Van Nuys Branch Library — Attraction in Los Angeles

Although I had a hard time finding this place, even with gps, it was a pleasant experience once I arrived.

There is a small parking lot next to the library for easy access.

There is a security guard in the library and each time I've gone, I see a guy cleaning. This is a welcomed and reassuring sight since we are still in these covid times.

It's super quiet and the staff is friendly.

I've been going with my granddaughter while she gets tutoring so I haven't actively engaged in using the facility, but I've made some observations.

They have a bank of computers on the adult side as well as a bank of computers on the kid's side.

I also noticed they have a large array of children's books for children of color. This is so welcomed because the majority of people I see there, children and adults alike, are people of color.

The ladies room is very clean and there is a water fountain but was out of order the last time I was there.

Outside of the library there are seating areas if you just want to sit outside and...

First impressions are crucial…and upon entering the Van Nuys Public Library I was greeted to a large bin of tortilla chips blocking the metal detector entrance. The book keeps just looked at my friend and I like we were crazy as we staggered over the peculiar blockade. Strike 1.

They have free Wi-Fi but lack proper charging outlets for laptops….The power strips are located under desktop computer terminals and a tiny pocket of desk. Certainly not enough to accommodate the cliental. Strike 2.

Loads of transients lurk around and in the building. Certainly a variety of flavored characters…..often times it was distracting.

Also the bathrooms were a mess and the entrance near the restrooms reeked of urine. Strike 3.

And to top it off the entrance is hard to find and find parking wasn’t the simplest task as this branch is off the beaten path. The area looks a bit abandoned like a scene from a zombie apocalypse.

Not my favorite study...

The city center in Van Nuys, which is like a miniature of Downtown LA, has extraordinarily beautiful minimalist architecture. The innocent utopian architects could never have imagined that it would become a dangerous plaza, littered with dirty needles and people that smell like pee. The library itself is beautiful, but entering feels similar to entering a courthouse. I almost expected to be frisked and asked to put my wallet and keys in a bowl. The librarians and other employees of the library seemed hardened and cynical when I asked for a key to the restroom. "somebody is in there." That somebody was using the bathroom for a good 20 minutes, and I was hopping up and down when he exited and angrily yelled at each person he passed. I asked him for the key, and he took a swing at me. I wonder what we as Van Nuysians can do to restore our mid-century marvelous downtown to some shadow of its...