Whittier Central Library

Updated review: After coming here to study for a while I try to avoid this place as much as I can now because it is very loud and people let their annoying kids run all over the place. You can also get a passport here which is not good for anyone trying to study cos people are constantly applying for their passports… which brings in more noise. Whittier should really consider remodeling this place because a few of the desks and chair are very old and cracking. They might also want to consider moving the passport area where it can be isolated and not bother people trying to read and study. I don’t like studying or reading here anymore because of these reasons and more; you’re better off going to the Whittwood branch a few minutes down the street. One more thing… PEOPLE, PLEASE DON’T LET YOUR KIDS RUN AROUND THE LIBRARY, LEAVE THEM AT THE KIDS SECTION!!!

Great staff. Always friendly and helpful. No complaints.
The library itself is spacious. A few computers are available.
Although tables and personal study sections are available it is still a bit noisy to focus.
The children’s section is the best place for me to read and study for a few hours only.

Wow, I have been trying to READ and I just can’t with ALL THE NOISE around. The two young girls in the front desk keep on talking LOUD! And to top-​it off the library process US PASSPORTS applications that’s noisy, the whole family /​relatives attend with the applicant. What happened to the nice quite library? ! I give it a two stars because I’ve been here plenty of times and is never likes this. I’m so disappointed. I just wasted 2 hours of my time! I will give it another try some other day.

Cute little library. Kind of old, kind of dirty, but still filled to the brim with books so I can’t complain. The computers are very out of date and difficult to use. Their internet is so slow it isn’t really worth trying. They have a nice summer reading program so that is a plus. The children’s section is very large, which is a huge plus for a library in my book (ha.). They aren’t affiliated with the Los Angeles Library System though (which they should be, being that Whittier is in LA County) so if you have an LA County library card, you will need to get a separate Whittier Library card to check out anything or use the services here.

My go to to get work done. It’s large and spacious and you can definetly get that good old library vibe here. They’re aren’t enough plug ins for your laptop just be sure your charged up before going in.

I love this library! They have all sorts of books here! From health books to riotgrrl to pornography history to how to make zines they have a huge selection. I haven’t been here in 10 years since I moved back to long beach, but I remember it like it was yesterday. it was cool how they had the payphones outside back in the day. lots of cool events here too.

I used to go to this place WAY back in the day as a child and little has changed about it. Well, things on the inside may or may not have been made more modern but I literally can go to a spot I remember from my childhood and some of the books will STILL be there!

This particular library reminds me of the kind I used to go to when I was a kid. You know the ones where there were old librarians who made everyone shushhhh when you tried to talk? Now not everyone that works here is an octogenarian. As a matter of fact most of the employees here are in there late teens or early 20’s so the culture of this library is established at the top of the food chain by 2 or 3 of the veteran librarians.
Atmosphere: As soon as you walk in the calm and quiet of this location hits you like a muffled slap in the face. That’s not bad mind you, just don’t expect to be able to have any long conversations in here at any levels resembling normal conversation. I happen to prefer a more community based approach like at the County Library in Norwalk on Imperial Highway. Mind you the quiet here does lend itself to more serious studies and endeavors so if that’s your thing this is a great library for you. Me however can stand and do appreciate a little higher energy level and that impacts my rating. 3 stars
Staff: The staff is well trained and eager to help if you need it. Today I learned that control C and control V are copy and paste. Pro tip: The computers are only checked out for 1 hour usage at a time, but if you ask one of the younger librarians they will almost always let you use it for extra time, sometimes up to a full hour more. Never ask any librarian over 30 for this favor though. ;-) 3.5 Stars
Security: Mike the security guard is the rockstar of this location. Like Paul Blart Mall Cop he rests on his little security chair waiting for library rule breaking to erupt. When it does he’s ready at a moments notice. If you’re working above a whisper or haven’t left the library at least 5 minutes before closing, he will hover over you like the Goodyear Blimp until you get the hint. 1 Star
Computers: This location has a number of computers you can check out on both the 1^st and 2^nd floor. Unlike busier libraries, its always easy to find an empty PC to use. On the other hand the computers here are rather slow and clunky. Not sure exactly what it is but its not hard to quickly tune up a PC which in this case they obviously haven’t done. The internet here seems reasonably fast though its hard to say because the computers are so clunky. Pro-​tip: The computers over at the County Library in Norwalk are faster and much more responsive. 1 ½ stars.
Overall: This library feels like a throwback to those of yesteryear. Its not a bad place, or one where they don’t have the materials or resources you need, it just feels a little oldish and in need of a facelift and a tuneup. 2.5 Stars

This is a nice Libary they have upstaris and down and they have a kids section and computer to use.
Its really nice compare to some of the other libarys around!

I live 1 mile away from the library in Hacienda Heights, and I drove here so I could hopefully study in peace. I haven’t been here for a while, so I was a little confused when I saw 2 hour limit parking signs all over the place. I drove around the neighborhood and saw even more 2 hour parking signs. I ended up parking in the main library lot and attempted to get some answers to where I could find more accommodating parking spots.
Me: hi, I plan on studying here for a while so I was wondering if there are any parking spots that aren’t marked as 2 hours?
Library attendant: uh … Yeah … Hehe haha they don’t really check but. Sometimes they do. So I don’t know if you want to take a risk or not. They do have some parking in the structure across the street but they have a three hour restriction.
I don’t care if this library has been serving the city for hundreds of years because I’m a student who spends more than 2 hours studying at one time … And I’m sure there are others with a similar case. I wasted half an hour of time just driving here for nothing because I didn’t see any other Unilocal reviews mention «2 HOUR PARKING ONLY.» Thanks but no thanks; I ended up driving back to my local library to study, despite the fact that it could get noisy and it’s 5 times smaller than this one.

The library is fine but the passport service is AWFUL!!! My 90 year old dad applied for his passport here. 8 weeks later we wondered why he hadn’t receive it yet and after days of calling etc., we were told that it was because his birth certificate wasn’t certified. Our neighbor also had the same problem with his birth certificate and he applied 2 weeks later.
You would think that if this is what these people do all day, they would be trained enough to tell people that they did not have the proper documentation., especially when you pay extra for the service there. DON’T go here for your passport… suck it up and go to the post office or the passport office.

This Library Has Been Serving The Whittier Community Since Before I Was Even Born 40yrs Ago And Has Been Great Having Around To Learn And Grow :-)

Growing up this place was always a childhood dream come true. It was like a second home to me and I thought it was amazingly big. They always books upon books for me to read and I just couldn’t stop. Thanks to this library and the Whittwood library (currently under construction) I grew to love reading. From the shows, performances, and summer book reading adventures to the just normal library attendants that helped me find more and more books, this place always left me wanting more. They have a really big collection of movies and music as well and the staff is always willing and able to help with anything. I’ve even gotten my U.S. passport taken care of here. There have been many times now, as a college student, that my girlfriend and I have come here to use the internet and do homework. All I can say is this place is amazing for the city of Whittier and I thank it for all its given me.

Great place to study and browse the internet. WiFi is free and there is not a code needed which makes it so convenient. As far as quality and quantity on books, articles and magazines go, Whittier Library is the best city library around. They are so helpful in helping you find the item or will have it shipped next day at no cost! Another plus is the ever pumping AC that will make your stay a lot cozier. They even have awesome novelty items for sell with the Whittier name on it!

Really nice library and with a great abundance of books!
That’s mainly what i love about this library. I always find the books I need for research or just for leisure. It has a children’s section for them to do homework in and it has a section with tables for adults. The personel here are nice and organized and very helpful. I t does get pretty noisy sometimes though and it’s hard to concentrate when your reading or studying. other than that, this is a very good library to come to =)

This is the library i grew up with, and it hasn’t changed much! It’s an older library, but more or less up to date technologically and obviously it’s up to date book-​wise. The staff is extremely helpful and kind, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Hint: many of their «young adult» novels are shelved upstairs near the teen homework help center.

Great library neighboring the police department. Clean, great selection of books, friendly staff, and fun place for community events. There has been many wonderful changes over the years and I am glad their quality has remained. There volunteer program is great and a wonderful experience if you get the chance to participate.

I’ve visited this library for years and years, since I was a little thing. I did the summer programs, too… fun times. I think that’s why I love to read now. It started at this library.
Since then, I’ve realized this library is pretty small and limited compared to other public libraries. But I can appreciate what it offers: a nice DVD and audio book collection. Nonfiction and fiction are small. But it’s really easy to order books from other libraries, so it’s ok. I like the kid’s area, too. There are tables and computers at the right height for children.
I’ve been coming back quite a lot, since I have a lot of time in the car, I play audio books. I like the selection so far, and I bet I can borrow others from other libraries in the area.
Wireless internet is free, but it’s kind of hard work trying to find outlets by the tables in the study area. Inconvenient, but easily righted.
Love libraries. And this one is pretty good. It’s in Whittier and close to me, so much the better.

I got my library card here after my 1 year anniversary as a Whittier resident :)
I’m a fan of the Whittier Library because it’s a very relaxed environment.
I grew up w/​the Cerritos Library and even though it’s one of the most beautiful libraries, I hated it because of the strict/​study atmosphere – so intense!!! Everybody there always appeared on edge – think of it occupants carrying the stress level associated w/​cramming for the SATs, everyday – year after year.
The Whittier Library is the exact opposite, and even though it shows a lot of age, that age is well maintained. Sure, it’s not the most technologically advanced library, and sure it doesn’t have a 1,000 gallon salt water aquarium built into the wall, but love the fact that as I enter through the doors that there are WWF (sorry World Wildlife Fund, we’re talking wrestling here!!!) figurines which reminded me so fondly of the better times in my life as a child.
The décor of the library is very humble… which is way better than pretentious. The staff is courteous and friendly. I wanted to look up a book and had no idea how to use the Catalog – the help desk assisted me w/​a smile and even escorted me to the book and made sure I understood everything – kudos!
Great magazine selection and big kids section too – about 10 computers to log onto the internet w/​and comfortable chairs to lounge.
I’m happy to have signed up for a card at the Whittier Library, it’s a constant reminded of what’s out there other than the internet.
These days we spend so much time in the comfort of our home that it’s sad to see that many of us have forgotten about the institutions that have so valiantly raised our parents and grandparents through their childhood.
Help support your city’s funding, go apply for a library card and relax there once or twice a month – read a book or something ;)

Well, there’s not a lot to say since most libraries are just that… a library.
I go here to study two or three times a week. It’s definitely your typical 50s/​60s era library but I like that kind of place.
The librarians are pretty good if you need help with research and there’s plenty of space to study. I’m a history major so I check out a lot of books here. Other than the chinsy 2 week borrow period, this library rocks.
Free WiFi too! :)