About the Central Library | Los Angeles Public Library

Central Library exterior view from Maguire Gardens Central Library and the Maguire Gardens

The flagship Central Library is the headquarters for the Los Angeles Public Library, which includes 72 branch libraries. The third largest central library in the nation, its subject departments contain more than 2.8 million books, 5,000 magazine subscriptions, more than 3 million photographs, 10 million digital access U.S. patents, plus language learning and multi-media materials.

The Central Library has nine subject departments that provide a variety of reference services over-the-counter, by telephone, mail, e-mail or IM chat. Materials can be ordered by patrons throughout the city and shipped to the borrower’s local branch.

Central Library Building Overview

The historic Central Library opened in 1926 to rave reviews and has been welcoming Angelenos and visitors for nearly a century. Hailed as an architectural gem, the building is renowned for such iconic features as the tiled pyramid on the roof; the vast, mural-lined Rotunda; and its more modern Atrium wing, which opened in 1993.

The building features 538,000 square feet of space on eight floors, nearly 89 miles of shelves and seating for more than1,400 people. There are 255 free public access computers located in the Computer Center and throughout the building. Internet access is also provided by Wi-fi. LAUSD Downtown Magnets High School uses the Central Library as a classroom.

Central Library Features

The Singleton Adult Literacy Center
The Popular Library, a “library within the library” offering popular, high-demand books, magazines, DVDs and CDs.
The 235-seat Taper Auditorium
Central Library Video Wall
KLOS Story Theater for children’s programs and puppet shows
The Getty Gallery, First Floor Galleries and Annenberg Gallery for exhibitions, as well as exhibit space on the walls of the History & Genealogy Department
The Library Store
Food Service: Panda Express, Skid Row Coffee
Maguire Gardens, a 1.5 acre public park adjoining the library

Subject Departments

The subject departments contain in-depth collections of books and other items related to specific subjects.

Docent Tours of the Central Library

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Why support the Library?

The Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest most diverse population of any library in the United States.

Through its Central Library and 72 branches, the Los Angeles Public Library provides free and easy access to information, ideas, books and technology that enrich, educate and empower every individual in our city's diverse communities.

With more people than ever before using the library—a record 17 million last year alone—your support helps the Library provide people with the resources they need to succeed and thrive.

How to support the Library

You can support the Los Angeles Public Library in several ways:

Join a “Friends” group. There is a “Friends of the Library” group for most branch libraries and departments of the Central Library. Friends groups raise money for improvements to their library through memberships, used book sales and other activities. For more information click here or talk to your local librarian.

Join the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. The Library Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds for Library enhancement programs such as adult and early literacy, children and teen reading clubs, technology, and cultural programs. Foundation members receive a variety of benefits with their membership. For more information, see http://www.lfla.org.

Make a donation by check to the Los Angeles Public Library and send it to:
Support the Library, 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles CA 90071 or call (213) 228-7272.