The Library Remembers Richard J. Riordan

Richard J. Riordan, Mayor of Los Angeles from 1993-2001, for whom the rebuilt Central Library is named, passed away at his home in Brentwood on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at the age of 92.

During his time as mayor, Riordan oversaw not just the reopening of the Central Library but faced the crisis of rebuilding the city after the civil unrest of 1992 and a second time after the Northridge Earthquake of 1994. During his eight years in office, he shepherded major changes in the city’s charter, which included shifts in the accountability of department heads, and also created the neighborhood council system.

Born in New York and educated at Princeton and Michigan Law School, Riordan moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s and became a successful investor. He would become interested in public education and civic matters. He worked behind the scenes in politics until he ran for mayor in 1993 after Tom Bradley retired after five terms in office.

In retirement, Riordan worked with his own educational foundation as well as various businesses, most notably The Original Pantry restaurant.

Before Mayor Riordan left office due to term limits, the Library Board of Commissioners voted on April 19, 2001, to rename the Central Library as the Richard J. Riordan Central Library. Then Commission President David Lehrer cited "broad-based community support" and added, "Mayor Riordan has been an extraordinary supporter of the library during his two terms, both as mayor of the city and through his private foundation." The formal dedication for the name change took place on June 18, 2001.

Mayor Riordan, who had a large book collection of his own, replied, "I can’t think of anything that I would rather have named after me. I love books. I love libraries."

Here are some photos from the library's collection highlighting Riordan's love of the library and Los Angeles.