Los Angeles Central Library

Place is massive and a sanctuary for the unhoused. If you haven’t been here it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s also an architectural masterpiece. Floor after floor of elegant design filled with people sleeping or seeking some sort of shelter. It’s definitely a sigh to behold. Free bathrooms.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Review Los Angeles Central Library is absolutely breathtaking. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the beauty and the preserved historic energy of the space. I’m from St. Louis, Missouri, where our Central Library is already rich with knowledge, history, and art — so I truly didn’t think I could be surprised… but this library completely exceeded my expectations. When I stepped into the rotunda on the second floor, my heart honestly skipped a beat. It made me feel like a little child again — curious, inspired, and eager to explore every single book in the building. The experience was also incredibly comforting and welcoming. The staff were kind and helpful, and one thing I really appreciated was the free, secure charging station. My phone was low, and I was able to leave it safely charging while I explored — such a thoughtful touch. The children’s area is beautiful, and the teen space is just as impressive. I only had about an hour there, but it left such a lasting impression that I’m already planning to come back with my family and spend more time. I highly recommend anyone visiting Los Angeles to stop by the Central Library. It’s not just a place to read — it’s an experience. 📚✨

I discovered this place by accident. I had gone for a visa interview on Flower street, was short on some paperwork so needed a place with WiFi access - and voila right across the street sits this majestic library- a LA landmark. Even if you are not into libraries, this one is a must visit. Thank you to the California public library system for keeping such a vibrant reading, arts and community culture alive.

LA’s LEGACY of LEARNING! So often do we take for granted the the importance of reading and education, LA’s Central Library is a physical reminder of the beauty of books. It may sound weird, but I felt safe here. There’s solace in learning of the many individuals who have fought to preserve and expand literacy and access to citizens across Los Angeles. Their accounts of enduring fires, financial hardship, and reconstruction are encouraging and compelling. I’m SO happy my Mom re-introduced me to this library, we’ve hadn’t come here in YEARS. We used to come here when I was small, I felt an Instant connection to the children’s room when I walked in. The stunning design of the Central Library is impressionable, from the detailed carpets in the children’s section to the art deco ceilings and sculpts. The building feels loved and cared for, it’s elegant and incredibly clean. From patrons to staff, everyone respected Central’s quiet space. Central Library has sections for everything, fiction, informational texts, a dedicated, inclusive space for teens called TeenScape, and plenty of computers for public use. I also spotted a museum-like exhibit honoring the library’s timeline and introducing all the features of the facility. If you’re looking for a momento, there’s even a gift shop! Note: This library has multiple stories and escalators, it’s pretty accessible. Additionally, a cafe is nearby, enjoy a cup of Joe while you’re basking in written delight.

I came here for the 100 year anniversary festival. It had been a while since I had visited. The first time was because I had just moved to L.A. and based on a travel book, this was one of the must see landmarks. I had also watched an episode of Huell Howser on PBS and wanted to see the fountains up front that were featured on the show. Inside, the atrium with huge colorful chandeliers hanging from the skylights left an unforgettable memory and when I saw them again, they were still as amazing as I had remembered. What I hadn't remembered was how many levels there were. From the outside, the building doesn't look very tall in comparison to the modern skyscrapers looming above it. However, the festival encourages you to go to each level by having something to see and do on each one. There are 8 levels total with 4 of them underground. A lot of work was put into making the festival as engaging as possible. Outside there were booths with freebies, a live band, and food trucks. Inside there were guest speakers, screenings, and arts & crafts. I easily spent 6 hours at the festival. Restrooms weren't a problem since there was one on each level. The screening and speaker I went to see talked about the art and architecture of the building, like I didn't know it was built around the same time ancient tombs in Egypt were discovered, which led to the library having a pyramid on its roof and sphinxes by the stairs. One of the unfortunate experiences I had was at the information booth: Online I read the suggestion to present your library card so you can get your parking validated and you'll pay $1 instead of $10. I looked online and was pleased to find out I could apply for an electronic library card since I'm an L.A. resident. I could also pre-register for a physical card and pick it up in person. The morning of the festival I went to the info booth to pick up my card. The man was very short with me and told me to go to the line for checking books in & out. At that line I was told that since I already had an electronic card, I couldn't get the physical card, which was different from what was said online. Exasperated, I said all I wanted was to get my parking validated, so I was sent back to the info booth. At the info booth, the man from the books check in & out line got angry at the man & woman at the info booth for sending me there when all I wanted was to get my parking validated & they both yelled back "She didn't say that!" When the man from the books check in & out line left, I asked if either the electronic or physical card expired. Both do. The woman at the info booth tried to send me back to the books check in & out line to get the physical card, but I said I didn't see the point if both versions expired, showed her my electronic library card, and she quietly validated my parking, but I could sense her rage over the whole ordeal. To be clear, I came here for a good time. I tried to get my parking validated right when they opened so I could beat the crowds, and since it was so early, all 3 employees hadn't dealt with hundreds of visitors yet to be that irate and angry already. It was not a good start to the festival. Fortunately, the rest of the event went smoothly and the other employees were nice. It makes me wish they were at the front desk instead. If you're going to put people up front, they need to already be people who enjoy chatting with other people. The 3 I ended up with seemed more fitted to work in the back alphabetizing books. Overall, I had a good time. The library is as beautiful as I remembered and the activities were fun. Just beware of some of the employees at the front desks.