Los Angeles Public Library

The most important library system in Los Angeles is the Public Library (LAPL), which has branches throughout the city. The United States allocates as much money for its maintenance as no country in the world allocates to its library. LAPL is overseen by an Authorized Library Council composed of 5 members appointed by the mayor.

California residents have free access to more than 6 million volumes, periodicals, audiovisual materials and Internet access. In the center of the city there is a library, which stores rare copies of books. The LAPL is located between Flower Street and Grand Avenue.

The development of the library system began in 1920. In 1926, Goodhue was built, the third largest library in the United States. In 1993, it was expanded, with another wing added, named after Tom Bradley, the former mayor. In 2001, the building was renamed and now bears the name of Richard Riordan - also a former measure of the city.

Architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue made this building unique. It incorporated Mediterranean and Egyptian Renaissance architecture. The central tower is decorated with a tile mosaic and a pyramid of the Sun. Here you can see snakes, sphinxes and other interesting interior details. The structure has sculptural elements created by Lee Laurie. In the fresco, illustrator Dean Cornwell depicted all stages of the history of the state of California.

Over time, the library was restored. Now it reflects the Art Nouveau style and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.