Written by Megan Panatier – library lover on a quest to visit all 72 LAPL branches with her kids!

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Central Library

In downtown Los Angeles, California, sits Central Library — the main library of the Los Angeles Public Library system, LAPL, which has 72 other branches. (LAPL is the city system – separate from the Los Angeles County Public Library system with 85 branches).

Central Library is gem in the middle of the city. If I could imagine the library of Alexandria (as described by the late Carl Sagan) I think it would maybe look like this library. One of my favorite spots is in the rotunda room where you find the Zodiac Chandelier (and the Christmas Tree during the holidays).

There are eight levels, lecture halls, a theater and auditorium, an amazing Children’s Literature Department with its own puppet theater, exhibits and museum spaces, rare books rooms, and a Library Store — just to name a few things.

There is always something new to visit, check out, experience and explore at Central Library. There are even gardens outside and Chinese food on the lower level.  The DTLA Mini Maker Faire 2018 just took place in the library!

There are free docent tours of Central Library seven days a week. Yes, Central Library is open most days, except holidays.

Recently, there was a talk between author Attica Locke and author Susan Orlean in the Mark Taper Auditorium in the Central Library for Orlean’s The Library Book book tour start.

After visiting Central Library in DTLA, try and visit one of the 72 branches throughout Los Angeles.