This year, the Los Angeles Central Library in Downtown L.A. celebrates the 100th anniversary of its dedication!
Described as the anchor of the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) system, the historic building has been a community center and place of learning for generations of Angelenos since July 1926.
Now, LAPL honors its main library location with a year of celebrations and offerings, from new exhibitions to a limited-edition centennial library card.
Here’s a closer look…
Centennial events with Los Angeles Public Library
L.A. Public Library is celebrating the Central Library’s centennial with events, merch, and programming that’s worth putting on you radar for 2026.
The celebrations kicked off on January 29th with the opening of a century-old time capsule, which was placed as a cornerstone of the building a century ago. Check out our reel below or read our recent article to see what was inside…
Just this week, LAPL debuted the new limited-edition Centennial library card, which is available now while supplies last. If you can’t get your hands on a card, you could also stop by the Library Store for commemorative merchandise including colorful art prints that make for stunning posters.
What’s more, the Central Library is showcasing several exhibitions in its galleries this year that tell the story of the library’s 100-year-history. From scrapped building design plans to historical photos from the building’s construction, there’s plenty to look back on. We have our eye on an exhibition opening in July that will attempt to create the World’s Largest Pop-Up Book.
LAPL has also launched several interactive initiatives that the public can join in on. Pick up a historic library card catalog and take it to get stamped, join the “Beanstack” color-by-number challenge, or contribute to the LAPL’s Oral History project.
The Centennial Celebration is a great way to get involved with the L.A. Public Library system so that we can continue to enjoy it for another 100 years. The Library Foundation of Los Angeles has launched a fundraising initiative with a $5 million goal to expand LAPL programs — consider donating if you’re able!
🌐 Learn more: LAPL Central 100 Celebration