The Library will be closed on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in observance of Easter.

Central 100

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Early directors of Central Library - Helen Theresa Kennedy, Althea Hester Warren and Annebell "Anne" Fraser Leidendeker
Danielle Ball, March 31, 2026

Los Angeles Public Library is celebrating 100 years of the Central Library, making this the perfect time to spotlight the exceptional librarians who have overseen this remarkable building and everything within: its collections, programs, services, and staff.


Bison Hunt mural by Charles Kassler Jr
Tiffney Sanford, March 18, 2026

One of the Los Angeles Public Library's largest pieces of outdoor art can only be appreciated in photos now, after becoming a victim of Southern California's weather.


closeup of a page from the Betty comic showing the gang in LAPL's teenscape department
David B , March 11, 2026

On March 13, 2000, the new, expanded Teen’Scape Department at the Central Library opened with great fanfare.


The eighth (aka main) floor of the library’s Metropolitan Building location 1914
Tiffney Sanford, March 04, 2026

The first several decades of the Los Angeles Public Library's existence involved frequent moves into various rented spaces downtown.


Central Library staff photo taken from Flower Street with a view of the East side of the Library, 1926
Tina Lernø, February 20, 2026

Do you own a hat? I don’t mean a baseball cap—I mean a real, structured, leave-the-house-in-it hat. And how would you feel about wearing it... every single day?


The Central Library cornerstone
Danielle Ball, January 28, 2026

It’s 2026, and here at the Library, we’re looking forward to commemorating 100 years of the Central Library. Dedicated in July 1926, the opening of this architectural icon was a milestone not only for the Library system but for the entire city.


Collage of Central building and sculptures
, October 28, 2025

When you think of stories, you might think of books first. But many stories—including gender-diverse stories—are told through art, as well.


Close-up of a single page of the Gutenberg Bible, 1456
Vi Thục Hà, April 25, 2024

In this ongoing year-long exploration of the book that includes workshops, exhibits, video interviews, demos and more, there should be an exploration of the artistry of the book within the exemplary holdings of the Central Library, specifically focusing on the treasures in the Los Angeles Public Library's


The east lawn and the eastern exterior of Central Library
Guest Blogger, March 29, 2024

Sometimes it feels as though public libraries—free, government-supported, circulating libraries—have always been part of American life, but public libraries were rare before the last quarter of the nineteenth century.


In the Rare Books room, rare books are set on top a white cloth over a table for a preview.
Juan Avalos, October 12, 2022

There is something special about visiting the library and losing yourself in a good book. It can become more special when you find a surprise inside that book. An item meant to be forgotten, found again and given new meaning.


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