Central 100 Celebration | Los Angeles Public Library

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Celebrating a Century of the Light of Learning

Dedicated in July 1926, the Los Angeles Central Library became an instant architectural icon and guiding light of learning for the city. For this significant milestone, the Los Angeles Public Library is pleased to present Central 100, a year-long celebration that brings together residents from all corners of Los Angeles.

Join us for centennial events befitting of Central Library, a crown jewel of the City of Angels, and the anchor of the Los Angeles Public Library system. Here’s a preview of some of the things we’re planning!

Central 100 Kick-Off

January 29, 2026

Exhibitions: Explore the history of this landmark and how it continues to serve the City through seven exhibitions throughout the building, including a partnership with Historiart and Gallery 1988 to create special limited edition prints inspired by Central Library.
Beanstack Challenge: This special year-long color-by-numbers challenge will incorporate online and in-person activities, encouraging patrons to interact with the art, architecture, and collections of Central Library.
Special Edition Library Card: Available at all Los Angeles Public Library locations.
Blog Posts, Podcasts and Oral Histories
Community Oral History: We're collecting oral history testimonials from our community! Patrons and staff are invited to share their stories of Central Library via short video recordings that will become part of the LAPL Archives. You can self-submit from your own device in English or Spanish, or attend an in-person recording event throughout the year. We can’t wait to hear what Central Library means to you!
Our Card Catalog is Back! Travel back to the analog era with a piece of Central Library's history while you explore all Los Angeles Public Library locations.
Exclusive Commemorative Merchandise from The Library Store.

July, 2026

New Book Releases from Angel City Press: L is for Librarian: The ABCs of Los Angeles Central Library by Susan Lendroth and Alexander Vidal and Los Angeles Central Library Pops by Christina Rice, Mirelle Ortega, Matthew Reinhart, and Becca Lofchie.
Central 100 Festival: A full day of festivities at Central Library that will take place on July 11, 2026.

December, 2026

The Library Show Melodrama Production: The battle to get a dedicated central library built for the City of Los Angeles was a 50-year saga of twists and turns and starts and stops. This tumultuous tale will come to life at Central Library with a good ol’ fashioned melodrama on December 5, 6, 12, and 13.
New Time Capsule Dedication

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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) 228-7272.