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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
adult literacy logo
Fridays at 11 a.m.
Multicultural Literacy With Cyd and Theresa
This class explores works of fiction and non-fiction from various cultures around the world as a way to understand our differences and the...
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...
bowl of fruit, wine, and picnic blanket on a Martian rock. This image used alongside Ms. Newman's portrait above, is by astronomical artist Chris Butler. Used by permission.
December 10, 2022 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Poutine on Mars: Culinary Tradition in Unusual Places (Culinary Historians of Southern California)
Why is cuisine a living language that brings together nature and culture? Cuisine is not just about feeding people. It is deeply emotional...
Globe chandelier located in the Central Library rotunda
Saturdays at 11 a.m.
Docent-Led LA 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...
Approved for Adoption movie poster
December 10, 2022 1:00 PM
World Cinema Series: Approved for Adoption
Comic-book artist Jung returns to Seoul for the first time since he was abandoned at the age of five. (70 min.)

This screening will take...
Ceiling of the Central Library Rotunda.
Sundays at 2 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...
Photo collage of Lynne Thompson and Luivette Resto with a red and blue gradient background.
December 11, 2022 2:00 PM
Los Angeles Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson in Conversation With Luivette Resto
Lynne Thompson is the Poet Laureate for the City of Los Angeles and a Poet Laureate Fellow of the Academy of American Poets.
boy playing chess
Mondays at 5:30 p.m.
Monday Night Chess
Join us for a casual game of chess; all ages and skills welcome. Board and pieces provided, no registration needed.
Adult literacy logo in teal
Mondays at 5:45 p.m.
Watch and Talk With Goldie
Americans often speak fast and use confusing expressions and slang. One effective and fun way to improve your comprehension and...
verdant Korean landscape
Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m.
Basic Korean Conversation 1-2
Do you want to learn Korean? Join us and learn the Korean language and culture. This program is presented by the Los Angeles Public Library...
More Events at Central Library


What We're Reading

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

Recent Blog Posts from LAPL Blog
December 09, 2022
Dig Los Angeles: Hollywood Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library
By Tiffney Sanford, Administrative Clerk
The growth of the Hollywood branch of the Los Angeles Public Library mirrors the development of Hollywood as a place. From sleepy beginnings, it grew quicker than expected, with highs and lows... Continued
December 08, 2022
Interview With an Author: Sally Thorne
By Daryl M., Librarian
Sally Thorne is the USA Today-bestselling author of The Hating Game. She spends her days climbing into fictional worlds of her own creation. She lives in Canberra, Australia, with her husband in a... Continued
December 07, 2022
Interview With Library Super Patron and Children’s Author: Eric Esquivel
By Susan Fukushima, Adult Librarian
Eric Esquivel is a Los Angeles-based writer and storyteller working in the fields of Animation, Comic Books, Journalism, and Prose. He is a graduate of The National Hispanic Media Coalition's... Continued
December 07, 2022
The Need for Support Towards LGBTQ+ Youth: A Teen’s Perspective
By Guest Blogger
Thousands upon thousands of teenagers in the United States identify as LGBTQ+. In fact, the Human Rights Campaign emphasized that at least 8% of the entire US population consider themselves a part of... Continued

All Posts from LAPL Blog

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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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