We are offering select services at 38 library locations, including Central Library.

Docent Tours of Central Library

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Collage of images from Central Library

Visit Los Angeles Public Library's historic Central Library. Enjoy the art and architecture of the 1926 Bertram Goodhue Building with its distinctive sphinxes and rooftop pyramid. Wander through the 1993 Tom Bradley Wing, designed by architect Norman Pfeiffer, and gaze at the 8-story atrium with its whimsical chandeliers. Learn about the library's comprehensive collections. All tours are free.

Call 213-228-7168 or send an email to docents@lapl.org for more information.

Enjoy the 360 Virtual Tour

Upcoming Tours

globe chandelier located in the Central Library rotunda
Saturdays at 11 a.m.
Docent Tour of Central Library Virtual
Take an hour-long Zoom tour through the Los Angeles Central Library. Your docent-guide will share slides, videos, and stories about the history, art, and architecture of L.A.'s landmark downtown library. Email docents@lapl.org to make a reservation.

2 stem items made in the Octavia Lab
June 18, 2021 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Octavia Lab Tour
Come visit the Octavia Lab virtually and become inspired by the projects and equipment you can use once becoming a member of the Octavia Lab. The Octavia Lab is a 3000 square feet intergenerational DIY makerspace and studio space with 3D printers, a recording booth, a laser cutter, and much more!...

globe chandelier located in the Central Library rotunda
Saturdays at 11 a.m.
Docent Tour of Central Library Virtual
Take an hour-long Zoom tour through the Los Angeles Central Library. Your docent-guide will share slides, videos, and stories about the history, art, and architecture of L.A.'s landmark downtown library. Email docents@lapl.org to make a reservation.

Books on Central Library

  • Los Angeles in Maps

    Los Angeles in Maps

    Creason, Glen.

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog

  • Architecture Transformed: New Life for Old Buildings

    Architecture Transformed: New Life for Old Buildings

    Greer, Nora Richter.

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog

  • Bunker Hill in the Rearview Mirror: The Rise, Fall and Rise Again of an Urban Neighborhood

    Bunker Hill in the Rearview Mirror: The Rise, Fall and Rise Again of an Urban Neighborhood

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog

  • Feels Like Home: Reflections on Central Library

    Feels Like Home: Reflections on Central Library

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog | Review

  • L.A. Landmarks: Lost and Almost Lost

    L.A. Landmarks: Lost and Almost Lost

    Olnick, Cindy.

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog

  • Los Angeles Central Library: A History of Its Art and Architecture

    Los Angeles Central Library: A History of Its Art and Architecture

    Gee, Stephen,

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog | Review

  • Shades of L.A.: Pictures from Ethnic Family Albums

    Shades of L.A.: Pictures from Ethnic Family Albums

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog

  • Songs in the Key of Los Angeles: Sheet Music from the Collection of the Los Angeles Public Library

    Songs in the Key of Los Angeles: Sheet Music from the Collection of the Los Angeles Public Library

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog

  • Spine: An account of the Jud Fine art plan at the Maguire Gardens, Central Library, Los Angeles

    Spine: An account of the Jud Fine art plan at the Maguire Gardens, Central Library, Los Angeles

    Fine, Jud.

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog

  • The Library Book

    The Library Book

    Orlean, Susan.

    On the surface, The Library Book is about the history of the Los Angeles Public Library, particularly about the devastating fire

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog

  • The Light of Learning: An Illustrated History of the Los Angeles Public Library

    The Light of Learning: An Illustrated History of the Los Angeles Public Library

    Soter, Bernadette Dominique.

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog

  • The Los Angeles Central Library: Building an Architectural Icon, 1872-1933

    The Los Angeles Central Library: Building an Architectural Icon, 1872-1933

    Breisch, Kenneth A,

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog

  • To Live and Dine in L.A.: Menus and the Making of the Modern City

    To Live and Dine in L.A.: Menus and the Making of the Modern City

    Kun, Josh.

    View:  | OverDrive  | Catalog

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