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The Library
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Coffee & Tea, Restaurants [Edit]
3418 E BroadwayLong Beach, CA 90803
(562) 433-2393
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 12 am
Sat-Sun 7 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Long Beach Cafe offers a huge menu that includes some of the city's most popular half-pound burgers, giant omelets, sandwiches, steaks, seafood and… read more »
139 reviews for The Library
Review Highlights
"Both got free Wi-Fi at least."
(in 7 reviews)
"...and desserts and even ice cream along with the coffee and..."
(in 10 reviews)
"I really love this place."
(in 3 reviews)
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138 reviews in English
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Review from Linda T.
Long Beach, CA
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a cute, and quaint coffee shop. The bookshelves with the actual books makes me feel like I'm at an actual library! I wasn't too fond of the library cat, throw in a library dog and maybe we'll up the ante a bit here.
Oh yeah, the drinks... I've only tried their Chai Tea Latte and White Mocha. The Chai Tea Latte was okay, but I think that's because I altered the drink. I should probably order it their way the next time around. The White Mocha, however, was definitely pleasing to my taste buds. Not too sweet, and not too bitter, just like how I like it!
Cute and laid back coffee shop with pretty good coffee. I definitely wouldn't mind coming back. -
Review from Maria M.
Long Beach, CA
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's a cute setting if you want expensive coffee and an intimate setting. But I wouldn't recommend this place to study because its very dark. The food is also overpriced and not very tasty.
I'm all about supporting the small local business economy but in this case, if I have to pick bw a starbucks and the library to study. I'm going to have to stick with starbucks. -
Review from Tj H.
Lincoln Park, NJ
1/16/2012
Late night stop to chat with a friend... We had a NY Cheesecake and I had a Green/White Tea Blend.
So.... yea... I JUST came from NJ/NYC area a few weeks ago after living there for more than 10 years. It wasn't quite up to par unfortunately... There was a nut mixture as a topping on top of a separate cream that didn't taste that great. The crust was alright but the flavors weren't quite there.
This place is ambiance and coffee more than food/dessert. It REALLY reminds of a place in Montclair, NJ; almost exactly the same layout... can't think of the name now. Interesting how things don't change no matter how far away you are... -
Review from Michael M.
Los Alamitos, CA
12/4/2011
This place is really cool in that it closes at midnight on the weekends and at 2 on the weekdays.... if you look at the pictures it's exactly like that place on "Friends". Very hip, excellent place to study... prices are a little bit more expansive than Starbucks, a medium latte is $4.15, but the way i look at it is that it's a place that's open to study.
The place is just super chill. -
Review from Janelle R.
Long Beach, CA
1/8/2012
This is a great place to read or study or even have a study group. The coffee isn't great but they have good tea and their panini wasn't too bad either. There is this awesome cat that comes in and hangs out. The best thing is that this place is right next to Reno Room so when you are finished studying you can hit the bar for a late night drink. Just be careful of the parking.
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Review from CARmEn H.
11/10/2011
I have been here twice already and felt that I needed to yelp it and let everyone know what a cool place this is.
It is a coffee shop where mainly locals go to but the warmth and hospitality is extended out to everyone, not just locals.
There are chairs, sofas and tables throughout this establishment. It really gives you the feel of being at home and relaxing or being in a small independent library. People go there to study, surf the internet or just socialize amongst friends
I do enjoy their coffee drinks (iced coffee and their mocha) but I really like the lemon squares (tart and sweet).
The downside: parking is difficult to find -
Review from Jordan H.
Long Beach, CA
1/20/2012
I went into the Library today for my morning coffee and there was a cat on the food service counter licking and nibbling at the (sealed) bags of chips. When I told the woman behind the counter that I was leaving because that really turned me off, she apologized, picked up the cat and put it on the floor, and then returned to work without washing her hands. We have two cats at home and I love cats. However, this is unacceptable for a food-serving establishment.
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Review from Shannon b.
Long Beach, CA
12/29/2011
they have the best cakes to choose from. Coffee Drinks are a little pricey(I feel like) but they have 2 rooms and an open mic on wed's that is pretty cool. It's in the back room so you dont have to be forced to listen if you dont want to. Free Wi-Fi is a plus!
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Review from Anthony C.
Long Beach, CA
8/25/2011
Wasn't told by the employee that an AA meeting was going on.... So were wondering why we were being told not to talk. Really? Thought this was a place we could socialize...guess not on a Friday night!
Only one person working on a Friday night so took a while to get out drinks... -
Review from Alyssa E.
Long Beach, CA
10/17/2011
Awesome vibe and open late what a gem
ps awesome cat -
Review from Jonny A.
Breckenridge, CO
9/18/2011
This is one of my favorite cafes in Long Beach. There's usually enough room to find a spot you like with two sides.
The ambiance is great and the place is open until midnight every day, so no confusion about when you have to leave per night.
On the downside - It's not the cleanest looking place, there is no AC, and often they have scheduled open mic events in the evenings (could be distracting if you are just there to study/work).
Oh, and I have no complaints about the coffee. -
Review from Nate S.
Long Beach, CA
After three check-ins during several afternoons at The Library, it's time I wrote a review. I've been reluctant because coffee shops are like an old pair of shoes: they're comfortable and totally your style but may not be for everyone. This one gets four stars for my style, a reliable afternoon work space with a good basic coffee blend.
I wouldn't dare compare myself to the java junkies who can taste a Sumatran from a Guatamalan in their latte, but I enjoy a good cup of coffee. Most independent coffee shops serve good coffee and The Library is no exception. A bank of self-serve thermoses offers 4+ blends.
Where The Library really delivers is drink and food variety. I was impressed that they served a Thai Iced Tea for under $2 in addition to a selection that includes Chai, apple cider, pop, and iced drinks. They have the usual fare of espressos, lattes, and mochas, plus a chalkboard list of "Drinks that Rock" designed by the baristas.
The real delicacies are featured in a glass showcase to the right of the register. Three shelves of colorful tarts, cakes, scones, and cookies brighten the darker library theme. I haven't tried any of them yet but they look amazing.
The decor is consistent with a library. Bookshelves full of all types and genres of book line every wall. For $1 each, you can take home any of them. Comfy old couches and tables are scattered about. I can't say what it's like at other times of the day/week, but late afternoons and early evenings are quiet and great for working. Internet is reliable and the access code changes daily. Get it at the register.
The place is not air conditioned. Instead, they open the doors and it's usually a pleasant 78 degrees. Four tables on the sidewalk offer a place for socializing and smokers. A good mix of clientele includes tattooed girls, young couples, working professionals, and the occasional hipster. The baristas are friendly and sometimes flirty.
Anybody with cat allergies should probably go somewhere else because an orange striped cat named Reese is just as much a part of the decor as the old velvet couches. -
Review from Michelle S.
Long Beach, CA
11/23/2011
I'm torn. What do you say about a restaurant that's great if you only get the WIFI?
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Review from Earl Patrick L.
Torrance, CA
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went me here cause my friend told me we were going to play board games. What i didnt know was that were going to be playing with complete strangers. Anyways, I found the board game players friendly and punctual. I never knew a place like this existed. Definitly ONE OF A KIND in the the whole LA area(5 stars for that). If i feel like playing games, will totally come back again.
Only problem was that theres no AC, maybe its not the best place to go to when its 95 degrees outside.
Staff was friendly and helpful, free wifi, people are Chilllllllll. -
Review from Bernadette H.
Cerritos, CA
5/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place used to be pretty awesome, right until a few nights ago.
Me and my two friends went there at 11:15pm hoping for a java fix.
We come up to the counter and we ordered some espresso drinks. The guy gives us this WTF look and says (rather haughtily): "Sorry, the espresso machine just got cleaned, so I can't make you any espresso drinks tonight."
My friends and I were a bit miffed, so we ordered plain drip coffee, a can of Dr. Pepper, and an iced mocha (guy said he had cold espresso for it). Sadly, my drip coffee was lukewarm O_O
I'm so sad that the quality of service at The Library has declined over the years....maybe they're facing stiff competition with Berlin down the street?
Until the quality of service improves, I won't be coming back for a long time, or forever...forever...forever... -
Review from Diane V.
Long Beach, CA
4/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ahh a part of me misses studying and doing homework for school just so I have a reason to be here all day long. Now that work takes up my time, coming here doesn't happen often.
They have free wifi and its just walking distance from my place so this spot was not only chill but convenient and fun. They have some good snacks and desserts and even ice cream along with the coffee and teas here. If you want a bigger meal though, Cocoreno's is just next door.
There are always different randoms and locals in and out of the Library and the staff is very friendly. The old furniture and dim set up make it that much more unique and authentic. Love it! -
Review from Alina N.
Long Beach, CA
4/11/2011
I started working on my homework here a few months ago and I'm a fan.
PROS:
Open late 'til 12am 7 days of the week.
Ambient lighting (if that's your thing).
Low volume music (and one of the baristas plays punk that always has me like, 'nice').
There is the cutest little frisky orange kitty that lounges around sometimes. Beware of bite.
CONS:
One REALLY annoying female barista who probably takes Adderall recreationally that I try to avoid as often as possible, lest my ear be talked the fuck off. UGH.
The ice cream. $2.25 should be worth more than a half-assed scoop of Rite-Aid quality cookie dough ice cream in a tiny coffee cup.
Crazy people. You'll see. Loud, crazy ass people. Sometimes. One dude with gray hair and glasses (YOU KNOW who I'm talking about, regulars) that yells on the phone, on speakerphone, just so we can all know he likes Dr. Dog. FUUUUUU.
Most of the time it's quiet, though.
The bathroom perpetually reeks of pee.
I'll be back. -
Review from Bella C.
Long Beach, CA
6/6/2011
Love this place!
Drop off your dog to be groomed across the street and head to The Library. Friendly service, great ambiance, tons of munchies, open late. The mocha wasn't the greatest I've ever had, but it was still decent. The ambiance and multitude of books for sale make up for the so-so mocha. Great place to come and read or study for hours at a time. And $1 books?!?! Sold. -
Review from John G.
Long Beach, CA
7/22/2011
This place has a very chill atmosphere, and the baristas are all friendly. I usually get an iced vanilla latte, which is absolutely delicious I might add, but I ask for half the regular amount of vanilla because it's too sweet the regular way (in my opinion).
They also have good croissant sandwiches, ice-cream, breakfast sandwiches, and various desserts. Overall, it's better than starbucks! If you like short lines, nice people, and a quiet place to sit and enjoy your coffee that is.
Oh yeah, they have actual couches, arm chairs and tables as well. Also it's not a real library, just a good ol' fashion coffee store. I'll definitely go back! -
Review from Muhammad Miguel Ali H.
Huntington Beach, CA
5/16/2011
Solid coffee shop!
Great coffee and tea - but the best part is the ambiance, as the place is very comfy, with an artsy vibe, that naturally creates for great writing - everything that a coffee shop ought to be :) -
Review from Julia B.
Long Beach, CA
8/30/2011
Had coffee frappe - really disappointing. Feral cat walking through premises, its a shame the place has a lot of potential to be a great cafe/coffee house. I still prefer Portfolio Coffee house.
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Review from Sasha L.
South Bay, CA
3/20/2011
I love hanging out here. Great, comfy old furniture to lounge around in. You can see people sitting here all day long with their laptops or books. You never feel rushed to leave.
The only down side is that the coffee is ehhh so-so and the food is no bueno.
But the ambiance is great, super gay friendly and they usually have a palm reader or tarot card reader in the window! :)
Good hang out when you just want to talk with friends or study by yourself. -
Review from Jenny S.
Orange, CA
10/13/2011
Awful. The service was bad, they messed up my order, and there were huge chunks of UNblended ice in my ice-blended coffee drink. The drink didn't even taste good and the hostess was rude. I will not be going back.
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Review from Aleah G.
Long Beach, CA
6/16/2011
I really love this place. I've been going semi-regularly for a few years now and really enjoy my experience(s). I'm a college student via LBCC/CSULB and have done my share of studying and socializing in this environment. It is an equally great establishment for both uses. Plus, the employees have always been very friendly and down-to-earth. And the items are tasty.
Beverages I really enjoy: Strawberry Smoothie, Blended Chai, Mocha
Snacks: Delicious cookies :-) Aaaand delicious food (pasta and paninis, oh my!)
I highly recommend and continue to bring my friends when I want to go out for drinks/snacks/conversation. -
Review from Alyssa P.
Long Beach, CA
11/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place COULD be "the spot" to study but there are so many wrongs about it...
lets start with the positives:
great hours - they close at midnight!
lots of seating (although most chairs seem to be occupied all the time)
free internet
noise level isn't too loud
good amount of outlets for laptops
and on to the not so positives:
DIRTY couches and chairs
very DIM lighting - which makes studying impossible
yes, there are more positives than negatives, however the lighting itself contradicts the whole name and aim of the coffee shop. ambient lighting doesn't work for my eyes when I'm trying to study. Also, the chairs and couches are all saggy and dusty and look like they have been stuck in a dungeon for 20 years. its a cool idea to have a library coffee shop, the walls are lined with shelves full of books you can read while you're there, but without ample lighting, reading is just not possible!Listed in: Cracking the books
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Review from Christie G.
Long Beach, CA
9/21/2011
The Library has yummy chai tea!!! I am a fan! I have internet at home but from time to time I like to walk over and enjoy the quiet atmosphere!
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Review from Jamilah M.
Long Beach, CA
Updated - 6/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Key Lime pie, and $1.00 books. And caramel flavored frapps. LOVE.
Listed in: COFFEE CRAVINGS
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/5/2011
I'm not your typical college student in her early twenties. Instead of hanging at my local dive bar,… Read more »
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Review from Momo S.
Long Beach, CA
2/4/2011
The ambiance is worth the drive over. Their green tea ice cream is legit and I think their food is reasonably priced. The workers are friendly and I feel as if I'm in my living room when I'm here.
The parking is bad at night and the restrooms are not the best. -
Review from LB S.
Long Beach, CA
I know, I know. I'm the 107th review; nothing new here. I had to start somewhere...
Great coffee, awesome vibe, abounding with comfiness and the library cat.
...And super close, open til midnight, free wifi, all that.
. -
Review from Nate B.
Long Beach, CA
6/15/2011
A great local coffee house. The price is cheap and the quality is great! Don't go to starbucks, go support your local coffee.
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Review from Nicole L.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2010
I've never had coffee here, but I have had a lot of the pastries.
The Chocolate Raspberry Decadence is probably one of the best slices of cake I've had in a cafe.
I've tried lemon bars, smores bars, apple pie bars, and some other cakes, and they're all very good!
I usually go late at night, after 9:00 with my friends, and the staff is always very friendly and nice.
It's also really cozy and the decoration is super wonderful. -
Review from Coco D.
Long Beach, CA
7/26/2011
I got me a crazy!
I'm wearing a mini skirt and a revealing top browsing the little shop next door when I walk into a cave with shelves and shelves of books...I am in love:)
I walked in on a Monday afternoon to some interesting clientele and plenty of sitting space for my hoochie-ass...
Low lighting, no A/C but overhead fans that actually do a decent job of cooling the place, a little bar that serves pastries and drinks, a huge cat prowling the place, and lovely looking furniture gracing the place.
I chose a spot nearest the door and just enjoyed the people passing by and the crazy man talking with a southern accent about how he's going to be president sitting across the room. He was honestly right off his rocker...poor soul.
I enjoyed the chill atmosphere and the fact that you can really find some privacy here....I felt alone but connected. It was awesome.
Only shitty thing is the obvious parking but walk a little and you can fix that easily. The bathroom also needs help. It smelled like piss against years of piss....it was clean but the effing stench was overwhelming...someone, please fix that.
I'm totally coming back here....join me and that huge cat:) -
Review from Fabiola N.
Long Beach, CA
6/24/2010
About the only place I can study and actually get some work done =]
Even though my house is quiet I just can never really get much done, too many distractions! The couches may look if-y but don't let that fool you, they are comfy!
Try the iced mocha, it's my favorite =]
Great coffee and free wireless you just can't beat that!
There's also food (salads,fruit, pasta, sandwiches) ,ice cream, dessert (the NY cheesecake, yum!)
Great hours (6 or 7am- midnight)...only day it might be a little packed from experience is on SundaysListed in: I LOVE coffee!!!
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Review from nehemiah s.
Long Beach, CA
10/25/2011
love the 12am closing time...definitely a place to get some business done. Easily distracted by people watching. Been here several times and still can't get a solid read on what kind of crowd this place attracts... one nite it was a stand up (comedians) attempt (open mic?) that was painfully, awkwardly attended by females he was trying to impress ...the sunday nite crowd consisted of nerd fratboyish dudes who moonlighted as magic card players (?) ... the weekday consisted of a barista who felt playing christina aguilerra's "stripped" album would help inspire my studies on cell division as well as an african american gentleman singing along with the slow ballads... old people, young people, douche bags, possible 909ers, emo's, punks, brothers n soul sisters...an ecclectic crowd never too overwhelming, decent service, ice drinks that are more ice than flavor... but never a complaint from this guy. cool cat
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Review from Misti Y.
4/21/2010
I am not a coffee drinker, and it is a rare coffee shop that has a stellar selection of teas. I am also not a coffee shop snacker. For me, coffee shops are all about atmosphere, thematic dedication and Wi-Fi. The Library delivers at all three, and it is pretty big, giving you a greater chance of being able to soak it all in without worrying that someone needs your comfy couch or overstuffed chair. They have plenty of both in nice, rich velvety jewel tones.
Their tea selection what appears to be the Long Beach staple brand Stash--a bagged dust, no whole leaf tea to be had. I was not too surprised, and although I don't snack, I did notice their counter was filled with delightful sweets.
With its comfort and style, the Library pleased me, and I think it could please even those who actually drink coffee and nibble at their local java hut. -
Review from Stephanie V.
Dana Point, CA
8/22/2010
The wi-fi isn't exactly free here. You need to buy something--for instance, an over-priced chai or six dollar cake slice--to get the password to the internet. That, or you could ask the person next to you.
The chai is watered down, and they put too much ice. Boo...
Enough of the Negative Nancy, I'll throw some positive points: The Library is a lovely place to simply relax and "chill," if you will. The atmosphere is nice and tranquil: you can have one-on-one with a friend, read (pick up one of the many free LGBT magazines!), or release some creative writing outbursts for your next screenplay.
I'll pay another visit if I have time and/or in the area. Easy on the ice next time. -
Review from Tabitha H.
San Luis Obispo, CA
4/17/2010
I love The Library.
I love the coffee.
I love the pastries.
I love the service.
I love the people.
I love all the comfy couches and arm chairs just begging for stimulating conversation.
I love the outside tables that are great for people watching.
and I love that you can buy the books for a dollar!!
It is a great place to relax or study while enjoying a good caffeinated beverage. I've been coming here for years and the drinks and baristas have never disappointed me and I don't think they ever will. -
Review from patrick t.
Long Beach, CA
7/16/2010
I only tried the Boston Creme Pie, but it was very savory. Everything seemed to call out my name, though. I'd be very interested in testing out their ice cream wares as that's what drew me into the place in the first place. But once I saw the Boston Creme Pie it was over; I'm a sucker for a good Boston Creme Pie.
All in all, it seemed like a quaint place to chill for an afternoon with your macbook and a cup of coffee--maybe a slice of pie or two. -
Review from Chris R.
Seal Beach, CA
7/7/2011
Dude, where's the caffeine? WTF is up with this watered down coffee? Had to switch to the latte which was at least drinkable but nothing close to Peets or Starbucks unfortunately, but then again it has better bakery items even though the cookies are hard.
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Review from Tiffany N.
Denver, CO
1/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
I think I've become jaded by names of places because even though this coffee shop was called "The Library" I didn't really expect it to be as much like a library as it turned out to be. First off, the walls have tons of bookshelves in every room. And secondly, you can buy these books, or perhaps hang out and read them.
After dropping my car off at the Autohaus I needed a place nearby that I could do some computing so I swung by The Library to check it out and see if it fit my needs. My needs being:
1. Free Wi-Fi, and
2. Coffee
I must say The Library satisfies on all accounts. The do make you pay for each refill of coffee here, but it's only 50 cents and they just set out a little container in front of the coffees that you can throw some coins in. They also serve a variety of sweets and savories so if you happen to be there for a while you can enjoy a bit of sustenance to keep you going.
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