If you’ve been to West Co. library you know that it was closed for a long time, but now it has been open for a while. I honestly can’t remember what pre-construction-that-got-extended-way-too-long interior of West Covina library looks like. This library is part of the L.A County Library system which is way better than the libraries which think they are too cool to be part of a group, but end up having way less resources. I borrow e-media from the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) system, which quite frankly has more e-media available, but I always borrow physical books and CDs from L.A County Libraries.
Chair Comfort: The wooden chairs you see in the photos below are the most dominant seating type in this library. They are shaped pretty well for wooden chairs, so personally, I’m a fan of them. There are some hard sofas which are a little comfier, but they are not attached to desks so you can’t have a laptop and paper homework out. Just fine for reading though.
Outside the Library: I wanted to say that if you drive here, the entrance is pretty awkard to get into. There’s a couple bus stops by the library which is nice and convenient. The literal outside of the library, in front of the entrance, is a pleasant patch of grass that’s nice and big. Just nearby the library is also West Covina city hall and courts, so you can walk around uninterrupted by traffic for a good amount of time on foot. I like it. I’ve seen people read for a bit and then play outside. Not often, but it happens. I’d consider bringing a Frisbee so after reading I can mess around.
Onto the second most important topic. Books — they have them front and center. Not a poser library like UCLA Powell library. What always impresses me about this library is the shelf they have right smack dab on inside part of the entrance by the water fountain and restrooms that has paper back books for sale for 50¢ and hardcover books for $1.
Entrance to West Covina Library. These photos were taken as it was just about to close but there were still a good amount of people in one part of the library with a lot of desks and chairs. I didn’t take photos of that area since they were clearly visible and I don’t like to show people unless they are blocked or facing away. Note the stairs and small painted words saying “children library” on the right side of this image, I’ll talk about that at the very end.
Cool little bit that they decorate depending on the season. Lunar New Year happened somewhat recently.
On the note of the cool little display, even though I don’t show it, there’s some nice open areas. I also appreciate how they have some up-to-date magazines and newspapers like the LA Times which are easy to access. I remember coming here before and seeing the elderly grab a newspaper to read.
Solid reading, the nice thing about 99% of all tables in this library is they have full 3 pronged outlets plus usb-a ports to charge whatever you need. I’ve done my fair share of digital practice SAT tests where I’m glued to a laptop for 2+ hours here to avoid noise at home and I got great results and having charging really helps.
I’ll say this again, but there is one specific part of this library I don’t have picture of. There’s also a singular study room out of frame, and people do use it to actually study. (Yipee!) This area is right next to teen novels, and there are some manga on the left wall which is out of frame.
Also, if you have kids, West Covina library is GREAT because the entire second floor is dedicated just for them. I haven’t been up there because I’m not a kid, but I have heard that it is pretty awesome. Maybe one day I’ll pass by. What this does mean however, is that all the noise and fuss kids make is relegated to an entirely separate area that is on a whole other floor.