Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in their purse, and nothing particular to interest them on shore, Alexis Hall thought they would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. Unfortunately, the boat they were in sank with all hands, and they were rescued...
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The Central Library Fire 40 Years Later
As we spend the year commemorating the centennial of Central Library, it's also necessary to acknowledge a less celebratory, but still important milestone—the 40th anniversary of the 1986 Central Library Fire. The blaze, which ignited shortly before 11 a.m.
Lost Artwork of Central Library: Library Map
In late November 1970, Abigail Lois Cleaves, a Los Angeles resident of more than fifty years, passed away. Gail (as she was more commonly known) had been a Civil Engineer with the Los Angeles County Highway Department until her retirement in 1960.
Interview With an Author: Tesia Tsai
Tesia Tsai was born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Taiwan. She currently teaches at Brigham Young University and lives in Utah with her husband, two cats, and a dog. When not writing or reading, she enjoys watching Asian dramas, playing video games, and planning her next trip.
15 Things You Never Knew About Early Librarian Mary Foy
Here are fifteen things you never knew about early librarian Mary Foy!
Video: Centennial Time Capsule - Central Library
, Monday, April 20, 2026
The landmark Los Angeles Central Library opened to the public in July 1926. On January 29, 2026, to kick off the library's centennial year, a time capsule that was placed in the building's cornerstone during the original construction was unveiled to the public for the first time.
Interview With an Author: Rebekah Faubion
Rebekah Faubion is a queer author and screenwriter living in Los Angeles.
Central Library: A Charming Oasis
Tiffney Sanford, Librarian, North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Branch Library, Tuesday, April 14, 2026
When Central Library opened in July 1926, the press spoke of lawns (east and west), a Grand Terrace, and Library Park. Today, we can see the beauty of the Maguire Gardens, but we no longer have a mental image of the Library's original landscaping. But what lovely and manicured spaces they were!
Interview With an Author: Lily Brooks-Dalton
Lily Brooks-Dalton is the author of the national bestseller The Light Pirate
They Once Walked the Halls of Central Library: Samuel Wardlaw, Special Investigator
Tiffney Sanford, Librarian, North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Branch Library, Tuesday, April 7, 2026
You no doubt know the names of the city's famous fictional private detectives—Philip Marlowe, Easy Rawlins, Jake Gittes—but let me introduce you to Mr. Samuel Wardlaw, Los Angeles Public Library's Special Investigator.
Read It First! Movie Adaptations in Theaters This Month
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.