Central Library (DTLA)
DETAILS:
Location: 630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday: 10AM to 8PM
Friday & Saturday: 9:30AM to 5:30PM
Sunday: 1PM to 5PM
Parking: Parking structure available at the library: 524 S. Flower Street Garage
Rates with validation (you’ll need a valid Los Angeles Library Card to get validation): $1 for 1 hr / $5 for 2hrs / $9 for 3hrs / $3.50 for every 10 minutes after 3hrs up to $35 max / $1 flat rate after 3PM and on Saturdays and Sundays during library hours.
limited metered parking available in the area (even if you find one though, the parking structure rates will probably be cheaper though)
Cost: Free!
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Miscellaneous:
Free 1hr “Art & Architecture” tours available at 12:30PM on Monday thru Friday, 11AM & 2PM on Saturday, and 2PM on Sunday.
Free 1hr “Garden” tours available at 12:30PM on Saturday.
Numerous programs, activities, discussion, and performances are available at the library throughout the year. Please see their website below (under “resources”) for schedule.
In addition to a cafe, there is also a PANDA EXPRESS located within the library. A PANDA EXPRESS!
For many of us, the public library system was only necessary for school, a useful tool to help with that term paper or research project. Once our educational commitment was in the rearview mirror, so was our use for the library, and any return visit became sporadic at best. But what if I told you that the public library system is a vital component of a healthy community? When you really think about it, the library is one of those rare indoor public spaces that welcomes anyone who cares to enter, providing respite from the heat and cold. It provides knowledge and entertainment without having to spend a dime and is a helpful gateway to a myriad of resources. Everyone is equal here regardless of economic status, an example that more of the world should follow. Then what if I told you that a public library could be stunning as well, a place to marvel at for its elegance and architecture just as much as any of its books. If you don’t believe that’s possible, then I strongly suggest you visit Central Library (part of the Los Angeles Library System) in DTLA at your earliest convenience.
Officially named The Richard J. Riordan Central Library (the 39th Mayor of Los Angeles; 1993 to 2001), the library was designed by architect; Bertram Goodhue, and completed in 1926. Now designated as a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the library is a classic example of Art Deco style and its iconic pyramid roof serves as a steadfast monument to the city’s legacy as it barrels forward to the future. Goodhue believed that referencing history and culture through art added a valuable intellectual dimension to public buildings and utilized the work of sculptor; Lee Lawrie, and artist; Julian Garnsey, to imprint examples of such throughout the building. In my opinion the grandeur of their collective work has to be the main rotunda which serves as the centerpiece for the entire library. You’ll feel like you’ve entered a cathedral when you walk in, and enter you must to gain a full appreciation for its magnificence.
The Tom Bradley Wing (the 38th Mayor of Los Angeles; 1973 to 1993) was added in 1993 to address issues of overcrowding and physical deterioration. The wing would have been completed sooner had it not been for two arson fires (in 1986) and an earthquake (in 1987) that forced the library to close in order to repair major structural damage. Built to complement the library’s original design, The Tom Bradley Wing consists of 8 floors (several of which are located underground) built around a gigantic central atrium. Other then the children and teen departments, the bulk of the library’s collection is now located in the Tom Bradley Wing. The “original” library currently serves as an exhibition space, service hub, and is where most of the administrative offices are located.
So if you want to spend a day exploring some historic Los Angeles architecture, wrap yourself up with some amazing art, and check out a book or two (literally), the Central Library is awaiting your arrival. Oh, did I mention they have a Panda Express yet?! If that doesn’t give you yet another reason to visit, I don’t know what will.
RESOURCES:
Los Angeles Public Library; Central Library webpage.
