Buena Vista Branch Library — Attraction in Burbank

I've been to this library several times, and yes it can be a little noisy at times, but it's honestly not as bad as the noise in other libraries. I'm a student so I have been to many: North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Glendale, Studio City, Valley Plaza, and finally Buena Vista.

Yes, people talk in the library, and it goes against common sense...especially around the front. What I do is I sit in the back by the study rooms, or behind the movie collection and come prepared with headphones if necessary. If you do this, the noise shouldn't bother you a good 80% of the time.

There are morons that will take their phones out to talk, but I have witnessed on multiple accounts that librarians do ask them to get off of their phones. There is also a man in a blazer who does rounds walking around the circumference of the library to assure people are on their best behavior. If someone in the library reads this, I would also like them to know people bring food in tupperwares (that make me want to hurl) and will stink up the whole area behind the video section. I was studying for a final and one girl took out what smelled like old chicken and dumplings. It smelled like a bad nursing home for like 10 minutes after she closed it back again to only surprise me with the aroma for her second helping 30 minutes later. If I didn't have the final within 2 hrs of me being there I would have moved, but I already had my spot.

At least that has been my experience the last 6 or so times I have been there.

Something that does shock me, however, is how loud the librarians can be at the information desk in the center of the library. People come to this desk, asking questions at a normal volume, and the librarians respond at the same volume. I'm talking about, I could sit all the way in the back behind the stacks where the private cubicles are, and hear every word both parties are saying.

Half of the time I have been there a man in his electric wheelchair has continuously moved from the information desk to the back of the library with both a very squeaky wheel and something consistently knocking on the back of wheelchair (to the second). This sound echoes throughout. I don't know if the librarians could address this without the risk of a lawsuit, but maybe they can offer to bring things to him instead of him squeaking around for 45 minutes? I'm not trying to be insensitive, but his noises do travel throughout the entire building, and if I need to read and retain what I am studying...I might as well leave or study in my car when this happens.

(Note: Last time I was there, about three weeks ago, the librarians were different people at the said information desk (a young hipster looking brunette, and a middle aged brunette). Both were lovely and were mindful of the volume of their voices. If I go back and see the older woman with white hair, or anyone else working that desk for that matter, I know I will have to pull out the headphones.)

Again, I'm giving this library four stars because of how well it compares to the other libraries above as well as the libraries attempts to get people off of their cell phone, which I have not observed in any of the other libraries mentioned above. Also, the space is inviting with large windows, very spacious, and the staff if very friendly and helpful.

If you find the space is still too noisy for you, and you need complete silence, you could also come with a friend and rent out a study room...

I have been taking my kids here since they there babies and I love it! Every summer they do so many activities like no other library I’ve been too. And I search a lot of Libraries around Orange County area. This Library is the best. During summer they do shows for FREE for all the family every Thursday, and give FREE raffle tickets to Knotts to those who come. They also do shows for kids on some Saturday’s with events. They are constantly looking to improve and help find ways to attract kids to books through shows, raffles and more! Mrs. Mary the Librarian for storytime is amazing. She’s so sweet and patient yet very professional. You can tell she genuinely cares about every single child that comes though the Libraries doors. How to make reading/learning fun, how to make new songs amazing, what different theme can she find for the week. She’s A+. And also all other staff are very helpful, wonderful, patient staff willing to help you anyway possible. Overall I say, Thank you to the Buena...

This was my first time going to this library. It has the feel of traditional and modern mixed together.

I was in the children's area which has a ton of books. Most, if not all, of the books on display were about women. I'm guessing because it's Women's History Month.

In the children's area they have several computers and many tables so people can spread out.

There is an alcove with padded bench seating and in the middle of the children's area is a giant tree that looks so real!

I saw a cleaning lady there dusting the top of the shelves and cleaning the restroom.

I observed 2 different librarians being helpful to children asking for assistance.

There is a lot of free parking right outside the door and I think I saw a book drop off too.

Someone told me there is a playground right next door but I didn't see it for myself since it was dark...