Children's Literature Department

Surrounded by historic murals depicting early California history, the past, present, and future all converge in one of the most beautiful and vibrant departments in Central Library.

The Children’s Literature Department is a safe and welcoming public library environment for children ages 0-11 (or up to 5th grade) and their parents and caregivers. Opportunities abound for exploration, entertainment, and learning in the department through year-round storytimes, puppet shows, author programs, craft and activity programs, and other special events. The collection of over 250,000 juvenile items is one of the largest in the United States and serves to meet the informational, cultural, and recreational needs of the residents of Los Angeles and its visitors.

Programming Highlights

• We have a weekly Preschool Storytime for ages 2-5, as well as other programs for ages K-5 that build a solid foundation in early literacy, foster a love of books and reading, and give children and their caregivers opportunities to socialize, create, and play.
• In our STAR Readers program, volunteers regularly read and share stories with children ages 0-5 to promote the joy of books and reading.

Special Facilities

• Our We Read Together (WRT) Space is a welcoming space within the children’s literature department that supports early learning by offering enriching and developmentally appropriate books and furniture for young children and their families. The experiences, resources, and interactions provided by these spaces help build brain development and fuel a love of learning.
• The Computer Zone provides access to digital resources and online homework help for children up to age 11.

Materials & Collections

The Children’s Literature Department is home to an impressive collection of over 250,000 books in English, Spanish, and 22 other languages. Other formats include VOX books, magazines, audiobooks, music CDs, and DVDs. Access high-quality digital resources, including online databases, encyclopedias, online homework help, and more.

Special Collections

The Children's Literature Department houses an extensive historical reference collection of children's books available for in-house research.

The department specializes in:

• Mother Goose
• Alphabet and Counting Books
• Californiana
• Fairytales and Folklore
• Poetry

Reference books do not circulate outside the library. Please note that adult readers will be asked to leave a photo ID at the reference desk while viewing reference material.

Additionally, the Children’s Literature Department is reserved for children and their caregivers. Adult readers, unaccompanied by a child, are welcome to request reference materials but will be asked to view them in the nearby Art Department.

Group Visits

Schools & Classes

Schools and other groups are invited to make appointments to visit Central Library’s Children’s Literature Department for a field trip. We are happy to host preschoolers and students in kindergarten through 5th grade.

• Class visits are offered on Tuesdays at 10:30 am and must be booked at least three weeks in advance.
• For preschoolers, a visit consists of a thirty-minute storytime.
• For students in kindergarten through 5th grade, a visit consists of a thirty-minute guided tour of Central Library and a thirty-minute program in the Children’s Literature Department. Following the program, students are welcome to browse for books and check out materials.

To book your class visit, please call 213-228-7250 or email us at children@lapl.org.