About Us

The Alhambra Public Library was established in 1906, to support the learning and reading needs of the community. As the City of Alhambra has grown, so has the Library and the services it provides. The current Library building was opened in 1975, but there has been a library at 410 W. Main St. since 1916. The Library currently has a collection of approx. 150,000 volumes, which include all types of materials: Books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, CDs, Videos, Books on Tape and computer resources are all available at the Library.

The Library is one of the busiest libraries in the State of California, circulating as many as 500 items an hour. On average, about 44,000 individuals visit the library every month, and check out about 550,000 items every year. The Library is committed to providing the best possible service to the vibrant community of Alhambra.

Library Vision Statement

The Alhambra Public Library will become an essential public resource connecting our community to diverse and dynamic staff, services, and collections that provide:

A Welcoming Environment

Information that Empowers and Enriches

People and Technology Supporting the Search for Knowledge

Access to the Exchange of Ideas

A Thriving Cultural Center

Library Mission Statement

A basic municipal service, the Library Department provides current information, formal education support, independent learning opportunities and life enrichment materials to a highly diverse public in a warm and welcoming atmosphere through a highly trained team of individuals committed to quality service.

Service Priorities

Provide access to library services through resource availability and usability.

Provide resources to a community diverse in age, language, culture, education, and income.

Provide service that is knowledgeable, effective, and personal.

Provide support for learners, especially youth.

Provide technology that maximizes information searching and organizational operations.