The Los Angeles Central Library opened in July 1926. As part of the year-long celebration of its 100th birthday, the library has created the Card Catalog Stamp collection and, in turn, a scavenger hunt. Participants may receive a stack of old catalog cards from any of the libraries within the L.A. branches. The goal is to collect the architectural stamps from each of the 73 library buildings.
As someone who hadn’t visited any of the L.A. public libraries before, I decided this unique challenge would be fun to get to know how each of the different building designs catered to its neighborhood.
First, the Central Library.
Downtown L.A. often catches my eye from the overpasses of the different freeways that circle it. Tall structures appear through the smog as a reminder of the historical birth of one the most famous cities. Nestled among them, The Central Library sits grandly on 5th street as its edificial Art Deco guards tower above.
Beware, parking is a bit tricky and expensive if you don’t have a library card.
After grabbing a bite, I drove over to Hollywood where the Frances Howard Goldwyn Branch Library hides amongst the stars. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is within walkable distance if you’re up for a stroll.
I continued to head east and made my way to the Los Feliz Branch Library. The building is quaint, cozy, and currently funded by Leonardo DiCaprio. There’s plenty of free parking available.
The Silverlake Branch Library was down the street. It rose to the top of my favorite library list which was created after seeing how the beautiful, tall windows let in the perfect amount of California sunshine into the building.
Back on the west side, the Playa Vista Branch Library sits quietly amid the residential community. They have a book club that meets every third Tuesday of the month.
Next to one of the most iconic beaches in L.A. is the Venice Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library. The palm trees sway on either side of the building as if saying hello and welcoming you in.
Exploring the different libraries around Los Angeles offers a unique way to learn more about the neighborhoods that make up the county. Join the quest for stamps by heading to the information desk at any Los Angeles Public Library Branch.
