The Los Angeles Public Library’s Central Library is the third largest central library in the nation. Its subject departments contain more than 2.6 million books; 10,000 magazine subscriptions; almost 3 million historic photographs, 5 million U.S. patents, plus language learning and multi-media materials. The Central Library is the headquarters for the Los Angeles Public Library, which includes 72 branch libraries.
The Central Library has nine Subject Departments that provide a variety of reference services over-the-counter, by telephone, mail, e-mail, computer “chat” or fax. Materials in the Central Library can be ordered by patrons throughout the city and shipped to the borrower’s local branch. It also hosts a wide variety of events and exhibition throughout the year and offers docent led tours of the historical building highlighting its art and architecture.
