View source for Los Angeles Public Library

{{Short description|Public library system in Los Angeles, California}}
{{About||the county library system|LA County Library{{!}} County of Los Angeles Public Library|the pilot licence|Light aircraft pilot licence}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox library
| library_name = Los Angeles Public Library
| library_logo = Los_Angeles_Public_Library_Logo.png
| image = los-angeles-central-library.jpg
| caption = South entrance of the [[Los Angeles Central Library|Richard J. Riordan Central Library]] at Hope Street
| country = United States
| type = Public
| established = {{Start date and age|1872}}
| location = 630 West 5th Street (Headquarters)
| city = [[Los Angeles, California]]
| coordinates = 
| num_branches = 72
| collection_size = 6,393,429
| annual_circulation = 18 million (2008)
| pop_served = {{plainlist|4,030,904 (city)
18,783,638 (metro)}}
| members = 
| budget = {{US$|134,630,543}}
| director = {{nowrap|John F. Szabo (Fall 2012)}}
| num_employees = 944
| website = {{URL|https://www.lapl.org|lapl.org}}
| references = <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lapl.org/about/LAPL_Status_Report_Friends.pps |author=Martin Gomez |title=City Librarian's Report to Friends Groups |format=.PPS |publisher=Los Angeles Public Library |date=February 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620165718/http://www.lapl.org/about/LAPL_Status_Report_Friends.pps |archive-date=June 20, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Los Angeles Library Foundation - Annual Report 2008-2009 | url=http://www.lfla.org/annual-report/index.php | publisher=Library Foundation of Los Angeles | year=2009 | access-date=March 26, 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125125141/http://lfla.org/annual-report/index.php | archive-date=November 25, 2010 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
}}
The '''Los Angeles Public Library''' ('''LAPL''') is a [[public library]] system in [[Los Angeles]], California, operating separate from the [[LA County Library|Los Angeles County Public Library system]]. The system holds more than six million volumes,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapl.org/about-lapl/press/2013-library-facts|title=Los Angeles Public Library Facts 2013 (for fiscal year 2012-13) {{!}} Los Angeles Public Library|website=www.lapl.org|access-date=March 6, 2016|archive-date=July 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707102923/http://www.lapl.org/about-lapl/press/2013-library-facts|url-status=dead}}</ref> and with around 19 million residents in the [[Greater Los Angeles]] area, it serves the largest metropolitan population of any public library system in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapl.org/sites/default/files/media/pdf/about/LAPL_Strategic_Plan_2015-2020.pdf|title=LAPL Strategic Plan 2015-2020|last=Szabo|first=John|date=2015|access-date=March 6, 2016}}</ref> The system is overseen by a Board of Library Commissioners with five members appointed by the [[mayor of Los Angeles]] in staggered terms, and operates 72 library branches throughout the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapl.org/about-lapl/board-library-commissioners|title=Board of Library Commissioners {{!}} Los Angeles Public Library|website=www.lapl.org|access-date=March 6, 2016}}</ref> In 1997 a local historian described it as "one of the biggest and best-regarded library systems in the nation."<ref name="pittLAAZ">{{cite book |last1=Pitt |first1=Leonard |last2=Pitt |first2=Dale |date=1997 |title= Los Angeles A to Z: An Encyclopedia of the City and County |location=Berkeley, Calif. |publisher=University of California Press |page=300> |isbn= 0-520-20274-0 }}</ref>

==History==
[[File:1880s view of the Downey Block located on the northwest corner of Temple and Main streets as seen from the front of Temple Block.jpg|thumb|The Downey Block, 1880s]]
The Los Angeles Library Association was formed in late 1872, and by early 1873, a well-stocked reading room had opened in the [[Downey Block]] at Temple and Main streets under the first librarian, John Littlefield.<ref name="Orlean" /><ref>{{Cite book|title=The light of learning: an illustrated history of the Los Angeles Public Library|last=Soter|first=Bernadette Dominique|publisher=Library Foundation of Los Angeles|year=1993|location=Los Angeles|pages=19–20}}</ref>

The original library consisted of two rooms. The larger room was called the "Book Room," and the smaller room was called the "Conversation Room," which contained newspapers, tables, chairs, and spittoons for the chess and checkers players who gathered there.<ref name="jstor.org">{{Cite journal|title=At the Pleasure of the Board: Women Librarians and the Los Angeles Public Library, 1880–1905|author1=Debra Gold Hansen|author2=Karen F. Gracy|author3=Sheri D. Irvin|journal=Libraries & Culture|year=1999|volume=34|issue=4, Fall 1999|pages=311–346|publisher=University of Texas Press|jstor=25548763|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/25548763}}</ref>

Women were not initially involved in the conception and development of the Los Angeles Library Association. [[First Ladies and Partners of California|First Lady of California]] [[Maria Downey]] was given an honorary membership out of "courtesy," but otherwise, no women were listed in the association's founding documents, women were not represented on the board, and women were denied access to the library's reading room. However, this changed in 1876 when the association decided to implement a "Ladies Room." While this new room did not offer any books, it did provide a number of magazines and comfortable sofa and chairs for local clubwomen to use.<ref name="jstor.org" />

After [[Mary Foy (librarian)|Mary Foy]] was appointed as the first head woman librarian in 1880, her appointment was viewed as an act of charity by Mayor Toberman, who may have thought Foy to be in need of a job. Joanne Passet even posited that Foy's nomination, and librarian nominations in general, were seen as "an honorable means of assisting needy men and women in the community." This notion was mostly confirmed when Foy was replaced by Jessie Gavitt, whose economic need was deemed greater than Foy's by the board.<ref name="jstor.org" /> Following Foy's appointment, the LAPL would go on to be "headed by a series of women administrators" for the next 25 years. These administrators included, Mary E. Foy (1880–1884), Jessie Gavitt (1884–1889), Lydia Prescott (1889), Tessa Kelso (1889–1895), Clara Fowler (1895–1897), Harriet Child Wadleigh (1897–1900), and Mary L. Jones (1900–1905).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hansen |first1=D.G. |last2=Gracy |first2=K.F. |last3=Irvin |first3=S.D. |title=At the pleasure of the Board: women librarians and the Los Angeles Public Library, 1881–1905 |journal=Libraries & Culture |date=1999 |volume=34 |issue=4 |pages=311–346}}</ref>

There was further speculation as to why the board decided on appointing Foy as the first head woman librarian. It may have been a political choice since she represented values that flourished in women's organizations, aiming to please the city's powerful women's clubs who may have been applying pressure. It's also suggested that Foy's nomination was a financial move; John Littlefield earned a salary of $100 while Mary Foy earned $75, which included janitorial work.<ref name="jstor.org" />

[[Tessa Kelso]] was appointed head librarian in 1889. She abolished the membership fee, increased membership from 100 to 20,000, increased the collection from 12,000 to 300,000 volumes, moved the books to open shelves, and permitted children to use the library. She set up an early system of branch libraries and moved the central library in to City Hall. She was forced out after a controversy over the library's acquisition of [[Jean Richepin]]'s book ''La Cadet'', which was considered indecent at the time.<ref name="Orlean" />

[[Mary Letitia Jones|Mary Jones]], who was appointed Librarian in 1905, was fired by the library board in favor of [[Charles Fletcher Lummis]]. The only reason given for this was that the library should be run by a man, not a woman. This provoked "The Great Library War". Women in Los Angeles petitioned and marched in support of Jones but she was finally forced out; she took up a position as head of the library at [[Bryn Mawr College]] in [[Pennsylvania]].{{sfn|Orlean|2018a|pages=132, 139–143}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/blogs/lapl/great-library-war-1905-part-1-have-you-met-miss-jones|title=The Great Library War of 1905, Part 1: Have you met Miss Jones?|last=Beyelia|first=Nicholas|date=March 21, 2018|website=Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) blog|language=en|access-date=June 26, 2019}}</ref> Lummis established several special collections, including photography, autographs, and California and Spanish history. He oversaw two moves into larger buildings, and he greatly increased use of the library through several outreach programs.<ref name="Orlean" />

{{circa|1914}}, the collection numbered 203,600.<ref name=":0" /> The central library was located in the "[[May Company California|Hamburger Building]] at Eighth and Broadway" with plans to soon move to the "[[Metropolitan Building (Los Angeles)|Metropolitan Building]] at Fifth and Broadway."<ref name=":0" /> The library had 22 branch "reading rooms" including two (San Pedro and Hollywood) housed in [[Carnegie library]] buildings.<ref name=":0" /> The library had a total of 41 "branches and distribution points" at that time, and cooperated with the "playground department" to offer "branch libraries" at "the Violet Street, Slauson, Hazard, and Echo Park playgrounds, and at the Recreation Center."<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ltZCAAAAIAAJ |title=Standard Guide to Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Panama-California Exposition |date=1914 |publisher=Press Association |language=en}}</ref>

Aggressive expansion and growth of the system began in the 1920s. The first building dedicated exclusively for library use opened in 1926.<ref name="Orlean" />

On January 8, 2025, the [[Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles|Pacific Palisades]] Branch Library was destroyed in the [[Palisades Fire|2025 Palisades Fire]].<ref name="PacPalLib">{{Cite web |last=Fox11 |title=Palisades Branch Library goes up in flames |url=https://news.google.com/read/CBMiS0FVX3lxTE9Ub2c5dEZoSEdGaDFVV1JtdGNaUVZFc0p1MWh0eHhPcFJLRllLc3lWVTM3QUFoVGE4dHNHbm90UC1rbWUzcjBkaFVGUdIBUEFVX3lxTFBUbkFGbDl3Um1hTjR3cVNJOFZTZVZaSjVxLUN0Yi1yMVYwZ2U4U1JLRTk5enhXVUx3NDVKcVE5MFRuRHFBOW5JVHdMdVdzMVhG?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=Google News |language=en-US}}</ref>

===City librarians===
[[File:Mary E. Foy LCCN2014702212.jpg|thumb|upright|{{center|Mary Foy}}]]
[[File:Tessa Kelso At the Pleasure of the Board.jpg|thumb|upright=.57|{{center|Tessa Kelso}}]]
[[File:Lummis 2.jpg|thumb|upright=.57|{{center|Charles F. Lummis}}]]
* 1873–1879: John Littlefield
* 1879–1880: Patrick Connolly
* 1880–1884: [[Mary Foy (librarian)|Mary Foy]]
* 1884–1889: Jessie Gavitt
* 1889–1889: Lydia Prescott
* 1889–1895: [[Tessa Kelso]]
* 1895–1897: Clara Bell Fowler
* 1897–1900: Harriet Child Wadleigh
* 1900–1905: [[Mary Letitia Jones]]
* 1905–1910: [[Charles Fletcher Lummis]]
* 1910–1911: Purd Wright
* 1911–1933: Everett Robbins Perry
* 1933–1947: [[Althea Warren]]
* 1947–1969: Harold Hamill
* 1969–1990: Wyman Jones
* 1990–1994: [[Elizabeth Martinez (librarian)|Elizabeth Martinez]]
* 1995–2004: Susan Goldberg Kent
* 2004–2008: Fontayne Holmes
* 2009–2012: Martin Gomez
* 2012–present: [[John Szabo]]<ref name="Orlean">{{Cite book|title=The Library Book|last=Orlean|first=Susan|publisher=Atlantic Books|year=2018a|isbn=978-1-78239-225-5|location=London|pages=125, 129, 132, 139–143, 173, 174, 198, 203, 307|oclc=1084749272}}</ref>

==Central Library==
{{mainarticle|Richard J. Riordan Central Library}}
[[File:LA Library.jpg|left|upright|thumb|Los Angeles Central Library at Flower Street]]
The Central Library Goodhue building was constructed in 1926 and is a [[Downtown Los Angeles]] landmark.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapl.org/branches/central-library/art-architecture/goodhue-building|title=EARLY HISTORY, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE GOODHUE BUILDING {{!}} Los Angeles Public Library|website=www.lapl.org|access-date=March 7, 2016}}</ref> It was designed by architect [[Bertram Goodhue]].{{sfn|Orlean|2018b|page=3}} This was his last work, because the man died suddenly in 1924.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://la-future.com/uk/eternal-czentralna-biblioteka-los-andzhelesa-unikalnyj-hram-znan|title=Центральна бібліотека Лос-Анджелеса — унікальний храм знань - la-future.com|date=February 6, 2023|accessdate=March 10, 2023}}</ref> The Richard Riordan Central Library complex is the third largest public library in the United States in terms of book and periodical holdings. Originally named the Central Library, the building was first renamed in honor of the longtime president of the Board of Library Commissioners and President of the [[University of Southern California]], [[Rufus B. von KleinSmid]]. The new wing of Central Library, completed in 1993, was named in honor of former mayor [[Tom Bradley (American politician)|Tom Bradley]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapl.org/branches/central-library/art-architecture/tom-bradley-wing|title=TOM BRADLEY WING: HISTORY AND DESIGN {{!}} Los Angeles Public Library|website=www.lapl.org|access-date=March 7, 2016}}</ref> The complex (i.e., the original Goodhue building and the Bradley wing) was subsequently renamed in 2001 for former Los Angeles Mayor [[Richard Riordan]], as the Richard Riordan Central Library. The building was burned out by a catastrophic fire in 1986 when a million books and many other records (patents, play scripts, photographs) were damaged or totally destroyed. Arson was suspected but never proved.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Orlean |first1=Susan |author-link=Susan Orlean |title=The Library Book |date=2018b |publisher=Simon & Schuster |location=New York |isbn=978-1-4767-4018-8}}</ref>

{{-}}

==Branches==
Besides the [[Los Angeles Central Library|Central Library]] in downtown Los Angeles, the system operates 72 branch locations in the city's [[list of districts and neighborhoods of Los Angeles|neighborhoods]]. Eight of the larger branches are designated "regional branches."

<!--Please don't convert the "No." to the pound sign; for some reason it breaks the sortability of wikitable sortable. Thank you!-->
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! No. !! Name !! Photograph !! Address !! Zip Code !! Phone !! Area !! Neighborhood Served !! Notes
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=01 01] || '''Benjamin Franklin''' || || 2200 E. First St. || 90033-3902 || 323-263-6901 || Northeast || [[Boyle Heights, Los Angeles|Boyle Heights]] || Closed August 2, 2025. Reopening in 2027. 
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=02 02] || '''[[Lincoln Heights Branch|Lincoln Heights]]''' || [[File:Lincoln Heights Branch Library, Los Angeles.JPG|100x100px]] || 2530 Workman St. || 90031-2322 || 323-226-1692 || Northeast || [[Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles|Lincoln Heights]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=03 03] || '''Pío Pico-Koreatown''' (피오 피코 코리아타운 도서관)  || [[File:Pio Pico Koreatown Branch Library, Los Angeles.jpg|100x100px]] || 694 S. Oxford Ave. || 90005-2872 || 213-368-7647 ||  Hollywood || [[Koreatown, Los Angeles|Koreatown]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=04 04] || '''Vernon''' || || 4504 S. Central Ave. || 90011-3632 || 323-234-9106 || Central Southern || [[Historic South Central Los Angeles|South Central]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=05 05] || '''Arroyo Seco''' || || 6145 N. Figueroa St. || 90042-3565 || 323-255-0537 || Northeast || [[Highland Park, Los Angeles|Highland Park]]/[[Garvanza, Los Angeles|Garvanza]] || Regional Branch
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=06 06] || '''Exposition Park''' || [[File:Lapl-branch-exposition-park.JPG|100x100px]] || 3900 S. Western Ave. || 90062-1111 || 323-290-3113 || Central Southern || [[Exposition Park, Los Angeles|Exposition Park]] || Regional Branch
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=07 07] || '''Junipero Serra''' || || 4607 S. Main St. || 90037-2735 || 323-234-1685 || Central Southern || [[South Park, Los Angeles|South Park]]||
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=08 08] || '''Echo Park''' || || 1410 W. Temple St. || 90026-5605 || 213-250-7808 || Northeast || [[Echo Park, Los Angeles|Echo Park]] || 
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=09 09] || '''San Pedro''' || || 931 S. Gaffey St. || 90731-3606 || 310-548-7779 || Central Southern || [[San Pedro, Los Angeles|San Pedro]] || Regional Branch
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=10 10] || '''[[Wilmington Branch|Wilmington]]''' || [[File:Wilmington branch Los Angeles Public Library 1300 N. Avalon Blvd. in 2024 February 01.jpg|100px]] || 1300 N. Avalon Blvd. || 90744-2639 || 310-834-1082 || Central Southern || [[Wilmington, Los Angeles|Wilmington]] ||
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=11 11] || '''Goldwyn Hollywood''' || || 1623 Ivar Ave. || 90028-6304 || 323-856-8260 || Hollywood || [[Hollywood, California|Hollywood]] || Regional Branch
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=12 12] || '''[[John C. Fremont Branch Library, Los Angeles|John C. Fremont]]''' || [[File:Los Angeles Public Library John C. Fremont branch 6121 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90038.jpg|100px]] || 6121 Melrose Ave. || 90038-3501 || 323-962-3521 || Hollywood || [[Hancock Park, Los Angeles|Hancock Park]] ||
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=13 13] || '''Westchester-Loyola Village''' || [[File:Westchester-Loyola Branch Los Angeles Public Library.jpg|100px]] || 7114 W. Manchester Ave. || 90045-3509 || 310-348-1096 || Western || [[Westchester, Los Angeles|Westchester]] ||
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=14 14] || '''[[Vermont Square Branch|Vermont Square]]''' || [[File:Vermont Square Branch Library, Los Angeles.JPG|100x100px]] || 1201 W. 48th St. || 90037-2838 || 323-290-7405 || Central Southern || [[Vermont Square, Los Angeles|Vermont Square]] ||
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=15 15] || '''Pacific Palisades''' || [[File:Pacific Palisades Branch, Los Angeles Public Library.jpg|100x100px]] || 861 Alma Real Dr. || 90272-3730 || 310-459-2754 || Western || [[Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles|Pacific Palisades]] || Destroyed by the [[Palisades Fire|2025 Palisades Fire]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fox11 |title=Palisades Branch Library goes up in flames |url=https://news.google.com/read/CBMiS0FVX3lxTE9Ub2c5dEZoSEdGaDFVV1JtdGNaUVZFc0p1MWh0eHhPcFJLRllLc3lWVTM3QUFoVGE4dHNHbm90UC1rbWUzcjBkaFVGUdIBUEFVX3lxTFBUbkFGbDl3Um1hTjR3cVNJOFZTZVZaSjVxLUN0Yi1yMVYwZ2U4U1JLRTk5enhXVUx3NDVKcVE5MFRuRHFBOW5JVHdMdVdzMVhG?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=Google News |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=16 16] || '''Donald Bruce Kaufman Brentwood''' || [[File:Donald Bruce Kaufman Brentwood Branch.jpg|100px]] || 11820 San Vicente Blvd. || 90049-5002 || 310-575-8273 || Western || [[Brentwood, Los Angeles|Brentwood]] ||
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=17 17] || '''[[Jefferson Branch Library, Los Angeles|Jefferson-Vassie D. Wright]]''' ||[[File:Jefferson Branch Library, Los Angeles.JPG|100x100px]]|| 2211 W. Jefferson Blvd. || 90018-3741 || 323-734-8573 || Central Southern || [[Jefferson Park, Los Angeles|Jefferson Park]] || 
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=18 18] || '''[[Malabar Branch|Malabar]]''' || [[File:Malabar Branch Library, Boyle Heights.JPG|100x100px]] || 2801 Wabash Ave. || 90033-2604 || 323-263-1497 || Northeast || [[Boyle Heights, Los Angeles|Boyle Heights]] ||
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=19 19] || '''[[Robert Louis Stevenson Branch Library|Robert Louis Stevenson]]''' || [[File:Robert Louis Stevenson Branch Library, Los Angeles.JPG|100x100px]] || 803 Spence St. || 90023-1727 || 323-268-4710 || Northeast || [[Boyle Heights, Los Angeles|Boyle Heights]] ||
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=20 20] || '''[[Cahuenga Branch|Cahuenga]]''' || [[File:Cahuenga branch los angeles public library.jpg|100x100px]] || 4591 Santa Monica Blvd. || 90029-1937 || 323-664-6418 || Hollywood ||[[East Hollywood, Los Angeles|East Hollywood]] ||
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=21 21] || '''El Sereno''' || || 5226 S. Huntington Dr. || 90032-1704 || 323-225-9201 || Northeast || [[El Sereno, Los Angeles|El Sereno]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=22 22] || '''Palms-Rancho Park''' ||[[File:Palms-Rancho Park Branch Library.jpg|100x100px]]  || 2920 Overland Ave. || 90064-4220 || 323-840-2142 || Western || [[Palms, Los Angeles|Palms]] & [[Rancho Park, Los Angeles|Rancho Park]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=23 23] || '''[[Van Nuys Branch|Van Nuys]]''' || [[File:Van Nuys Branch Library, Los Angeles.JPG|100x100px]] || 6250 Sylmar Ave. || 91401-2707 || 818-756-8453 || East Valley || [[Van Nuys, California|Van Nuys]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=24 24] || '''Canoga Park''' || || 20939 Sherman Way || 91303-1744 || 818-887-0320 || West Valley || [[Canoga Park, Los Angeles|Canoga Park]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=25 25] || '''Studio City''' || || 12511 Moorpark St. || 91604-1372 || 818-755-7873 || East Valley || [[Studio City, Los Angeles|Studio City]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=26 26] || '''[[Angeles Mesa Branch Library, Los Angeles|Angeles Mesa]]''' || [[File:Angeles Mesa Branch Library, Los Angeles.JPG|100x100px]] || 2700 W. 52nd St. || 90043-1953 || 323-292-4328 || Central Southern || [[Hyde Park, Los Angeles|Hyde Park]]/[[Leimert Park, Los Angeles|Leimert Park]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=27 27] || '''West Los Angeles''' || [[File:West Los Angeles regional branch library LAPL 2022 November.jpg|100x100px]] || 11360 Santa Monica Blvd. || 90025-3152 || 310-575-8323 || Western || [[West Los Angeles]] || Regional Branch
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=28 28] || '''Cypress Park''' || [[File:Cypress Park Branch Library, Los Angeles Public Library, California.jpg|100x100px]] || 1150 Cypress Ave. || 90065-1144 || 323-224-0039 || Northeast || [[Cypress Park, Los Angeles|Cypress Park]] ||
|-
|  [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=29 29] || '''[[Wilshire Branch|Wilshire]]''' || [[File:Wilshire Branch, Los Angeles Public Library.JPG|100x100px]] || 149 N. St. Andrews Pl. || 90004-4019 || 323-957-4550 || Hollywood || [[Mid-Wilshire]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=30 30] || '''Ascot''' || [[File:Ascot branch Los Angeles Public Library.jpg|100px]] || 120 W. Florence Ave. || 90003-1805 || 323-759-4817 || Central Southern || [[Florence, Los Angeles|Florence]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=31 31] || '''Will & Ariel Durant''' || || 7140 W. Sunset Blvd. || 90046-4416 || 323-876-2741 || Hollywood || [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=32 32] || '''Eagle Rock''' || [[File:Los Angeles Public Library - Eagle Rock Branch.jpg|100px]] || 5027 Caspar Ave. || 90041-1901 || 323-258-8078 || Northeast || [[Eagle Rock, Los Angeles|Eagle Rock]] || [[Center for the Arts Eagle Rock|Article on the former building]]
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=33 33] || '''Hyde Park-Miriam Matthews''' || [[File:Miriam Matthews Hyde Park branch library Los Angeles Public Library.jpg|100px]] || 2205 W. Florence Ave. || 90043-5101 || 323-750-7241 || Western || [[Hyde Park, Los Angeles|Hyde Park]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=34 34] || '''[[John Muir Branch Library, Los Angeles|John Muir]]''' || [[File:John Muir Branch Library, Los Angeles.JPG|100x100px]] || 1005 W. 64th St. || 90044-3605 || 323-789-4800 || Central Southern || [[Vermont-Slauson, Los Angeles|Vermont-Slauson]]||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=35 35] || '''Sunland-Tujunga''' || || 7771 Foothill Blvd. || 91042-2137 || 818-352-4481 || East Valley || [[Sunland, Los Angeles|Sunland]] & [[Tujunga, Los Angeles|Tujunga]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=36 36] || '''Los Feliz''' || || 1874 Hillhurst Ave. || 90027-4427 || 323-913-4710 || Hollywood || [[Los Feliz, Los Angeles|Los Feliz]] ||<small>The library computer room is named after actor [[Leonardo DiCaprio]], whose childhood home was located on the site, DiCaprio's family foundation sponsored the computer equipment.</small><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-13 |title=Check It Out: How the Los Feliz Library Came to Be |url=https://www.lfia.org/check-it-out-how-the-los-feliz-library-came-to-be/ |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=Los Feliz Improvement Association |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>https://www.losfeliz.com/friends/Oct_2009_FOLFL_newsletter.pdf Friends of the Los Feliz Library Newsletter, October 2009</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=THE LEO LIBRARY |url=https://people.com/celebrity/the-leo-library/ |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=37 37] || '''[[North Hollywood Branch|North Hollywood Amelia Earhart]]''' || [[File:North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Branch Library, Los Angeles.jpg|100px]] || 5211 Tujunga Ave. || 91601-3119 || 818-766-7185 || East Valley || [[North Hollywood, Los Angeles|North Hollywood]] || Regional Branch
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=38 38] || '''Mar Vista''' || [[File:Mar Vista branch library, Los Angeles Public Library System, Venice & Inglewood September 2023.jpg|100px]] || 12006 Venice Blvd. || 90066-3810 || 310-390-3454 || Western || [[Mar Vista, Los Angeles|Mar Vista]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=39 39] || '''Panorama City''' || [[File:Panorama City 14345 Roscoe Blvd. branch 39 Los Angeles Public Library.jpg|100px]] || 14345 Roscoe Blvd. || 91402-4222 || 818-894-4071 || East Valley || [[Panorama City, Los Angeles|Panorama City]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=40 40] || '''Venice-Abbot Kinney''' || [[File:Venice Abbot Kinney 501 S. Venice Blvd. branch 40 Los Angeles Public Library 02.jpg|100px]] || 501 S. Venice Blvd. || 90291-4201 || 310-821-1769 || Western || [[Venice, Los Angeles|Venice]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=41 41] || '''[[Washington Irving Branch|Washington Irving]]''' || [[File:Washington Irving Branch Library.jpg|100x100px]] || 4117 W. Washington Blvd. || 90018-1053 || 323-734-6303 || Hollywood || [[Arlington Heights, Los Angeles|Arlington Heights]]/[[Mid-City, Los Angeles|Mid-City]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=42 42] || '''Robertson Branch Library''' || [[File:Robertson Branch Los Angeles Public Library 1719 S. Robertson Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035 02.jpg|100px]] || 1719 S. Robertson Blvd. || 90035-4315 || 310-840-2147 || Western || [[Beverlywood, Los Angeles|Beverlywood]]/[[Cheviot Hills, Los Angeles|Cheviot Hills]]/[[Pico-Robertson, Los Angeles|Pico-Robertson]]|| <small>Closed Saturday and open Sunday due to widespread observation of [[Shabbat]] in this neighborhood</small>
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=43 43] || '''Alma Reaves Woods-Watts''' || || 10205 Compton Ave. || 90002-2804 || 323-789-2850 || Central Southern || [[Watts, Los Angeles|Watts]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=44 44] || '''Atwater Village'''  || [[File:Los_Angeles_Public_Library_-_Atwater_Branch.jpg|100x100px]]|| 3379 Glendale Blvd. || 90039-1825 || 323-664-1353 || Hollywood || [[Atwater Village, Los Angeles|Atwater Village]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=45 45] || '''Mark Twain''' || || 9621 S. Figueroa St. || 90003-3928 || 323-755-4088 || Central Southern || [[Vermont Vista, Los Angeles|Vermont Vista]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=46 46] || '''Baldwin Hills''' || [[File:46_Baldwin_Hills_Branch_Los_Angeles_Public_Library_2023_April.jpg|100x100px]]|| 2906 S. La Brea Ave. || 90016-3902 || 323-733-1196 || Western || [[Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles|Baldwin Hills]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=47 47] || '''Encino-Tarzana''' || [[File:Encino-Tarzana Branch, Los Angeles Public Library.JPG|100x100px]] || 18231 Ventura Blvd. || 91356-3630 || 818-343-1983 || West Valley || [[Encino, Los Angeles|Encino]] & [[Tarzana, Los Angeles|Tarzana]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=48 48] || '''[[Felipe De Neve Branch|Felipe de Neve]]''' || [[File:Felipe de Neve Branch, Los Angeles.JPG|100x100px]] || 2820 W. 6th St. || 90057-3114 || 213-384-7676 || Hollywood || [[Westlake, Los Angeles|Westlake]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=49 49] || '''[[Memorial Branch|Memorial]]''' || [[File:Memorial Branch Library, Los Angeles.JPG|100x100px]] || 4625 W. Olympic || 90019-1832 || 323-938-2732 || Hollywood || [[Country Club Park, Los Angeles|Country Club Park]]||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=50 50] || '''West Valley''' || [[File:West Valley Regional Branch Library, Reseda, CA.JPG|100x100px]]|| 19036 Vanowen St. || 91335-5114 || 818-345-9806 || West Valley || [[Reseda, Los Angeles|Reseda]] || Regional Branch
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=51 51] || '''Sherman Oaks''' || || 14245 Moorpark St. || 91423-2722 || 818-205-9716 || East Valley || [[Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles|Sherman Oaks]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=52 52] || '''Sun Valley''' || [[File:Sun Valley 7935 Vineland Ave. branch 52 Los Angeles Public Library.jpg|100px]] || 7935 Vineland Ave. || 91352-4477 || 818-764-1338 || East Valley || [[Sun Valley, Los Angeles|Sun Valley]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=53 53] || '''Pacoima''' || [[File:Pacoima 13605 Van Nuys Blvd. branch 53 Los Angeles Public Library.jpg|100px]] || 13605 Van Nuys Blvd. || 91331-3613 || 818-899-5203 || East Valley || [[Pacoima, Los Angeles|Pacoima]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=54 54] || '''Sylmar''' || || 14561 Polk St. || 91342-4055 || 818-367-6102 || East Valley || [[Sylmar, Los Angeles|Sylmar]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=55 55] || '''Playa Vista''' ||[[File:Playa Vista branch Los Angeles Public Library.jpg|100x100px]]|| 6400 Playa Vista Dr. || 90094-2168 || 310-437-6680 || Western || [[Playa Vista, Los Angeles|Playa Vista]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=56 56] || '''Granada Hills''' || || 10640 Petit Ave. || 91344-6452 || 818-368-5687 || West Valley || [[Granada Hills, Los Angeles|Granada Hills]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=57 57] || '''Valley Plaza''' || || 12311 Vanowen St. || 91605-5624 || 818-765-9251 || East Valley || [[Valley Glen, Los Angeles|Valley Glen]]/[[North Hollywood, Los Angeles|North Hollywood]] || Formerly known as Vanowen Park Branch
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=58 58] || '''Woodland Hills''' || || 22200 Ventura Blvd. || 91364-1517 || 818-226-0017 || West Valley || [[Woodland Hills, Los Angeles|Woodland Hills]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=59 59] || '''Northridge''' || || 9051 Darby Ave. || 91325-2743 || 818-886-3640 || West Valley || [[Northridge, Los Angeles|Northridge]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=60 60] || '''Chatsworth''' || || 21052 Devonshire St. || 91311-2314 || 818-341-4276 || West Valley || [[Chatsworth, Los Angeles|Chatsworth]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=61 61] || '''Fairfax''' || [[File:Fairfax branch, Los Angeles Public Library.jpg|100x100px]] || 161 S. Gardner St. || 90036-2717 || 323-936-6191 || Hollywood || [[Fairfax District, Los Angeles|Fairfax]]||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=62 62] || '''Lake View Terrace''' || [[File:Lake View Terrace Branch Library, Los Angeles Public Library.jpg|100x100px]] || 12002 Osborne St. || 91342-7221 || 818-890-7404 || East Valley || [[Lake View Terrace, Los Angeles|Lake View Terrace]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=63 63] || '''Chinatown''' || [[File:Chinatown Lib.jpg|100x100px]] || 639 N. Hill St. || 90012-2317 || 213-620-0925 || Northeast || [[Chinatown, Los Angeles|Chinatown]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=64 64] || '''Little Tokyo''' || [[File:11-11-06-Vibiana-LittleTokyoBranch.jpg|100x100px]] || 203 S. Los Angeles St. || 90012-3704 || 213-612-0525 || Northeast || [[Little Tokyo, Los Angeles|Little Tokyo]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=65 65] || '''Platt''' || || 23600 Victory Blvd. || 91367-1349 || 818-340-9386 || West Valley || [[West Hills, California|West Hills]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=66 66] || '''Mid-Valley Regional''' || || 16244 Nordhoff St. || 91343-3806 || 818-895-3650 || West Valley || [[North Hills, California|North Hills]] || Regional Branch
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=67 67] || '''Porter Ranch''' || || 11371 Tampa Ave. || 91326-1729 || 818-360-5706 || West Valley || [[Porter Ranch, Los Angeles|Porter Ranch]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=68 68] || '''Harbor City-Harbor Gateway''' || || 24000 S. Western Ave. || 90710-1741 || 310-534-9520 || Central Southern || [[Harbor City, Los Angeles|Harbor City]] & [[Harbor Gateway, Los Angeles|Harbor Gateway]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=69 69] || '''Edendale''' || [[File:Los Angeles Public Library - Edendale Branch.jpg|100x100px]] || 2011 W. Sunset Blvd. || 90026-3122 || 213-207-3000 || Northeast || [[Echo Park, Los Angeles|Echo Park]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=70 70] || '''Pico-Union''' || [[File:Pulibrary.jpg|100x100px]]
|| 1030 S. Alvarado St. || 90006-3712 || 213-368-7545 || Hollywood || |[[Pico-Union, Los Angeles, California|Pico-Union]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=71 71] || '''Westwood''' || [[File:Westwood Branch Library.JPG|100x100px]] || 1246 Glendon Ave. || 90024-4914 || 310-474-1739 || Western || [[Westwood, Los Angeles|Westwood]] ||
|-
| [http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=72 72] || '''Silver Lake''' || [[File:Silver Lake Branch, Los Angeles Public Library.jpg|100x100px]] || 2411 Glendale Blvd. || 90039-3217 || 323-913-7451 || Northeast || [[Silver Lake, Los Angeles|Silver Lake]] || &nbsp;
|}

==High school diploma==

The library offers an online program that allows adult patrons who have not completed high school to earn their high school diploma.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Toppo|first1=Greg|title=Libraries' choice: Change or fade into oblivion|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/06/07/changing-libraries-digital-age/9862861/|access-date=March 28, 2016|newspaper=USA Today|date=June 2, 2014}}</ref>

==Notable programs and services==
TESSA is Los Angeles Public Library's digital portal for its historical collections, providing online access to thousands of photographs, maps, documents, and other archival materials related to the history and culture of Southern California. The platform is named after [[Tessa Kelso]], the sixth Los Angeles City Librarian from 1889 to 1895, who was noted for her advocacy of open access and expanding library services.<ref>{{cite web |title=About |url=https://tessa.lapl.org/AboutPage |website=tessa.lapl.org |access-date=19 February 2023}}</ref>

In June 2019, the Los Angeles Public Library opened the Octavia Lab, located at Central Library. Named in honor of science fiction author [[Octavia E. Butler]], the lab is a makerspace and audiovisual studio that provides free access to creative tools and technology for library cardholders. Available equipment includes [[3D printing|3D printers]], a [[Laser cutting|laser cutter]], [[Sewing machine|sewing machines]], [[Chroma key|green screen]] video production tools, and digitization stations for preserving analog media such as VHS tapes, cassettes, and slides.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-14 |title=LA Public Library's New Maker Space/Studio Lets You 3D Print, Shoot On A Green Screen, And Way More |url=https://laist.com/news/entertainment/la-public-librarys-new-maker-spacestudio-lets-you-3d-print-shoot-on-a-green-screen-and-way-more |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=LAist |language=en}}</ref>

The library has also issued limited-edition library cards highlighting local culture and the arts. In 2016, it released a card featuring artwork by  [[Shepard Fairey]] and [[Cleon Peterson]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Times |first=David Ng David Ng is a former Company Town reporter for the Los Angeles |date=2016-04-20 |title=L.A. Public Library unveils new card designed by Shepard Fairey |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-public-library-card-shepard-fairey-20160419-story.html |access-date=2025-08-22 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2019, artist [[Gajin Fujita]] created a [[Kintarō|Kintaro]] design fitted in [[Los Angeles Dodgers|Dodger]] gear as part of the library's second limited-edition card release.<ref>{{Cite web |last=X |date=2019-04-12 |title=Los Angeles has new library card art, and its star is a Dodgers fan |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-los-angeles-public-library-card-gajin-fujita-20190412-story.html |access-date=2025-08-22 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2023, a card was issued featuring the mountain lion [[P-22]] in a [[National Geographic Society|National Geographic]] photo with the [[Hollywood Sign]] in the background.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Von Quednow |first1=Cindy |last2=Riesmeyer |first2=Andy |date=February 23, 2023 |title=Los Angeles Public Library releases limited-edition library card honoring P-22 |url=https://ktla.com/news/local-news/los-angeles-public-library-releases-limited-edition-library-cards-honoring-p-22/ |access-date=2023-02-24 |work=KTLA |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Awards==
[[File:Parasol Library in Pershing Square circa 1938.jpg|thumb|"Parasol Library in Pershing Square" {{circa|1938}}, photographed for the Federal Writers' Project]]
The Los Angeles Public Library received the [[National Medal for Museum and Library Service]], the nation's highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Public Library wins top award for cultural institutions |url=http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-public-library-wins-top-award-20150422-story.html |access-date=March 7, 2016 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=April 22, 2015 }}</ref> City Librarian John F. Szabo and community member Sergio Sanchez accepted the award on behalf of the library from First Lady Michelle Obama during a White House Ceremony on May 20, 2015.

The Los Angeles Public Library was selected for its success in meeting the needs of Angelenos and providing a level of social, educational, and cultural services unmatched by any other public institution in the city. The award recognizes the library's programs that help people on their path to citizenship, earn their high school diploma, manage personal finances and access health and well-being services and resources.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Medal for Museum and Library Service {{!}} Los Angeles Public Library |url=http://www.lapl.org/NationalMedal |access-date=October 26, 2015 |website=www.lapl.org}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Los Angeles}}

* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Los Angeles]]
* [[Samuel Bradford Caswell]] (1828–1898), one of the first trustees of the first Los Angeles public library, owned property where the Central Branch was built
* [[Donald D. Lorenzen#Central Library|Donald D. Lorenzen]], City Council member who supported renovation of library
* [[Althea Warren]], head librarian, 1943–1947
*[[Leontyne Butler King]], first black member of the Los Angeles Library Commission (appointed 1961)
* [[Victorian Downtown Los Angeles]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.lapl.org/ Official Los Angeles Public Library website]
*[http://www.lapl.org/catalog/photo_collection_overview.html Los Angeles Public Library online Photo Collection]: Photo Collection search engine.
*[http://www.lfla.org/ Library Foundation of Los Angeles]
*{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20130415204729/http://www.savelapl.org/ SaveLAPL website opposing budget cuts impacting L.A. libraries]}}
*[http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=los_angeles@92&cur_section=sig&property_id=21248 Fodors.com— L.A. Central Library]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130823184559/http://laist.com/2011/02/07/library_lovers_month_consider_the_l.php Consider The Library] op-ed from LAist
*[http://digital2.library.ucla.edu/viewItem.do?ark=21198/zz002cw648 Image of the Los Angeles Public Library's Central Library under construction, Los Angeles, approx 1925.] [[Los Angeles Times]] Photographic Archive (Collection 1429). UCLA Library Special Collections, [[Charles E. Young Research Library]], [[University of California, Los Angeles]].

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