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Central Library

Central Library Exterior
Address:
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone:
213-228-7000
Email:
Contact form
Librarian:
Kren Malone, Director
Map for Central Library Branch

Click map for detailed view, directions, and transit info.

Hours of Service

Mon: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Tues: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Weds: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thurs: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fri: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sat: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sun: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Upcoming Events at Central Library
A tutor with a learner reviewing a book
Fridays at 11 a.m.
Walk-in Tutoring With Tommy
Would you like to improve your reading, writing, or conversation skills? Adults can work with a tutor for 20 minutes. Walk-in tutoring is...
rainbow stack of language books next to a globe
Fridays from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Chinese for Beginners
Join our upcoming term of Chinese for Beginners. Learn to read and write traditional Chinese script and speak Mandarin. This series...
Stack of books
Fridays from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Chinese for Beginners
Join our Chinese for Beginners program series! Learn to read and write traditional Chinese script and speak Mandarin. This series includes...
Globe chandelier located in the Central Library rotunda
Fridays at 12:30 p.m.
Docent-led L.A. Central Library Art & Architecture Tour
Take an hour-long tour through the Los Angeles Central Library. Your docent guide will share stories about the history, art, and...
A tutor with a learner reviewing a book
Fridays at 1 p.m.
Walk-in Tutoring With Dario
Would you like to improve your reading, writing, or conversation skills? Adults can work with a tutor for 20 minutes. Walk-in tutoring is...
Group of adults viewing computer screen
Every Friday from 1 p.m.- 2:20 p.m.
Reading Horizons Lab With Jorgen
Our web-based Reading Horizons program teaches adult learners how to read in English, including phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension.
hand bound books
January 25, 2025 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Recycled Material Bookbinding With Nova Community Arts
Come learn how to hand sew a soft cover book using the Long Stitch method of binding with Nova Community Arts. We will be repurposing...
Globe chandelier located in the Central Library rotunda
Saturdays at 11 a.m.
Docent-led Central Library Art & Architecture Tour
Take an hour-long tour through the Los Angeles Central Library. Your docent guide will share stories about the history, art, and...
A volunteer walk-in tutor working with a learner.
Saturdays at 11 a.m.
Walk-in Tutoring With Marley
Would you like to improve your reading, writing, or conversation skills? Adults can work with a tutor for 20 minutes. Walk-in tutoring is...
Classroom of adults looking at instructor
Every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.
Pronunciation and Communication Class (Intermediate Level) With Linda and Lea
Do you want to practice your English pronunciation and communication skills? This class is for you! Learners will also have the opportunity...
More Events at Central Library


What We're Reading

LAPL Reads: Recommendations | Book Lists | New Books | Catalog

Recent Blog Posts from LAPL Blog
January 23, 2025
A Wee Chat With Stuart Murdoch
By Tina Lernø, Librarian
Stuart Murdoch is a Scottish musician, composer, writer, and filmmaker, and the lead singer and songwriter for the iconic Glasgow-based band Belle and Sebastian. Since forming in the mid-1990s, the... Continued
January 22, 2025
Celebrating J.R.R. Tolkien’s Birthday
By Salvadora Sosa Prieto, Administrative Clerk
January 3 marks the birthday of one of the most beloved and influential authors in literary history: John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, the creator of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion... Continued
January 22, 2025
Celebremos el cumpleaños de J.R.R. Tolkien
By Salvadora Sosa Prieto, Administrative Clerk
El 3 de enero marca el nacimiento de uno de los autores más queridos e influyentes en la historia de la literatura: John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, el creador de El Hobbit, El Señor de los Anillos y El... Continued
January 16, 2025
Interview With an Author: Jess Armstrong
By Daryl M., Librarian
Jess Armstrong is the USA Today best selling author of the Ruby Vaughn Mysteries. Her debut novel, The Curse of Penryth Hall, won the Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel... Continued

All Posts from LAPL Blog

Meeting Rooms

The Literature & Fiction (Upper Level 3) and Business Department (Lower Level 1) have glass-enclosed meeting rooms available for use.

Guidelines

  • Meeting Room hours
    Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
    Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
    Sunday: 1 - 4:30 p.m.
  • Sign ups on the hour or half hour
  • Must have a valid library card
  • Reservations must be made in person, day of and up to one day in advance
  • Two hours per floor per patron
  • Water allowed. No food or drink
  • Three or more people required for large (6 chair) rooms
  • Furniture and chairs must not be moved
  • Dry erase markers and erasers available upon request
  • All library rules apply: Patrons in violation of library rules may be refused service.

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