A Look at Central Library

Central Library in Focus

I have a confession: sometimes I go to libraries without a book borrowing purpose.  Maybe this stems from a childhood where the library was like my second home, where I could wander through book stacks for hours finding my next literary adventure.  But in my book seeking efforts, I learned an important lesson a long time ago about libraries.  Libraries are places where you can always learn something new and it doesn't always have to be in a book.

One of my favorite libraries is Central Library in Downtown LA.  It is home to some of my favorite  LA experiences and here is why:

1. There are more books than I could possibly read, but it doesn't mean that I won't try.

Globe Chandelier

Downtown Los Angeles, Central Library

2. It is Metro-friendly!  Its location a few blocks from the 7th/Metro Station or Pershing Square station means that I won't have to walk far when I am carrying home a stack of books.

3. Its historic architecture means that every time I walk in I'll enjoy seeing a favorite architectural detail or seeing something new.  I can admire (as I always do) the beautiful Globe Chandelier near the Children's Literature section or notice a new detail in the Dean Cornwell mural depicting the History of California.

4. Some of my favorite memories come from [ALOUD] events that occur at the Central Library.  At these and other FREE events I'm able to see conversations unfold from writers about their books, panels about current events, and ideas just come to life in dialogue.

Francisco [Pancho] Villa and Staff Ciudad Jurez, 1911
 Gelatin silver photographic postcard
 The Getty Research Institute

5. The Central Library is also home to FREE ongoing and current exhibitions.  A few weeks ago, I wandered into the library for no reason whatsoever and stumbled upon an excellent exhibition As the City Grew: Historical Maps of Los Angeles.  On display until November 4th, 2012, this exhibition features 34 historical maps from the Los Angeles Public Library's map collection of more than 100,000 items.  Also extended recently was A Nation Emerges: The Mexican Revolution Revealed showcasing over 130 photographs, prints, and maps from the Special Collections of the Getty Research Institute and 20th and 21st-century posters and prints from the Center for the Study of Political Graphics.

While this post discusses Central Library specifically, the truth is that libraries everywhere are home to more than just books.  They are places of learning and learning can come from or be inspired by interactive experiences in activities for kids, from discussions and lectures, and through music and film.  You can experience all these things at libraries and then when you're done you are at the perfect spot to pick up a few books and learn some more!

And if you need any more incentives to go to your local library, this week is  the 100th birthday of the County of Los Angeles Public Library*.  Stop by your local library today and find your next adventure!  

-Charity Tran

Explore the ExperienceLA calendar for destinations and events like these!

*Note: The County of Los Angeles Public Library not affiliated with the Central Library, a part of the City of Los Angeles' Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) system.