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Pasadena Public Library
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Pasadena
285 E Walnut St
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 744-4066
285 E Walnut St
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 744-4066
- Hours:
Mon-Thu. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
39 reviews for Pasadena Public Library
I would have given it a 3.5-star rating had I not discover the little girls room in the children's library because the women's restroom is always so BAAARFF!
Other then that, I love love love love love this beautiful library.
I love this library. Not because of the architecture, the free parking in back, the fact that there's wifi, the drop off boxes outside or the fact that it's down the street from where I live, NO! - I simply love this library because before the due date I GET AN EMAIL REMINDING ME THAT THE DUE DATE IS APPROACHING! Awesome! I don't know how many times I get stacks of books and would forget to return them on time at my old nameless library, but now at my new library, I'm able to be on time because of the email reminder!
Also, I put a book on hold (My Life in France - Julia Child, inspired after I saw the Julia/Julie movie at the yelp event) and they emailed me when it became available for pickup. I love the email reminders!
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This library is absolutely beautiful. I'm not sure when it was built but it seems like it was somewhere in the 1920's. It reminds me of the big libraries that they show in the movies. The wood paneling on the walls is amazing. They have long tables with lamps for individuals to read/study. They have a separate room just for children's books. I want to go and spend the afternoon there one day. Go check it out some time and give yourself a couple of hours to wander around. It's really that beautiful.
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Great place to study, free wi-fi. Just watch out for the crazies on their cell phones.
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Great library with lots of selections. I love the atmosphere here and would come back anytime.
The best library I have ever seen. The architecture is gorgeous! The little rooms that lead to more rooms are perfect for studying.
I remember running up and down the floors as a child, doing my research projects, thinking - this is like the movies! It's a little fairytale inside.
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New York Public Library, I can't quit you. Ever since we made each other's acquaintance last May, I've searched Los Angeles in vain for a place that could elicit the sense of awe I had walking the halls of such a temple to learning. LA Central Library blows - despite its architectural flourishes, it's AnyLibrary USA with a clunky annex.
Pasadena Public Library is what would happen if NYPL took a crap at 285 E Walnut Street, and I write that with sincere affection because it's (smaller but) beautiful. I felt like a kid in a candy store walking around and discovering the space, so many different rooms and moods, and lots of windows and light!
As Yelped previously, they've got parking, study areas open to food and drink, wi-fi, a patio, and the prerequisite god-awful library bathrooms.
It's a drive for me but if you're new to Pasadena area and/or looking for a free local hangout to go, you know, learn, stop in.
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It's a really wonderful library. Great staff, beautiful surroundings, quiet, free wi-fi and decent selection of books.
Small downside is the bathrooms are not the cleanest in the world but, if you don't have to use the bathroom, you'll have a wonderful library experience.
Parking is busy but you can usually find a spot.
Other than that if you live anywhere near Pasadena and want to go to a library you should go to PPL.
Woohoo! As good as it gets!
Someone will write a book one day about the Pasadena Central Library and it will find it's place on the shelf of this wonderful establishment. This place is the only reason I still visit libraries today - hoping that I'll stumble upon a place this amazing. From the fantastic cork floor to the toilets that sit 4 inches off the ground, this is a site to see. It makes me want to return my books on time and still pay late fees.
Straight outta high school and I need a job. I needed something with flexible hours to go around my busy 4 year long PCC schedule. Ahhh Pasadena Central Library. Perfect!
I had a really fun time working here except when I had to work in the children's section. That place is just madness from open to close. I loved to help some of the people that would come in and I would see a lot of interesting things happen between the stacks. That was the first time I found out a library can make some people horny.
Just beware of a few things:
-the occasional bum that tends to lurk in the periodical section will stank up the surrounding place
-the pervs downloading porn on the computers (seriously? on a public compy??)
-the ghosts that tend to haunt the library late at night (all employee's have had at least one experience)
Other than that the library is a wonderful place to spend some time studying and reading. Take your time to walk around and explore and soak up all that it has to offer. You'll leave pleasantly surprised.
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Food for thought, go visit the Pasadena Public Library. I don't spend much time in public libraries as much as I used to but Pasadena Public Library may change that. It wasn't my intention on visiting this library today but I needed to print something, as my home printer is out of ink. As I entered the library I asked Laurie, the Directional Assistant, where could I print something. This lady was so nice and directed me to the Reference Desk. At the Reference Desk, I was assisted by Gerald who gave me the particulars about using the computer and directed me to a available computer.
After using the computer, I had to return to the Reference Desk to inquire about my print-out. Dan directed me downstairs to an area known as the Internet Commons, which I had no idea that this area existed. There are so many computers in this area and they were practically all being used by patrons. It's good to know that people are taking advantage of this public library, as it has so much to offer. There's a certain area for print-jobs at the lower staircase. The library charges $.10 per page to print, which is reasonable. Much to my surprise, Dan was assisting another patron and after he finished with that patron he came over to me asking if I needed assistance and, yes, I needed help with the printing program. Dan offered assistance, once again, with courtesy.
I was, somewhat, upset before entering this library because I couldn't print what I needed. However, after entering the Pasadena Public Library and receiving such courtesy, professionalism, and kindness, my frustration left almost immediately. In addition to the books and other educational resources, I applaud this library for the staff, cleanliness, and other services that it offers. Speaking of staff, I commend Dan and Gerald, but I must also say that Laurie mentioned that she's a volunteer, who I also commend. Honestly, I was surprised to know that Laurie is a volunteer because she was so professional and enthusiastic when helping me. Not to say that volunteers aren't professional and enthusiastic, but Laurie exuded such attentiveness, I just assumed she was a paid employee. It's such a pleasure to know that there are still noble citizens that really care and want to help in the community, and for free. If ever in the Pasadena area, please visit this library, as you can obtain such a wealth of information from the books and the staff.
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Wow. I finally went to this library today to check it out, and was I ever impressed. You FEEL smart just walking past the iron gates and up to the front doors. Lots of great areas to sit and read. Some ultra quiet, some a little more bustling. It is beautiful, and charming, and looks like it stepped straight out of a movie (which I have no doubt, it has been in many).
The book collection is quite extensive and impressive. I bee-lined over to the cookbook section and found HUNDREDS of books on just about anything you'd like to cook. I even found one on how to make your own homemade Charcuterie. Wow. I came home with an armload of books that I could barely carry to my car. (They'll let you take out up to 50 books at a time!) Next time, I'm bringing my laptop and plan on finding my own little nook to hang out for a while.
Even if you are not a book reader, you can greatly benefit from this place. It would be a great location to come and escape from the world for just a while. Hushed tones, warm woods, high ceilings, mostly all natural light and cozy lamps on tables.
I'm going back, and I can't wait.
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Dear Pasadena Public Library,
Thank you for being the most beautiful library I have ever been to in my whole short life. I love walking in through your main gates, through the courtyard & the inner doors as much as I love walking in through the back doors, either way feeling the rush of the cool air encased inside the marble.
I love your main hall with its huge ceiling, and the sound of people's feet echoing as they walk through to get to the children's books, or up to the checkout desk. Because let's face it, the self check-out is handy & all, but you can't beat the feeling of walking up to the beautiful desk with the smiling staff & proudly handing over your library card. Who wouldn't be proud to be a member of such a beautiful place?
I love sitting in the aisles of the shelves, reading a good book, about as much as I love sitting at the long tables in the main hall while researching something.
I've never met a library as beautiful as you, & I'll never love another library nearly as much as I love you, Pasadena Central.
Foster K. has already used the other word I can think of to adequately describe the PPL: grand. I have never been in a library this classic and beautiful: high wooden ceilings, parquet and marble floors, brassy hanging lamps, wood paneling, beautifully lettered signs. There's a large room for the children's books, with tables, computers, and lots of windows. There are smaller rooms for computers, periodicals, new releases, and generally good browsing. So many nooks and crannies to explore!
The video/DVD section is always interesting, and there are FAR more videos than DVDs. You can get videos on languages, science, history, animals, and other educational subjects, plus silent movies, old and new classics, recent Oscar nominees, and a tape of the 1987 Rose Parade.
I only end up at the PPL with a friend who borrows movies there, since I don't live near Pasadena, but every time I've gone I've heaved a sigh for not being convenient to the library. It seems like a marvelous place to spend days in.
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loves it! gorgeous library with a pretty awesome interior. The only downside to this is that parking is difficult to find cause their lot fits like 2 cars....but nice place to hold study groups or go solo. It's a maze in there with the never ending hidden rooms! they also have an outdoor area which is always a nice thing when the weather is warm..if you need wifi, this place provides it free as long as you have a library card with them.
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This is the best library nearby!!! Have you seen this place???
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When I was a little girl, I used to pretend this library was my magical gigantic mansion, filled with an endless amount of books, nice furniture, and a lot of visitors who I didn't personally know. Obviously I was nerd from very early on.
The children's section is separate from the rest of the library so your thoughts won't be pierced by a new generation of toddler-nerds screaming with excitement over books. Amazingly, the library still offers free parking for the first 3 hours, so if you time things right, you should be ok to find a space. (If things get bad and you don't want to deal with metered street parking, hop over to the Paseo and walk 2 blocks).
This library continues to be awesome and keeps up with the times: self-check out, wireless network (and lots of outlets), and access to many catalogs and databases. There is also a coffee area on the patio called "Central Grounds," which is also equipped with a webcam. So you can re-read "1984" and have Big Brother watch you, all at once. Check it out: http://www.ci.pasadena...
To top it all off, the librarians are SUPER helpful in assisting you with research. They seem to live for that kind of stuff, and there's nothing better than someone who is more excited than you are about your own research.
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love the pasadena library. this place literally got me through the bar exam.
distinguished wood-paneling, convenient location, tons of comfortable reading spaces and high vaulted ceilings in the lobby that contrast with the cramped, maze-like nature of the stacks. check out the ultra-quiet room for extra silence. there is also a great outdoor patio and coffee stand to hang out at.
the only thumbs down is the men's room which often smells like a giant urinal, and the parking, which can get hectic during peak hours (try nearby surface streets instead).
I can't describe the love I have for this place. It's beautiful, relatively quiet, dimly lit, and huge. Perfect library.
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A big THANK YOU to Dave L. for highlighting what a great resource we have in the Pasadena library. The first thing I do when I see a recommended book on a blog is check if the library has it. 99% of the time (unless the book is just released) they do.
Why would you go to Amazon? This is what I fantasized about doing all through college (and usually did if textbooks were on reserve), so what about the rest of us??
Anyway, the Pasadena Library gets 5 big stars because:
- Their online account management is *awesome*. You can make wish lists and hold requests, and they'll notify you by email if your due date is approaching.
- The building is appropriately grand without being excessively large. If you do get lost, the staff will patiently explain where you are, and where you want to go.
- If you don't get lost, you don't even have to interact with a human being. PC kiosks tell you which stack your book is in, and automated barcode readers allow you to check your books out all by yourself.
- You can take the Pasadena Arts Shuttle to the front door.
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Gorgeous and grand. It's got a million little winding staircases and hidden nooks that it's almost romantic, and enough books to satisfy any curiosity you can possibly have. Enormous selection of magazines so you never have an excuse to mooch off of Barnes & Noble. Only downside is that it does feel very populated with homeless dudes, but I guess it *is* a public space for the greater good and all that.
To quote George M. on this page we could say that the Pasadena Public Library is a miniature version of the New York Public Library Building on 42nd Street, only this time, as is the case with microchips, the smaller the better. NYPL, unfortunately for all of us New Yorkers, is underfunded and operates like shit, whereas PPL seems to be rolling in cash and bling as if it just came out of a Dr Dre song.
Having spent almost 3 months of my life in this library I can confidently say that it's one of the most comfortable and effective libraries I have seen so far. It has a wide variety of books, most of them (thanks to the great people of pasadena who probably read all of them already) available, intact and in pristine condition. The cafe which operates at the courtyard (yes, this library has a courtyard) have great cocktails (ask for the kiwi red bull mix if they're still making it), and the bathrooms have the flush-less toilets which I have yet to see in another location.
Sure, it has some homeless problems. If nothing has changed, the "aging hippie" homeless dude who used and incensed east wing reading room must still be doing shifts from 9 to 9, occasionally standing up to fake "searching for some titles" as he speaks with himself. As for that other homeless looking guy who punched in and out with him, he's now living in NY writing reviews for his beloved library from afar.
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i dont know about the book collection but it is one of the if not the most beautiful library in Sounthern California other than the downtown LA library.
sooo very relexing and zen.
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It's a great library, the only one I know that comes close to this is the Princeton University Firestone Library in New Jersey. Ok, Princeton? Well, long story short, I used it because my university had a very limited book selection, it got me through college, just not THAT college lol. So thanks Princeton.
Anyway I love the architecture in Pasadena Library and it's easy to find a place to study and research. As for the guy that worked there, Mike D, wow, haha you nailed that, though I've never seen people acting out their lustful endeavors, I have walked by a guy who obviously thought he was Captain Invisible while surfing some pron site. Anyway the bums yes you'll see them in the mag section, why not, as long they're not twirling my hair or annoying me, I have no beef. One of the reasons I love California is that people treat their homeless a lot better than I've seen in other parts of the country, we're more laid back.
Always a worthy experience whether you're a college student or just someone who wants to relax and get some quiet time.
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Do people go to libraries any more?
I wonder. Especially in the age of the Internet, all the answers are on Google and Yelp! When I was growing up, I loved this library. I bugged my mom to take me here all the time! The cork floors and spacious rooms made reading feel grand! And it was here where I learned basic research skills, from the DDC (Dewey Decimal Classification) to microfiche. These days, whenever I visit the library I find myself enjoying that stale library smell... maybe it's nostalgia or maybe I'm just weird!
Tips: Starbucks and Wi-Fi are played out. Visit your local library!
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This place is awesome! I started coming here in middle school, when our class came to learn how to do library research. Throughout high school, I would have my mom drop my sisters and I off at the PPL to "study," which meant that we did our homework and then walked to the now-defunct Pasadena Mall. =P Then, when I was at PCC, I'd come here to study and got a lot done. There are 2 wings that are incredibly quiet for studying. There's also a small room behind the information desk that is even quieter. You could hear a pin drop! That room is amazing, as it has cool historic information on the city of Pasadena.
I'm preparing for my comprehensive exam for my Masters degree now and this place has become useful again. It's such a gem in the city. I probably won't be going back often after I'm done with school, but I'll always remember it as a lovely place that helped me get through all those years of school.
Very nice library. There are plenty of tables with reading lamps and is generally quiet in most rooms (aside from the main hallway). There is a coffee cart in the patio and free Wi-Fi. As a bonus in signing up for a library card, they give you a free eco bag with their logo on it. I use it often on my trips to Whole Foods!
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A fantastic and beautiful part of Pasadena History as well as an excellent reference library.
This library is definitely...as good as it gets. It is so beautiful inside! It is also great for studying. I drive 20 mins just to come here to study, and it is worth it! What other library lets you bring coffee and food in??? It's amazing. If only it was open 24/7, I'd live there.
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this is such a beautiful place! this library reminds me of those of the ivy-league colleges. dark wood panelling, large rooms, spiral staircases.....its really awe-inspiring! definately a place every local should visit.
its not at all a place for tourists as there are so many people who are there for peace and quite, a looky loo would be a disruption. look for books as you explore the place. then you will fit right in.
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This is by far the most beautiful library that I've ever been to. Every time I step into the lobby I feel like I've been transported back in time. I've mostly come here to use the internet before my roommates and I were graced with a wireless router. The staff is helpful, the internet is fast and the surroundings are gorgeous. What more could you ask for?
An amazing library...the main hall is a beautiful old thing, wood paneled and magnificent. They have four or five floors, and several smaller rooms holding special collections that aren't part of the main circulation collection. They also have a great children's library, a little coffee shop, free Wi-Fi, parking and it's a short walk from plenty of great places to eat. I love this library.
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I love this place. I live in a neighboring town, but I come here to roam the stacks. It's such a beautiful old building.
The Pasadena Public Library is a minature version of the New York Public Library Building on 42nd Street. It also remind's me of the Powell Library at UCLA. They have a Municipal Code Room with all the real estate books you need to study up on remodeling, zoning and that realtors test too. Also a great resource for Southern California history. They also have a patio cafe and built in Wi-Fi. I spent 3 months here studying for the LSAT.
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The Pasadena Public Library makes me so happy, I don't even mind paying them fines. To be fair, it's awfully hard to run up fines with the great online account management. Email reminders, hold notices, on-line renewal. And when you do go in...Central Library is a beautiful building with a great collection. Many of the smaller libraries are also quite lovely, and the partnership with Glendale libraries means a big selection.
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I used to spend entire days here when I was kid. I'd have my mom drop me off when they opened and pick me up when they closed. (Nerd pride, even then!) I haven't been back in years but the memories alone make it five stars for me. Now I'm feeling nostalgic. I think it might be time for a visit!
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Everything about this place is perfect. It's like one of those you see in the movies... high ceiling lobby, mysterious looking doorways, stairs that squeaks when walked on... and most of all, the books here smells better for some reason... XD With all of that above, who cares if the librarian isn't helpful?
this is a very old creaky library. theres lots of tables and people sitting around in old creaky chairs. i asked the lady at the front desk if there was any where else to sit and she said that if i went through those glass doors, its quieter in there. i decided to check it out and it was SO quiet, too quiet! i could probably hear myself breathe =P so i backed out and found some table next to a window where i studied for the next 4 hours. i feel like this library was nice but a little too busy for me. too much hustle and bustle of people coming in and out. i went to the restroom and almost threw up because it smelled so bad =P cerritos library is still my favorite...i think if you're from this area, this is your favorite place. im not hating though, im just in search of a better place to study.
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This library makes me feel like a tourist even though I live in Arcadia. I havn't been here since grade school....so I was very little in a high ceiling building so it had a very magical exotic feeling. It is such an amazing place...makes me feel very rich and important to here, haha! My piano teacher use to have our annual recital here, so I used to go once a year until I stopped playing.
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