Did you know that Ray Bradbury wrote the first draft of Fahrenheit 451 (1953) in the basement of UCLA’s Powell Library? As one of the most beautiful buildings on the historic university campus, the library stands out for its splendid Romanesque Revival architecture and ample study spaces, but its storied connection to the distinguished science fiction author is especially compelling.
Powell Library serves as UCLA’s main library and is one of the university’s four original buildings, built between 1926-1929. Inspired by Milan’s Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, this nearly century-old structure is considered one of the most stunning libraries in Los Angeles.
Ray Bradbury at Powell Library
Ray Bradbury penned Fahrenheit 451 in the library’s basement, typing away on rented machines that cost 20 cents per hour. He completed the novella version of his story in nine days in the early 1950s, later expanding the story to its final, longer form, which was published in 1953. Remarked Bradbury,
“I spent $9.80 and wrote my story; in other words, it was a dime novel.”
Fahrenheit 451 is set in a futuristic society where firemen burn books to suppress independent thought, and Bradbury found it especially meaningful to write a story about book burning in a library. Bradbury was known to dash upstairs during his writing sessions for books and reference materials, even calling university chemistry departments to find out at what temperature paper burns. Eventually, he got the answer from the fire department, which told him it was 451 degrees Fahrenheit.
Visiting Powell Library
While Powell Library is primarily used by UCLA students, it also welcomes members of the public. Visitors aged 18 and older can obtain a free access-only card, which allows use of the library’s spaces and services but does not include borrowing privileges. Those who wish to check out materials can purchase a borrowing card for an annual fee of $100.
📍 Location: University of California, Los Angeles – 10740 Dickson Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90095
🗓️ Hours: 9 am-7 pm Monday-Thursday, 9 am-5 pm Saturday
🌐 Website: Powell Library