Los Angeles Library Hours & Opening Times 2025
Quick Facts
- 10,000+ libraries in our database across 50+ countries
- Updated monthly with verified opening hours
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📚 America's Entertainment Capital Library Network: Los Angeles is home to 73 public libraries managed by the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) system, plus prestigious university libraries at UCLA, USC, and Caltech. From the iconic Art Deco Central Library in downtown to beach-view branches in Santa Monica, LA's library network serves over 4 million residents across 469 square miles. Whether you're researching Hollywood history, studying for finals, or escaping the California heat with free AC and WiFi, Los Angeles welcomes you 7 days a week.
📖 Los Angeles Central Library (Richard J. Riordan Library)
The crown jewel of Los Angeles' library system, the Los Angeles Central Library opened in 1926 and stands as a stunning example of Art Deco architecture in the heart of downtown LA. After the devastating 1986 arson fire, the library was magnificently restored and expanded with the Tom Bradley Wing in 1993, now offering 8 floors of collections, study spaces, and cultural resources.
🕐 Central Library Opening Hours
| Monday - Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
📍 Location & Getting There
Address: 630 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Metro Access: B Line (Red) or D Line (Purple) to Pershing Square station. Exit at 5th Street, walk west 2 blocks. Library is on the north side of 5th Street between Grand Avenue and Flower Street.
Bus Routes: Metro Local Lines 18, 720; DASH F bus stops directly in front of library
Parking: Library parking garage entrance on Flower Street - $2 per 20 minutes, $12 daily maximum. Validation available for library users. Limited street parking downtown (meters $4/hour).
Bike: Metro Bike Share station at 5th & Grand (50 feet from entrance)
✨ Special Features
- Architectural Marvel: Pyramid tower, sphinx sculptures, rotunda with chandeliers, Dean Cornwell murals depicting California history
- Massive Collection: 2.1+ million books, periodicals, audiovisual materials
- Historic Goodhue Building: Original 1926 structure with ornate reading rooms
- Tom Bradley Wing: Modern 8-floor addition with subject departments
- Technology: 400+ public computers, free WiFi throughout, laptop checkout, 3D printing lab
- Rare Books: Special Collections floor with California history, photo archives
- ALOUD Program: Free author talks, lectures, cultural programs (check events calendar)
- Café: Full-service café on ground floor with outdoor patio
- Panoramic Views: Upper floor windows overlook downtown LA skyline
Phone: (213) 228-7000 | Website: lapl.org/central-library
🎓 UCLA Library System - Public Access Welcome
The UCLA Library comprises 12 libraries and serves as one of the top research library systems in North America. Located in Westwood, UCLA welcomes public visitors for research and study, though full borrowing privileges require enrollment or a paid community borrower card ($100/year).
🕐 UCLA Library Hours (Academic Year)
Powell Library (Undergraduate):
| Monday - Thursday | 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM (midnight) |
| Friday | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (midnight) |
Note: Hours reduced during summer/breaks. YRL (Young Research Library) and specialty libraries have varying schedules.
📍 Location & Access
Address: Powell Library, Charles E. Young Drive North, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Transit: Metro E Line (Expo) to Westwood/Rancho Park station, then Big Blue Bus 8 or Culver City Bus 6 to UCLA campus. Metro Rapid 720 on Wilshire Blvd to Westwood Blvd.
Parking: Visitor parking at Structure 8 (Westwood Plaza) - $14/day. Pay stations accept credit cards. Challenging to find street parking in Westwood Village.
Public Access: General public welcome for research and study. Photo ID required at security desk. No borrowing without BruinCard or community borrower card.
🏛️ Notable UCLA Libraries
- Powell Library: Main undergraduate library, iconic architecture, 24/7 access during finals
- Young Research Library (YRL): Graduate research library, extensive periodical collection
- Biomedical Library: Medical and health sciences
- Arts Library: Architecture, art history, design resources
- Music Library: Scores, recordings, musicology collections
Phone: (310) 825-1323 | Website: library.ucla.edu
🏛️ USC Libraries - Doheny Memorial & Leavey
The University of Southern California Libraries serve the USC community with multiple library locations near downtown LA. The historic Doheny Memorial Library (1932) and the modern Leavey Library are the system's crown jewels.
🕐 USC Leavey Library Hours (Academic Year)
| Monday - Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - Open 24 hours |
📍 Location & Access
Address: 3550 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089
Metro: Metro E Line (Expo) to Expo Park/USC station, walk 10 minutes north through campus
Parking: Visitor parking at Parking Center (PSX) - $16/day. Street parking limited and requires permits in surrounding neighborhoods.
Public Access: Limited public access - primarily for USC students, faculty, and alumni. Special Collections open to researchers by appointment.
Phone: (213) 740-2543 | Website: libraries.usc.edu
🌴 Popular LA Branch Libraries
📚 West LA Regional Library
Location: 11360 Santa Monica Blvd, West LA 90025
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
Features: Second-largest LAPL branch, extensive collection, community meeting rooms, parking lot, near I-405
Transit: Metro 4, 704 buses on Santa Monica Blvd
🏖️ Santa Monica Ocean Park Branch
Location: 2601 Main Street, Santa Monica 90405
Hours: Tue-Thu 12pm-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun-Mon Closed
Features: Beach-adjacent location, ocean-view reading areas, strong children's section, bike-friendly with racks
Transit: Big Blue Bus 1, 8, Rapid 3; 2 blocks from beach
🎬 Studio City Branch
Location: 12511 Moorpark Street, Studio City 91604
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
Features: Heart of San Fernando Valley, Hollywood history collections, free parking, popular with screenwriters and industry professionals
Transit: Metro B Line to NoHo, then Metro 224 bus
💡 Los Angeles Library Insider Tips
🚗 Beat LA Traffic
Central Library: Best access via Metro (Pershing Square station) - avoids downtown parking nightmare. Branch libraries: Visit mornings (10am-12pm) before LA traffic peaks. Weekends have better parking availability at all locations.
❄️ Free AC & WiFi Sanctuary
During LA's hot summers (80-100°F+), libraries are perfect refuges with powerful AC and fast free WiFi. Central Library's upper floors offer stunning city views while you cool down. Bring laptop - all branches have outlets.
🎭 Hollywood Research Goldmine
Central Library's Photo Collection has 3+ million images including Hollywood history, celebrity photos, and LA landmarks. Free access! Perfect for researchers, writers, and film students. Appointment recommended for photo archives.
📱 Hold Books, Avoid Crowds
Use LAPL mobile app to place holds on books, then pick up at any branch (73 locations!). Express pickup windows at most branches - in and out in 2 minutes. Avoid browsing crowds during peak hours.
🎓 UCLA/USC Study Hack
UCLA Powell Library offers quieter study spaces than coffee shops, with better WiFi and free access for public. Visit during non-exam periods (avoid December and May finals). Bring UCLA photo ID if you have one - easier entry.
🍿 Combine with Attractions
Central Library is 3 blocks from Grand Central Market, 5 blocks from Grand Park, and walking distance to The Broad museum. Make it a downtown LA cultural day! Parking validation at library garage saves $$$.
💳 Get Your LA Library Card
Who Can Get a Card?
- Anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property in California
- Children of any age (parent/guardian co-signs for minors)
- Temporary residents with California address
- Cost: 100% FREE for all California residents!
What to Bring
Proof of Identity: Driver's license, passport, or government-issued ID
Proof of California Address: Utility bill, bank statement, rental agreement, or piece of mail from last 3 months
No California address? You can still browse in-library and use computers/WiFi.
Your Card Unlocks
- Borrow up to 100 items at a time from all 73 LAPL branches
- Free eBooks, audiobooks, movies via Libby, hoopla, Kanopy
- Museum passes (free/discounted entry to 20+ LA museums)
- LinkedIn Learning courses (normally $30/month)
- Ancestry.com library edition (in-library use)
- Free access to LA Times digital archives
- Meeting room reservations at all branches
Apply Online: lapl.org/library-cards - Pick up card at any branch within 3 days.
📞 Contact Los Angeles Libraries
📱 Main Contacts
LAPL General Info: (213) 228-7000
Central Library: (213) 228-7000
TeleCirc (Automated): (888) 577-5275
Email: questions@lapl.org
🌐 Online Resources
Website: lapl.org
Catalog Search: catalog.lapl.org
Mobile App: "LA Public Library" (iOS/Android)
Social: @lapubliclibrary (Instagram/Twitter)
⏰ Hours Info
Central Library: (213) 228-7000
Branch Hours: lapl.org/branches
Holiday Closures: All libraries closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are LA libraries open on holidays?
All LAPL libraries are closed on: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Most libraries have reduced hours the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Central Library sometimes has special holiday hours - check lapl.org for updates.
Do I need an appointment to visit?
No appointments needed for general library use at any LAPL branch. Walk-ins welcome during all open hours. However, appointments ARE required for: Special Collections viewing at Central Library, meeting room reservations, and some technology training classes. First-come-first-served for computers and study spaces.
Can I study overnight anywhere in LA?
USC Leavey Library is open 24 hours Monday morning through Friday 9pm during academic year (USC students only). UCLA Powell Library extends to 24 hours during finals week only. Public libraries: None are 24-hour. Latest closing is Central Library at 8pm weekdays. For late-night study, consider 24-hour coffee shops like The Coffee Bean (multiple locations) or Denny's.
Is parking free at LA libraries?
Branch libraries: YES - Most LAPL branches have free parking lots (West LA, Studio City, etc.). Central Library downtown: NO - Paid garage $2 per 20 min, $12 daily max, validation available. UCLA/USC: NO - Visitor parking $14-16/day. Street parking: Limited and metered in most neighborhoods. Best option: Take Metro to Central Library to avoid parking costs entirely.
Which LA library has the best WiFi?
Central Library has the fastest free WiFi (fiber connection, 100+ Mbps), plus 400+ public computers. UCLA Powell Library also has excellent WiFi speeds but requires guest network registration. Branch libraries have good WiFi (20-50 Mbps typically) - West LA Regional Branch is particularly strong. All LAPL locations offer unlimited free WiFi, no library card required.
Can tourists use LA libraries?
YES! Anyone can visit LAPL libraries and use computers, WiFi, and reading rooms - no library card needed. Perfect refuge from heat, free AC, and bathrooms. To borrow books, you need California residency proof. Tourists staying in hotels: Some hotels qualify as "temporary California address" - bring hotel confirmation and photo ID to get temporary library card. Great free activity for families visiting LA!
🌟 Experience LA's Library Excellence
From Hollywood history archives to beach-view reading rooms, Los Angeles libraries offer world-class resources in the entertainment capital. Visit Central Library's Art Deco masterpiece or study at UCLA's research facilities - all welcome visitors 7 days a week!
Start your LA library journey today at 73 locations across the city.
📖 Helpful Resources
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Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025