Los Angeles Central Library

Category: Public library in Los Angeles, California

Address: Central Library, 630 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA

Phone: +12132287000

Opening hours

Sunday: 1–5PM

Monday: 10AM–8PM

Tuesday: 10AM–8PM

Wednesday: 10AM–8PM

Thursday: 10AM–8PM

Friday: 9:30AM–5:30PM

Saturday: 9:30AM–5:30PM

Reviews

JO Chaz

Jul 24, 2022

One of the last places where you don't need to pay a fee, where you are free to borrow books and resources to learn. When you visit please turn off your phone and simply enjoy. The smell of books in the air, the racks and racks of books, all that knowledge available to everyone. Please please bring your kids and show them how you used to rent books because very soon there won't be any public libraries left. At times they also have galleries for free.

Lisa Camarillo

Jun 13, 2022

Amazing library! So beautiful and their book section on film is to die for. They also have so many dvd’s to borrow - great tv shows like Laverne and Shirley and Three’s Company!

Ebony Williams

May 18, 2022

This Library is one of my favorites so far. If I lived closer, I would probably visit weekly. The building itself is art, the collections are large and easy to joyfully get lost in, and the exhibits are beautiful and educational. The only downside was we went on Sunday and parking was advertised as $1 for the day. However, even after validating, we were charged $8 at the exit. An attendant was not available, so I am hoping we can get reimbursed by management. But other than the parking surprise, I loved everything about the library.

cp cruz

Apr 4, 2022

So happy #LAPL finally opened on Sunday! I was able to get 2 books and a magazine to take home to read. Employees and security guards were so helpful and friendly. I missed the library so. However, activities are scheduled online and are online. No in person events nor activities, yet!

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Questions & Answers

Is there parking for the library?

mdlay | Aug 22, 2019
Brownittoya | Aug 22, 2019

Yes. But library card needed for validation, free garage all day. Nearby parking lots range $6-15 daily. Parking garages & metered street as well. There is generally free/day (1-2 hr signs) street parking about a half mile outside of DTLA however, mind the walk.

Are there tours of the library for visitors?

Leanne Twidwell | Aug 22, 2019
Luci O. | Aug 22, 2019

Yes. They are free. ART & ARCHITECTURE: Everyday, Mon -Fri @12:30 pm. Sat. 11AM & 2PM, Sundays @ 2PM ART-IN-THE-GARDEN: Saturday @ 12:30 PM. If you miss it....you can take a Self-Guided Tour. Info @information desk located at 5th St. entrance.

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Are the computers open to anyone to use?

JUMPFITNESS | Aug 22, 2019
Akm islam | Aug 22, 2019

There is a section where you can use it as a guest for 15 minute after 15 minute it will log you and you will get an notification then you can log in again .this. For people who doesn't have library card

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Hi there Is there parking?

Manuel Garcia | Aug 22, 2019
Luci O. | Aug 22, 2019

Yes. It is underground, the entrance is on Flower. You must enter from 5th & Flower bcz both 5th & Flower are one-way streets. If you have a LAPL card, you can get validation at the information desk. If you do not have a card, or if the library is closed you will pay full price.

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Are all the levels reopen at the library?

Andrew V | Jan 23, 2022
Bryce Schaefer | Aug 20, 2022

Yes, all levels are currently open

What time does the library open on Monday?

Virginia Garcia | Aug 21, 2020
Izrule Zebulun | Aug 21, 2020

10 AM

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I need to know about inmigration services that you have??? Schedules and if need make an appointment. Thank you

Silvia Gamez | Aug 22, 2019
Los Angeles Central Library | Aug 22, 2019

All Los Angeles Public Library locations provide information and resources that can help guide you through the process. However, our New Americans Centers located at Central Library, Pacoima, Junipero Serra, Pio Pico Koreatown, Benjamin Franklin, and Wilmington offer free on-site immigration and naturalization services: Assistance with N-400s Green Card renewals Fee waiver completions Questions about adjustment of status Interview Tutoring Sessions Citizenship Classes You can learn more here: https://www.lapl.org/newamericans and you can book a service appointment here: https://nai.lapl.org/v2/#book/

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How much is the library card?

Larry Harold Forward | Jun 22, 2022
Richard Calderon | Jun 22, 2022

Free

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are you open to the public?

Dinho Salas | Aug 21, 2021
MERCEDES JUVETTE Crawford | Jul 31, 2022

While the library remains open for services (i.e. curbside book pick up and online services), the library remains physically closed to the public for entry. Update: 7/27/22 Central Library is open to the public. Masked are required.

How do I make a donation of money?

Christine Wakeem | Aug 21, 2020
Aspen Knight | Aug 21, 2020

Christine, the Front Desk at the library has a list of program directors whom they can point you to. Just make sure any financial transaction doesn't go to a specific person but rather the institution.

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Can i got there and work on homework with my classmates? meaning allowed noise conversation level?

Conquistando Horizontes | Aug 21, 2020
LA 2 LA | Aug 21, 2020

They do have individual rooms you can reserve, but the last time I checked they were doing maintenance on them! Best to call, before going to save a trip!

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Is there some translated version book to korean?

김경현 | Aug 21, 2020
Sonal Patel | Aug 21, 2020

Yes

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How long does it take to get a library card if you get there before they open

Steven Aguilar | Aug 21, 2020
George Sotel | Aug 21, 2020

About 8 minutes but the library asks the applicant to present a valid state ID or driver's license. Without one of those two identifications; the library will refuse to give the applicant a library card.

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Can culver city library card be used downtown?

Diane Newburg | Aug 21, 2020
Baron Saturday | Aug 21, 2020

Culver City is its own very special city of course but it is still LA County, so yeah, sure. By the way, I think it's great that people are still reading things. Based on the current status of the world in which we live, I was starting to suspect otherwise.

I've heard there is a spanish class what day is it? and time?

이성희 | Aug 21, 2020
Izrule Zebulun | Aug 21, 2020

There is but I am not familiar with the hours and days

I need the book " The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate " and I was wondering if you do sell books how much would it be?

Jocelyn Ramirez | Aug 21, 2020
Luci O. | Aug 21, 2020

The only books for sale on a regular basis would be sold at the library store. You would have to check online to see if they carry it. Central library has a book sale one a month on the 2nd floor in the rotunda.

How big is the children section? My kids enjoy our local library would like them to explore the central library.

Sandra Dominguez | Aug 22, 2019
Travis Williamson-Hall | Aug 22, 2019

They have an entire floor devoted to children and teenagers. Labeled "Kid Zone," it's a place where kids can study, get their homework done, meet up with other kids, and access the internet via computers that are set aside strictly for them. It's a wonderful place; your kids will love it!

Is a library card free?

David Castro | Aug 22, 2019
SU | Aug 22, 2019

From library website: Library Cards are free to residents of California. You must, however, have photo identification with your name and current address. Identification can be a California driver’s license or an ID card issued by the DMV. ID cards issued by the Mexican, Argentinian and Korean consulates can be used as the sole ID requirement for obtaining a library card. If you don’t have a driver’s license or ID card, then present two of the following, one of which must be a photo ID and one of which must have your current address: Passport, school ID card, other government issued photo ID, employee ID card, printed personal check, credit card statement, rental or property tax receipt, or business mail with current postmark. If you are under the age of eighteen, identification is not required. Your parent or guardian’s signature on the library card application is accepted instead of identification.

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I need a copy of a 1941 divorce agreement. No one in particular, just what the document contained in 1941 in California.

Paul Kram | Aug 22, 2018
Catherine A. Montgomery | Aug 22, 2018

Call or go to library and ask for assistance.

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Where is the entrance for wheelchair

Ann Carr | Jun 22, 2022
Daniel Chung | Jun 22, 2022

It's usually at Flower St and someone should be there to guide you

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How much does the library card cost?

Larry Harold Forward | Jun 22, 2022
DeAndre White | Jun 22, 2022

Yes that good 👍

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If it is open until 8 pm?

karlita sanchez | Jan 23, 2022
Joshua Bryant | Jan 23, 2022

No not on Friday, Saturday and, Sundays. Fri: 10AM- 5:30PM Sat:10AM-5:30PM Sun:1PM-5PM

Can I get a library card (a temporary or permanent one) online - meaning without going to a branch?

Christine Angelica | Aug 21, 2021
Deborah Snyder-Peters | Aug 21, 2021

You can get an online card for online activities, but you need a physical card that you get at a branch to check out physical books

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When will you be open on weekends again?

Robert Cortez | Aug 21, 2021
Lorenzo Corral | Aug 21, 2021

From 10:00 am, Till 5:00 pm

is the public allowed in the library

Gerald Barnett | Aug 21, 2021
Lorenzo Corral | Aug 21, 2021

Can I get e book since I'm in Tijuana

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How do you get job there

jorge aldridge | Aug 21, 2021
Davina Rocha | Aug 21, 2021

Go to their website.

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Are the L.A. Library WiFi Available

calvin davis | Aug 21, 2020
Luci O. | Aug 21, 2020

No. Unfortunately the library's are still closed to the public, so there is no public wifi.

Where can I return the books that I’ve checked out?

Vincent Mongin | Aug 21, 2020
Khokol Ixkatic | Aug 21, 2020

Local library

What is the date for Diane Ravitch to speak at the Library?

A Google User | Aug 21, 2020
allan carrasquillo | Aug 21, 2020

Think it passed already, Feb 9

Is food allowed in the library? (I want to study here, but like to snack as I do so, and won't study here if I can't eat.)

Jaclyn Rachelle | Aug 21, 2020
Sonal Patel | Aug 21, 2020

Most libraries don't allow food.

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Is there free public parking nearby and if so where?

Sonie Toe | Aug 22, 2019
Marc Wanagas | Aug 22, 2019

Only after 6pm on the street.

How long are the tours, and what do the self-guided tours include

Ann Olander | Aug 22, 2019
Robis Argueta | Aug 22, 2019

The tours are usually about an hour long. The self-guided tours basically includes all the major art pieces and architect of the building.

I have a library card, but forgot to bring it with me. May I check out a library book if I have ID with me?

Cheryn | Aug 22, 2019
Robis Argueta | Aug 22, 2019

I do believe that they can pull up your account with an ID

can i bring in food from outside and eat inside???

Sara Alvarenga | Aug 22, 2019
Jay Ammon | Aug 22, 2019

Although there is a 🐼 Panda Express restaurant inside the library, there are rules against eating food [otherwise] anywhere else in the library.

How many books are you able to check out?

Nancy Guerrero | Aug 22, 2019
David Jeremy | Feb 22, 2022

I believe it's 30, but some special items aren't included in that total

Are there PowerPoint's to take my laptop and plug it in?

Jamie Stenhouse | Aug 22, 2019
Luci O. | Aug 22, 2019

Yes. All department have plug-ins. You can find a large charging station on LL3.....in front of the computer center.

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Is Central library on Fifth st. going to open this coming Saturday, Sunday and Memorial weekend?

Nina Liu | Aug 22, 2019
Robis Argueta | Aug 22, 2019

They are open Saturday, Sunday but closed on Monday for the holiday.

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Do they have a typewriter

Gualberto Hernandez | Aug 22, 2019
Luci O. | Aug 22, 2019

No, the library does not provide a typewriter, but you can reserve a computer 2 hours a day with your LAPL library card. Blk & wht printing is .10 or .15 cents a page. High school, middle or grammar school students can print for free in TeenScape and the Children's department.

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Do this library is under spa 5?

Norma Diaz | Aug 22, 2019
Maj Ang | Aug 21, 2020

The library is in SPA 4 (service planning area)

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Is the library open memorial day?

Elizabeth 🌻 Tuttle | Aug 22, 2019
Amarely M | Aug 22, 2019

No they are not. You could always call and double check

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Do they have volunteering opportunities?

Andrea Lopez | Aug 22, 2019
E Trejo | Aug 22, 2019

Yes

Will the library be open on Easter Sunday?

Nancy Schoenleber | Aug 22, 2019
Photo Larry | Aug 22, 2019

No it's never open on national holidays

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Can you get to visit and take pictures?

Enio Olivares | Aug 22, 2019
David White | Aug 22, 2019

Yes

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Does the Central library have 2018 tax forms?

Daniel O'Neill | Aug 22, 2019
Catherine A. Montgomery | Aug 22, 2019

At one time they provided them but not sure if they still do. I would check their website or call them. If they don't have them you can always go online.

Where I can psychological books or psychology books

TAHA YASMEEN roll no.84 | Aug 22, 2019
Lissana Tamayo | Aug 22, 2019

Go to the lower 3 level and ask them over.

How do I receive information on the Aloud speakers series

Miriam Schneider | Aug 22, 2019
Abul Islam | Aug 22, 2019

Los Angeles centreal public library website ,Manu under overview you will see Aloud lecture series also event calendar

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Do the libraries have children's book written in Korean?

임은영 | Aug 22, 2019
SU | Aug 22, 2019

Yes. I searched the online library catalog for childrens and then limited to Korean language. The result was 435 books and five DVDs. Some may well not be relevant, but that could get you started. Or talk to a librarian.

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Can foreigners borrow books from library? I mean nonUS citizen or resident?

임은영 | Aug 22, 2019
SU | Aug 22, 2019

From library website: Non-Resident Library Card (Outside of California) For applicants whose permanent address is outside of California, there is a non-resident fee of $50.00. Non-resident cards are issued and renewed in person only, at the time of payment. Cards are not issued through the mail.

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Are they open on Saturday

cool dog c | Aug 22, 2019
Dsqwared lantern art By David Drummond | Aug 22, 2019

Yes, the central Library is open from 1 pm to 5pm on sunday also the central library has new art coming next year

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Do I need a library card to check out books

Rinika Smith | Aug 22, 2019
Michael Weiber | Aug 22, 2019

Absolutely. Just takes a few minutes to fill out the form and get one.

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What do you need to check out a book?

Danny Naranjo | Aug 22, 2019
SU | Aug 22, 2019

Library card. From the library website: Library Cards are free to residents of California. You must, however, have photo identification with your name and current address. Identification can be a California driver’s license or an ID card issued by the DMV. ID cards issued by the Mexican, Argentinian and Korean consulates can be used as the sole ID requirement for obtaining a library card. If you don’t have a driver’s license or ID card, then present two of the following, one of which must be a photo ID and one of which must have your current address: Passport, school ID card, other government issued photo ID, employee ID card, printed personal check, credit card statement, rental or property tax receipt, or business mail with current postmark. If you are under the age of eighteen, identification is not required. Your parent or guardian’s signature on the library card application is accepted instead of identification.

(Malo, H. A Muse et sa mere)) une muse et sa mere delphine de girardin do you have this in the library

Sabine Farber | Aug 22, 2019
SU | Aug 22, 2019

I don't believe so. However, I'm unsure of the item’s title and author. Sorry. I think you would better luck talking to a librarian over the phone or in person. Sorry.

Do I need a library card to use the computers and printers??

Andrew Flores | Aug 22, 2018
Michael Weiber | Aug 22, 2018

Not sure about the printers but you'll at least need ID to use the computers.

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I need a study space here for 10am-5pm. Is parking free?

monserrat villalobos | Aug 22, 2018
Richard Weiler | Aug 22, 2018

Study spaces yes. Free parking? No. It's downtown. Parking lots are available nearby for a price.

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Do they have a broad selection of comics?

Jason Lord | Aug 22, 2018
Nina Beck (jazzlady1028) | Aug 22, 2018

I work for the City of Los Angeles Library Department, in a clerical capacity, so I know all the categories of materials. In answer to your question - yes, they certainly do, but ask for them by using the term "graphic novels." Also, there are graphic novels in the children's section, and graphic novels in the young adult section, so please specify which category you would like, when you go to the Reference Desk.

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Im looking for a specific book

Melvin Johnson | Aug 22, 2018
SU | Aug 22, 2019

I'm looking for a specific question. You may find your book by searching the online computer catalog. Or ask a librarian. In person or over the phone. Sigh. I'll continue to look for specific questions.

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Does Central Library have a section of quite, enclosed study rooms for the public?

Van Brown | Aug 22, 2018
Betsy Velasco | Aug 22, 2018

Yes they do i sugguest the teens side of the library

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Do you have the film "The War Between The Classes" in your film/video collection?

Tamm Ardant | Aug 22, 2018
SU | Aug 22, 2019

According to the online library catalog, no DVD. There are several copies of the book, including the ebook.

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Can I print essays, and if so, do the printers print in color?

leandro | Aug 22, 2018
Richard Weiler | Aug 22, 2018

I've used color printers at the downtown library. More expensive but they are available.

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Will Library be open Tuesday 3/27/18?

Rosa Ortiz | Aug 22, 2018
Joseph Condé | Aug 22, 2018

Why not? Monday is Cesar Chavez day. Tuesday is not a holiday as far as I know.

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Is there parking?

John Saldana | Aug 22, 2018
Chris Ginnaven | Aug 22, 2018

If you live close to a Red Line subway station then avoid the drive altogether. Exit at the Pershing Square station and take the exit tunnel towards 5th and Hill. When you're above ground you're only two blocks from the Main Library at 5th and Grand.

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how can i return books and where.

merecedes navarro | Aug 22, 2018
Richard Weiler | Aug 22, 2018

Return them to the slot kiosks outside the library or go inside and hand them off at the main desk near the entrance.

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