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Richard J. Riordan Library
Bryant Irawan / Indonesia Media
Now America's third largest public library, the Richard J Riordan public library or Central Library has served the city of Los Angeles and its nearby neighborhoods for 81 years. The library holds some of the world's most rare documents and includes hundreds of periodical holdings and databases as well as books. The library boasts a collection of books and databases relating to literature, fiction, art, music, recreation, international languages, business, economics, science, technology, patents, social science, philosophy, religion, history, and genealogy.  It is for this reason that the library had to bore through the earth's crust creating four subterranean levels completing the Tom Bradley Wing, the newest addition to the library. After the infamous 1986 arson incident, the library desperately needed huge amounts of restoration. Fortunately, the library boosters were able to completely restore the damaged sections of the library as well as the Tom Bradley Wing. Completed in 1993, the wing includes a dramatic eight-story sky-lit atrium with three chandeliers depicting nature, man's creations, and space. The interior of the library is decorated with various figures, statues, and grilles, notably a four-part mural by illustrator Dean Cornwell depicting stages of the history of California. Like most branch libraries, the Richard J Riordan Library is included with a rare books archive and a Popular Library. The Popular Library is the newest addition in the library and is the most visited for its endless assortment of bestsellers, trendy books, and entertainment DVDs and music CDs. Only the best of the best literature can be found in the Popular Library.
 However, this library is not only known for its extensive databases and literature. The library's squat tower topped by a colorful tiled pyramid with suns on either side, with a hand holding a torch representing the “Light of Learning” at the apex, has always been a city icon since it was built. Designed by Bertram Goodhue, renowned for his 1920 design for the sky-scraping Nebraska State Capital, the library is a fanciful blend of Egyptian, Byzantine, and Spanish architecture. Terra-cotta busts of some of history's most prestigious men are present everywhere in the library. It is imperative to visit the Lodwrick M. Cook Rotunda on the second floor. With its domed ceiling and the 2,000 pound bronze chandelier suspended from it, the entire room is definitely worthy of being mentioned an elaborate example of art, symbolism, history, and architecture fused into one masterpiece. Remember that membership is open to everyone, not just residents of the City of Los Angeles, as there are no residency requirements to obtain a library card. In the west entry of the library, lays the Maguire Gardens, an acre and a half of lush plant life -considered to be a treasured piece of land in the urbanized world of Los Angeles-. So whether you are a historian, a dedicated reader, or even a tourist looking to have a picnic while enjoy a good book all visitors are welcomed in Los Angeles' Public Library.
Address: 630 West Fifth Street, Downtown L.A.
Hours: M-Th: 10 A.M.-8P.M.
Fr-Sat: 10 A.M.6P.M.
Sun: 1 P.M-5P.M.
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