Cerritos Library

Why has nobody mentioned this?!
FOR NON-​CERRITOS RESIDENTS
— There is a $ 100 annual fee to use their services. This includes Wi-​Fi access and the ability to rent books.
This is an amazing looking library, but I’ve never heard of one that required such a huge fee.

I got a card at this library when I was in High School. 10 years later I was told I had to pay $ 5 for a new card. I think it’s unfortunate that the library management did not have the courtesy to waive the $ 5 considering I was a minor when u first obtained a library card. Very slow internet and study room reservations have to be made in-​person even though many other libraries allow you to make study room reservations online.

In elementary, I came here to check out books, use the computers for games, and to be fascinated by literally everything in the building. In middle and high school, I came here to study with my friends and later the SAT. Now I don’t get to go as much as I’d like to as an university student, but when I do, I appreciate how in tact and well organized the entire system still remains. This is all to say that this library is rightfully nationally recognized and is extremely resourceful for anyone at any age!

I really love this place. an amazing place to get inspired. .I wish other cities will make libraries this beautiful. .I love to go there and have a peaceful place to study.

Absolutely beautiful to walk through and take someone visiting the town. But the worst place to try and get and work done.
There aren’t enough places to sit, and if you plan on getting there in the afternoon then you’ll be battling high schoolers who are passing the time while waiting to be picked up by their parents.
And don’t bother complaining about noise, or crowds; the workers there will tell you this is an «interactive library» where people are allowed to talk and roam about freely.
The size of this building and amount of money that went in to it bears little resemblance to an actual library.

This is possibly one the greatest modern libraries I have visited. It has carefully placed art and such vast rows of books and modern lighting and sculptures and water aquarium as well as great study places.

A great and beautiful place to have a Wedding Ceremony and a Reception. The staff are very helpful and nice.

Amazing library! Great facility. By far my favorite library. It’s three stories with tons and tons of places and options for you to sit/​read/​study/​sleep anything! The children’s section is so cute. They have a mini aquarium and there is even a fake tree and string of lights. Lots of books and other great things to check out. I like it because each area has a different theme. They also have a great selection of books and study materials from what i saw. I stayed here for hours and I was so happy with my experience here. I cannot rave about it enough. Wifi code is given to you when you sign up. People are pretty quiet and keep to themselves.

The library was smaller than I expected. Just to make a few points very quickly:
–there is a sculpture garden next to the parking lot that is worth going to. It is very small but there are a lot of cool pieces
–there is a reading room right when you enter the library. He can bring books to read from any section
–definitely go visit the children section. There is a dinosaur, lighthouse, and a big fish tank
–right when you walk into the library, you can go to Reckley upstairs to go to the main section of nonfiction work. There is not a lot of seating, so just be aware during high season
–if you walk into the library a little more, you’ll find audiobooks and fiction
The library is of average size, but the children’s section decoration makes up for it.

Nice library. I came here a few times when it was super hot and couldn’t study in my own home because of no A/​C. There’s plenty of space to find a little spot to get your work done. I do think it sucks that you can’t use their wifi unless you have a library card but then again because of this, I didn’t get distracted by being on social media.

Excellent place! Great library especially impressed with the children’s library section.

It’s so sad. This place is truly amazing. They built every piece of that place to perfection. They even made a huge section for kids with a dinosaur bone fossil guy to greet the kiddos, an indoor lighthouse AND pier, and a beautiful aquarium.
BUT… I can’t help but rate 3 stars because EACH time we frequent this place the security guards at the front are awfully rude, and downright mean :(.
I know for a place to be so beautiful, and free of charge… there are rules. I also know security is there for us all to be safe, and for ALL to enjoy the facility. I am however, so saddened that there has NEVER been a time when I didn’t get yelled at by the security guards upon entry. They are all (so far) nasty old men who have power trip issues they should address.
One time, I had a sealed water bottle in my stroller and said GOM (grumpy old man) shouts «HEY! You can’t bring that in here!». Which is fine EXCEPT for the fact that the same GOM had a water canteen that HE was drinking from when he told me. Oh, the irony.
Another time, I was only with my eldest son (age 8) before a swim class (he was in dry, unswam-​in swim trunks). Upon entry, the security guard stopped us and shouted «HEY! He can’t come in here with wet trunks!!!». I told him they weren’t wet… and explained about his class later in the day. I really don’t feel like I should explain my son’s attire to anyone unless it harms them or breaks the rules. Grr.
While my kids are not perfect angels, my biggest rule is «Be quiet and polite kids.» And they for the most part, always are… Or at least do their very best to be. They are quiet, not public crying types by any means.
Having said that, I don’t appreciate the security guards ALWAYS assuming they are going to be loud, and ALWAYS shushing them before we have entered AND before they actually made noise.
Honestly it’s weird that the people that ARE making the noise is always the security guards yelling at patrons upon entry… not necessarily the families entering.
It may sound petty but these types of things ALWAYS happen EACH time we visit and I can’t help but think «3 stars» of this place.
If you don’t want kids to frequent your place, City Of Cerritos… Don’t include such fun things inside :). Or please hire less GOM security guards who are on a power trip.
I know it’s a free place, so I’m only Unilocaling this so other families know what to expect when coming here. It’s a fun facility and your kiddos will enjoy it. After you make it past the GOM security guards.
*GOM stands for grumpy old men in this case

When the Cerritos Public Library first opened up, it was a small, one-​story outfit and pretty standard by City public library standards. Fast forward to 2002 and the entire bldg was overhauled and remodeled. The CPL is beautiful inside and out. Like a boss, it was the first bldg to have an exterior covered in titanium panels. Rumor has it the interior was designed by a Disney Imagineer who helped design Euro-​Disney. There are beautiful blown glass artwork pieces inside and other pieces of art throughout — the attention to detail is amazing. Outside the campus is neatly manicured, surrounded by various pieces or art (there is a nice sculpture garden next to the police station nearby as well), and there’s even a dancing water fountain that kids love to play in on hot days.
The building is four stories and has numerous and distinct spaces. There is the Great Room with a wonderful California Craftsman motif; the multimedia area which houses DVDs and audio materials fashioned in art deco style; the incredible children’s area complete with floor to ceiling aquarium, giant dinosaur skeleton replica, lighthouse you can sit inside, giant tree for reading under, a video screen that changes scenes (outer space, rain forest etc) that you can sit in front of and puts your live image into the scene, and a giant space shuttle replica; a computer lab; private conference rooms you can reserve; the Skyline Room which holds a variety of programs such as movie nights, performances for kids, and kids pajama story night to name a few; and the Skyline Terrace — you can even rent the Skyline area for parties/​weddings. I believe there is also a kids art room, and a Little Theater for kids programs. Oh, and during Summer they offer a kids reading program designed to motivate the kiddos to read. They incentivize with cute prizes if your rugrat reaches the time goal for reading for that period.
If you’re a Cerritos resident (you must show proof), library cards are free. With a card you also get free access to their Wifi. Non-​residents pay a $ 100/​yr fee to become a cardholder. If I weren’t a resident, I’d probably suck it up and pay the $ 100 — this library is that awesome. For the kids area alone, this place is worth the fee. Plus the technology here is nice — they offer self check out, online renewals, and emailed reminders when your materials are due.
Bottom line — this is an amazing library. Whether you’re there to just read and relax, attend one of their library programs, or just visit to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and watch the tropical fish, this place will not disappoint!

This library may be the most attractive library I have ever been to. The architecture is beautiful. My favorite area in the library was the children’s area. An archway of over-​sized books takes you to another world, complete with a large lighthouse, a tree with sprawling branches and lights, balloons, painted sky, and t-​rex replica. The entire area is very kid-​friendly and offers its own set of computers and many places to read. Beyond the children’s area are many places to study, complete with its own atmosphere. To the right of the entrance is a regal reading area that looks very fancy. If you beeline to the back of the library, there is a retro reading area. I really liked the differing atmospheres within this library.
The second floor is full of computers, and of course, some more books. This area is a little more industrial looking. The third floor is privately reserved space.
During my visit, I really enjoyed the art exhibits. There was a lot of art to look at, which really improved the atmosphere of the library. The library was very clean and the bathrooms were well maintained. I was a little disappointed that the doors to the outside patio area on the third floor were locked, but it wasn’t that big of a deal.
Outside, the library has its own underground parking structure but there are usually many parking spaces available. Bike racks are also available. The area includes the police station, statue garden, splash area for kids, and may fountains. When I’m not visiting the library, I come to walk around with my dog and enjoy the fountains and statues. The outside is also very clean. I haven’t seen any left over dog poop, which is a big plus for me.

Not just a library, a Destination! I don’t live in the city and therefore can’t check out books here (not about to pay $ 100 annual fee to do so!).
I’ve been bringing my kids here for the past 8 years and they don’t tire of it. There is plenty to keep a 9 and 10 year-​old occupied. The giant aquarium takes up an entire wall of the children’s section. The entrance is made up of enormous books and alongside the entrance there is green screen where children and adults alike can see themselves floating in space, under water or being chased by a T-​Rex! Speaking of T-​Rex, there is a natural museum-​sized replica inside. Also a light house that makes a great spot for reading a story. The enormous artificial tree is accompanied by soothing forest sounds. A great place to read, do homework or take advantage of programs offered.
The second floor is filled with stacks, computers, lots of comfy sitting areas, etc. A 21^st Century library!
Third floor is available for special events. I’ve seen many wedding parties going up those escalators. I’m sure those couples have many beautiful pictures both inside and outside of the building. Two words… Sculpture Garden!
The Splash pad for the little ones on a hot day, is always a hit. Stop by by the koi pond as well.

This is literally one of the best libraries I’ve been to.
The architecture is very nice; the fountains are a nice touch. They also have different art pieces on display every month or so and some of the art is really cool!
I wish this was my library growing up as a kid; I would honestly have lived here. The Children’s Library section is pretty amazing, as is the GIANT aquarium near the entrance. There’s a nice reading area off to the right side near the entrance which reminds me of the reading room at the New York Public Library.
— It’s free to get a library card if you live or work in Cerritos.
— It’s decently quiet; although around 3pm it can get loud since all the high schoolers from across the street arrive in hordes but it usually dies down.
— The Aeron chairs are heavenly! So comfortable but SO expensive (I looked into buying one for myself).
— The library staff has been helpful the times when I had questions about research materials and resources.
— It’s two floors, lots of available seating.
— You can reserve study rooms! Although you might need at least 2 people to be able to do so, sometimes they let you reserve it if you’re by yourself.
— Lots of available computers.
I only wish that it were open later than 9pm and that it were closer to my house, but oh well!

this is a superficial, non indepth review of the library. our family came here for a friend’s daughter’s first bday party. the party took place on the 3^rd floor in the Skyline Room. this was probably the bestest, nicest, library i’ve ever been in. nice as in modern and new. my family lived in Cerritos back in the early 80’s and this place looks nothing like it did back then.
our son particulary loved the aquarium. he was in awe haha wish we had time to look around more but the party ran long and our little guy needed to take a nap. anyway, super nice library.

When I’m told to find «my peaceful place», libraries come to mind. To me, the quiet, calm, and occasional sounds of page-​turning defines tranquility. At Cerritos Library, they define it best.
This public library is four stories tall and extremely impressionable. Quite possibly the most beautiful in SoCal. The bottom two floors resemble a hotel lobby with it’s marbled floors and grand décor. The top two floors are akin to a space station with it’s metallic color schemes, futuristic seats, and tech-​y environment.
My favorite area is the Children’s Wing. Not only is the entrance designed to look like books, there is a giant aquarium adjacent to it that enhances the appeal. Inside the wing, it’s dimly lit, where you’ll find a big tree and a jungle recording of sounds to incite the magical nature of this area. Furthermore, there’s a T-​Rex skeleton, lighthouse, and space shuttle to push your imagination even further. Being in here made me wish I was a kid again! The Teenager Wing is just as awesome, but on the opposite side of the first floor. Here you’ll find a computer lab with the latest apple computers and a multitude of TV’s. Make sure to check out the reading room as it has a fireplace and big leather seats that make me feel like Sherlock Holmes when I sit in it!
With my adoration for this library, why the reduction in rating? In order to check out books for free, you’ll have to be a Cerritos resident. If not, a $ 100 fee, per year, is required! And you need a library card to access free WIFI too. This may be a good thing however since I feel this rule enforces non-​library card holders to study or leave, which only increases the serenity. However, on the third floor there are about 40 desktop computers that can be used to access the internet and a library card isn’t required– although the internet connection is slow.
Almost every study booth or table has a separate outlet and light fixtures for your studying needs! Chairs are comfortable too. Private study rooms are available o th third floor, but you’ll need a library card to reserve them.
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Conclusion: 4.5 Stars. There’s a $ 100 fee (per year) to become a library card holder which consequently reduces the rating, but even without it, Cerritos library has become a favorite spot of mine to study – I just wish it had water fountains indoors like the HB library.
Extra Notes:
–Accepts credit card
–Sweet and helpful librarians
–Free parking in the structure
–Zero homeless people since library is next to a sheriffs department
–Clean restrooms

It’s basically a large designer library with a collection of eclectic themes throughout. Art is everywhere, from paintings, sculptures and ornaments. If you are easily bored but need to power through some material for studying then this place is the cure. Moving from one area to another you’re in a totally different place. You can have an Americana atmosphere complete with rocking chairs, a Presidential atmosphere to industrial chic all in one place. The library is big enough to have its own escalators.
In terms of the actual library experience, it’s a mixed experience. Unless you are a resident of or employed in Cerritos, you don’t get the full experience: you can’t check out books, use wifi, utilize their study rooms or use the restroom (kidding on that last part). However, if you’re just looking for a nice place to park yourself for a couple hours with a good book & coffee, there’s not many libraries or even places of business that captures a variety of culture passing by of all ages in an environment equally stimulating. They have a plethora of outlets to charge your devices and plenty of seating.

I am absolutely in LOVE with this library… It’s a shame I just discovered this library on my last study efforts for my competencies for nursing school. This library definitely could’ve came in handy these past 2 years.
Anyway the library shares a plaza with the sheriffs department and had plenty of parking available for no additional fee. Upon my arrival inside the library I was greeted by a huge floor to ceiling aquarium full of all types of fish and other sea animals. This was definitely my favorite part of the library, probably could stand there and stare at it for hours. They have an amazing children’s section on the other side of the aquarium with a full sized dinosaur skeleton and a huge tree in the middle of it, made me wish I was a child again. We went to the information desk and reserved a conference room which was located up the escalators and was big enough to fit about 8 people. The room itself is very roomy and sound proof so you can discuss and get as loud as you want without bothering others. Only down side is you can only reserve the room for 2 hours, which I guess is fair just in case other people want to use it… After our two hours were up we simply renewed the room for additional 2 hours no biggie. The library is open late until 9 pm, so great place to get studying in. All in all this is an awesome library with tons of things to do and see for children and well as adults. I’ll definitely be frequenting this place more often.