Los Angeles Public Library Events & Programs 2026
The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) is far more than a collection of books — it is one of the largest and most active cultural institutions in Southern California. With 73 branches serving a city of nearly 4 million people, LAPL hosts thousands of free events every year. From the acclaimed ALOUD author conversation series at the historic Central Library downtown to neighborhood story times, coding bootcamps, citizenship preparation classes, and cultural festivals, every program is completely free. Whether you are looking for children's activities, teen programming, career development workshops, technology classes, or world-class literary events, LAPL has something for you. This guide covers every type of LAPL event, how to find and register, the best programs this season, and which branches offer the most vibrant calendars.
Types of Los Angeles Public Library Events
LAPL organizes events across a wide spectrum of categories, reflecting Los Angeles's incredible diversity and the library's commitment to serving all communities:
Book Clubs & Reading Groups
LAPL branches run dozens of book clubs covering fiction, non-fiction, mystery, sci-fi, romance, graphic novels, and bilingual titles in Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and other languages. Many branches host monthly discussion groups with free copies provided. The system-wide Los Angeles Reads initiative selects a book for city-wide reading with events at multiple branches and a keynote by the author at the Central Library.
STEM & Maker Programs
LAPL offers hands-on STEM programming at branches citywide, including robotics workshops, coding classes (Scratch, Python, HTML/CSS), science experiments, and math tutoring. Select branches feature maker spaces with 3D printers, laser cutters, and digital media equipment. The Central Library's Teen'Scape area provides advanced technology access for young adults.
Children's Story Times
Every LAPL branch offers weekly story time programs by age: Baby Story Time (0–2 years), Toddler Time (2–3 years), and Preschool Story Time (3–5 years). Sessions include read-alouds, songs, finger plays, and crafts. Many branches offer bilingual story times in Spanish and other languages. After-school programs for ages 6–12 include homework help, STEM activities, and reading challenges. No registration required for most programs.
Teen Programs
LAPL's teen programming includes homework help, college prep workshops (SAT prep, application essays, financial aid), creative writing, digital media production, gaming events, and career exploration. The Teen'Scape space at the Central Library and teen areas at branches offer dedicated spaces with computers, gaming equipment, recording studios, and comfortable seating for ages 12–18.
Technology & Digital Literacy
LAPL provides comprehensive free technology education at branches across the city. Classes range from computer basics and email setup to Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, social media, smartphone skills, and online job applications. Advanced workshops cover coding, web development, digital photography, video editing, and podcast production. One-on-one tech help appointments are available at most branches.
Author Talks & ALOUD Series
The ALOUD series, presented by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, is LAPL's flagship cultural program. Held in the Mark Taper Auditorium at the Central Library (235 seats), ALOUD brings world-renowned authors, artists, scientists, filmmakers, and public intellectuals for intimate conversations and readings. Branch-level author events feature local LA writers, debut novelists, and genre specialists.
Career & Job Search Help
LAPL offers free career resources including resume writing workshops, interview preparation, job fair events, LinkedIn profile optimization, and access to online career training platforms. The Source career center at the Central Library provides dedicated job search assistance, computer access, and career counseling. GED preparation and ESL classes are available at dozens of branches.
Cultural & Community Events
LAPL celebrates LA's extraordinary cultural diversity with events for Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Lunar New Year, Dia de los Muertos, Pride Month, and many other observances. Events include live music, film screenings, art exhibitions, panel discussions, dance performances, and multilingual programs in Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Armenian, Tagalog, and other languages.
LAPL Events by the Numbers
How to Find & Register for LAPL Events
LAPL makes it easy to discover events across all 73 branches. Here are the best ways to find and sign up for programs:
LAPL Website Event Calendar. Visit lapl.org/events to browse the full event calendar. Filter by date, branch, age group (babies, kids, teens, adults, seniors), and category (book clubs, technology, arts, career). Each listing includes time, location, description, and registration link if required.
LAPL Email Newsletter. Subscribe to the LAPL newsletter on the website for weekly event highlights. You can customize by branch and interest area. The Library Foundation newsletter covers ALOUD and special events at the Central Library.
Social Media. Follow @lapaboroughs on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) for real-time announcements, event coverage, and reading recommendations. Individual branches maintain their own social accounts with hyper-local event information.
In-Branch Flyers and Bulletin Boards. Every LAPL branch posts upcoming events on bulletin boards near the entrance and circulation desk. Monthly event calendars are available at the desk. Ask a librarian for personalized recommendations.
LAPL Mobile App. The LAPL app (iOS and Android) includes event browsing, library card access, catalog search, and digital resource access. Enable push notifications for event alerts at your favorite branches.
Registration Tip: Most LAPL branch events are drop-in. However, ALOUD events at the Central Library, limited-capacity technology workshops, and some children's programs require advance registration. ALOUD events are free but popular — register through the Library Foundation website as soon as events are announced. Arrive early for open-seating events, as the Mark Taper Auditorium seats only 235.
Best LAPL Events This Season (Spring 2026)
Here are the most anticipated LAPL events and programs this spring:
ALOUD Author Series
The spring ALOUD lineup features intimate conversations with acclaimed authors, artists, and thinkers at the Central Library's Mark Taper Auditorium. Past guests include Roxane Gay, Michael Pollan, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and Ocean Vuong. Events typically run 90 minutes with moderated discussion, audience Q&A, and book signing. Free with registration.
Summer Reading Program
LAPL's annual summer reading program runs June through August for children, teens, and adults. Participants earn prizes for completing reading milestones and attending programs. Over 200,000 Angelenos participate each year. Registration opens in late May at all branches and online.
Central Library Tours
The Richard J. Riordan Central Library is an architectural landmark. Free docent-led tours explore the stunning Goodhue Building (1926), the Tom Bradley Wing, the Lodwick M. Cook Rotunda murals, and the beautiful garden terraces. Tours run regularly and cover the library's remarkable history, including the devastating 1986 fire and its restoration.
LA Reads Community Program
LAPL's city-wide reading initiative selects a book for all of Los Angeles to read and discuss together. Related programming includes branch discussion groups, film screenings, author visits, and themed events. Free copies are distributed at all branches while supplies last. A great way to connect with fellow readers across the city.
Events by Branch: Top LAPL Locations
While every LAPL branch offers programming, some locations are known for especially rich event calendars:
| Branch | Neighborhood | Event Highlights | Special Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Library | Downtown LA | ALOUD series, exhibitions, career workshops, building tours, cultural events | Mark Taper Auditorium (235 seats), Teen'Scape, The Source career center |
| Pio Pico - Koreatown | Koreatown | Bilingual programs (Korean/English), cultural events, children's story times, ESL | Modern community room, bilingual collections |
| Felipe de Neve | El Pueblo/Chinatown | Bilingual events, Lunar New Year celebrations, ESL classes, community forums | Community room, multilingual collections |
| Exposition Park - Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune | South LA | Black history events, author talks, STEM workshops, community conversations | Meeting room, computer lab, children's area |
| Encino-Tarzana Branch | San Fernando Valley | Book clubs, children's programs, tech classes, author events, community meetings | Large meeting room, outdoor garden, teen space |
Family & Kids Programming at LAPL
LAPL offers extensive free children's programming at every branch, with sessions designed for specific age groups and offered in multiple languages to serve LA's diverse communities.
Baby Story Time (Ages 0–2)
Gentle sessions for babies and caregivers featuring board books, nursery rhymes, songs, bouncing activities, and sensory play. Sessions last 20–30 minutes and are designed to foster early language development and parent-child bonding. Available weekly at most branches. No registration required.
Toddler Time (Ages 2–3)
Energetic story time with picture books, action songs, finger plays, movement activities, and simple crafts. Sessions run 30 minutes and encourage toddlers to build listening skills, vocabulary, and social interaction. Held weekly at most branches. Drop-in friendly.
Preschool Story Time (Ages 3–5)
Engaging 30–45 minute sessions with picture books, interactive storytelling, songs, letter recognition, and craft projects. Many branches offer bilingual story times in Spanish, Korean, Chinese, or Armenian. Designed to build kindergarten readiness. Offered weekly at all branches.
School-Age Programs (Ages 6–12)
After-school and weekend programs including homework help, STEM experiments, coding workshops, arts and crafts, Lego challenges, chess clubs, reading challenges, and creative writing. The annual Summer Reading Program keeps kids learning with prizes and hundreds of free events across all 73 branches.
Bilingual Programming: Reflecting LA's diversity, many LAPL branches offer children's programs in Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Armenian, Tagalog, and other languages. Bilingual story times and after-school programs help children develop literacy skills in multiple languages. Check your local branch calendar for multilingual programming schedules.
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Free Technology Classes at LAPL
LAPL provides comprehensive free technology education at branches across the city, helping Angelenos build essential digital skills for work, school, and daily life.
Beginner Computer Classes
Computer basics, mouse and keyboard skills, Windows navigation, file management, internet browsing, email setup, and online safety. Perfect for seniors and adults with limited tech experience. One-on-one help sessions available at most branches by appointment.
Office & Productivity Software
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Classes cover document creation, spreadsheet formulas, presentation design, cloud storage, and collaboration tools. Essential for job seekers and professionals.
Coding & Web Development
Introduction to HTML/CSS, Python, JavaScript, and Scratch (for kids). Multi-session coding workshops run at select branches. No prior experience needed. Library computers are provided; no personal equipment required.
Digital Media & Creative Tech
Digital photography, video editing, podcast production, graphic design, and social media content creation. The Central Library and select branches offer access to professional creative equipment and software. Teen'Scape provides advanced media production tools for young adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Los Angeles Public Library events free?
Yes. All LAPL events and programs are completely free and open to the public. This includes ALOUD author talks, children's story times, teen programs, technology workshops, ESL classes, citizenship preparation, career workshops, and cultural events. No library card is required to attend, though registration may be needed for limited-capacity programs.
How do I find and register for LAPL events?
Visit lapl.org/events to browse the full calendar. Filter by date, branch, age group, and category. Subscribe to LAPL and Library Foundation newsletters. Follow @lapaboroughs on social media. Check in-branch bulletin boards or ask a librarian. ALOUD events require registration through the Library Foundation website.
What is the ALOUD series at LAPL?
ALOUD is LAPL's premier cultural event series, hosted at the Central Library's Mark Taper Auditorium. It brings renowned authors, artists, scientists, and thinkers for intimate conversations and readings. All ALOUD events are free with advance registration. The series is presented by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and is one of the most acclaimed literary programs in the country.
Does LAPL offer technology classes for beginners?
Yes. LAPL offers free technology classes at branches across the city covering computer basics, internet navigation, email, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, smartphone skills, and online job applications. One-on-one tech help is available at most branches. Advanced workshops cover coding, web development, digital media, and creative technology.
What children's programs does LAPL offer?
LAPL offers Baby Story Time (ages 0–2), Toddler Time (ages 2–3), Preschool Story Time (ages 3–5), after-school programs (ages 6–12), the Summer Reading Program, STEM workshops, homework help, arts and crafts, and bilingual story times in Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and other languages. All programs are free and most are drop-in.