Charter Oak Library

🏢 LA County Library · Covina, California

Charter Oak Library

The Charter Oak Library traces its roots to 1930 as the Ben Lomond Library before relocating to Arrow Highway in 1962 — and then rebuilding from scratch in 1991 after a fire destroyed much of its collection. Today it is a compact 2,500-square-foot LA County Library branch with extended evening hours Monday through Thursday.

📞 (626) 339-2151🌐 lacountylibrary.org🧭 Get directions
🕑 Hours & visit📖 About⭐ Highlights📚 Services📍 Nearby❓ FAQ

🕑 Library Hours

Monday 10am–8pm
Tuesday 10am–8pm
Wednesday 10am–8pm
Thursday 10am–8pm
Friday 10am–6pm
Saturday 10am–6pm
Sunday Closed

Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.

📍 Location, Contact & Directions

Address: 20540 E. Arrow Hwy., Suite K, COVINA, CA 91724

Phone: (626) 339-2151

Website: lacountylibrary.org

Plus Code: 8564444W+JG (COVINA, CA)

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&🔍Search the LA County Library catalog →&🌐Charter Oak Library — LA County Library →&📚Get a digital library card (LA County Library) →

📖 About Charter Oak Library

Charter Oak Library is a branch of LA County Library serving the Charter Oak community along the eastern edge of the San Gabriel Valley. Its history stretches back to 1930, when it opened as the Ben Lomond Library in the private residence of the first librarian, Mrs. W. A. Jones. After moving to Arrow Highway in 1962, the branch suffered a destructive fire that wiped out most of its collection; the rebuilt library opened at its current Suite K location in 1991. The 2,500-square-foot space includes a dedicated children's area with early-learning computers, four public computers plus eight Laptop Express devices, and wireless printing. As part of LA County Library, a Charter Oak card unlocks millions of digital titles through Libby, hoopla, Kanopy, and Freegal, as well as the Los Angeles Times archive and local newspaper access through NewsBank.

⭐ What makes this library special

  • Founded in 1930 as Ben Lomond Library in the librarian's own home — one of the older community libraries along the San Gabriel Valley's eastern corridor
  • Rebuilt at its current Arrow Highway location in 1991 after a fire destroyed the previous collection and building
  • Extended Monday–Thursday evening hours until 8 pm for after-school and after-work visits
  • Metro TAP card distribution available — commuters can pick up or reload their transit card at the library
  • Self-serve homework center and early-learning computers in a dedicated children's space

📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card

Charter Oak cardholders unlock a full suite of digital resources free through LA County Library:

&📚 Libby / OverDriveeBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines on any device.
&🎧 Freegal MusicAd-free streaming of 11+ million songs plus 5 free weekly downloads.
&🎭 hooplaMovies, TV, comics, music, and audiobooks with no waitlists.
&🎬 KanopyFree streaming of independent, documentary, and foreign-language films.
&📰 Los Angeles Times & San Gabriel Valley TribuneFull digital archive access via ProQuest and NewsBank.

📚 Services

  • 4 public computers and 8 Laptop Express devices
  • Children's early-learning computers and dedicated children's space
  • Self-serve homework center for K–12 students
  • Wireless printing and photocopying
  • Metro TAP card distribution
  • In-person and telephone reference assistance
  • Interlibrary loan through LA County Library
  • Book drop for after-hours returns

🎸 Programs

  • Early-childhood literacy and storytime programming
  • After-school homework help for students
  • Summer reading program
  • Community programs and events

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Charter Oak Library before it was named Charter Oak Library?

It began in 1930 as the Ben Lomond Library, housed in the private residence of the first librarian, Mrs. W. A. Jones. It moved to Arrow Highway in 1962 and was renamed Charter Oak Library to reflect the community it serves. After a fire destroyed much of the collection and building, the library was completely rebuilt at its current 20540 E. Arrow Highway location in 1991.

What is Laptop Express and can anyone use it?

Laptop Express is an LA County Library program that lets you borrow a laptop in the library for on-site use. Charter Oak has 8 Laptop Express units available on a first-come, first-served basis — a good option if the 4 desktop public computers are occupied. A library card is required.

Can I pick up a Metro TAP card at Charter Oak Library?

Yes. Charter Oak Library is one of the LA County Library branches that distributes Metro TAP cards. You can pick up a new TAP card at the branch — handy if you use LA Metro buses or the Gold Line, which serves the Azusa–Covina corridor.

What nights is Charter Oak Library open late?

The library is open until 8 pm Monday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours are 10 am to 6 pm, and the library is closed on Sunday.

🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.

✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.

✎ Notice something out of date? Suggest a correction and we’ll verify and update it.

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