Los Angeles Public Library, 1926
By Levi Clancy for לוי on
updated
The Los Angeles Public Library and other municipal departments, as well as offices were housed at City Hall from 1888 until 1928. Other locations where the Los Angeles Public Library has been housed: 17 years in the Downey Block Building (1872-1889); 17 years in City Hall (1889-1906); 2 years in the Homer Laughlin Building (1906-1908); 6 years in the Hamburger Building (1908-1914); 12 years in the Metropolitan Building (1914-1926); 60 years in the Central Library Building (1926-1986); closed to the public due to devastating fire (1986-1987); 6 years in the Los Angeles Design Center/Title Insurance + Trust Company (1987-1993); Central Library Building (1993-Present).
I remember the glee that I felt the first time I saw the copper rivets in the small dead-end behind the Los Angeles Public Library. The constellation pattern they formed. It filled me with wonder to see such unexpected beauty. Who could help but feel happy?
The rear entrance to LAPL is an architectural gem tucked away — from the rivets in the asphalt to the symbolism of the sculptures. The garden, likewise, is beautiful. It is an otherwise inconspicuous corner of Downtown Los Angeles.
This miniature park behind LAPL is the sort of unexpected urban find that can take some footwork to discover. I saw some people resting here in the tranquility. I saw some people who work downtown sitting around here to enjoy their lunch.