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illustration of the teen'scape space in Central Library
Central Docents, November 12, 2015

When you take our free docent-led art and architecture tours of the Los Angeles Central Library, we always point out Teen’Scape, one of the nation’s first libraries within a library designed by and exclusively for teens.


tour group looking at the library's rotunda
Central Docents, September 29, 2015

If you love the historic Central Library’s art and architecture, why not share that passion with others?


View of Central Library and the Maguire Gardens
Central Docents, August 27, 2015

Our free art and architecture tours of L.A.'s Central Library begin by taking a look at the exterior of the historic 1926 Goodhue Building.


Everett Robbins Perry 1876-1933
Central Docents, July 20, 2015

Our free art and architecture tour of L.A.'s central library begins in the 1926 Goodhue Building, famous for its sculpture, murals, painted ceilings, and wonderful architecture. The building has another great feature, something which seems ordinary to modern eyes, but which wasn't ordinary at all in 1926.


Literate Fence
Central Docents, June 13, 2015

The elegant Literate Fence, on the Fifth Street side of the library, was designed by Washington state industrial metal artist, Ries Niemi (b.1955). The Deco design, completed in 1993, echoes the design of the original library building.


Julian Garnsey
Central Docents, May 02, 2015

Our free docent-led art and architecture tour of the Los Angeles Central Library always includes a stop in the International Languages Department, through which visitors can find the library's original 1926 Children's Department, with its decorated ceiling and Ivanhoe-themed murals.


Central Library exterior
Central Docents, March 05, 2015

As you learn on our daily docent-led tours, The Richard J Riordan Central Library has almost 90 years of fascinating history. But some of most intriguing chapters in the building’s story occurred before the library even opened its doors for the first time in 1926.


Library Entrance
Central Docents, February 04, 2015

Our free, docent-led Art and Architecture tours of the downtown Central Library begin and end in the Main Lobby. But we are often asked: where exactly is the library’s front door? It’s a strange question for a landmark building. Here's a bit of background on the many entrances:


Rotunda Globe
Central Docents, January 07, 2015

Anyone who's taken our free daily docent tour of the L.A. Central Library has seen the many contributions that architectural sculptor Lee Lawrie made to the library's 1926 Goodhue Building.


Sculptures in front of the library
Central Docents, December 04, 2014

If you’ve ever taken a tour of the Central Library, you’ve probably heard mention of Hartley Burr Alexander, the man who worked with architect Bertram Goodhue on the theme and symbolism of the historic 1926 building.


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