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Public Library, Los Angeles, Calif.

 
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Title
Public Library, Los Angeles, Calif.
Description
Front of Central Library from northwest corner; lawn, trees, and shrubbery.
Format Extent
1 postcard : b&w ; 9 x 14 cm.
Subject
Public libraries--California--Los Angeles;
Note
The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) began as a subscription based reading room located in Downey Block at Main, Spring and Temple Streets. The 6,000-plus book collection was moved to the second City Hall building in 1889 where it was cataloged for the first time using the then new Dewey Decimal system. In 1891, the city began to fully fund the library and the subscription fee was dropped, making access free. From the 1890s on, the library had outgrown its allotted space and library supporters lobbied continuously for a separate building. Finally, in 1926, the Central Library building opened at the site of the old State Normal School, between Fifth and Sixth, Grand and Flower. It was designed by Bertram Goodhue in an Ancient Egyptian style with an arch, a mosaic pyramid decorated with suns, sphinxes, and snakes, topped by a hand holding a torch to represent the Light of Learning." Two arson fires in 1986 damaged part of the building and 20% of its collection. Rebuilding began in 1988, and when it opened in 1993, the renovated structure featured a Neo-Mission style with an additional east wing and a high atrium. In funding the rebuilding, air rights were sold to developers who added a tower that exceeded city height restrictions. Library Tower, now the U.S. Bank Tower, remains the tallest building in Los Angeles. The name of the library was changed to the Richard Riordan Central Library to honor former Mayor Riordon for his strong support of the library.
Collection
Werner von Boltenstern Postcard Collection
Type
Geographic Location
Los Angeles (Calif.)
Language
eng
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