Whittwood Branch Library

I don’t understand why everybody is saying this is a new library. It was built around 1965. However, it was recently completely rebuilt, so it’s new and old at the same time.
Over the past few decades, anti-​government types have decimated the library system with massive budget cuts, so don’t expect the ancient Library in Alexandria or the New York Public Library. But they have enough books. I’m currently reading a history of Spain, and I had several books to choose from. I recently read a biography of Mao Zedong, and their China history section is pretty good, too.
The reference librarians are just fine. They’re knowledgeable not just about books, but about tech, as well. There are generally two reference librarians on at any one time, which is very convenient.
They also have a large selection of music CDs and Books on CD, and I was able to catch up on Katy Perry’s latest, along with Pete Seeger, Al Jarreau, Pat Metheny, Bing Crosby, and Patsy Cline. As far as I’m concerned, most libraries should get five stars. It’s a library, dammit! Free books!

It’s fairly new and I like the open windows and the staff is helpful at times, but if you’re trying to study and get stuff done don’t bother this is the loudest library ever.

Not as baby friendly as a mom would like, and some of the staff is not very friendly. This is however one of the newer libraries in these areas and it is nice. Half of the library is dedicated to the children and they do have a pretty up to date DVD selection.

First of all, this is a newer library. Second, this library is about 50% kids and 50% adult type books. By that I mean literally, if you go to the right side of the library, it’s got books for the kids while the left side has seating for older people, computers, and of course adult literature. They also have a few quiet rooms, a toddlers area, small dvd and audio books rental, and some books for sale.
What I love about this library is the summer reading program they have here. It’s pretty damn awesome. If you read, you get a tshirt, a book, bookmarker, etc. But unlike any other library I know, they throw a party for the kids. No kidding! We attended this party and it was HUGE! Every kid can bring a plus 1 and we had hot dogs, chips, water, games, face painting, balloon bounce, raffle, book sales.
If would be 5 stars totally, however recently we got a notice that we didn’t return a book. We always return all of our books together and apparently one was not returned according to the library. So we called and they told us that it take 6 months for them to look for it. If they don’t find it, we would have to pay for it. Totally doesn’t make sense because we’ve never had a problem returning our books until this time.

This is not a good library for kids so small n not enough space for them of course there going to b loud that’s y many libraries have a separate place from them not right next to the adults section. So if u want to study here good luck lil kids are loud no matter what.

Cute, quaint location! Intimate and close to local shops for quick snacking between good reads.

I enjoy coming here over and over. I’m taking advantage of the fact that it’s only three minutes away from home. Borrowing books and DVDs helps me save money. If you’re not able to finish a book within the time allotted, you can simply give them a call end they’ll extend it for you.
Pros:
–Clean restrooms (one by the children’s corner and another one out in the hallway)
–Courteous and cheerful staff
–Computerized check-​in and check-​out process
–Drop-​off bins in the parking lot for books and media that’s available even when the library is closed
–Clean, bright, well-​lit
–Free Wi-​Fi
–Electric outlets on the table for charging
–Great selection of books
–Free online Zinio digital subscription with your library card
–Comfortable seats including couches
–Computers and printers for use
–Shelves that showcase new books and media
Cons:
–No barrier between adult and children’s section and children can be loud at times
–People who talk on their phones
–People use this as a tutoring area and disrupt the silence
–Moms who bring their crying babies inside
Much of the noise I can ignore. I love, love the small-​town feel of this library.

Theres some good and some bad that comes with this library. The first positive aspect about this library is the recent renovations done. For as small as the library is, theres a lot of space for reading, studying, etc and a natural light that brightens up the room during the day. Consequently, the hours are unreasonable and in the case that this place is crowded, theres not that many options on where to go to study. There has been numerous times that I have gone in there and all the tables are taken up but when I glance in the study rooms, its empty. According to one employee you need at least two people to access the study rooms. I understand the concept of the study room but for people that come in to do exactly that (study) it should be able to be accessed by those certain people. Even if they don’t have a second party with them. If they’re able to become more lenient on the use of the study rooms and consistent with reasonable hours (9am to 6pm maybe?) they would receive 5 stars.

This place is loud. Its not only the people visiting there that are loud, its also the workers. If you need a place that is quiet to read or study DO NOT GO HERE!!!
The only reason i gave it one star was because it was recently remodeled and it actually looks nice. Their Wi-​Fi is also not up yet and they told me it might take up to 2 weeks to get it up.

If you are looking for a smaller library that is bran spank’n new… then look no further my friend!
there is a large library of DVD’s as well as e-​Books.
each table –that seats 4 people– has 4 outlets to plug in your electronic device such as your laptop. this is a great idea (in my opinion) because normally where ever you sit in a library or coffeeshop, you usually look for seats with an outlet that can reach your laptop, which is why the seats in this library are helpful.
the book selection is pretty good, though a bit small.
there is a whole area for children in this small library. the central whittier library has this as well, but not all library’s have it outside of whittier.

I love this place. I’ve grown up down the street. Walking home from St. Bruno I always stopped here to pick up a good book to read or to just do homework. Even as I got older and I was in high school I still came here for some quiet me time for homework and book exploration. I’ve done a few of the summer reading programs here and they’re always fun and very helpful from when I use to participate in them to when I worked them. The librarians were always very helpful and it seriously seemed like they never aged. There were three main female librarians that were there from when I was little to when I was older and they never aged; power of the books. They’ve always had the books I wanted and many a times they had the books I never even knew I was looking for. They had a great DVD and music selection. Great library for any Whittierite, even for those who aren’t. Can’t wait for the brand new opening. The building looks amazing.

I’m a big fan of going to the local library. I just am. I love going into the library when there are a ton of kids around, reading and interacting with other kids in summer programs. It reminds me of when I found my passion for reading as a little thing.
It’s not the most technologically advanced library, it’s still pretty old school. But the kid’s section was nice, definitely not as big as that in the main library on Washington. But this is a branch! The main and branch are separated by a mere four miles. So while this library doesn’t have everything the main one does, you can easily drive to the other.
It’s not the best stocked, most advanced library, but it’s a small town place with that kind of charm.

Went here today to sign up my 5 year old for summer reading…
I sigend her up, but will NOT be taking her back here EVER again!!!
This library looks fine from the outside, but once you step in one of the first things you’ll notice is how SMALL the children’s section is… There are hardly ANY tabled to sit and read to you child with, and the staff there is really RUDE… No computers, no interactive centers… old looking and sad…
From the clearly annoyed tweens behind most of the summer reading desks to the old white ladies who are supposed to be in charge of the program, everyone who volunteers here seems to have a condescending attitude when you have the nerve to ask them a question! Pathetic, sad staff working here… if they want to increase their circulation numbers, they should put forth a bit more efffort recruiting people who are high-​energy, friendly, helpful, and who want to be there!
Maybe I’ve been spoiled at other branches, but this was just plain sad… If you want your kids to be excited about reading, take them to the branch next to the Whittier Police Station/​Courthouse… SO much better!!!

This was the public library closest to where I grew up. I always loved coming here as a child. The children’s section comprised more than half of the library, and the librarians were always very helpful. When I got older, this place frustrated me because it often didn’t have the books I wanted to read. But despite the fact that I had visited it hundreds of times, I always got the same happy feeling when I walked inside.
This is a great library for kids, and if you live in East Whittier and take out books from the central library, it’s a convenient place to return them without having to go uptown.