Los Angeles Central Library in Los Angeles

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630 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, California, Downtown Los Angeles 90071

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This is not the first central library Los Angeles has built, but it is the one wit the most staying power. Between 1878 and 1926 the city had several incarnations of the library in a number of locations, but something about this structure has endured earthquakes, floods, and even a few arson attempts. Even though its towering neighbors have eaten the library's lawns, pools, and other public spaces they have failed to crowd its diminutive shape out of downtown. The latest and most highly publicized incursion came from the Gas Company Building and what is now called the Library Tower. The developers of those skyscraper purchased the air rights above the library in order to exceed height restrictions and erect their massive structures. The money the Central Library received from its tall neighbor was used to fund one of the library's many renovations. Topping the building is a pyramid with suns on each side. At the apex is a hand holding the torch of knowledge. Surrounding the library are an odd series of terra cotta reliefs by Lee Oskar Lawrie titled "Meaning and Purpose of Library" depicting all sorts of things topics that might be researched inside from philosophy and history to religion and art. Visitors may want to look up information about the Nebraska State Capitol. It was this building that served as Goodhue's basis for the Los Angeles Central Library.

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