Docent Tours of Central Library

Collage of images from Central Library

All docent tours are cancelled until further notice.

Come downtown and 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.

Enjoy the 360 Virtual Tour

Walk-in Tours

Daily walk-in tours of the Central Library last approximately one hour. No reservations are necessary for groups of six or less. The tours leave from the front of the Library Store in the main lobby.

Art & Architecture Tours

Monday through Friday · 12:30 p.m.
Saturday · 11:00 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Sunday · 2 p.m.

Garden Tour

Saturday · 12:30 p.m.

If these times are not convenient, please print this Self-Guided Tour (PDF) to make your visit to the Central Library more enjoyable, or schedule an arranged tour at your convenience, during library hours, by calling 213-228-7168.

Additional Tours

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

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Support Your Library

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) 228-7555.

Los Angeles Public Library

Walk-in Tours

Art & Architecture Tours

Garden Tour

Additional Tours

Yes, Central Library Still Has Catalog Cards

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