Altadena Library District Reviews

Brilliant library. Best in altadena and mayby in all LA!

Don't pay attention to reviews that say computers are laggy or library is loud. Pre-pandemic, they got brand new computers, and the noisy part is just the kid's section which often has after-school classes. The library is a safe space, and I've been coming here every week for five years. The librarians are incredible and I always love having a quiet chat with them, the teen section has 3D printers and DnD tournaments, I do both. It's a shame that because of COVID-19 we can't access the full library, but the conference room is open with a small selection of books and if you're looking for something you can come back the next day and pick it up. So yes, it can get a little loud at times, but deal with it, man. This is a library, not your house.

Newly remodeled in 2017; Good wifi, great selection of books.

The times I've gone everyone has been so helpful. Very friendly and cool place.

Don t come here to study. I live in the area and haven t been to the Altadena library to study in about a year. Came back today, and I remembered exactly why I had steered clear of the place. It s never quiet. Ever. There s always chatter that s loud enough to be distracting and non of the librarians seem to care. Particularly from the teen area and the computer stations. Will be making the trip down to Pasadena library on Walnut from now on. If you re trying to get some studying done or even looking to enjoy a good book, stay away.

It's a nice place to come to surf the web and do some reading. It can get a bit noisy so I keep headphones on.

It also has a bit of a stale odor, which I have noticed on three separate occasions. I walked in from a walk on a nice, cool day. The odor was off-putting, but I managed to deal with it. Hope they do something about the HVAC before that smell gets worse.

It's pretty, but it's loud all the time.
Go to Pasadena.

i ve been coming to this library as of recent because it s in better condition than the pasadena libraries. it s located in a peaceful area of altadena as well. there s no time limit on the computer which i appreciate (unlike pasadena library which gives you 30 min-1 hour i believe). also, homeless people don t tend to frequent this location.

however, like other reviewers have mentioned, this library can get quite noisy, especially with the kids around. it seems like the staff is not aware that libraries are supposed to be quiet zones since they do not confront noisy patrons at all. what a shame. i am going to have to find another library to frequent.

UPDATE: i spoke too soon. computers are really slow and freeze for no reason. does IT even check up on these outdated systems?

I love the size, layout and looks of this library, however it often does not "feel" like a library. I can appreciate that it doesn't have the need to be completely quiet, people can chat in a whisper and it seems many hold peer and tutoring sessions which I think is great! However out of all the noise this library has, the staff are by far the loudest! There are a few staff members in particular who are so obnoxiously loud, you can hear them talking and cackling from the staff room or front desk,all the way on the back! It's truly unbelievable. .And I know it's not just me, as every time it happens (and I am there for hours at a time, 3 days a week) EVERYONE around stops what they're doing to look at them, then at one another, in amazement! I really wish someone higher up would talk with the staff about respectful Library etiquette. Would make it so much more pleasant...I've truly never experienced anything like it~

I love the friendly environment at this library. Would totally recommend this library to my friends!

I love this library and it is close to my house and the location over looks the small river and Francisco, staff, is pretty awesome as well.

One of our favorite places. Great selection, lovely place, friendly staff.

Library is nice and organize. There's room section for kids, teens and also study section. Place is and clean BUT I wish they put rules and regulations on the wall which a lot of people tend to forget. "#1 Making unreasonable noise, including loud talking on a cell phone or otherwise."
Which just this early noon there was a guy kept talking on his phone someone tried to sssshhh him but didn't work he just sssh back, acting like there's nothing wrong.
Am happy I had my cordless headphones that saved me for 1hr.

Great library.Great place to study and A wonderful place to chill and read books

I love this library!!! Great for families with small children, because there are always activities and events going on.

The times I've gone everyone has been so helpful. Very friendly and cool place.

This is the worse library! They do not communicate within there employees none at all! If you planned on getting a passport DONT they lie and completely unprofessional!

the idea of having a game console in the library is absurd!!! Kids who hang out to play games at this library have no respect to the library rules. They should consider having time limits and appropriate time to play games.

great staff, and nice place to take my kids to expand their reading and spend some time.

Love the convenience of this local library. They are NOT plugged into the county library system so their resources can be a bit limited. Still, they strive to provide you with whatever materials they can. Incredible friendly staff.

Unfortunately the place has been incredibly noisy every time I have been. It seems to be a welcome place for socialization. Patrons feel comfortable talking loudly to each other or on their cell phones and the staff don't seem to mind. So if it's a quiet library you seek, I highly recommend La Canada library where their staff actively asks any loud patrons to respect the quiet atmosphere of the library.

It is very loud here. Phone's going off, mother's yelling at children, children talking loudly. Pretty disappointing.

Great library to take little children - they have a wonderful story time and an excellent kids section with activities for little kids

Beautiful library. Great community events - including nice small concerts.

The Altadena library is a great little place.The staff are very friendly and are always there to help.They have many anual events.I very much recommend visiting this library.

Nice place
good place
nice staff
great big areas