- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Peninsula Center Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries
701 Silver Spur RdRolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
(310) 377-9584
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 8 pm
Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
28 reviews for Peninsula Center Library
28 reviews in English
-
Review from Frank D.
This is one of the nicest Libraries in the southbay but I suppose that could be expected considering the location and demographic of the surrounding area. That being said it's a spacious facility with elevators and stairs to get to the 3rd floor where the library entrance is. There is street parking as well as a parking garage. There is a book sale in the parking garage with a pay by honor system(there's a deposit box for payment). Pretty cool! There is also a room there that opens four days of the month with more vintage books, records, and periodicals for sale. Inside the library they have a vast selection of DVD's available to rent for $1 a day. Lots of new movies and TV shows on disc. Huge periodicals section. A whole floor of childrens books. Lots of comfy chairs with lots of quiet space to relax and read. Plenty of Big lighted study rooms available, numerous computers, and of course an excellent selection of books. Staff is friendly and courteous as well. Nice spot to come and get some quiet time.
-
Review from Jennifer P.
Cerritos, CA
Waived Fines!
Also, for the month of January 2012, bring your overdue books in on any Friday and your fines will be forgiven. You can also have your fines (up to $50) waived.
See the poster here
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
The library is beautifully spacious and quiet. Though there were plenty of patrons, it was hardly crowded. Entering the parking lot, I spotted the book sale in the corner of the ground floor of the parking structure. It's quite a thorough collection of videos (all VHS), books of all kinds, and even magazines. Payment is based on the honor system most of the time and the selections are organized very well. -
Review from Nathan W.
12/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the best libraries I have ever stepped into. The city & residents out a lot of money & care into this library, so appreciate it! One of the shining stars of PV, seriously. Also the staff are very helpful & knowledgable. 5 stars!
-
Review from Agnes K.
Torrance, CA
7/12/2011 27 Check-ins Here
This is such a nice library! The first time here, I parked in the structure and was so happy to see a used "bookstore." It's not actually a store, but just a bunch of books on shelves in the parking structure. There's no one there to monitor you, so you just leave your money in an envelope and drop it off in their payment box. I think it's pretty awesome the library trusts people to actually pay for the books. If you plan on stealing from a used book store, where the books are ridiculously cheap, you are mean, stingy, and plain old cheap!
I come to the library to tutor students, so it's perfect that there are several "study rooms" that have whiteboards on the walls. You're allowed to reserve a room for 1 hour 30 minutes. I've also seen 1 hour 45 minute slots. Unfortunately, you cannot reserve ahead of time - it's first come, first serve. I was kinda bummed about that because there's always a chance no rooms will be available. The library sells dry erase markers for $1. Super cheap!
I appreciate how clean and neat the library always is. I also appreciate the DVD selection! I had completely forgotten that libraries lend out movies for cheap. There are a ton of good DVDs, including TV shows. I rented Mad Men for $1 / DVD. This is much cheaper than going to Blockbuster. Plus, you can keep it for a week.
Why did it feel like borrowing books from a library was obsolete?? I'm so happy it's not! -
Review from Jae H.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
8/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A nice, quiet library. The library is very neat and everything is organized. The private study rooms are also great. Vending machines at the bottom floor is also a big plus. Parking structure!!
But the place does close very early. Opens late, too. And sometimes, the building gets packed with students who come to hang out with their friends. -
Review from Angie N.
San Pedro, CA
12/13/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Recently discovered this lovely library.
One of the great things about it is that it's open on Sundays from 1:00-5:00 which is really helpful for people like me who work 9-5 all week. It's pretty crowded on Sundays, but I've been able to easily score a study desk and/or room the last few weeks. Lots of PC's scattered about (some, not sure if all, are pay PC's) filled with teens, college students, and even retirees playing a mean game of Bejeweled.
There are lots of windows, so also lots of natural light, which is conducive to studying.
I found a big paperback selection (21 day checkout) which had me wondering why I buy paperbacks anymore, should just borrow. There's also a big magazine selection with easily accessible archived boxes of the current and last few past years as well.
Parking (structure) is easy (bit narrow for larger cars) and free. There are a couple vending machines and a microwave on the first floor in case you need some study munchies. They do allow food/drink as long as it's pre-packaged.
Getting my library card was a snap, you can do it online and they'll mail it out to you. Happy Reading! -
Review from ojaru b.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
1/30/2011
One of my favorite libraries.
Why?
Very kid friendly (when I was a kid). They have a lil table for kids to read.
And in an area away from the kid's section, there are tons of open tables and desks with walls in between for privacy. They even have lots of small/big study rooms which you can sign up for!! I have always found this library very clean, organized, and an excellent place to study, do homework, or work on group projects!! The librarians are also alwayyyysss very friendly and helpful! -
Review from Carlos K.
9/5/2009
Nice, clean, and quiet. The things I look for in a girl......and in a library.
I've lived on the Hill for 3 years and I can count on one hand how many times I've visited this place.
The library card process was smooth and quick. Before getting the book I had on reserve, I took a quick tour of the library and it was extremely quiet save for the muffled sounds of moms and kids talking and the pecking away of finger strokes on laptops.
Nostalgia is my emotion as I am writing this review. I worked at Strozier Library (Florida State University campus) for a year and a half and the vibe of the Peninsula Center Library brings back memories. It looks, feels, and smells like Strozier.
The only thing missing is the sexy coeds. -
Review from Huana P.
Santa Monica, CA
2/9/2008
The Peninsula Center Library is like a pre-Cerritos Library. It's what Cerritos saw, updated and made even better. I wish I could give Peninsula a higher rating, but nothing can compare to the mecca of all libraries in Cerritos.
Still, the Peninsula library is really great! The bright yellow and glass architecture is charming, and if I didn't know any better while driving by, I would have thought this place was a museum! It's located in Rolling Hills, and there are a few unique things about this library:
1. Free Wi-Fi
2. A parking structure!
3. Large selection of new DVDs for only $1 for 7-day rental
4. Plenty of seats available
5. You don't need to be a resident of Palos Verdes or Rolling Hills to get a library card!
6. Comfy seat cushions on the floor in the Teen section
Thanks to Sarah K, I decided to study and check out this library on a weekend. It is pretty crowded with tons of Asian kids studying for AP's or the SATs, and lots of families just relaxing in the library. The cubicles are plentiful, but there's not too much light for each cubicle. I happen to like direct light while I'm studying....not the overhead light which can get rather dim at times.
Overall, a great find in the area, and I would definitely study here again if I happened to be in town. -
Review from Lindsey K.
Los Angeles, CA
12/13/2008
*Great DVD and magazine selection
*Great size, so it's easy to escape upstairs or to other areas away from the noisy children and tutoring sections.
*Sleak and modern enough so you don't feel like you're sucking in the dust from crumbling books, paint and carpet
*Book selection - pretty good on the classics. They eventually retain a copy of most current pieces ("memories of my melancholy whores" finally made it this past year to the regular shelves). Maybe it's because it's a public library, but i'm disappointed they don't have the marquis de sade. Research for a paper on violence against women and feminism was near fruitless; but my Nicaragua paper faired better (I was happy with the selection of non-fiction books available re: foreign countries)
*Perfect temperature - thermostat always at the perfect level. like being enveloped in a warm blanket. like entering a heated car on a cold night.
I've been visitig a string of public libraries around LA recently, and i have yet to find one that feeds my needs like this one. -
Review from Debbie E.
10/1/2009
Great library. Nice, clean, and quiet. Good selection of everything. Late hours - open until 8pm during the week!!
The Friends book sales are held downstairs in the room off of the parking garage. Pricey compared to other local library sales (except for Malaga Cove, that one is way expensive) but a good selection.
Parking is good - parking garage off of Silver Spur or the upstairs outdoor lot. -
Review from Cerise R.
Torrance, CA
6/6/2010
Really nice. Their computer system is excellent, allowing many things to be done on line and streamlining checking in and out. I really like the selection of audiobooks, superior to most libraries in the area. The new staff is pleasant, helpful and efficient (some years ago some read magazines at the counters and did not want to be interrupted ;-) ). We had a bit of trouble tracking down a book that was shown to be in the library and could not be found, eventually they suggested reserving it, took the time to set up internet id to do so, on my way out I saw the returned book stacks, the man organizing it stopped and looked for/found the item for me. Checkout smoothly removed the reserve without extra effort.
They seem to have wonderful programs for children too.
I work a lot of hours and appreciate the DVD and CD return boxes. -
Review from Nao O.
New York, NY
9/11/2009
Love this public library with its weekly book sale and abundance of parking, $1 dvds, magazines, sun-lit magazine reading area....ahh.. Got me through LSAT!
The carpetted floor makes me feel like I'm back in grade school. The staff is usually helpful. I slaved my summer away, believing it'll help with my UC applications. For example, it was rumored that 80 hrs will add a mysterious "point" to your application at UCSD. I laugh now. -
Review from Jozef B.
Torrance, CA
8/16/2011
wonderful
-
Review from Katherine P.
Torrance, CA
1/15/2011
Monthly Used Book Sale:
Next Sales: Feb 3, 4, 5, 6. March 3, 4, 5, 6
Books are organized: Nonfiction by subject/topics and Fiction by author.
Tapes: Music and Video, Books-on-tape, Records, Music CDs,
DVDs, Computer games, Computer program CDs, Magazines, SAT prep
Astronomy, Health, Law, Investment, History, Politics,
Travel, Gardening, Homemaking, Crafts, Cookbooks, Games
Writing, Literature, Poetry, Classics, History, Military, Medicine,
Fiction: Hardback and Paperback, Adventure, SCIFI, Thrillers, Mystery, Children's,
Encyclopedia Sets, Reference, Dictionaries, Vintage Books, Computer books,
Math, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, Natural Sciences, Archeology
Religion, Philosophy, Art, Photography, Oriental Languages,
Coffee Table Books,
Some books are mint suitable for gifting,
Some books Signed-by-Author
@Book Sale Room in Basement.
Library is located on Silver Spur Road between Hawthorne and Crenshaw
Some books are on sale in basement every day the library is open.
Special new books on sale upstairs in library bookstore.
Extensive collection of Used Computer and Computer Science books
Priced very low. Many only a dollar or two. -
Review from sarah k.
Los Angeles, CA
3/25/2007
after reading the reviews here, i actually went to check this library out one afternoon last week--since i'm constantly looking for a place to study w/o getting distracted.
on top of everything joan s. and lori k. mentioned, the big windows (it's a all-glass type architecture) gave lots of natural lighting ... the chairs in the cubicles were comfy enough (even though i personally prefer a cushiony one) ... and you get a free wi-fi/ can use their computers if you're a member--in which case, you do NOT have to be a p.v. resident. just have an i.d. and a form of document (i.e. bank statement, utility bills) showing that you reside where you claim to reside.
the only problem i had was that there were loud teenagers who were there mainly to eat (despite "no eating" signs) and socialize. the library staff didn't do much even after i reported this commotion on one end of the library. thus, i give four stars.Listed in: Places to Study in South Bay
-
Review from Dieu C.
Santa Ana, CA
12/15/2008
This is one of the nicest public libraries I've ever been to. I only went here to study once, but what's so great are the individual study rooms that you can check out for 2 hour intervals AND the free wi-fim which makes this a very ideal place to study in peace and quiet. A con is that the walls between study rooms are thin, so we could hear people talking when they are too loud. It is very quick to make a library card account. If you like libraries as much as I do and happen to need to study, come here! :)
-
Review from Joan S.
8/23/2006 6 photos
The Peninsula Center Library is a pleasant, peaceful, architecturally-appealing space with very easy access. It is uncrowded and offers plenty of parking. It's a short block from the lovely Avenue of the Peninsula Mall. Across the street from the library, down the hill a bit, are several charming cafes with outdoor seating. This is a beautiful area with views of hills and trees.
Listed in: Libraries, Books & Bookstores
-
Review from Lori K.
11/3/2006
My favorite Library ever. I haven't found a library like it anywhere. There are 2 parking lots and you can always find street parking. I find that the architecutre makes it a relaxing and peaceful place. Whether you're sitting upstairs at a desk, in the quiet rooms or a counch in the periodicals section you'll find that hanging at the PV library is the equivalent of taking a Yoga class or getting a massage. I always leave with my chakras in line or whatever. I've also never had a problem finding materials I was looking for. The CD and DVD collection is pretty expansive as well.
Listed in: My Happy Places
-
Review from Pink G.
Gardena, CA
7/1/2008
Being a working grad student, when your tiny apartment is not enough and your school is just a tad bit far away, you want to go to a local library. But since public library is a bit out dated and old fashion most of us opt for coffee shops or bookstore. And then you discover this gem, up on the hills of PV with its beautiful architecture and brightly lighted natural light. Its my heaven on academic earth.
-
Review from Julie H.
Los Angeles, CA
4/2/2007
This is the best library in the area! I can always find the books I need, and their online book requests are so handy! I can request something, and when it's available, I get a phone call letting me know it's ready. Really saves me the trouble of driving back and forth for nothing. I agree with Sarah K. that the high schoolers are a nuisance, but really... what else do PV kids have to do besides socialize in a public library after school? (I can say this because I used to be one.) Avoid the library on weekdays from 3-6 pm and you're safe. Another nice thing this library has is a Used Book Sale on the first weekend of each month.
-
Review from Colin's Mom T.
Torrance, CA
9/21/2010
This is my absolute favorite library in the South Bay. Excellent storytimes...(our favorite is Ms. Emily). Beautiful library...it's so nice, it's better than the bookstores. Excellent kids books - incredibly well rounded, esp. the fiction. Bummer about the $1 movie rentals, but that's cool. It's still a deal. I actually wish they would remove the "learning" computers in the children's library, but oh well...can't win them all. Love, love love this library and will drive 20 mins to get to it for storytime alone. (Make a trip of it and play in the fountains at the mall or watch the skaters at the ice rink). Oh, the great thing, is it's open on Sundays too. Support our local libraries! We're fortunate to have them!
-
Review from Matthew J.
Palos Verdes, CA
7/26/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Nice library. Librarians are ok.
-
Review from Angela T.
Torrance, CA
3/3/2008
Echoing the other reviewers: I love this library! It's extremely tighty, user-friendly, and current, which sets it apart from many other libraries. Innovative and new sells it for me, from its architecture and webpage, to its $1 movie rentals, free wi-fi, expansive music selection, bestseller books, and even graphic novels (comic books). I'm not sure I've ever gone in without walking out with a new discovery, usually an arm full. Sometimes when I'm raiding the magazine rack or milling around the large selection of used books for sale, I get a twinge of guilt, that kind that comes with realizing that you haven't gotten any of your other errands done. Thankfully thoughts like those are quickly replaced with--"Oh, cool! I'd been looking for something like this!" And then I can go right along enjoying my day--the whole day--at the library.
-
Review from Sunny D.
Torrance, CA
10/14/2009
This is a very nice library. It has lots of parking and has good hours. It almost reminds me of a college library because it is brand new, with nice furniture, ample newer computers and lots of natural light via nice big windows. If it was closer to where I live, I would visit it more, but its all the way up the hill, so I would have to really really want to go there. It also has a nice little gift shop and you can even get your passports processed here.
-
Review from Nabeel Z.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
11/4/2009
I have been coming to this library since I was 6 years old, while it was being completely remodeled. This is the nicest, cleanest, most advanced public library I've been to (which is quite a few). They have security every weekday and a very helpful staff. Not to mention free wi-fi and many, many internet capable computers that you can sign up for. It can get pretty loud during peak, after-school hours (4-6) but that's when you head to the silent room, which is just that, very silent!! I have a deep connection with this library, and it wasn't until I visited other public libraries that I appreciated how beautiful this place is. The design inspires you to think and get some work done. Go Peninsula Library!
-
Review from J. L.
Torrance, CA
1/28/2008
i love this library! friendly and cozy, dvd rentals of new releases (cheaper than blockbuster), huge range of books, comics, cds, computers, internet, copy machines, a little gift shop, new vending machines, study rooms for group meetings, a children's reading room, clean bathrooms on both sides of the library, friendly librarians.. basically, the best library ever!
-
Review from Aly D.
5/8/2007
i love the pv library! after we get past the whole "show them the bill to prove i live in my apt" thing, me and the pv library are best buds. it has a great selection of computer programming and networking books (i'm trying to brush up and not look like a moron), and offers an easy system for finding the stupid dewey decimal numbers. OH! and they offer eBooks which are awesome since I can access them from anywhere (home, work) and print them out at my leisure. fanfreaktingtastic. wow, i think im going to become a book worm. someone better invite me out to a bar and buy me a drink before this becomes permanent.
