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Richard J. Riordan Central Library Review
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Richard J. Riordan Central Library
- Address: 630 W. 5th St., at Flower St., Downtown, Los Angeles, CA | Map It
- Phone: 213/228-7000; 213/228-7168 for tour information
- www.lapl.org
Fodor's Review:
Still known locally as the Central Library, this facility was renamed to honor the former mayor of Los Angeles. Major fires in the 1980s closed the library for six years, but today, at twice its former size, it's the third-largest public library in the nation. The original building, designed by Bertram Goodhue, was restored to its 1926 condition, with the pyramid tower and a torch symbolizing the Light of Learning crowning the building. The mega-size of this library can be overwhelming with several floors and departments catering to your every literary wish. You can stop at a computer kiosk to search for a particular title or simply walk around to explore the interior design. The Cook rotunda on the second floor features murals by Dean Cornwell depicting the history of California, and the Tom Bradley Wing, named for another mayor, has a soaring eight-story atrium. Although the escalators have a somewhat uninspired, institutional feel, the library makes up for it in attempts to insert both beauty and culture into this learning facility, particularly in the gallery exhibits of the Getty Gallery and the Annenberg Gallery. The library offers frequent events and special exhibits, plus a small café to refuel. Out-of-towners may apply for a visitor's card by showing a valid ID to check out books. Don't ignore the gift shop, which is loaded with unique items for readers and writers.
- Cost: Free
- Open: Mon.-Thurs. 10-8, Fri. and Sat. 10-6, Sun. 1-5; docent tours weekdays at 12:30, Sat. at 11 and 2, and Sun. at 2. A self-guided tour map is also available on the library's Web site.
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