Hollywood Research # 7 The Central Library

Los Angeles Public Library, Central Library

630 West 5th Street, Los Angeles

We started researching our new book GAME TOWN, in Hollywood, on Hollywood Blvd. Since this was a fact-finding "mission" we needed loads of background information on Hollywood (the real everyday Hollywood). After spending time at the Hollywood Branch Library we wanted more and headed to the main library.

          The Los Angeles Library Association was formed in late 1872, and by early 1873, a well-stocked reading room had opened under the first librarian, John Littlefield. Aggressive expansion and growth of the system began in the 1920s.

          The historic Central Library Goodhue building was constructed in 1926 and is a Downtown Los Angeles landmark. The Central Library was designed by the architect, Bertram Goodhue. The Richard Riordan Central Library complex is the third largest public library in the United States in terms of book and periodical holdings. Originally named the Central Library, it received a new wing completed in 1993,  The complex (i.e., the original Goodhue building and the wing) was subsequently renamed in 2001 for former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, as the Richard Riordan Central Library.

          We spend a day in the library researching old newspapers, circulars and pamphlets of the area dating to winter 1957. We got a wonderful feel for Hollywood's everyday life, at that time.

          The staff in the Historical/Genealogy section were more than helpful in getting just what we needed.

AHA Moment

We found out about several dance clubs in Hollywood and Los Angeles that catered to specific music, i.e. Jazz, Bepop, Rock 'n Roll. Also, some "high end night clubs"  for the elite.