The Library will be closed on Monday, March 31, 2025, in observance of César Chávez Day.

Tina Lernø, Librarian, Digital Content Team

librarian holding a cat

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Olvera Street Mardi Gras revelers

What Mardi Gras Looked Like in Vintage Los Angeles

March 05, 2019

I must confess I didn't really know that much about the history of Mardi Gras, but with a little bit of librarian research, I found out some interesting facts.


Kiss cam hearts around a couple kissing

A Kiss Cam View of Vintage Los Angeles

February 14, 2019

Ah Valentine's Day! The day to celebrate romantic love.

For some, it's a day of love and kisses to look forward to with your sweetheart, for others, well, not so much.


cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows

Cuckoo For Cocoa

December 13, 2018

December 13 is National Cocoa Day. Don't confuse it with Hot Chocolate Day, which is its own holiday and celebrated on January 31. I thought they were the same thing but after a bit of research realized the terms are used interchangeably, and they are actually two different beverages!


John Stark being cold on an LA beach

Winter is Coming...Or Is It?

December 10, 2018

Winter in Los Angeles is a strange thing if you have grown up with “real winter” elsewhere. Where are the leaves changing colors, the bare winter branches...the snow?


ghost lady walking through the library

The Library’s Haunted History: I Ain’t Afraid of No Ghosts

October 31, 2018

When you work at Central Library, at some point in your career, you will be taken on a stairwell safety tour which guides you through a maze of long lonely corridors snaking under and around the staff side of our beloved building. When it was my turn, I had to ask, is this place haunted?


Judy Aldrich, 8, receives pumpkin treat from Donna Lewis

What Halloween Looked Like in Vintage Los Angeles

October 30, 2018

I'll be the first to admit it, Halloween is my favorite holiday! I love everything about it from the spooky atmosphere and dressing up in a costume, to—I confess—all the candy! As an adult and a parent, it's also been a joy to create costumes for my family and take my little ghosties trick or treating.


Pictured from left, are Vivian Vance, co-star, holding her Emmy for Best Supporting Actress, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball holding the Best Situation Comedy Emmy

What the Emmy Awards Looked Like In Vintage Los Angeles

September 15, 2018

Who will win, who will "be happy just to be nominated," and who will go home empty-handed? Watch the festivities tonight to find out, but before you do, check out these amazing images from our photo collection of past Emmy award celebrations.


colored drawing of women's clothes from 1845

What Fall Fashions Looked Like 200 Years Ago

September 13, 2018

I love fashion and seeing all the beautiful new clothes and styles coming out for the fall season.


3 children heading into a school on the first day

What Back to School Looked Like in Vintage Los Angeles

August 10, 2018

It's the day lots of adults look forward to, and lots of kids dread. After a summer of fun, it's time to start setting that alarm again, shop for supplies, and go back to school!


Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse and sleeping beauty's castle

D is for Disneyland!

July 17, 2018

July 17 is the 63 anniversary of Disneyland's opening day. This Disney loving librarian is planning on celebrating and won't be the only one either; it will probably be super crowded, and there will be lots of other pass holders eager to commemorate the day.


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