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The Public Library, Los Angeles, California

 
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Title
The Public Library, Los Angeles, California
Date
1931
Description
Exterior view of the downtown branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, showing the lawns, fountain, and walkway leading up to the building's entrance. In the background can be seen the Edison building and Mayflower hotel.
Format Extent
1 postcard : Color ; 9 x 14 cm.
Subject
Libraries--California--Los Angeles; Library buildings--California--Los Angeles; Library architecture--California--Los Angeles;
Note
Located at 630 W. 5th Street, the downtown branch of the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) was built in 1926. Originally called simply the Central Library, the building was 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 building was subsequently renamed in 2001 after Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan. Architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue designed the original Los Angeles Central Library to mimic the architecture of ancient Egypt. In 1986, arson fires destroyed a significant portion of the library's holdings, but also prompted an extensive renovation and expansion in a "Modernist/Beaux Arts style" from 1988 to 1993. In addition to books, the library is also home to a number of murals, sculptures, and other works of art.
Collection
Werner von Boltenstern Postcard Collection
Type
Geographic Location
Los Angeles (Calif.)
Language
eng
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