Celebrating a Century: Los Angeles’s Art Deco Library

History and Notable Events

The downtown Los Angeles central library, marking its 100th year, has seen its share of memorable moments. The building, an architectural masterpiece designed by Bertram Goodhue in a unique fusion of Spanish, Egyptian, Byzantine, and Islamic influences, was the backdrop for iconic scenes from movies like Heat and television shows including Moonlighting, Murder, She Wrote, and LA Law. However, it has also faced darker chapters, such as a visit by Richard Ramirez in 1985 for astrology and torture books, and an arson attack in 1986 that destroyed 400,000 volumes.

Daily Life and Community Engagement

On the anniversary, thousands of people thronged to celebrate the library’s enduring significance. Stephen Gee, author of L Is for Librarian: The ABCs of Los Angeles Central Library, noted that it remains one of the city's premier civic spaces, open and welcoming to everyone regardless of background or circumstances. Inside, visitors were drawn by Dean Cornwell’s murals in the central rotunda, a 250-foot-tall space filled with vibrant history and the Zodiac chandelier. The library houses nearly three million books and eight-nine miles of shelves, maintaining its relevance through services for job seekers, language learners, and those seeking educational resources.

New Developments

Apart from traditional services, the library introduced modern amenities like 3D printing at the Octavia lab, named after renowned science fiction author Octavia Butler. During a special event, over five hundred and eighty-eight new library cards were issued, signifying continued patronage. Additionally, visitors enjoyed using vintage typewriters to type poems and browsing through card catalogues, underscoring the enduring appeal of these traditional tools.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles central library's 100th anniversary celebration not only highlighted its rich history but also underscored its continued importance as a vibrant community hub. Despite challenges like significant fires and modern obsolescence debates, the library remains a cornerstone of civic pride and cultural engagement in downtown Los Angeles.

Source: The Guardian