Central Library
The Central Library in Los Angeles is the third largest central library in the nation. The original library, the Goodhue Building, opened in 1926. The Tom Bradley Wing was added in 1993. The original library was designed by New York architect Bertram Goodhue. His associate, Carleton Winslow, took over the project when Goodhue died suddenly in 1924. Its architectural style is generally modernist, but sources differ on whether it is representative of a brief wedding between the International Style and the decorative arts or an early example of Art Deco. Serious overcrowding and physical deterioration started a debate in the 1960s. The Los Angeles Conservancy grew out of efforts to preserve it which finally succeeded in 1983. The library is designated a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County
Photographer: Andrew Schmidt