The Library will be closed on Monday, March 31, 2025, in observance of César Chávez Day.

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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
A tutor with a learner reviewing a book
Every Monday at 1:00 p.m.
Walk-in Tutoring With Paula
Would you like to improve your reading, writing, or conversation skills? Adults can work with a tutor for 20 minutes. Walk-in tutoring is...
Instructor in a classroom with a diverse group of students using laptops.
Every Monday from 4 - 5:20 p.m.
Grammar Class (Beginners) With Aaqilah
Master basic grammar with real-life examples and practice. This class teaches beginning adult learners the fundamentals of grammar in a...
A players hand is moving a chess piece in a chess game being played.
Every Monday 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Monday Night Chess
Join us for a casual game of chess. All ages and skill levels are welcome.Boards and pieces provided. No registration is required.
A tutor with a learner reviewing a book
Every Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Walk-in Tutoring With Mark
Would you like to improve your reading, writing, or conversation skills? Adults can work with a tutor for 20 minutes. Walk-in tutoring is...
A literacy instructor and a student sit in a library and review a workbook.
Every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.
English Conversation Class (Beginners) With Andrew
In this class, beginners practice everyday English with the help of the vibrant Oxford Picture Dictionary. Apply what you learn through...
a young African-American man smiling sitting on a couch, looking down at a laptop that's on a small table, with headphones on
Tuesdays from 12 noon - 1 p.m.
Tech TryOut Cart
Did you know that the Los Angeles Public Library lends e-books, audiobooks, movies, music, magazines, newspapers, comic books, and more to...
Image of a seated woman in a red sweater at a table helping a standing man with paperwork.
Last Tuesday of the month from 12:30 - 3 p.m.
The Source: Free Health & Emergency Shelter Services
A convenient one-stop-shop of services and resources for community members experiencing homelessness, life instability, or who are low-...
Tutor and student sit at table with open notebook
Every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.
Walk-in Tutoring With Kate
Would you like to improve your reading, writing, or conversation skills? Adults can work with a tutor for 20 minutes. Walk-in tutoring is...
Two people standing under a tree
Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m.
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...
A tutor with a learner reviewing a book
Every Tuesday at 3:10 p.m.
Walk-in Tutoring With Tim
Would you like to improve your reading, writing, or conversation skills? Adults can work with a tutor for 20 minutes. Walk-in tutoring is...
More Events at Central Library


What We're Reading

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

Recent Blog Posts from LAPL Blog
March 24, 2025
Are You a Master of Words? Enter to Win!
By Llyr Heller, Senior Librarian
Attention all independent authors in California! Are you looking to get discovered and gain more readers? A wonderful way to do this is to enter the 2025 Indie Author Project Annual Contest through... Continued
March 24, 2025
Donald Shoup and the Promise of Parking
By Tina Lernø, Librarian
Picture this: A Friday night in L.A. You got last-minute tickets to see a game at the Staples Center (oops), I mean Crypto.com Arena. The tickets are free...but you need to get there by 5:30 p.m.... Continued
March 21, 2025
Circus Tents, Earthquakes, and the Funniest Antitrust War Yet: Sarah Bernhardt in Los Angeles, 1906
By Nicholas Beyelia, Librarian
Just before 6 p.m. on the afternoon of May 18, 1906, twenty-year-old Highland Park resident Elizabeth Beatty stepped onto the boardwalk of the newest amusement pier in Los Angeles County. Jutting out... Continued
March 21, 2025
Teens Leading Change: Lack of Cultural Diversity in Children's Books and Their Effect on Children
By Guest Blogger
Books—the foundation of life itself—nurture the creativity and imagination of young minds. Yet, the lack of cultural diversity in children's literature often dims that spark, leaving many without... Continued

All Posts from LAPL Blog

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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