Miriam Matthews Los Angeles Public Library

Keep coming back here because it’s my local library. I used to work for the libraries so I can appreciate a good library. This specific library is a small one, located on the corner of Florence and Van Ness. I’ve never had a problem finding what I need here, just ask for it to be routed from another library. I wouldn’t come here to study as the branches are a little more catered to kids and families and it could get loud in there.

I Really like this Library. It’s cozy and its easy to manage checking in and out materials

Pros: Decent natural lighting during the day, well-​lit at night. Lots of computers to use. Multiple power outlets under or right next to EVERY table, making laptop usage oh-​so-​easy (unlike libraries where you have to search all over to find an available outlet), and this is a new facility that’s still pretty nice overall. It has its own parking lot in back, which fits plenty of cars.
Cons: Bring headphones or earplugs. While I’m thrilled to see so many kids at a library, I’m less than thrilled when they spend their time running around and speaking at regular volume. It’s also annoying that people on laptops are watching videos with the volume so that everyone can hear it; the high ceiling makes sounds echo, which increases general ambient noise volume. The library is also fairly small, meaning their book selection is limited; however, like any library, they can order you a book from another library.
Acceptable place to work while I wait for the stupid Dodger Stadium traffic on the 110 to die down so I can go home.

When your mind is in all the wrong places, a book is the best place to confine it to. Happy Monday everyone! :)

Spacious with lots of outlets for laptops. I agree with Lisa A. concerning noise when many adolescents are around but I visit a lot of LAPL locations and the staff here enforce the rules. Also, this is NOT Leimert Park (which is about a ten minute drive to the northwest), it is the Hyde Park neighborhood.

On the corner of Florence and VanNess, built on the same lot of the former site of Fines and Finest Market burned down during the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. Named after the first African American librarian in California. This library was a long awaited and welcomed addition to the neighborhood where I work.
Sleek and sexy architecturally designed with a mixture of steel, concrete and wood on the outside. Has a beautiful colorful tile mosaic mural on the front and cool looking angled wood beams inside. It’s always clean inside and out. I was really disappointed and frankly offended when someone decided it necessary to add their ugly graffiti tag to it a while back. Really ??? Is nothing off limit? Sheesh. Anyway, that’s another story …
The staff is always nice and helpful, especially the head librarian Ms Andrea. They often have events for children and teens such as storytime, reading programs, workshops and crafts. You can reserve a computer and has free public WIFI.
Closed Sundays and Mondays and the opening and closing hours vary the rest of the week (due to the unfortunate budget cuts) so it’s always a good idea to check before planning a visit.
Be advised, it can get a little loud and hectic during after school hours as this library is close to three schools in the area.
Note: Just heard they’re supposed to re-​open Mondays starting July 18, 2011. Whoo Hoo !