Los Angeles Library Hours 2025 - Complete Guide
Quick Facts
- 10,000+ libraries in our database across 50+ countries
- Updated monthly with verified opening hours
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📍 LA's Massive Library Network: Los Angeles County has the largest public library system in America with 73 LAPL branches, plus world-class academic libraries at UCLA, USC, and Caltech. Whether you're studying, researching, or exploring, LA offers FREE library access across the sprawling metro area.
🎯 Quick Navigation
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
📚 Los Angeles Public Library - Central Library
🏛️ Central Library - Goodhue Building & Tom Bradley Wing
📍 Address: 630 W 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
📞 Phone: (213) 228-7000
🚇 Metro:
- Red/Purple Line: Pershing Square station (2 blocks - walk south on Flower St)
- B/D Line: 7th Street/Metro Center (3 blocks)
- Buses: 18, 53, 62, 460, 487, Dash F (all within 2 blocks)
🅿️ Parking: Central Library Garage (entrance on Flower St between 5th & 6th) - $3/30 min, $15/day max with validation
Regular Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
✨ Historic Goodhue Building (1926) Highlights:
- Rotunda: Stunning octagonal dome with murals depicting California history
- Tiled Pyramid Tower: Iconic LA landmark topped with "Light of Learning" torch
- Getty Gallery: Rotating art exhibitions (free admission)
- Peace Garden: Rooftop garden with downtown views
- Architecture Tours: Free guided tours Monday-Friday 12:30pm, Saturday 11am & 2pm
- Historic Reading Room: Original 1926 chandeliers and woodwork
📚 Tom Bradley Wing (1993) Features:
- 8 Floors: 2.1 million items (largest collection west of Mississippi)
- Special Collections: Rare books, photo collection, historic maps
- Teen'Scape: Young adult space with gaming & media
- LAPL Patent & Trademark Resource Center: Business research support
- Café on 2nd: Coffee, sandwiches, salads (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm)
- Free WiFi & 300+ Computers: No time limits
- Mark Taper Auditorium: 235-seat venue for author talks, events
🎯 Collections by Subject Floor:
- Lower Level: Children's Literature, Storytelling
- Level 1: Popular Library (bestsellers, DVDs, audiobooks)
- Level 2: Arts & Recreation, Rare Books, Special Collections
- Level 3: Social Sciences, Education, Business
- Level 4: Literature & Fiction, Philosophy & Religion
- Level 5: Science, Technology, Patents
- Level 6: History, Biography, Genealogy
- Level 7: Children's Department (separate entrance)
🏘️ Popular Los Angeles Public Library Branches
💡 Find All 73 Branches: Visit lapl.org/branches for complete list with hours and Metro directions.
📍 West LA - Westwood Branch
Address: 1246 Glendon Avenue, Westwood, CA 90024
Phone: (310) 474-1739
Metro: Purple Line to Westwood/UCLA (5 blocks)
Note: Near UCLA campus, popular with students
| Monday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
📍 Santa Monica - Main Library
Address: 601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 458-8600
Metro: Expo Line to Downtown Santa Monica (3 blocks)
Note: Separate Santa Monica Public Library system (not LAPL)
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
📍 Hollywood - Frances Howard Goldwyn Branch
Address: 1623 N Ivar Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 856-8260
Metro: Red Line to Hollywood/Vine (3 blocks)
| Monday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
📍 Koreatown - John C. Fremont Branch
Address: 6121 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: (323) 962-3521
Metro: Red/Purple Line to Vermont/Santa Monica (10 blocks)
| Monday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
🎓 UCLA Libraries
📚 Charles E. Young Research Library (YRL)
📍 Address: 280 Charles E. Young Drive North, Los Angeles, CA 90095
📞 Phone: (310) 825-1323
🚇 Metro: Purple Line to Westwood/UCLA + campus shuttle (or 15-min walk uphill)
🅿️ Parking: UCLA Parking Structure 2 - $14/day visitor rate
Regular Quarter Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 8:00 AM - Midnight |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM - Midnight |
📅 Finals & Break Hours:
Finals Week: Extended to 24 hours (typically Week 10 + Finals Week)
Summer/Winter Break: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, weekends closed
Check Current Hours: calendar.library.ucla.edu
✨ YRL Features (Silent Study Heaven):
- ENTIRE BUILDING = QUIET ZONE: No talking anywhere (strictly enforced!)
- 8 Floors: 1,100 study seats - all individual carrels or silent tables
- Individual Study Carrels: Each with desk lamp and privacy dividers
- Graduate Student Carrels: Assigned long-term study spaces (upper floors)
- Perfect for Deep Focus: Absolutely silent atmosphere
- Vending Machines: Ground floor (no café, to preserve silence)
🎓 Community Access Policy:
- Bruin Card Required: Most UCLA libraries require active student/faculty/staff ID
- Community Borrower Card: $100/year provides library access + checkout
- Who Can Apply: Anyone 18+ with valid ID
- Apply: UCLA Store (Ackerman Union) - bring photo ID + proof of address
- UCLA Extension Students: FREE Bruin Card with enrollment
🏛️ Other UCLA Libraries:
- Powell Library: Undergraduate (café, group study, more social atmosphere)
- Biomedical Library: Health sciences (Westwood campus)
- Law Library (Hugh & Hazel Darling): Legal research
- Music Library: Scores, recordings, listening stations
- Arts Library: Architecture, arts, design
💡 UCLA Study Strategy:
For absolute silence: YRL (no talking allowed anywhere)
For group work: Powell Library (study rooms, collaborative spaces)
For late-night study: YRL open until midnight Mon-Thu, Sun (24hrs during finals)
🎓 USC Libraries (University of Southern California)
📚 Doheny Memorial Library (Main)
📍 Address: 3550 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089
📞 Phone: (213) 740-2924
🚇 Metro: Expo Line to Expo Park/USC (10-minute walk through campus)
🅿️ Parking: USC Parking Structure X (Figueroa & Exposition) - $14/day visitor
Regular Semester Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 8:00 AM - Midnight |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - Midnight |
📅 Finals & Break Hours:
Finals: Extended to 24 hours (typically Week 15 + Finals Week)
Summer/Winter Break: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, weekends closed
Check Current Hours: libraries.usc.edu/hours
📖 Doheny Features:
- Historic 1932 Building: Romanesque architecture, beautiful reading rooms
- 5 Floors: 600+ study seats including quiet zones
- Special Collections: Rare books including Hoose Library of Philosophy
- Café: Ground floor (coffee, snacks, sandwiches)
- Study Rooms: 20+ group rooms (book online via USC Spaces)
- Silent Study Area: 3rd floor designated quiet zone
🎓 Community Access Policy:
- USC ID Required: Card check at entrance
- Community Borrower Card: $100/year
- Who Can Apply: Anyone 18+ with valid ID
- Apply: Leavey Library Circulation Desk - bring photo ID + payment
- USC Alumni: FREE lifetime access with alumni card
🏛️ Other USC Libraries:
- Leavey Library: 24-hour study space (most popular for undergrads)
- Science & Engineering Library: Specialized collections
- Norris Medical Library: Health sciences
- Law Library (Gould): Legal research
💳 How to Get a Los Angeles Library Card
Los Angeles Public Library Cards
| Residency | Cost | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| California Residents | FREE | Photo ID + proof of CA address (utility bill, lease, mail) |
| Non-CA Residents | $150/year | Photo ID from any state |
| Children (under 13) | FREE | Parent/guardian with CA ID + child's name/DOB proof |
✅ Where to Apply:
- Any LAPL branch or Central Library during open hours
- Instant approval - card issued same day
- Valid at all 73 locations citywide
- Includes access to Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, Universal Class
University Library Community Cards
| Library | Annual Fee | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
| UCLA | $100/year | Anyone 18+ with valid ID |
| USC | $100/year | Anyone 18+ with valid ID |
| Caltech | $100/year | Anyone 18+ (limited availability) |
| LMU (Loyola Marymount) | $75/year | Anyone 18+ with valid ID |
💡 Pro Tip - Best Value:
For California residents: Get the FREE LAPL card first. Central Library downtown has 8 floors and stays open until 8pm weekdays.
For serious studiers: Add UCLA community card ($100/year) for access to YRL's silent study spaces (open until midnight, 24hrs during finals).
Note: UCLA YRL is THE quietest library in LA - no talking allowed anywhere in the building!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are Los Angeles Public Library hours?
Central Library downtown is open Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Branch libraries vary by location, typically Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm with some evening hours until 8pm. Most branches are closed Sundays.
Can non-students use UCLA library?
UCLA libraries require a Bruin Card (student/faculty/staff ID) for entry during most hours. Community borrower cards ($100/year) are available for anyone 18+ to access libraries and check out materials. Bring photo ID and proof of address to UCLA Store (Ackerman Union) to apply.
Is Los Angeles Public Library free?
Yes! Completely FREE for California residents with proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government mail). Non-CA residents can purchase library cards for $150/year. Walk-in access and WiFi are free for everyone with no card required.
Which LA library is open latest?
UCLA YRL (Young Research Library) stays open until midnight Monday-Thursday and Sunday during academic quarters (24 hours during finals). For public libraries, Central Library closes at 8pm Monday-Thursday, the latest in the LAPL system.
How do I get to Central Library by Metro?
Take Metro Red or Purple Line to Pershing Square station. Exit and walk 2 blocks south on Flower Street to 5th Street. Turn right - library entrance is mid-block. Also accessible via B or D Line to 7th Street/Metro Center (3 blocks north). Buses 18, 53, 62, 460, 487 stop within 2 blocks.
Does USC library allow public access?
USC libraries require USC ID card check at entrance during most hours. Community borrower cards ($100/year) provide access and checkout privileges. Apply at Leavey Library Circulation Desk with photo ID. USC alumni receive lifetime FREE access with alumni card.
What's the quietest library in Los Angeles?
UCLA YRL (Young Research Library) is the quietest - ZERO talking allowed anywhere in the entire 8-floor building. Strictly enforced silence with security monitoring. Perfect for deep focus study. Requires UCLA Bruin Card or community borrower card ($100/year).
Are there 24-hour libraries in Los Angeles?
UCLA YRL and USC Leavey Library both offer 24-hour access during finals weeks (typically Week 10 + Finals Week in each quarter/semester). No public libraries in Los Angeles are open 24 hours. Central Library has the longest public hours at 8pm closing weekdays.
🌴 LA Library Insider Tips
🎬 Hollywood Secret Entrance
Central Library was featured in "The Day After Tomorrow" and dozens of other films. The rarely-used Flower Street entrance leads directly to the historic rotunda - skip the main 5th Street crowds and feel like you're on a movie set.
🌿 Rooftop Peace Garden
Central Library has a secret rooftop garden called the "Peace Garden" - accessible from the 8th floor. Downtown skyline views, outdoor seating, and almost no one knows it exists. Perfect for a study break in the LA sunshine.
🤫 The UCLA Silent Zone
YRL (Young Research Library) is THE most silent library in LA - literally zero talking allowed anywhere in the building. Security will approach you if you whisper. For deep focus: it's unbeatable. Bring everything you need because you won't be asking neighbors for a pen!
🌅 Beat The Traffic Strategy
LA traffic is brutal but libraries are the opposite. Central Library opens at 9:30am weekends - arrive right at open, park in the $15 validated garage, study productively until 5:30pm, then drive home after rush hour subsides.
🏛️ Architecture Tour Hack
Central Library offers FREE architecture tours (Mon-Fri 12:30pm, Sat 11am & 2pm). Even if you've visited before, the tour reveals hidden details in the rotunda murals and explains the symbolism of the famous pyramid tower.
🎓 Finals Week at USC
When USC goes 24/7 for finals, Doheny gets packed. Insider move: Leavey Library is always open 24 hours during finals but most students stay at Doheny. Cross the street for half the crowd. Plus, Leavey has better coffee.
🔗 More Library Resources
⚠️ Hours may change for holidays, semester breaks, or special events. Always call ahead or check library websites before visiting:
- LA Public Library: lapl.org | (213) 228-7000
- UCLA Libraries: library.ucla.edu
- USC Libraries: libraries.usc.edu
📖 Helpful Resources
🗺️ Explore Nearby
Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025
Common Questions About Los Angeles Libraries
What time do libraries open in Los Angeles?
Most public libraries in Los Angeles open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.
Are Los Angeles libraries open on weekends?
Yes, most Los Angeles public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.
Do I need a library card to visit Los Angeles libraries?
No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.