The South El Monte High School Library serves as the principal resource center for students and staff. It also is the repository for all textbooks used on campus. The library currently contains over 23,800 volumes, as well as other resource materials. The collection is particularly strong in the areas of literature, the arts, career information and social science. The library subscribes to over 30 magazines. There are currently thirty-six computers for student use, with seven additional computers to search for books in the collection. Students have internet access through their own accounts as well as Microsoft Office and use of three databases: e-library, SIRS and Groliers on-line encyclopedias.

The library is open each school day from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, with additional hours for tutoring Monday-Thursday, 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Students are required to have an ID card to check out library materials or textbooks. Library books may be checked out for 4 weeks and renewed as needed.

Overdue charges are .05 per day after a 5-day grace period. A full-time librarian and one assistant are available to help students with research or computer use during the day. A teacher and an assistant, along with student tutors, are available during tutoring hours.

"Read: It's what smart people do." Anonymous

"Take up and read, take up and read." St Augustine

"A person who doesn't read is no better off than one who can't."

Anonymous