Title supplied by cataloger. Central Library, located at 630 W. 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles, was designed by architects Bertram G. Goodhue and Carlton M. Winslow. Constructed between 1922-1926, it was designed to mimic the architecture of ancient Egypt, complete with a tiled mosaic pyramid tower and many beautiful murals throughout. Tragic fires in 1986 destroyed part of the building along with 20 percent of the library's collection, prompting a closure for 6 years while restoration took place. The renovation was completed in 1993, and the library reopened on October 3, 1993. The Los Angeles Public Library is the third largest public library in the United States in terms of books and periodical holdings, boasting over 6 million volumes. It was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1970 - Building #70000136. Four staff members, three females and one male, can be seen in the Municipal Reference Department workroom. The Los Angeles Public Library once operated a small branch in City Hall, which was designed to help staff with their work-related reference and information requirements. The service, known as Municipal Reference, had branches in the police headquarters and the Department of Water and Power. Because of lack of funds, the service closed down and its collections were absorbed into the Central Library. It is possible this department was located at City Hall when this photograph was taken.
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;6 x 8 cm. on sheet 10 x 11 cm. Photographic prints
Los Angeles Public Library.--Municipal Reference Dept Los Angeles Public Library Reference services (Libraries)--California--Los Angeles Municipal reference libraries--California--Los Angeles Library employees--California--Los Angeles Libraries--California--Los Angeles
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