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 This is outdated post.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. read more

Some staff are rude and seem confused. Use it for its benefits but be ready for staff that don't want to help.

It's a beautiful older building in downtown Los Angeles. If you love books, then you'll love the central library. Attendance and staff were friendly. read more

I have spent a large fraction of my life in libraries, wherever I happened to be living. The LA Main Library is one of, if not THE best, in all my 70+ years of being able to read. A safe place to work: research or study, or just to relax in a comfy chair with a nice, real physical book. Their ebooks got me through the worst of the pandemic years as well. Staff are VERY helpful and knowledgeable. If the café is still there (haven't gone in person since pandemic began), that was a nice place to fill the body's physical needs in the same visit as the circulating and special items did for the mind and one's current research. Blessings to LAPL forever! Do go there! read more

I had no idea it was so large; walking through certain parts, felt like a visit through a museum. I was equally impressed with the resources that were available, much more than books, the 3D print, the dedicated spaces. It was a nice way to spend a few hours. read more

Yeah, I guess Los Angeles has a good public library. I have been here a few times. I am impressed with the elevators in the building. I like the Historical figures and old photographs of important Angelinos that help build Los Angeles. Good staff and lots of good resources here. Have to pay lots to park. So, its a bargain. read more

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. read more

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 read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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Love this place so much, how lucky are we to have access to not only all these books but a great local to read and study

This review is specifically for the Octavia Lab, the central library's media center. I have used both their media stations and their DIY memory lab. While the service and equipment is functional and provides an incredible opportunity for individuals looking to use the technology for free, the staff in there is awful. They show outstanding arrogance and lack clear communication to "lab members" almost every time. I've wasted a huge amount of my time there, leaving empty handed or without having accomplished anything, not because of me but because of their staff's attitudes. Nothing is free and what you get in exchange for a creative environment are employees who don't understand nor care about their visitors. While they don't offer as much or are as well funded, if you want a more flexible creative environment with friendlier staff, go to the Burbank Spark Lab. These library media labs only exist because of the grants they receive and the foot traffic from their lab users. So if you don't go, they won't continue to be funded. Octavia Lab is a badly managed environment and the only way that's going to change is if they close because of low visitor numbers. read more

Thank you to James, Masako, and Cynthia for going above and beyond to support the LAPL. After my first visit in April, I am certain to be back here and there, especially with the new language support courses and World Index Books. It was also a coincidence seeing a friend as well while there. read more

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. read more

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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! read more

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. read more

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Awesome staff, well stocked books and a/v materials. A model library. Add to that the countless live learning events hosted by the library and it's the best place to visit for any age and interest. read more

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. read more

Central Library - Fiction section - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This place is full of homeless people. I feel for them but almost every person has just loaned out an iPad and is just watching a movie. The place smells and it's dirty. Really sad to see how far the library has fallen, would never take my kid here. read more

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! read more

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 read more

Central Library - Bathroom ambiance - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Central Library - Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

Central Library - View down below from ground floor entrance - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've lived in Downtown LA the majority of my adult life and have never taken the time to visit this library even though its been in my to-do list for years. Today I decided to finally get a library card and check out some books. I haven't had a library book since I was in high school. I decided to explore the library floor by floor and get acquainted with each section. Took me about 2-hours and I still couldn't finish. They do provide free tour of the library and art room. The people working here are very friendly and helpful which made my experience as a new library card holder even better. I'll definitely will be coming back! read more

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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. read more

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

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Central Library - LA Public Central Library DTLA. the word 'BRIGHT' etched above the fountain marquis between stairs - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

THIS LIBRARY IS AMAZING. Yes, I admit, I am the kind of person that visits public library branches when I travel. Not all public libraries, mind you. But the great ones. A lot of people visit New York's main public library, but I'm not sure as many people think to visit LA's. They should!!! Why? First of all, it's beautiful. The original portion of the building (there is an extension) was completed in 1926. An artist, Lee Lawrie, completed sculptures for the exterior of the building, and another artist, Julian Garnsey, created INCREDIBLE murals for the rotunda of the interior. If you're into art or architecture (if you're visiting the Bradbury Building, for example), you simply HAVE to visit the public library. There are also gardens, fountains, and more to look out outside! This is the third largest central library in the U.S. It contains more than 2.8 MILLION BOOKS. Just a few interesting things I noticed as we wandered through: their foreign language section is ENORMOUS (260k books and 3,500 language learning CDs and DVDs), they teach foreign language classes in the library, and they have an adult literacy center and a New Americans Initiative (which helps new immigrants and citizens gather information about life in the United States, information about the immigration process, and their rights as immigrants/citizens). I was really impressed by the library's breadth and scope and collection. Really, really. The library also has gallery areas in which are shown really interesting exhibits! (When we visited they had the following exhibits: "For All the World to See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights," "Take None/Give None: Gusmano Cesaretti Photographs of the Chosen Few Motorcycle Club," and "Visualizing Language: Oaxaca in L.A." We visited all three, and they were all great! They have a library store, which was amazing (I wanted everything inside), and all sales support the Los Angeles Public Library. I'm not sure if tourists include the LA Public Library on their lists of must dos, but they should! LA isn't the cheapest city to visit, and we visited some expensive museums on this trip (LACMA, for example). When we visited the public library, it was a like a free museum and architectural tour in one. Well worth a visit. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

PARKING: PARK AT 524 S. FLOWER STREET (a left turn into a parking garage from S. Flower). Take the elevator up to the library. They will validate your parking at the Information desk (it's not free, the rates are reduced, see their website for the cheaper rates). You need a library card for parking validation, FYI. Afterward, you can use one of the ticket machines to pay. LIBRARY CARD: You can get one same day. The application process was super easy. Just fill out a form on a computer and go to the check in/out desk. Took less than five minutes. SPACE: Large and lovely. Plenty of art and architecture to gawk at. The rotunda on the second floor is beautiful and a must-see. There was also a small gallery (some work by Ansel Adams and his photography of the aerospace industry circa 1939). Next to it, there was a large gallery of African American art (Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winners). Nice garden space outside as well. EVENTS/CLASSES: Seems like there's a lot happening here. They offer art and architecture tours (check website for times). Also, lectures/classes, art workshops, literacy programs, kids' events, and more. GIFT SHOP: Fantastic. Whoever curated this shop, I want to hug you. An awesome and diverse collection of fun and cute souvenirs. A large feminist section. HOMELESS: Just to give you a heads up, there will be homeless folks hanging out here. I think it's great that the library offers resources for the homeless. It certainly does not deserve 1 star for this (as per another reviewer). But be warned, you can encounter people who may be mentally ill. When I asked a librarian about open seating, she told me to remain vigilant and constantly aware of my belongings (it appears they had incidents of theft in the past). I did see several police officers walk through at some point so there's that. Anyway, kudos to the library for helping but just be aware and keep your wits about you. read more

What an amazing library! This library is huge, with amazing amount of books and audiovisual items. This library has so much to offer. I wish I lived a little closer read more

Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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