It may have taken Los Angeles Public Library 50 years of planning before opening its Central Library, but once the doors finally cracked, there was no turning back.
For 100 years, LAPL has helped Angelenos discover new worlds through books, research school projects and family histories, learn new skills and connect with the larger community. And the library possesses an uncanny ability to reinvent itself: rebuilding Central Library after a devastating fire in 1986, finding new ways to provide services to people in need, fighting against book banning, creating a makerspace lab named in honor of the great sci-fi novelist Octavia E. Butler and running one of the wittiest and most culturally engaging Instagram accounts in the social media universe.
As the iconic Art Deco landmark celebrates “Central 100” this year — with special exhibits, multiple programs and events (including the Centennial Festival on July 11), online podcasts and blogs and an old-fashioned melodrama to close out the year —families have plenty of reasons to join the party and the memory-making journey. And don’t forget to pick up your free copy of L.A. Parent magazine at nearly 70 branches!
LAPL Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1872 | LAPL founded |
| 1926 | Central Library opens |
| 1986 | Fire |
| 1993 | Renovation |
| 2026 | Centennial |
Central 100 Summer Bucket List
□ Attend the July 11 Centennial Festival
□ Explore a centennial exhibit
□ Pick up a special Central 100 library card
□ Complete a reading challenge
□ Collect and stamp catalog cards
□ Take a docent-led architecture tour
□ Visit a neighborhood branch
□ Share a family memory with the Oral History Project
Library Events for All
Centennial Festival – July 11: The biggest celebration of the year is a free, family-friendly festival held both inside and outside Central Library. Expect hands-on crafts, musical and dance performances, author talks, artist presentations, book signings and activities for all ages.
Central Library Stories – Dec. 5–6 and 12-13: A lively, family-friendly melodrama will chart the ups and downs — and twists and turns — that led to the building we have today and will take place at the end of the year with free performances.
Find dozens more events at branches across the city can be found on lapl.org. And check out six special centennial exhibits exploring the library’s history and impact. Includes two recently opened time capsules.
More Ways to Celebrate
Go on a library adventure. Visit Central Library or any LAPL branch to pick up special centennial color-by-number sheets featuring scenes from the library. Families can also participate in a reading challenge while exploring different library locations. And don’t forget to order your limited-edition Central 100 library card!
Collect history. One of the most creative centennial activities invites visitors to collect historic catalog cards and stamp them at library branches throughout the city. Turn them into keepsakes, collages or family art projects.
Share your story. Families can contribute memories through the Community Oral History Project, helping preserve personal stories connected to one of Los Angeles’ most beloved institutions.
“L is for Librarian.” The first children’s book published by Angel City Press introduces kids to the ABCs of Los Angeles Central Library.
Explore the Octavia Lab. Named in honor of the legendary science-fiction author Octavia E. Butler, the library’s makerspace offers opportunities to create, invent and learn, using modern technology and hands-on tools.
For littles, tweens and teens. Central Library continues to host storytimes, performances, workshops, teen programs, films and special events throughout the year.
Free architecture tours. Central Library is one of L.A.’s most beautiful buildings. Guided tours reveal hidden details, artwork and stories behind the landmark’s famous “Light of Learning” theme.
