The Library will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

LAPL Blog

Latest Posts

Collage of films adapted from books
Elizabeth Graney, Librarian, Literature & Fiction Department, October 6, 2025

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times—the book was better! There's nothing like debating the differences between a favorite book and its translation to the screen. But if you don't know your beloved series is coming out as a movie or that the fun-looking preview you saw was adapted from a book, how can you join the debate? The Library is here to the rescue! Here, we will be...

Pages

firefighters climbing ladder with equipment

Video: Firsthand Accounts of the Central Library Fire and Recovery

Neale Stokes, Senior Librarian, Digital Content Team, Saturday, October 13, 2018

October 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the LA Central Library reopening seven years after a catastrophic fire in 1986. In this short film, three people who were at the fire share their memories of the fire and the effort to recover and rebuild.


Families fill the Maguire Gardens on Central Library's reopening day

History of Central Library's Grand Reopening in 1993

Curtis Livingston Edwards, Messenger Clerk, Adult Literacy Services, Thursday, October 11, 2018

A month after the first of two fires burned through the Central Library in 1986, a collective effort by the City of Los Angeles raised $3.2 million. This was yet another plus in a major reconstructive campaign lasting 7 and a half years.


TransLogic system tracks running through the library

Translogic: Central Library's Forgotten Book-Mover

Kelly Wallace, Librarian, History Department, Wednesday, October 10, 2018

When the gleaming “new” Central Library opened its doors on October 3, 1993, seven years after the devastating fires of 1986, it touted the latest innovations in computer automation.


Octavia E. Butler seated by her bookcase, 1986

Spotlight on Octavia E. Butler

Julia G, Librarian, Frances Howard Goldwyn - Hollywood Regional Branch Library, Saturday, October 6, 2018

Temperatures are rising, the environment is suffering, and income inequality is widening. Amidst the confusion, a charismatic politician takes the presidency with the promise to, “Make America great again.”


Author P. Djeli Clark and his book "The Black God's Drum"

Interview With an Author: P. Djèlí Clark

Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library, Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Born in New York and raised mostly in Houston, P. Djèlí Clark spent the formative years of his life in the homeland of his parents, Trinidad and Tobago.


Jubilant participants during the 1987 Save the Books telethon.

Save the Books!

Sheryn Morris, Librarian, Literature & Fiction, Friday, September 28, 2018

In retrospect, it is ironic that the fire took place when it did: April 29, 1986. On that day, progress was quietly continuing with plans for a renovation of the original Central Library and a new multi-level addition.


Glen Creason and his daughter Katya celebrate the re-opening of Central Library on a closed-off 5th Street

Central Reopens: Reflections

Glen Creason, Librarian III, History & Genealogy Department, Tuesday, September 25, 2018

The day my own dear Central Library reopened I got my name in the L.A. Times which elicited ragging from pals around the city.


Janos Xantus in front of his sketch from his journal

Hungary Eyes: A Continental Impression of Early Los Angeles

Nicholas Beyelia, Librarian, History and Genealogy Department, Tuesday, September 25, 2018

A number of travelogues have been written about Los Angeles throughout the decades with a myriad of opinions on the cultural and social climate of the city. The City of Angels has been both praised and reviled in equal measures, but there is no question that it always leaves a lasting impression.


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

Tina Lernø, Librarian, Digital Content Team, Saturday, 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

Tina Lernø, Librarian, Digital Content Team, Thursday, September 13, 2018

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


Pages

Top