William Andrews Clark Memorial Library

Library · Jefferson

William Andrews Clark Memorial Library

Library · Jefferson

2520 Cimarron St, Los Angeles, CA 90018

Highlights

Nestled in West Adams, the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library boasts a stunning collection of rare books and manuscripts, exuding charm with its ivy-covered walls and serene gardens.

2520 Cimarron St, Los Angeles, CA 90018 Get directions

clarklibrary.ucla.edu

@clark_library

@onthegrid

"West Adams is home to one of the most extensive rare books and manuscripts collections in the United States. William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, UCLA, has thousands of printed books, pamphlets, maps, manuscripts, and institutional archives. Their holdings for typeface designer Eric Gill are the most comprehensive in the world. They even have a leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed in the West with movable metal type! From the outside, you're met with a high wall covered in ivy—straight out of a storybook. On the inside, an open garden pavilion and the two-story library, designed by Robert D. Farquhar. Tours of The Clark are by appointment only, so make sure to contact in advance." - Ben Loiz Studio

On the Grid : The Clark

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@onthegrid

"The Clark, West Adams. West Adams is home to one of the most extensive rare books and manuscripts collections in the United States. William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, UCLA, has thousands of printed books, pamphlets, maps, manuscripts, and institutional archives. Their holdings for typeface designer Eric Gill are the most comprehensive in the world. They even have a leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed in the West with movable metal type! From the outside, you're met with a high wall covered in ivy—straight out of a storybook. On the inside, an open garden pavilion and the two-story library, designed by Robert D. Farquhar. Tours of The Clark are by appointment only, so make sure to contact in advance."

Los Angeles

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Taiga Iwane

Google

Great place to visit and is a beautiful place. 100% recommended this place!

Michael Romero

Google

Beautiful building and gardens surrounding. I went to visit the interiors but it was closed for a special occasion and it seems that you need an appointment. The website isn’t that informative for visitors but I would like to return.

Patricia Mace

Google

The Clark is one of my most favourite places ever !!! I love it dearly, and the wonderful illustrated books, and events - always beautifully presented. A place of serenity and grace in a quiet corner of our LA.

KR M

Google

This is not a public library with computers, printers, space to read and write. It’s more like a museum.

Taiga Iwane

Google

Great place to visit and is a beautiful place. 100% recommended this place!

Michael Romero

Google

Patricia Mace

Google

KR M

Google

This is not a public library with computers, printers, space to read and write. It’s more like a museum.

Yvonne B.

Yelp

Yesterday, I went for their annual open house and adopt-a-book fair! This library is stunning, almost like a museum. I love their ceiling artwork the most. The staff are so friendly and walk you through William Andrew Clark's life, why he wanted the high walls, and what they are working on. I hadn't known they filmed movies here! I'd recommend visiting for people who love community programs, museums, music and art, and for those eager to support their preservation efforts.

Amy M.

Yelp

I believe you have to make an appointment to go inside. Otherwise you can just walk the grounds outside. Feels serene and peaceful. I dropped by because I heard they've got a seed library. If you're interested in free seeds you can head downstairs and grab some seed envelopes by the entrance. You can also leave seeds. There are many varieties of seeds such as poppies, zinnia, sunflower, hollyhock, etc.

Simone F.

Yelp

Book nerds rejoice! What a lovely 'secret' Los Angeles has been hiding! A gorgeous library built by the son of the "Copper King," as only the scions of robber barons in a bygone age could build. Our guide was wonderfully informative and full of facts. This is a functioning reference library but really a museum, and you are led through the insanely gorgeous reading rooms with their ornate furnishings and decorations. Not just an architectural treasure it hold a huge selection of reference materials, including apparently most of Oscar Wilde's books and documents which, when they became available in the last century, no-one else wanted. Truly a gem worth seeing when you can take the tour. (when I visited it was just prior to the shutdown when it goes into concert mode) Also it was used in the 80's tv miniseries "The Thorn Birds."

Susie C.

Yelp

This is a beautiful piece of property/land. Went to the reopening Jan 21st because it was closed for 2 years for renovations. The books, buildings, artwork, furniture, and landscape is something you'll never forget. It's too bad that it's not open to the public and schools aren't allowed to take field trips because it would be very educational for our younger students.

Hayao M.

Yelp

This is a review for the Boston trio performance in the drawing room. The $25 ticket was well worth it & it was an intimate setting perfect for chamber music. Parking is free in the lot in front. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early for a good seat. If your view is obstructed by the person in front of you, it's easy to move your chair. The program lasts about an hour and a half.

Seema P.

Yelp

The William Andrews Clark Memorial Library is one of UCLA's major libraries. It is a rare books and manuscripts collection, with particular strengths in English literature and history (1641-1800), Oscar Wilde, and fine printing. It is located thirteen miles off campus (about a half-hour drive), in the West Adams District of Los Angeles north of USC. It is administered by UCLA's Center for Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Studies.