Altadena Library — Attraction in Altadena

SO impressed by the care at this library creating a place that feels warm, creative and alive - like a giant living room.

🪴 LOVE all the big green indoor plants... makes the library feel happy, not sterile. Whoever takes care of them, you really have a green thumb!

🪶 LOVE the Native American educational displays: Display case along the window had great info on local efforts for Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa land conservancy, Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center up Hwy 2 in the Angeles National Forest, original names of animals and tribal places in local language. Would love to know who created the exhibit. 👏🏽 Also the Native topics book display.

LOVE the creative kits available for check out: 🌲Hiking backpacks filled with trail guides, Gabrielino-Tongva dictionary, CA state park pass... 🎥 Camera/video equipment, 🐝Native bees flash cards... 👻 Even a ghost hunting bag with Ouija board (🙅🏻‍♂️ no thanks, not touching that)...

🌈 LOVE the LGBTQ+, BIPOC representation of materials, titles, faces, imagery.

🖼️🎨🎭👩🏿‍🎨🪇🎸 LOVE the creative programming, arts, sculptures, concerts, crafts you offer.

Agree with others: Librarians, please nicely remind loud talkers (often adults) to keep a respectful volume and no phone conversations. We as patrons can't ask them to if you don't.

✨ Thank you to the library staff and leadership who clearly are keeping the Altadena Library system relevant, diverse & inclusive in the 21st century but in a human, cozy, creative and progressive way.

Whereas so many libraries are sterile with modern updates or languishing in the past, You've achieved a wonderful blend of warmth and modern tech in a colorful, inviting environment and tons of engaging materials.

And of course the setting in mature trees, with boardwalks and cool architecture is just great. Going to be working from here more often!

(Also emailed these comments to...

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 and a wonderful community room.

Lots of parking. Late hours (that alternate frequently! Look before you go!)

Giving the experience only 3 stars because of the regular homeless presence on the grounds can make the place feel tense, unpredictable and unsanitary.

The library has a robust children's events calendar and incredible community involvement. Which can be a negative if you're hoping for a quiet library experience - the open floor plan means you can hear the often noisy children's section from anywhere in the library.

Avoid children's events and you're likely to find a pleasant atmosphere and a well maintained library fill of wonderfully displayed materials and comfortable spots...

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...