If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times—the book was better! There's nothing like debating the differences between a favorite book and its translation to the screen. But if you don't know your beloved series is coming out as a movie or that the fun-looking preview you saw was adapted from a book, how can you join the debate? The Library is here to the rescue! Here, we will be...
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Being a Central Library Docent
If you love the historic Central Library’s art and architecture, why not share that passion with others?
What Latinx Heritage Month Means to Me
In the United States, “Latinx Heritage Month” is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. This is a time to recognize and honor Latinx peoples, cultures, issues, contributions, and histories.
A History of Latino Activism in Los Angeles
The influence of Latino heritage and culture has long been prevalent in the city of Los Angeles. This includes a history of activism relating to causes at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Pictorial Map of Mexico
This masterpiece of pictorial mapping is an original from the earliest printings of the famed Fischgrind Publishing house and one of the mysterious Miguel Gomez Medina’s greatest works.
Fountains Add History, Peace to Library’s Gardens
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.
The Long and Winding Story of the Streets of Los Angeles
What’s in a name? The stories behind the names of the streets, avenues, roads, and boulevards of Los Angeles reveal much about the history of our city, from its beginning as a tiny pueblo to today's sprawling metropolis of 3.8 million. A list of L.A.
Everett Robbins Perry: Librarian with a Vision
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.
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
Recently, we found a folder tucked away at the back of a file cabinet in the Social Science, Philosophy & Religion Department.
The Literate Fence: Championing Books, Reading & L.A.'s Diversity
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.
A Pictorial Map of West Hollywood
To honor LGBT Heritage Month at the library we present this pictorial map of West Hollywood, one of America’s most enlightened cities. Street maps from as recently as the 1970’s ignored the growing power of the gay community in the little city between Beverly Hills and Hollywood.