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Pasadena Public Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
285 E Walnut StPasadena, CA 91101
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 744-4066
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
81 reviews for Pasadena Public Library
81 reviews in English
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Review from Mimi V.
10/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is one of the nicest library building i have ever been to.
It kind of feels like a harry potter building.
It looks like a vintage library but some stuff here are still new.
It's a great place to study because they are really strict on being quiet.
They have many different rooms to enter.
There is an outside patio.
There are computers for you to use.
The workers are very friendly. -
Review from Sophia C.
2/7/2012
With the invention of the internet, I rarely step into public libraries anymore, sadly to say.
I love that this library has so much character and is still in tune with the old architecture of Pasadena.
I came here to prep a bit for an interview I had in the neighborhood and this is definitely a spot i'd recommend to anyone wanting genuine peace and quiet so they can focus on whatever it is s/he needs.
The place is like a mini maze with different rooms to roam through. I'm not sure how people are saying this library reminds them of a harry potter building, but if you are a kid, I think you can see some correlation. -
Review from Michele C.
Los Angeles, CA
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm so stoked about this place, I'm dropping everything I came here to do to write this!
Ever wonder what it felt like to be at HOGWARTS?! I know, many yelpers have commented about the Hogwarts-like architecture of this library, but it's a completely different feeling from just reading about it, to seeing and experiencing it. I literally felt like I was roaming through the Hogwarts' library when I stepped in here. The first floor has the most charm to it and is also the largest, with rooms opening into other rooms filled with tables to study on. I doubt anyone will have any trouble looking for a place to study. Also, the wifi here is very fast and you don't need a library card to access it. How amazing right?! And let's not forget about the awesome coffee cart in the patio area that allows you to bring drinks into the library. OH welcome back undergrad years when I lugged Panda Express and my double shot from Starbucks into the library for all nighters. Though, I highly doubt I'll be doing that here. The coffee cart in itself warrants its own review, so look out for that!
So why no 5 stars? To start, the lighting is too dim in here to do any reading or writing. My almost legally blind eyes have to strain so hard to focus and this is even after I positioned myself right under the desk lamp, hoping for some extra light. I suppose the lighting adds to the charm, but it's a bit inconvenient for readers and writers. Besides, isn't that the primary reason why people visit the library, to read? Maybe if they switched up the yellow desk lamps with brighter and energy saving ones, my poor little eyes wouldn't have to work so hard and I can delay the onset of wrinkles.
Also, the restrooms here can use some renovating. As much as I like the Hogwarts' charm this place has going on, I'm not too fond of Moaning Myrtle jumping out of a stall. It also smells like a men's restroom in there, or at least that's what I've been told a men's restroom smells like ;) I'm also hoping the wet floor I stepped on was wet due to a leaky toilet and not...well you know.
Nevertheless, I plan to become a regular at this place even though it's a 20 minute drive from home. And thanks to my drink card from the coffee cart, I am determined to come back and fill that out so I can get a freebie. Oh the joys of being Asian :) Also, I'll be checking out the other Pasadena library branches in the area, but something tells me there's only one "Hogwarts" out there. -
Review from Alice K.
9/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I like this library. It's large, quiet, and has plenty of tables for studying. The tables are long and since the overall library is dim, there are lamps for extra light (love!).
I suppose it's the feel I get from this library that I like most: stately, grand, and with character, I imagine it to be like Pocahontas' grandma - the (freaky) talking willow tree - wise, serene, and able to tough it out through all circumstances.
Oops, did I say Pocahontas' grandma? I think I meant Yoda. Or Mr. Miyagi. -
Review from Malena D.
Hacienda Heights, CA
8/24/2011 3 Check-ins Here
So this summer I became very well acquainted with the Pasadena Library. I was there at least twice a week, getting my tutoring on.
I really like this library. They have all kinds of nooks and good spots for reading, a good little coffee stand and pretty clean bathrooms. Sometimes homeless people do hang out, so be aware, but I never had any problems.
They have plenty of (free) parking in the back, so don't get suckered into that $5 lot!
Happy reading! -
Review from Michael W.
La Verne, CA
Pretty dam cool
Yes I am a nerd.
This place is huge and imposing!
It has a coffee shop, a bookstore, even wings!
Downside lots of creepy people. I would not let kids run around alone.
Theres 4 floors but its the first one that is amazing with all its detail.
Oh and its open Sundays! Sad how rare that is nowListed in: 10 percent, Cultural Places, Public services, Pretty Popular Pasadena
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Review from Harry H.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
10/14/2011
This is going to be one of my most illogical reviews and here's why:
1. My first name is Harry.
2. Entering the building felt like entering Hogwarts.
3. Finally, I $4it you not, the library has a COFFEE SHOP and I ordered a drink from a barista that looked like DUMBLEDORE, who, again no bull$4it, disappeared after I bought the drink - granted my back was turned for like 7 seconds but STILL.
5 STARS JUST FOR THAT EXPERIENCE. -
Review from liz m.
7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice library w/ many different section and rooms. Bf was studying here while I was a few blocks away attending IMATS (see review here: http://www.yelp.com/bi... ).
After lunch I decided that I still wanted to rest my feet before going back to IMATS to take more pics and document my experience. Because this is a public library there were many homeless people resting on the couches trying to stay out of the hot heat, so yes you may want to be careful about the things you touch here.
Bf did complain that the internet in certain parts of the library was very sketchy, he needed to be hooked up to the internet to be able to listen to his lectures but the first room we went to kept cutting in and out.
If it is imparative to use the internet make sure you get a spot that has good signal or else you'll get frustrated trying to work. -
Review from Rubina K.
Long Beach, CA
2/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Need a place to study? Go to a coffee shop. But need a place with charm, history and utter character through and through? Make your way over to Pasadena Library. :)
I'm here most of the time after 6 so the parking is virtually free in the back. As you walk through the doors and onto the corridor, it just perpetuates old charm. This delightful library even offers a coffee shop INSIDE. Obsurrrd. Unheard of! (Fiddler On The Roof - inside joke).
They have various places to study. The all time silent spot. The shuffling of the books and feet near the front lounge. Also, walk around the library and you'll find their neatly trimmed lawn and a beautiful fountain in front. At night, they light the christmas looking lights to complete the decorum. It's magical. :)
You've won me through my first visit. & I've already been here a number of times. Take a look folks. You won't be disappointed.
Note: Parking is known to be a trepidatious experience during the day. I'd recommend it past 6PM.
Bathroom: The main one near the front desk. 4/5. It just feels like the old charm loo.
Move over Glendale. I've got my new all time favorite library. -
Review from Yelpple J.
Los Angeles, CA
Feel the urgent need to permanently relocate to Pasadena because of this library! Better than my school library in many ways
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Review from cat c.
Pasadena, CA
1/22/2011
Everything about this library is terrific, except for the staff (well, MOST of the staff, because the reference librarians are just fine). I'm at the library once or twice a week and the workers at the circulation desk consistently frustrate the hell out of me because they: 1) move as slowly as possible, 2) refuse to make eye contact with anyone so we can't move up in the waiting line until they're finished with their personal conversations with each other, or they're done using their cellphones, and 3) would it kill them to smile?
Is this really the best that my tax dollars can buy? -
Review from Zod Z.
Los Angeles, CA
1/18/2011 124 Check-ins Here
Walk in there and be floored by the dark wood palace of books. For the longest time, the Downtown Central library was my favorite book haunt, but this library has that Wayne Manor sensibility, As soon as you walk in through the main entrance, over to your right you'll find numerous people on their laptops clicking away by their lonesome. Remember, the world only exists on their screens, they will pay you no attention.
Also towards your right you will find rows and rows of holds that allow you to easily grab your book, take a couple of steps backwards, and self-check out to glory. In Downtown, you have to ask for the held book after waiting in a long line that conjures of images of the Beetlejuice Purgatory wait room.
The staff is unbelievably welcoming, and more than willing to help you with any of your needs.
There is also a huge kids department that is replete with computer learning software, small reading desks, and all the classics.
So, get on over to this library, and feed your brain. Mmmm tasty. -
Review from Andre N.
2/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Reading is fun-da-mental is all I can say about this place, If your into books, comic books, dvds, magazines or even free internet, this is the place for you. This Place has 4 levels of books for you to cure your book fetish fantasies of any topic you enjoy, that you can get lost for several hrs here. In the days that I used to get my learn on I was always able to study no problem with very little distraction.
Another great thing about coming here is the selection of books, theres always new books constantly coming in, and I love the fact that they have a good amount of comic book novels, so I can relive my youth. I can check out my books rather easily with the self check out and I can always easily renew them online. Like I said Internet is free as long as you get a card.
Thus dont feel like buying a book come here and read it or check it out. -
Review from Lynne C.
Los Angeles, CA
8/25/2011
this place feels like an old school city library. lots of dark wood, very tall ceilings, dim lighting and long tables.
when you sit down though there are lamps (and plentiful plugs) and the ambience is +++++ for being productive.
being in a library i sometimes feel trapped (what if i HAVE to take a phone call) - they actually have an outdoor patio (with gardens), attached to the coffee shop so you can have that space if needed.
there are complaints on here that the wifi is bad. i stayed on the main floor and did not have problems.
anyone with a CA state ID can get a library card (score! the city where i'm from we're so territorial that if you're from just the neighboring town you have to PAYYYY). i stocked up on david foster wallace books (they have EVERYTHING - though a lot of the selection was 'missing')
great hours too.
oh and their own parking lot! -
Review from Ray L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/7/2010
Hey peeps - stop parking in the library parking lot for your court appearances. I see you. Even if the library cops don't. And I'll rat your butt out. That's why my photo isn't on here.
Other than the chaos that is the parking lot (I have been cursed out here twice....) This is the...
best library ever. Great hidden nooks, power cords at almost every table, coffee shop, helpful people at the desk. Oh, about those hidden nooks - seriously,just when you think you've found them all, there is another. And don't even ASK for permission. If it has a desk YOU ARE ALLOWED there. I have had rooms bigger than my first apartment all to myself because other people thought they looked too "antiquey" to be public.
Hours have recently been cut :(. Damn budget. Check website before you go. -
Review from Kevin W.
Los Angeles, CA
12/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
Just saw virtuoso trumpeter TJ Tesh, of Metal Mariachis, do his doctoral jury in the D. W. Auditorium. He put together a recital of literature not written for the trumpet, yet, as they say in doctoral programs, still fitting the tessitura of the instrument.
So that gets five stars. And think of all the great writers reading here when they were little, like Octavia E. Butler.
The courtyard is where I want to open my sangria cafe soon as I find a restaurant business partner. We'll have a comida corrida like in old Mexico, my musician friends play Samba, and I'll hang the painting of Suicide Bridge I saw at TJ's recital over glass pitchers of fruit and wine and name my sangria "Suicide Bridge." -
Review from Sylvia C.
Los Angeles, CA
4/7/2011
Beautiful library with a lovely courtyard, equipped with a coffee shop on the weekdays. Free wi-fi and a great collection of materials. Plenty of natural light and extra reading lamps.
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Review from Claire G.
Pasadena, CA
8/20/2011
Moving to Pasadena from the UK, I had to leave most of my books behind in storage :( As an avid reader, this really worried me, but I was happy to find the Pasadena Public Library!
I've used libraries all over before, from tiny village branches right up to the British Library in London, and I have to say, the Pasadena library is pretty good.
Staff are really helpful and setting up an account was easy (even for me - normally anything like this turns into a nightmare as I don't have a US drivers licence or SSN).
Now, I'm always in and out the library. The selection of both fiction and non-fiction is pretty good, the reservations system works well (although it can take ages to get a new book due to high demand), and renewing books online is also straightforward. The library even sends out useful reminders when your book is due. I haven't used the DVDs or audio collection, but unlike all the libraries in the UK, these are free to borrow!
What else is good? Plenty of points to plug your computer in, lots of places to sit and study (I'm past the study stage, but it looks like it would be a great location), and a cafe too. In general it has a much friendlier atmosphere than other libraries I've used before. The building itself is also lovely, and opening hours are great - open until 9pm four nights a week! I also like being able to use the self-checkout machines instead of needing to queue.
What's not so good: the large numbers of homeless and crazy people who frequent the library (but I guess they have nowhere else to go, so can't complain too much), and the scary lifts. Seriously, they feel as if they are going to break down any minute so I always take the stairs. Apparently the building doesn't meet earthquake building codes either.
Overall though, I'm very happy with the library. -
Review from jim h.
Pasadena, CA
12/8/2010
#Pasadena PL is the best. @mariaspeedracer and @estherbethe1 know it's true. (Still working on the combining the functionality of Yelp and Twitter--thanks for your patience PPL, just remain patient and keep in mind you're getting a 5-star review out of this!)
In closing, the PPL is a key feature of the civic tour I like to give to people visiting from out of town. Always a crowd-pleaser. Keep it up, Pasadena Public Library. -
Review from Effy S.
Glendale, CA
7/27/2010
Next to my ATM card, my Pasadena library card is my most valuable, precious card. I adore this library! I'm always so happy to be here that even studying feels less like a pain in the butt.
The Pasadena library is beautiful: rows of dark wood shelves filled with books, dark wood wall panel, wrought iron details, high ceilings, beautiful architecture.
This library has great book selections and an impressive manga collections that you can check out. One of my favorite library service/ feature is that I can search for all my books online, request loans from different libraries, request the books to be picked up in this central location--- Within 1-2 days I'll get an email notification that my books are ready to be picked up. No more going all over the library to search for my books. If you ever need anything in this library, the staff is really helpful, nice and friendly and will go up and down the stairs to help you find your book.
I can spend hours in this library, going from one shelf to the next finding new authors, or new books to read. I often bring my own lap top, take advantage of the free Wifi, and study/ work in a great environment. I often wish that this library is open for 24 hours during my final's week.
Support this library! this is the only place where I happily pay my fines because it's such a great public facility. -
Review from Danny M.
San Diego, CA
3/28/2010
When I first arrived in the United States, I had the pleasure of visiting the public library in Pasadena and was pretty blown away, it was a large very interactive experience. The only thing I was not a big fan of was the fact that it seemed to be the hang out of every homeless person int he city.
I give it a 4 because of the fact that it at least houses the cities homeless population fairly well. I actually enjoy walking into the periodical room and sitting down to read a magazine next to someone that has not showered in 6 months.
It was really easy reading about the new healthcare bill while my eyes watered from the strong rotting onion stench coming from this gentleman. I slowly but surely packed up and wandered over to a nearby computer and sat down to check my email. A lovely woman sitting next to me was on surfing some page from the county of Los Angeles.
She proceeded to defaecate on herself, or at least smelled like she just had. I packed up once again and wandered over to the book search computer. The keyboard was covered in what looked to be homeless person grease. I quickly exited the scene, deciding that it would be best if I used my own personal computer at home to do research. The place should be renamed the Pasadena Homeless Shelter. At least it provides a service to the city. -
Review from Linh N.
1/23/2010
Up the early 20th century stairs, past the taupe painted walls and into the glass doors enters the world of physical beauty, historic architecture, curious minds and a lot of....books.
Pasadena public library is absolutely beautiful and historic inside and outside. They still maintain their elegant dark cherry molded wood shelves, high ceilings, thousands of books, and old-world charm. Yet, they keep up with technology and offer free wi-fi for those with a libary card.
Many tables are available for those who want to study, and they open pretty late for a public library--9pm. In case if you need a boost to stay up for those page-turning books, a coffee cart is outside for your convenience.
Pasadena Public Library....I love this place. I hope this place never changes its charming character. -
Review from Sam V.
Pasadena, CA
6/10/2010
This is, one of the most beautiful libraries I've ever seen. Cork floors. Marble. Wrought iron. If you're not a creep in a trench coat, go into the children's section. There's a beautiful fireplace in there. We have been there for 'Storytime' The storyteller gave me chills, she was so good.
Bring your own hand sanitizer. It's a PUBLIC library, for goodness sake. Thank God America has so many PUBLIC libraries. They can be a refuge for the homeless and out-of-luck.
Read eveyone else's comments on parking, be patient, something will open up. -
Review from Paul M.
1/23/2010
90% Five Star Reviews for a LIBRARY?! Come on now, who ARE you people? 'Cause last I checked, the only people who consistently hang out at public libraries are the incontinent, the homeless, creepy older dudes in inappropriate trench coats, individuals working off their court mandated community service hours, and of course, librarians.
Oh yeah, and NERDS. Look, didn't y'all get your share of the library when you were hiding out from the popular kids during lunch and recess? Or is it that this particular library is housed in a historic building, which means that if you squint your eyes just right you can fantasize that you're actually studying at Hogwarts.
And then, as if you wanted to make sure there were no doubt about your total lack of social skills, you post a five-star review of the place on YELP, which is essentially the cyber equivalent of the High School Chess club. And just look at your photos. Oh you poor, poor things. Are those pigtails? Coke-bottle glasses? Larry King style suspenders?
I feel the need to give you a swirly just out of general principle.Listed in: Reviews of Mine Hardly Anyone…
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Review from Sarah F.
Altadena, CA
4/20/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Best library ever.
I kind of miss my favorite spot in the periodical room since it's gone now, but it's still awesome. Super helpful research librarians, great new releases section, lots of audio books, and plenty of nooks and crannies to curl up and enjoy a book. They also have wifi and a cute little coffee shop (but with limited hours).
Paul M.--don't hate on the nerds. Don't be jealous that you don't have the intimate relationship with books that we do.Listed in: Best Free Stuff to do In LA
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Review from Mike D.
South Pasadena, CA
7/3/2008
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. -
Review from Brian S.
Sierra Madre, CA
6/11/2011
One of the most beautiful buildings in Pasadena. Didn't appreciate it when I was a college student studying there. Went back recently for a lecture and was awed by the architecture.
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Review from Foster K.
Pasadena, CA
6/23/2007
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. -
Review from Amy K.
3/29/2008
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. -
Review from Kyle J.
Bronx, NY
2/1/2010
This is a good library. The selection is decent although the wait list for newer and more popular books is huuuge. Like 40 people deep. That basically translates to months of waiting time.
Next, they have tons of computers and usually you can extend your session to about 2 hours if no one's waiting. The connection is fast, printing is only $0.10/page. However, if you want to use your own laptop, the wi-fi is DIAL-UP LEVEL SLOW. i mean, some websites just don't load or you have to reload them a few times. Like...google maps? and Gmail? forget Youtube or even Hallmark's website. Sometimes the library's own page takes minutes! I'm not sure if the signal is too weak, too many users, or Taylor Swift, but it is completely crappy.
The movie selection is good as long as you want something more than 4 years old and critically acclaimed. Lotta good indie selections, though.
I think the Magazine room might be the library's best feature. Tons of great publications, well organized and updated.
The cafe is cute and nice to study over a muffin, but -man i sound really picky here- pollen and dust gets all over your laptop. I'm just saying - i don't even have a nice white Mac, but there was more dust and pollen than a Claritin commercial.
Finally, the men's bathroom is on some kind of need-to-stink basis. I have to find this children's bathroom i've read about...I'd rather smell peed pants than homeless doodoo.
i do love this library. I just hope they shape up two of their critical services: the bathroom and wi-fi. -
Review from Carrie D.
1/5/2011
Sorry Kindle and Nook, I'm just not that into you.
I love to read real books made out of paper that I can hold in my hands. I am a serious book dork... maybe that is why I am never really left school, but that is another story for another day. Anyway, I had a paper due a couple of weeks ago and the library at school did not have all of the books I needed. I went online and looked up the catalog at the Pasadena Public Library, which is just a few short blocks from my home. I was able to find the book I was looking for and whether it was available...it was. The website also gives you the shelf location in the library so you can just walk right in and grab it. And that is exactly what I did and the book was exactly where it was supposed to be. I had to get a library card and the gentleman behind the counter made the process quick and pleasant. I was in and out with my new library card and book in a matter of minutes. This beautiful library is book dork heaven!Listed in: Pasadena "Escape from…
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Review from Baris G.
Brooklyn, NY
9/13/2007
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. -
Review from Cloe A.
Malibu, CA
5/18/2010
I'm sooo happy we have old buildings like this that people still enjoy having. This place is way cool and in great shape. I really enjoy coming here and having some quite time.
Support this library! -
Review from John M.
1/9/2009
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. -
Review from Al C.
New York, NY
7/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
Another architectural treasure in Pasadena built in the 1920's. Architect: Myron Hunt.
According to the original city planners, the Library (on Walnut) faced the Civic Auditorium (on Green Street) with the other city buildings lining Garfield St.. For many years, the view between the two buildings was blocked by a ghastly Stalinist 70's mall (whose only saving grace was the Orange Julius on the 2nd floor, btw, but I digress). Thankfully, with the creation of the Paseo Colorado in the early '00s, the view between the two was restored and architectural harmony reappeared on Garfield Street.
I *LOVE* this library. From the self-serve checkout, to the helpful librarians, to the Special Collections rooms, to the little coffee stand outside, I can' t get enough. If you can, take a Library tour to the other branch libraries scattered across town. -
Review from Lili X.
Altadena, CA
2/27/2008
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. -
Review from Tom C.
Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Building. 1927 Myron Hunt--on the Nat'l Register of Historic Places. A great selection:books, dvds, cds, excellent archives. Parking is crowded as the Library is so popular, but they have overflow in the building up the street.
Free wifi w/your library card. -
Review from Dave L.
San Francisco, CA
6/2/2007 1 photo
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! -
Review from Joanne P.
Los Angeles, CA
8/25/2009
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! -
Review from Thomas C.
Pasadena, CA
3/20/2010
Is it normal for a library to stock manga? Because that's the first thing you see when you walk in-- a wall of manga. I like this place already. But don't let the comics fool you. This library has an exhaustive collection of literature of great intellectual value.
The library is divided into separate wings. There's business and finance, humanities and arts, etcetera. They have an auditorium for lectures, a technology room, and a copy center downstairs.
The architecture is great with vast expansive rooms, 50 ft ceilings, and giant chandeliers for lighting. I love the wood paneled walls covering every vertical surface. The study areas are quiet and inviting. The furniture is nice and the large wooden desks each have two desk lamps. The desks are covered with a pane of glass to make a good writing surface. All around, other people are studying. It's smaller than the ucla Powell library but still comparable in size and seems nicer and more expensively furnished. What a great public library. I love it. I'll do all my studying from here from now on. There's even a small coffee shop! Although it doesn't seem to be open at the moment.
