Best Libraries For Kids In Los Angeles
(credit: Pasadena Public Library)
Throw out your fear of angry librarians callously shushing you out the door. Although some libraries are simple containers for a large quantity of books, others stand as a doorway to an unlocking the imagination and creativity of children of all ages. Through beautiful spaces, story time hours, homework help, reading programs, and more, these libraries in and around Los Angeles will help inspire the curious bookworm in all your children. Read our other picks for the best spots in and around LA for libraries for kids.
(credit: smpl.org)
Santa Monica Public Library
Main Library
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8621
www.smpl.org
Kids interested in everything from poetry to LEGOS will find camaraderie at the Santa Monica Public Library's Main Library. Outdoor activities abound in their courtyard, landscaped with sustainable housing that matches the library's commitment to sustainable energy and resources throughout. Homework help, a large selection of children's books and story times, and a study break cafe round out the experience.
(credit: Theron B./Yelp)
Sherman Oaks Martin Pollard Public Library
14245 Moorpark St
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 205-9716
www.lapl.org/branches/sherman-oaks
Those looking for a quaint and small public library with charm will be surprised upon entering the Sherman Oaks Public Library. Along with Baby/Toddler story time, and other events for both kids and adults, the library here provides free access to computer workstations with internet access as well as many electronic resources such as online catalogs, subscription databases, word processing, language learning and much more. The 'Baby/Toddler Story Time' runs weekly on Tuesday's where they provide stories, songs, and rhymes for kids and is perfect for babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years.
(credit: Winnie L./Yelp)
Los Angeles Public Library
Central Library
630 W. 5th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 228-7000
www.lapl.org
Worthy of a visit for the architecture alone, the Children's Literature Department in the LA Central Library is immense. The beautifully decorated library within a library boasts a stage for various productions, Story Corner with frequent story times, computer zone, and stuffed animals to cuddle with. Kids need a snack? The onsite cafe and snack bar is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat.
(credit: Theron B./Yelp)
LA Public Library / Fairfax Branch
161 S Gardner St
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 936-6191
www.lapl.org
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood near the Grove, the LA Public Library Fairfax Branch offers several benefits for kids young and older including 'STAR storytime with Morgan', which is for children of all ages. Reading books aloud to children, its the perfect opportunity for your child to interact with others in the class and learn at the same time. In addition, like all LA Public Libraries, this branch offers Toddler Storytime as well as a host of other offerings for kids. The story times are very popular as well and it keeps kids entertained throughout the entire program. Aside from events, the library has books geared towards kids as well as stuffed animals and bean bags. What kid wouldn't want to visit this library? There's even a park across the street you can visit after!
(credit: Stephen F./Yelp)
Pasadena Public Library
Central Library
285 E. Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 744-4066
ci.pasadena.ca.us/LIBRARY/
The Ernestine Avery Children's Wing at Pasadena's Central Library is another amazing library to take your kids of all ages. With more than 60,000 books, DVDs, magazines, and multimedia in their children's collection, there is certainly something for everyone. Over 20 story time hours are featured every week, in addition to times set aside for age groups from infant to teen; every day of the week is a great opportunity to explore the Pasadena Central Library.
(credit: Joan S./Yelp)
Culver City Julian Dixon Library
L.A. County Public Library
4975 Overland Ave.
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 559-1676
www.colapublib.org
The beautiful Japanese Garden, a gift from Culver City's sister city Kaisuka, Japan, offers teens and tweens the absolute perfect place for a study time full of serenity. Indoors, the Culver City Julian Dixon Library boasts a state-of-the-art homework center (sponsored by Sony Pictures), and a wide selection of children's materials in English, Spanish, Japanese, and Vietnamese. "A Family Place," the library boasts plenty of opportunities for parent education, socialization of young children, and family support, all in a bright & colorful environment. Parent-Child workshops, in addition to story times, are offered on a regular basis.
(credit: Loren L./Yelp)
Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library
40 Presidential Dr.
Simi Valley, CA 93065
(800) 410-8354
www.reaganfoundation.org
Not your typical stacks-of-books library, this presidential library, located just outside LA in Simi Valley, is a must see for families of every political persuasion. In addition to the actual books that are in the library itself, history will come alive for kids as they see a portion of the Berlin wall, step aboard Air Force One, and sit in the full-scale replica of the Oval Office. Ticketed admission is required for entrance.
