Sherman Oaks Branch Library

Not sure why people dislike this place. It has about 8 tables for 4 people each as soon as you walk in. They are great for studying for extended periods of time. Wifi works well like at any other public library. I really have no complaints.

This library is pretty noisy most of the time. It could be from the librarians always speaking at full volume, people bringing their kids there and allowing them to run around and cry and not take them outside to calm them down, and the private tutors that decide to come to the back of the library where it’s quiet and make all this noise so it becomes as loud as a Starbucks. In addition to that, people come here to take up table space just to play video games and suck up internet bandwidth.
During the weekdays starting about 3:30pm-6pm is when this place turns into a zoo and it gets noisy enough that you could hear it through your headphones. The librarians enforce the no talking on cellphones rule but they seem to not care when the noise level gets above whispering level.
The only reason I didn’t give it one star is because towards the end of the week it actually gets quieter and you could study, other than that it’s just frustrating.

Rude!!! I came here today with the kids I nanny for. We had some late fees so before looking for books I stopped and paid them.
We selected books and about 20 mins later tried to check them out. It wouldn’t allow me to self check them out so I went to the librarian at the computer and told her I’d just paid late fees so the computer may not be caught up yet. I handed her my receipt. She looked in the computer and said nope sorry you have late fees. I handed the receipt and showed her the date and time stamp. I had just paid. Nope the computer says you didn’t so you didn’t. I described the man who had checked my account, who had given me the receipt and taken my money. Nope.
I got shuffled to another librarian who also refused to believe me. I asked for them to find the guy who I described begrudgingly one finally went to find him.
What a terrible situation. I paid a few dollars, had a receipt, could tell them about the guy who had helped me… And was still not believed. I won’t be coming to this branch again. Such BS to check out a couple library books.

I am sad to have to write this review but I think it’s necessary. I went to this library today because it is closest to where I live. I went in because I needed to print off some documents from my email address and I couldn’t afford to get new ink for my printer. I was printing off the pages when I noticed I only had $ 20 in my pocket and no change. The sign by the printer said, «If you need change please see the circulation desk.» So I waited patiently in line and nicely asked if I was able to break my 20 so I could print my documents. The lady behind the desk was extremely rude, she opened the register and flipped through the fives. Then with a negative attitude said, «If I break that I will have to close down.» I of course understood but then she had to add one more little jab. She said, «You should have brought your own change.» Now I get it, I’ve worked customer service jobs for over ten years. I understand when your cash register can’t break larger bills. Yes at times that can be annoying. However there is a better way at going about saying it to customers without adding a rude tone. I ended up canceling getting my documents printed and going some where else. I usually go to the Burbank Library because they are much friendlier and quite honestly there is more offered… including better customer service.

Ive not experienced anything horrible, and Ive been here countless times. The internet is slower than molasses sometimes, that’s why I didnt give it 5 stars. There’s only one lady here who isnt the kindest, but she’s outweighed by the other staff members who are kind and helpful.

Definitely a step up from the Studio City library, as far as book selection goes. Still not really enough for my needs overall, but I’ll probably be back to this location.

The lady at the check out counter was extremely rude. Furthermore, the selection of books is lacking. Makes me sad to give a bad review of this library, because I used to love going here as a child. But the negative experience I had today makes me hesitate to ever come back.

I’ve had a good time talking with the staff and they’re always readily available to help. The struggle I have is with how the books are categorized. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me and it could be labeled much better. I just saw Large Print, Mysteries, then Fiction and Non-​Fiction. The book i had looked up was under Classics apparently and I didn’t want to walk through aisles and aisles, combing just to find it. Pretty good sized DVD selections and Documentaries. I always have a good time browsing those.
They had an adult craft say on a Saturday morning. It was really fun. Thought it was a nice touch and got to meet some new people.

Probably some of the most unfriendly and rudest staff in the Los Angeles Public Library system.
The staff never smiles. They never are courteous. I am never greeted warmly when I check out books.
Today, I had a book on hold. I received an email from the system alerting me that the book on hold was ready. I went to pick up the book, and asked the librarian if I could get it. She couldn’t find it on the shelf, and asked when I received the email. I told her that I received it about an hour ago. She rudely told me that I came in too early, and it takes awhile to put held books on the shelf. Hmmmmm. Stupid me. I stupidly assumed that the book was ready since I received an email. She curtly told me, next time, don’t come until much later.
Go to the Studio City branch. They are much nicer, the library is cleaner,

It isn’t horrible, as I’ve come here, but there are a lot of characters. A lady who hangs out in the bathroom and a couple with a terrible odor.

This library is VERY busy but they have a decent selection of books to choose from. If they don’t have the book you’re looking for, they can order it to be brought to the library for you to check out. They also have monthly book sales and weekly arts and crafts for the kids. The volunteers are great when they come to read to the kids. I just wish inconsiderate people would take their cellphone conversations OUTSIDE of the library instead of talking loudly on their phones while others are trying to concentrate.

I wish they had areas with less distraction.

This library is great although parking can be a complete nightmare sometimes. I do want to note that the library hours are completely off. They’re open at 9am on Saturdays, not 10am. And the other it said the library wasn’t going to open till 11am and I went to drop off a book and they we’re open at 9:25am. Very friendly staff and it’s usually a quick in and out trip

The circle time for kids is great, they also invite people over, we experienced a guy who brought reptiles, it was fun and educative!
The children’s librarian is very helpful, she knows her kids books on several subjects.

This branch is fairly large and also provides a ton of sunlight during the day. It also happens to remain one of the more quieter libraries from what I have noticed.
I read the review below about an eccentric lady who hangs out in the restrooms. I have run into her as well and she does seem harmless.
Also just an FYI to everyone that as of a couple weeks ago they got rid of the bathroom keys. That could be good or bad depending on how you look at it.

Such a little gem of a spot in the middle of town! The staff is always quick to help out if I have any questions or need assistance. For a small-​town such as this, they have a wide selection of books for both adults as well as children. Speaking of children, they have a nice little area set up for the children to read as well as play set up in the back corner and it’s nice. There is a vast selection of computers for both children and adults to use as well as a nice amount of tables set up for everyone to utilize.
My only qualm is that when I have gone to use the facilities (two times now on separate occasions) there has been a strange woman mumbling to herself. She seemed a bit off.
In order to use the bathroom you need a key. It is one person at a time so when I asked if I could use the key I was told it was being used. I waited patiently. After 20 minutes, no one had exited the bathroom., I informed the staff at the front desk and they told me that they had an extra key and to be sure to bring it back. When I entered the bathroom this woman was basically bathing herself in the sink. I was appalled. When I went exit she stopped and began pestering me! I became alarmed and quickly exited to inform the staff. I was told she is a regular here and she is harmless. that was my first encounter with this woman and it happened another time a couple weeks later.
This concerns me. I caution parents who bring their children here or who leave them with nannies. While she may be deemed «harmless,» she bothered me and Made me uncomfortable. I am in my mid twenties and am not easily rattled.

A horrid B.O. and all-​around nasty, musty smell damn-​near knocks you over when you walk in this place.
And the large keys to the bathroom are ridiculous – is the homeless problem in this town really that bad?
Head over the hill and write at Westwood library instead (or down the road at Corky’s Lounge)…SO much nicer!

I don’t live near this area so it’s not my #1 go to library. I’ve only been here once to pick up a DVD they had in stock here. I have no complaints. It’s one of the older libraries but it does its job well.
Parking was not a problem. They have their own parking lot. It’s small and I didn’t look for parking in here since I was able to easily find parking in the neighborhood.
The librarian was nice too.

Out of all of the Los Angeles Public Libraries I have been to I would rank this one the lowest.
There is not much parking and your first time it is kind of confusing where you enter, etc. The first time I came here I thought it smelled like urine. There were also a lot of really sketchy characters hanging around.
Even though this library is only a few blocks from my apartment, I prefer the Woodland Hills branch much more.

Forget the strait jacket or the antidepressant pills; if you want to calm me down when I am either sad, angry, or just downright having a panic attack then grab me firmly and dump me off at a library. However, don’t take me to the Sherman Oaks branch of the LA library system.
The LA library system as a whole is simply a disappointment (except for the main library downtown). Perhaps I am spoiled with the amazing Burbank branch with its almost Alexandria Library-​sized selection, terrific late hours, and great employees or perhaps I am too picky. Either way, the Sherman Oaks branch falls short and is in line with the other LA Branches.
Upon immediate arrival, the Sherman Oaks branch can cause distress with its tiny parking lot making street parking almost mandatory. Once you enter the building, you are welcomed by high ceilings and VERY bright lighting but sadly, the library is mainly one small room. I am not even sure this can be called a library as the shelves are so empty that literally half of them could be removed if the books were condensed. There is barely any selection and the books aren’t necessarily in the best shape (IE tattered covers, crumbled pages, and chocolate stains — or is it dried blood?). Organization is also somewhat lacking as the nonfiction section isn’t labeled and the system (countries, bios, etc) don’t make particular sense. If you are an avid reader and library fan, you will cry… and not tears of joy.
There are ton of tables available for your studying needs and free wifi. However, bring ear plugs. The Sherman Oaks branch is the home of the clackers. Who are clackers? Those adults that never really properly learned how to type and pound on the keys of laptops. You know the ones! Not only is this distracting but causes me to stare at them in complete anger fighting the urge to create the next big KTLA news event by bashing their heads into library shelves.
Speaking of computers, their Internet access and card catalog computers always seem to be down and out of service or occupied by homeless people. Perhaps that homeless man is looking for a job to better his life, but maybe he should go into the restroom and clean up a little first (the library does have a sign claiming to not allow these types of people to interfere with library services).
The employees also seem odd and disgruntled: a weird mix of Columbine-​esque goth kids who probably prefer to work at Hot Topic and old, retired, angry teachers. Comfort and relaxation is not the key word at this library.
The children’s section is a bit more stuffed and brimming with selection so perhaps the Sherman Oaks branch is not a complete waste of time if you are a parent.
The hours also are not ideal. The Burbank branhes are open daily until 9pm! The LA branches prefer to conduct business only until 5:30 which is not conducive to those with 9 – 5 jobs.
Like most libraries, they do have periodic book sales which are fun to browse.
Overall, the Sherman Oaks branch looks more like Borders book stores when they were liquidating their store fronts and won’t pacify the typical bibliophile or in this case: me. I guess you have to grab me those antidepressants after all!