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Los Angeles Public Library - Central

Library, Art Gallery, and Historic and Protected Site

Financial District, Los Angeles

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8.8^/10

327

ratings

Ranked #2 for tours in Downtown Los Angeles
"$1 parking after 3pm with validation, bring that Library Card."(3 Tips)
"gorgeous wrap-around mural in the rotunda upstairs."(4 Tips)
"Beauty inside and outside, check out flower street."(2 Tips)
"Beautiful library with a large collection and nice architecture"(9 Tips)

76 Tips and reviews

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Kelley L.March 19, 2016
Membership is free! Lots of book collections, and it is a great place to study or go to if you are looking for a quiet space to work. There are also cool art pieces inside and outside.
Upvoted 2 days ago
Doug de WetMay 11, 2016
Been here 10+ times
If you're in the area and have time to explore, the second floor rotunda, which features a Lee Lawrie bronze Zodiac and large scale paintings by Julian Garnsey, is breathtaking.
Justin OrdovezaAugust 29, 2014
Been here 5+ times
The murals here are stunning. Make sure to go to the children's section for more murals.
Upvoted 1 day ago
Ahmed SiouaniMarch 3, 2013
Interesting architecture, beautiful dome and a large set of books. Take a tour at the Central Library to appreciate its wonderful ancient Egyptian-like architecture.
Mollie MFebruary 16, 2017
Head straight upstairs to see the rotunda mural. Also check out the kid's reading room off of the rotunda.
José AyalaAugust 10, 2016
So many books! Beautiful to watch the stairs and roof decoration. Take one of the golden historic elevators.
Briana JaNae'September 3, 2016
My favorite library, they have a great selection of books and private study & reading areas
JenniferSeptember 17, 2014
Been here 100+ times
The Photo Collection is one of the best in the country, but you have to browse online or follow the department's (very nicely curated) Facebook page.
DowntownLA.comApril 27, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Don't wait in line! Check your books out faster with the machines. And, as others have mentioned, you really can't miss the gorgeous wrap-around mural in the rotunda upstairs. Read more
Ken FerrellSeptember 7, 2013
Been here 10+ times
One of the nicer libraries I've been to in LA. They also have a Panda Express in the lobby. Score!
Mouni ReddyApril 14, 2018
Beautiful library with a large collection and nice architecture
Isaac MurguiaFebruary 9, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Coolest library in Los Angeles, huge selection on books, movies, documentaries, tv series, music, etc. There's also a Panda Express in here!
CurbedMarch 20, 2014
The internet isn't the fastest, but there are so many outlets and chairs that you won't even mind. Read more
JoyFebruary 13, 2011
Take a free guided tour and explore the beautiful arts, architecture, and history. Parking is only $1 validation w/ library card on Saturdays from 10am-6pm.
Justin FrederickNovember 30, 2014
Avoid the bathroom. Library is beautiful. Check out the main stairs upon entrance for language through time exploration.
Los AngelesAugust 1, 2013
The Los Angeles Central Public Library reflects the Egyptian-style architecture mania that swept the country in the 1920s, after the King Tut discovery.
Ryan PatrickOctober 21, 2015
The grandeur of the exterior doesn't match the sadness of the interior but a solid collection nonetheless.
Brandon NuckeltJanuary 6, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Discounted parking is available (during operating hours only) below ground off of Flower.
Stacy Bo BacyNovember 21, 2018
The rotating local art is worth seeking out here.
eric bornemannOctober 11, 2020
Beautiful building with an incredible interior.
Farrar, Straus & GirouxSeptember 9, 2014
Meet Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Héctor Tobar on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 7:15 PM as he reads from his new book Deep Down Dark. Also in conversation with Jesse Katz. Read more
Robert HernandezJune 1, 2014
Been here 5+ times
You can explore the library through a free augmented reality app called ARchive LAPL (iOS): http://bit.ly/get archive
Leon PalafoxAugust 20, 2014
Great library, nothing to ask from NY library, too bad for the homeless in the exit
IrmaZandl ZandlSlantSeptember 9, 2017
Beautiful bldg but note: seems to be ground zero for the homeless.
Guillaume MFebruary 22, 2019
Been here 10+ times
It’s a great place to learn, read, write and get some culture!
John SmartApril 3, 2012
loads of books, great building, good exhibits...also a fine short cut...
Lore BenaventSeptember 21, 2014
Beauty inside and outside, check out flower street.
ivan rhivanzOctober 14, 2015
Love this place! Must check out monthly exhibits
Bradley BownsJuly 22, 2013
Been here 10+ times
The gardens are beautiful...fancy eats in the restaurant by the fountain
Caroline GMay 16, 2011
This library is majestic and cavernous. Get your old school on and rediscover the art of cracking open a book. (via Scoville) Read more
MayhughJanuary 29, 2013
Spend some time here. Volunteer at the Adult Literacy Center. Enjoy the green space .
Manny SilveiraJanuary 5, 2013
Oh how I miss this place. The very bottom floor has an awesome genealogical section , and unlike Ancestry.com, it's free.
Anna MezaOctober 15, 2011
This library is cool but @cypressparklapl is amazing follow them on twitter:-)
Lorrie AnnApril 27, 2010
Take a tour of the Central Library of the Los Angeles Public Library to learn about the art and architecture of this wonderful building. Read more
Monique EvansMarch 11, 2010
Been here 5+ times
Check out one of the Aloud Lecture series. They're great - the authors are amazing, and there are book signings afterward. Sign up online.
Florante Peter IbanezMay 14, 2013
Park after 3pm weekdays for $1 parking with your library card validation
3mm@September 19, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Free Internet... best spot is the 3rd Floor the service is better.
Shirley PerezAugust 15, 2011
You can go to the teenscape section and find an amazing decoration.
Liliana MirandaJanuary 18, 2014
@ Tom Bradley wing
Los AngelesOctober 13, 2010
This is the third largest public library in the country
DarlingNovember 6, 2010
Been here 5+ times
Since you're here take a FREE Art and Architecture tour with an LAPL Docent and follow us on twitter @Lapldocent
Island BruinFebruary 2, 2020
Check out the interior.
Christina CabayaMay 19, 2012
Beautiful fountains and art in the gardens
Phoenix 💥💥💥January 13, 2015
Check out the architecture here
D BJanuary 7, 2012
Been here 50+ times
The Quon lady in the history section knows what's up.
Los AngelesJuly 14, 2011
Read a book & gawk at architecture @laplcentral. Go @metrolosangeles to 7th St. & walk to 5th & Fig #dtla
Roberta RomeroJune 20, 2011
Been here 10+ times
good selection of dvds - docs, tv shows, movies Read more
Gabrielle Klein-MejiaMarch 21, 2011
Take your kids to see the snails on the birds of paradise outside!
Tanesa HarperMay 20, 2012
Very helpful. Can be here all day
Austin ColemanMarch 16, 2010
Look up your family history in the Genealogy section. It's really interesting.

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