Central Library

Honestly, this is the real reason why I love libraries. It is hard to find something comparable to this library on the west side of the US and I am so fortunate to live nearby it. I love the historic/ aesthetic value, the vast collection of books, the revolving galleries in recent years, and the Octavia lab. It is hard to find a comparable library nearby. Despite not reading for most of my adulthood due to school, I am glad to be reading again albeit it takes me awhile to actually finish a book (I love the Libby app, too!) Tips- Come on weekends for $1 paid parking ($1 all day during library hours) or after 3pm (with a valid library card). This has been the rate for decades! Sunday has free parking for metered parking nearby. (-): -I wished requesting new material was easier. -I also wished there were more subscriptions to magazines like the Economist/ the Atlantic available online.

I have documents to take copies and the security guards not allowing me to bring the cart. This is discrimation against adults who can't carry the documents that are heavy. My cart is 21" wide and death 24" And height is 35" without the handle. And I have not open them once collapsed to enter. I had walker before and they let me hang my weighted documents there to come win with it. Today I couldn't bring walker as before LA Dot Dash Bus driver wouldnt let me walk into the bus and made us go out and stopped driving for us. What kinds of discrimination is this for seniors ? It shoukd be allowed to bring upto the width of the detectors! Now I can't go into library to make 10 copies. And I had to walk all the way here from San Pedro Street.

I visited the Central Library for the first time! I have lived in California since 1982 and I cannot believe that I had not ever been there. If you have never been to the Central Library, you are literally missing out! It is absolutely beautiful and I would also go so far to say that by going there be prepared to spend time. Whatever kind of profession you are and craft you have to see this place. I only had sadly an hour there. If you live in the valley you could jump on the Metro train if you are not a scaredie, just pray what can I tell you? Don't make a decision not to ride Metro because you will be in Downtown in 20 minutes. The train will take you right there. If you like walking like I do, the hills are awesome treadmill out in the opening. You need to wear tennis shoes not heels ladies. I saw upon leaving an ice skaing rink. Downtown Los Angeles has got it going on! You will be glad that you did to visit. Food wise there is many varieties from restuarants to the if you are a little picky take lunch in a cool sack. You will have a blast at the Los Angeles Public Central Library! Another thing to know is the library has either 5 or it is 6 floors! I know crazy right. So go there! Sundays at 2:pm there are tours Sundays Art & Architecture Go There, and have a blast! Library info: https://www.lapl.org/branches/central-library For Food: https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/eat-drink/the-guide-to-los-angeles-food-halls-and-marketplaces

An outstanding and honored landmark in downtown Los Angeles. The library is a monument to reading and knowledge. It provides access to books, movies, computers, etc to the public at no charge. An architectural gem, I enjoy visiting just to wander the building and marvel at the buildings many wonders. It draws you back to a time when knowledge and learning were more valued...

Books invite all they constrain none  Wisdom is the ripest fruit of much reflection ... Wow, definitely will return to this library. Modern. Impressive. Spacious. Homeless. There is too much to talk about this wonderful library ... but the bathroom trip stands out. I went to the bathroom and a person with big bag was behind me. As usual, I held the door ... who thanked me. But for a moment, I wished for more people. Inside the bathroom, one stall has toilet paper filling the gaps. At first I thought it was out of order. But then heard movement ... just not a scene I expected to see in a library. But again, it's what life: see, learn and enjoy.

The central library is a great place to check out! There's a surprising amount of resources available! For example, you can borrow laptops, get 3D printing done, free news and magazine subscriptions, not to mention free classes and events for all ages. You just have to look for them... Personally, I was shocked to find out how there's a really good selection of manga and comics (yes weebs unite). The library really caters to all audiences~ In addition, the library is a great visit for it's architectural and historical value! I highly recommend going on one of the free library tours to learn more. The only possible downside is concerns of safety in DTLA. It's not the library's fault, but a larger systemic issue. For instance, have had occurrence of seeing half naked ppl full on washing themselves in the restroom... But there is security onsite and they seem quick to response.

I was inspired to come here because of a TikTok and I'm so glad I did ! There are so many great resources available here. The real gem was the Octavia Lab. Here you can access their 3D printing, sewing machines, embroidery machine, poster printing, audio room, studio, and more ! I highly recommend visiting.

This place is HUGE. It's like a cake, it has so many layers. Multiple escalators, different levels for different sections, it's truly incredible! The artwork is beautiful. The staff is very nice. Even what they offer in the Octavia Lab is remarkable! Perfect for a hot day because the AC is blasting in this place! Can't wait to come back ;)

I love libraries and bookstores, and I especially love them when located in classy historic buildings like this one. My online card stopped working, so I went to the checkout window, she pointed out the application computer for a new one, and I had it within minutes. Everyone is so helpful, even in the cute gift shop inside the library building. I ogled all the historic ceilings, and read numerous historic signs on all the levels on my last visit. I especially liked the motto over one of the entrances: Books invite all. They constrain no one.

Why it's taken me so long to check out the central library in downtown is beyond me. If you haven't already, I highly suggest you check it out. Even if you don't like to read, the library offers so much more. They have historical LA pictures, documents and maps. There is a computer lab you can use at no charge. Printers. The children's area is huge! So many books and the room is beautiful. There's also a special section for teens, artists, crafters, bloggers and so on. There is so much this branch offers...you can check out their website for all the info. Whether you grew up in LA or visiting, I recommend you take the docent art and architectural tour which is free and lasts an hour. The library website will have the schedule. You learn a bit of history about the library and how the building and art came about. We had our tour a few days ago with Billy who did a fantastic job taking us around. The library does offer parking validation which is a really nice perk, the weekends is all day for $1, weekdays can get expensive if you plan to stay several hours. Taking the train in would be the best idea.

I owe an apology for keeping one of Los Angeles' best-kept secrets to myself: the Octavia Lab. Nestled inside the historic Downtown Central Library, the Octavia Lab is a haven for creativity, offering state-of-the-art equipment to its members. There is so much to explore here, so let me start by describing the offerings. Personally, I've been making the most of the memory lab. This lab allows you to digitize various mediums, including: - Documents - Photos, slides, negatives - Super 8 and 8mm film (picture only, no audio) - Compact audio cassettes - CDs and DVDs - DV and MiniDV (SP) - 3.5" floppy disks - Minidiscs - Reel-to-reel audio tapes - VHS (SP and EP; NTSC) - Vinyl records (LP and 45) I've been digitizing my family photographs, slides, negatives, and 8mm movies. Eventually, I plan to move on to my LPs and reel-to-reel audio tapes. But that's just the beginning. The Octavia Lab offers so much more, including 3D printing, engraving machines, embroidery machines, and "The Studio," where you can do podcasting, sound editing, and video editing. The range of resources is incredible--there's too much to cover here, so I encourage you to Google it and see for yourself. Every week, you can print a poster, yes, a full-sized poster, provided it meets the lab's guidelines. The lab also features a laser cutter, vinyl cutter, sewing machines, and a photography studio. The opportunities are endless. Whether you're an artist, a creative type, or simply someone looking to explore a new hobby, there's something for you here. Check out their website and decide where you want to start--there's so much to discover. I must mention the amazing team that runs the lab, whom I affectionately call the Fabulous Four: Lauren, Richard, Al, and Miguel. They have been incredibly helpful, kind, and patient. I wasn't the easiest person to assist when I first started, but they always guided me through my issues with professionalism and a smile. Sadly, I've seen some lab attendees treat the staff disrespectfully. I want to remind everyone that lab membership is a privilege. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to digitize my irreplaceable family history here. Despite the busy environment, I've never seen any of the staff lose their composure. All these incredible services and equipment are available at no charge--you just need to be a lab member and hold a Los Angeles Public Library card. There's so much more I could say about this place and its mission. The importance of digitizing and providing creative equipment to the community cannot be overstated. But I'll keep it brief: I urge everyone to take a tour, Google it, and check it out for yourselves. Share this treasure with friends and family--they'll thank you.

This is one of the spots I was looking forward to during my visit in LA. This library is HUGE!!! I got to take a look at different floors & sections. I checked out a book I came across in the sports section (any And 1 supporters out there... there's a book called Streetball: All The Ballers, Moves, Slams & Shine that's available). There's a kids section that includes a mural on the ceiling. The art's hypnotizing & very detailed. We were having issues during self checkout so we got in line to handle the checkout. The librarian helped us out & made checkout easier, he was very nice.

Big library in the center of LA. It's about 4 levels. We went during a book festival. Very spacious. Only downside is the homeless due tend to camp out outside and even in the mens restroom at times. Parking can be difficult. We parked at Paragon Parking lot. $23 for the whole day. A bit pricey, but it's all day and right in front of the library. We loved that there's one big room for all Spanish books for kids. Biggest selection we've seen in a library.

The Downtown LA library is really worth a visit. I read they have a really cool kids play section there. This is outdated post. The librarian in the kid's section seemed well-versed in answering this question. It seems many people come to the kid's section in the DTLA library to be instantly disappointed as there's no play section for kids. Supposedly, it was taken out during COVID. Anyways, the architecture of the DTLA library is very beautiful inside and out. There's lot's of homeless people wandering the library, but that's expected in any library especially one that's in DTLA. Bring your ID and a copy of bill with your address on it and you can get a city of Los Angeles library card even if you don't live in LA. As long as you have a state of California ID.

An underrated LA attraction! If you like visiting bookstores or museums you have to stop by. This place is more like a library palace, with fountains and gardens melting into the busy and chaotic downtown around it. The lack of boundaries makes it unpretentious and somehow more majestic. The library offers an architecture tour (didn't get to go on this time) which should be very interesting. Another highlight is the Getty and Annenberg Gallery, which is more like an art museum wing. Walking around the library's different areas, you soon realize the amount of resources offered is top tier, and designed with care. There's a new/popular books area, a cozy and inviting teen zone, an adult literacy center with individual study pods, to name just a few. An afternoon did not allow for checking out everything in the library's six to seven levels. The courtesy of every staff member is remarkable. In the library store (similar to a museum store) selling fancy $30 notebooks, the cashier greeted a homeless person and thanked him for his visit afterwards without batting an eye. Whether or not you're new to the area, there's something to see at the central library. Worth checking out if you're visiting downtown!

Hadn't been to the LAPL in years. I was in dtla and I decided to stop by. I forgot how huge it is and peaceful. Came on a rainy day and it was perfect because there weren't too many people and was able to walk around and look at the architecture. I also had a chance to check out some books since this year I plan to read more. Love that they have a structure that you are able to park in and get validation. It definitely makes coming to the LAPL hassle free.

The library and staff are great. The failure of city leadership is evident. My wife, three year old, and I came on Sunday about 20 minutes before doors opened and the library was surrounded by homeless waiting to get in. Staff recommended that we wait for "the horde" to go in and not to use the restrooms. This is shameful.

Finally after living in the area for five years I made it to this historical LA landmark! So much history here: - Third largest library in the country housing more than ten million items - Sadly burnt down twice in 1986 due to arson, yet it remains a city symbol like an arisen phoenix - The structure was founded in 1872 as an eight-story building - The older original section of the library--known as the Goodhue Building--features the outstanding Rotunda. Its walls feature murals by Dean Cornwell depicting a very romanticized California history, a "Ramona-version" - The International Languages room features books in 29 languages and remains just as diverse like the metro's residents - The most scenic view is from the first floor of the newer hall with massive artistic Chandeliers featuring land, earth and sea creatures Docent-led tours are available on weekdays at 12:30 p.m. On Saturdays, there are three tours: 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday tours are at 2 p.m. Now go explore and learn!

Haven't been here since my 5th grade field trip 20 years ago. Feels the same as it did 20 years ago. It's huge and seems limitless in book supply. Staff is friendly.

It's a cool place! I really liked The Library Store and the huge selection of books to borrow. It's a long trek for me on foot but well worth enduring the burning heat of the California sun. I'll be back.

This is an absolutely gorgeous and beautifully maintained library. There is an extensive collection with many resources. It is clean. Short-term free parking was easy to find. There wasn't a long wait to use a computer. Printing was fast and easy. Staff were helpful and easily accessible for questions and directions. I just needed to print some documents real quick while in the area. I totally forgot about the homeless/transient population until I walked into the library. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated. The only drawback was obviously the homeless and the smell. There are a lot of small rooms, dark without much ventilation so the odors were offensive. I have a sensitive noise and stomach so I became nauseous. I would go back with a mask and gloves. It's disappointing that their aren't any rules against vagrancy. It's unsafe to be around unsanitary conditions. I didn't see many hand sanitizer stations or disinfecting wipes--that are available at my home library branch.

Such a cool place! And you can live anywhere in California and get a card here so it was a great stop for our visit to LA

The library is itself is really nice. There is a large selection on the topic so it's worth it for the collection. There is a makers space and art/history gallery. For every level, there is a focus on certain topics. The architecture is old and well done. I remember it being remodeled early 2000s. It's looks quite nice. One gets the feeling librarians are actively try to avoid their patrons. I know it's a Sunday but they really do seem to be avoiding work. One person ask to use the computer and the librarian immediately went to talk to someone else. Ma'm are you serious? I saw the whole interaction. When I went to the front desk in the Science floor/section and the person was on the phone. So, I went to the other side (it's a square) and someone after me went to talk to someone. Excuse me why is there no clear line? You need a sign there for a line for the info desk at the floor, clearly. Rehire or retrain the librarian staff please. :/ I can only speak for this floor but these people really don't care. Bathrooms are a bit iffy.

Amazing place. But there is one person to check out books for the entire library. Ridiculous. Hire more people!

Very cool historic building in DTLA. There are free hour long daily tours that is very interesting. It is one of the last free air conditioned spaces with clean bathrooms in DTLA for people to hang out so there is a sizable homeless population in and around the area. However, security has a noticeable presence to balance that out.

The central library is my favorite library. The variety of books you can check out with 50% of them being in storage, resources such as the Octavia lab (where I do Adobe illustrator), and the free crafting events they have are so cool. I especially like to check out botanical books from the 1800s. Librarians are helpful. Plenty of places to sit down and charge your devices while working on the computers. The museum that they change out sometimes is epic as well.

When visiting DTLA make sure you pass through this Art Deco masterpiece, one of the last old buildings on the side of Hill Street where modernity meets historic. A fully functioning library, its multiple levels and architectural features makes it photogenic and something to marvel at. The rotunda is a great place yo start the tour and has the teen reading section nearby. Also pop into the adjacent children's books area that is also a well curated collection. The rotating art exhibitions in various halls are also noteworthy and easily justify frequent visits. Keep in mind that all this is FREE! As you descend the cascading levels it's all at once historic and science fiction. Towering columns frame the main zones, including 3D printing lab.we toured that and were duly impressed with setup. Truthfully, I am still trying to absorb everything and look forward to more visits in the future. It's too bad that I'm not an LA County resident or live closer because I'd spend many hours per week here reading and browsing if it was possible.

The central LA library is an attractive melding of classic 100 year old architecture with postmodern restorations. The Collection spans many genres. There are also nice fast food asian restaurants in the library lobby. The hours could be better and it's not on a par with the NYC central library but it still gets 5 stars for having all the bells and whistles of a major city library. The security staff is also too aggressive with telling people where they can read on the grounds outside.

Beautiful library but unfortunately due to our States horrible mismanagement it's crowded with homeless inside and out. I could see the employees trying their best to remove those who where sleeping but they are outnumbered. It's sad to see what California has become.

This library looks like a museum, very beautiful their children section is my favorite. Walls and ceilings have architectural details, nicely done very spacious and they have nice shop to get tokens from the library...just be cautious outside the building but law enforcement was visible when we visited....

This grand central library is in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. A land mark building with its iconic pyramid on the top of the building recognizable from any vista point in the city. Everytime I come to this library it's like a new adventure each time I walk around it's like a new discovery. To fully enjoy and appreciate the library you must take it in sections and dedicate each section a whole day and plan ahead because the library always has a full calendar of events such as plays,music concerts readings,many different types of classes I highly recommend the use of this library

My mom use to take me to this library when I was a kid after school and in the weekends. I loved coming here to read fiction books. It's where I discovered my favorite adventure horror series Skulduggery Pleasant. A detective Skeleton who has magic powers and fight all types of magical wizards in England. I enjoy that it is in a busy part of downtown because it will never be a dull moment. We also rented anime series here like Bleach and Naruto. We would watch them when we got home and it made my day. I use to study here with my friends grom High School and College. It was always a fun experience. I recently came here to print my resume because of a job interview and it helped out a lot! Thank you guys so much. The staff here is always friendly too!! I remember I when O was looking gor my first job they were very helpful, guided me with patience and were very understanding. They have got to be the best library in all of Los Angeles!

A landmark in Los Angeles, California... When I did some research on Los Angeles (for vacation purposes), I looked up Points of Interest and found that this Downtown location of the Public Library was on the list! I had time one day, so I wandered around... it's cool! I liked the mosaics, the gift shop, and the artwork! This is not just a place for books - it's like a museum! If you have time, stop by this LA library... it's really beautiful!

Gets 2 stars because the architecture and total design of the building is fantastic. Every inch of this building screams history and is definitely worth seeing at least once. Outside of that, this place should be renamed the Homeless Library because 90% of the patrons who are there are definitely homeless. This library has 8 floors and several restrooms...but I don't recommend using any one of them because they are normally occupied with someone showering or just brushing their teeth. And the restrooms always stink. So if you want to see a Homeless talent show and smell the fumes of urine and body odor....this is the place for you.

Are we seriously going to charge $3.50 every 10min after 3 hours? Most people have more than 3 hours worth of studying to do, and for those still in academia don't have $35 to spend everyday. Get sophisticated and have the scanner for validations to scan for your student ID or something upon exit. To make it more student friendly for parking. Because the current prices are on absurd. Be better LA.

I finally went here the other day, and it's an interesting place. First ,I did like the exterior it's very art decco. Second, I found the maps and floor layout confusing and dark. But I did find a quiet area to study. The drawback for me is that their wifi is spotty. There's a huge atrium with lots of light, so that was worth me seeing. And since the library is in the heart of dtla, it's surrounded by skyscrapers. I did see a lot of homless individuals, and there was body odor that gave me a headache so I had to move to another floor ,but I have sympathy for them and the city should assist them in finding a home.

The historic central library is a DTLA landmark. The original building constructed in 1926, was designed by the architect, Bertram Goodhue, and the new wing of central library completed in 1993, was named in honor of former mayor Tom Bradley. Daily free walk-in tours, guide the art and architecture of the Goodhue Building with its distinctive sphinxes and rooftop pyramid, and wander through the Tom Bradley Wing, designed by architect Norman Pfeiffer, and explore the 8-story atrium with its whimsical chandeliers.

Placed a couple of books on hold online and had them send it here! I received a notification they were ready for pick up! Went today...such an easy process! I love it! Cool and huge library! Historic and def the biggest I ever been to. If you go to the admin desk they have papers for a map and information on the history of the building. Took my parents here on an adventure. I also got a library card. They have some cool artsy ones right now for free. Multiple entrances, art installations, a garden, different levels for different genres, learning centers. It's packed! It's just kinda dark though and parts of it reminds me of Union Station and Harry Potter.

The Los Angeles Central Library is a beautiful Art Deco building from the 1920s. On the second floor, there is a chess club that meets in the Art Department on Mondays from 5:30 - 7:00pm. Chess boards and pieces are provided. I went as a beginner player and had a great time. There are also multiple shelves full of chess books in the Art Department, both for reference and to check out.

It's a library- multiple floors. Kid section doesn't have much just tables to sit at. Furniture is a little dirty . Need a key to use the restrooms. Parking is NOT free. We paid $1 for going on a weekend with validation. Validation is at the information booth. Smells like homeless and booze but why not if you're bored. They also have a small gift shop!

Fantastic place to get a little free art, history and sight seeing (they apparently have books too).

Located on the second floor of the Main Library in downtown LA (DTLA) this little free gallery includes a few interesting art installations and many various vintage collections. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a life sized elephant made of walnuts. Next to it is a bench made entirely of possibly hundreds of thousands of can tabs. (See my photos!) Other pieces include a collection of vintage typewriters, vintage candy wrappers (actually cooler it sounds) bird nests, pieces of asphalt from various freeways and even something as plain as paper airplanes. There's even a collection of matchbooks collected from gay bars displayed in a round glass case. On a weekday, the gallery is fairly quiet with a handful of visitors at any given time. This makes for great photo ops and not having people crowd around. Don't expect the Getty / Annenberg Gallery to be some spectacular place with rare art from around the globe. But it does have its quirkiness and fun pieces to look at. Worth a half hour spent strolling through if you're into that kind of stuff. See my photos to see what's inside.

The Los Angeles Public Library was built in 1926 and has been included in the National Register of Historic Places. The eight-story building is massive in size and known as the third largest central library in the U.S. The massive collection and inventory of reading materials surely are nothing short of impressive but you also have to check also the breathtaking architecture of this magnificent building. Not to be missed is the Rotunda where the walls feature murals depicting California history. From here, look up the ceiling and see the exquisite Zodiac Chandelier, with a stained glass globe and zodiac symbols surrounding it. After two disastrous fire that engulfed parts of the library, a major renovation was done extensively, the last one of which was done during Tom Bradley's term. Take the escalator to the atrium, where three giant sculptural chandeliers hang. The library also holds two galleries, the Getty Gallery and the Annenberg Gallery. The former has exhibitions that change every few months while the latter displays the library's permanent collection of historical places. To learn more about this library, Docent-led tours are available on weekdays and Saturdays. Please check website for hours and more details.

This is one of the largest public libraries I've ever seen! It is the size of a university library with 4 floors below ground and 3 floors above ground. So many reading and study spaces available. The collection is extensive! Rows and rows of books and media to choose from. It was my first time there and the staff was very kind and helpful. I got a library card in 1 minute, such a simple and breezy process! They told me that the most popular place to study is the third floor because of the plentiful natural lighting from their big windows. They were right! So many tables and cubbies to choose from to make yourself comfortable for some research and reading. I also ventured down to the bottom floor which was less crowded and more quiet. I like that they validate for parking which is super rare in DTLA! Refer to my pic for parking rates! My only complaint though is the Wifi. It can be spotty. The top floors seem to have bad connection. A staff member told me to go to the third floor below ground since that is where most of their computers are so the wifi should be stronger. She was right!

Huge and inviting. I really love that it has study rooms that you can reserve. I also like the gift shop.

Honestly, this library is beautiful and has lots of great qualities I am sure. It is immaculate but the staff lack helpfulness or dedication to the love of books. We got the run around with something as simple as trying to get a simple library card! Never did get to use the computer because whoever did the card application in the computer couldn't put our phone number in correctly!! Very disappointing for such a breath taking place! I give 5 stars for the overall look and appeal of the building and how huge it is but when people can't do what they are supposed to do right and you have to keep going from one floor to another, the beauty is lost! Train your workers better! Thanks for reading.

Today was sadly my first time ever being here. Shocking, I know. Also disappointing because my friend lived in this area for a few years and I always visited her. Walked here after having dessert a couple blocks away. This library is massive. The Christmas tree is still up which adds to the appeal. The interior is so beautiful. The area where the tree is located is specially beautiful. That ceiling art is something else. I was definitely mesmerized. There's so many things to look at. We only visited a couple areas. Specifically the children's area which I loved. The selection was impressive. The other being the Teen Area. The sign reminded me of Saved by the Bell. The YA selection made me want to get a card. I'm going to plan a proper visit next time.

I tried studying here but I couldn't because the guy next to me was talking to himself, then another guy was listening to his music too loud. And it turns out most people in my floor looked to be homeless. I couldn't focus and relax with the kind of crowd it was. Beautiful building though. I'll stick with my private schools library for safety purposes.

Los Angeles Richard J Riordon Central Public Library in DTLA. RJ Riordon was LA former Mayor 1993-2001 and this library commemorates his generous donations and services to this library and the city of LA. This a historical landmark and was remodeled about a decade ago. Will make this brief because I still to attend a docent tour to know more info. However this library is filled with resources avail the public, which is a good thing. Will return and recommend. There is free limited time parking with validation.