern building that I never noticed. If you're a fan of that kind of architecture, you have to see this place. It's also huge and has all sorts of quiet little corners you can hang out in and pretend you're invisible. Today I went and for the first time I browsed in the used bookstore. My boyfriend and I bought 6 books for $3.25. It was like thrifting, but better because the books were like 25 cents instead of $3.00 (Damn Goodwill prices). This library is also surrounded by a beautiful park that you can get lost in.
I love how dated this library is! I really do, I think it's very endearing. It basically looks like it was very modern for it's time, but the time was the 1960s / 1970s. Parts of it are very cozy, and I like the little shop up front. There is also an entire section of used books for sale. Always a great browse. I've always found the general stacks pretty good too.
worst library experience ever. i thought libraries were supposed to be quiet. this one constantly has people talking and people always talking around you. the library people are mostly all old people who dont enforce library rules.
how amazing is this library? i'm gonna be a librarian because of this library. it's an amazing resource and we're a fucking lucky bunch, living in huntington beach and having access to it. as far as the collection goes, it's extensive as you'd expect to see in a much larger city, larger even than some university libraries ive been in. i'd like to throw a party here, or just throw a party for this library, cause it rules and we should all just eat cake in honor of it.
I've been going here since I was a kid, and it is an amazing library! It's in a great location in Huntington Beach, and the surrounding park area is stunning. The library is HUGE with a fantastic selection and atmosphere. The library staff is extremely friendly and helpful and dedicated. A library card to this library is such a treat. I used to spend hours here as a kid, amazed at all of the books and stairs and fountains. I love it!
this is one of the coolest libraries i've visited and i'm sad that i didn't take advantage of this place more while i was a student. i'm sitting tucked in between rows of books but when i look out to my left i see that i'm in between two floors so that i have an unobsturcted view of the park and the pond outside. there are various fountains inside the library and the sound of trickling water is both calming and stimulating. there are a lot of people studying here but they have plenty of desks and chairs to accomodate. explore before you you settle down as there are many different types of spaces available to give you the perfect vibe that you're seeking.
