Los Angeles Public Library (2024)

FAQs

Can I get a Los Angeles Public Library card if I don't live in Los Angeles? ›

I don't live in Los Angeles, may I still apply for an e-card? Although you must be an L. A. City resident to be eligible for an e-card, anyone may apply for a full-access library card by visiting one of our library locations with identification and proof of address.

The LA County Library system provides local libraries to several unincorporated areas and cities across Los Angeles County, and is not to be confused with the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) system, which serves areas within the city of Los Angeles.

Central Library Building Overview

The building features 538,000 square feet of space on eight floors, nearly 89 miles of shelves and seating for more than1,400 people. There are 255 free public access computers located in the Computer Center and throughout the building. Internet access is also provided by Wi-fi.

The complex (i.e., the original Goodhue building and the Bradley wing) was subsequently renamed in 2001 for former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, as the Richard Riordan Central Library.

Library cards are free for California residents. More information...

Out of State Residents: Residents who do not live in California are required to pay for an out-of-state card unless they can show proof of a permanent second home (not business) in California. Out of state visitors may purchase a library card for $10. This card must be renewed every year.

Your library card expires every 3 years. To reactivate your card, call your local LA County Library location and verify your address and phone number. The next time you check out library materials you will be asked to show a valid ID.

You can check out up to 50 items on your library card. Materials can be renewed on or before the due date. They cannot be renewed if there is a waiting list. To renew items, log into My Account or call a LA County Library location.

Harvard Library is the network of Harvard University's libraries and services. It is the oldest library system in the United States and both the largest academic library and largest private library in the world.

1. LA Central Library. LA Central is the main branch of the LA Public Library system, dating back to 1926 in DTLA. This is one of the best libraries in Los Angeles for architecture lovers, notable for the tiled pyramid on the roof and the ornately-decorated rotunda.

Is LA County Library free? ›

Library cards are available for free to permanent and temporary residents of California. With an LA County Library card, you can: check out books, magazines, and DVDs. place holds and access your account online.

The Human Library Los Angeles is the official LA Depot of The Human Library Organization, founded 2000 in Denmark.

Library cards are available for free to permanent and temporary residents of California. With an LA County Library card, you can: check out books, magazines, and DVDs.

Answer. Keep in mind that if you do not have a home address in New York State you will only get a temporary library card (which can be used to request materials at our physical locations).

The South San Francisco Public Library offers temporary visitor cards for members of the public who do not live in California. These library cards are good for 3 months and only allow a checkout of only 3 materials at a time. Your account includes limited access to online resources.

Library cards are available to anyone who lives or owns property in: An area served by the King County Library System. * The service area of another library system that has a Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement with us.