Sphinxes, movie stars and 3m books: inside Los Angeles’s beloved art deco library
Summary
The Los Angeles Central Library, celebrating its 100th anniversary, is a historic building known for its unique mix of architectural styles and large collection of nearly 3 million books. It has appeared in many movies and TV shows and has been an important public space in the city for many years, welcoming all visitors.Key Facts
- The Los Angeles Central Library opened in 1926 and is celebrating its 100th year.
- The building blends Spanish, Egyptian, Byzantine, and Islamic architectural styles.
- It has nearly 3 million books and 89 miles of shelves.
- The library’s rotunda features murals of California history and a stained-glass zodiac chandelier.
- It has been featured in films like *Heat* and *Ghostbusters* and TV shows such as *Moonlighting* and *LA Law*.
- In 1985, serial killer Richard Ramirez visited the library looking for books on astrology and torture.
- The library was damaged by a fire in 1986 that destroyed 400,000 books and closed the library for seven years.
- The building includes symbolic art, such as sphinx statues and a mosaic pyramid roof symbolizing the light of learning.
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