Cahuenga Branch Library facts for kids
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Cahuenga Branch Library
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Cahuenga Branch, June 2008
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 Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4591 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California |
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| Built | 1916 |
| Architect | Russell, C.H. |
| Architectural style | Italian Renaissance Revival, Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| MPS | Los Angeles Branch Library System TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 87001006 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 19, 1987 |
The Cahuenga Branch is a very old library in Los Angeles. It's the third oldest branch in the Los Angeles Public Library system. You can find it at 4591 Santa Monica Boulevard in the East Hollywood area of Los Angeles. This library was built in 1916. It received money from a famous businessman named Andrew Carnegie.
The Cahuenga Branch is one of only three Carnegie libraries still standing in Los Angeles. Because of its history, it's been named a Historic-Cultural Monument. It's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special building that needs to be protected.
Contents
How the Library Was Built
The Cahuenga Branch was one of six libraries built with a large gift. This gift of $210,000 came from Andrew Carnegie, who made his money in steel. The library's architect was Clarence H. Russell. He also helped design the famous Venice canals.
Carnegie's gift paid for the building and its equipment. But the city of Los Angeles had to buy the land. They chose a spot at Santa Monica and Madison. It was cheaper than the first planned location.
Building Design and Features
The library cost $34,000 to build. It was made from brick and concrete. Its unique shape, like a clover leaf, allowed staff to see the whole main floor from one central desk.
On the first floor, there were different sections. These included areas for children, fiction books, and reference materials. There was also a quiet room for adults to read. Downstairs, the basement had a large auditorium. It could seat up to 300 people. The library even had an "open air reading room" outside.
The building looks very grand from the outside. It's built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. This means it looks like old Italian buildings. It has a low, tiled roof and brick walls. A big, fancy stairway leads up to the main entrance.
Opening Day
The Cahuenga Branch Library opened on December 4, 1916. The City Librarian, Everett Perry, gave a speech. He welcomed everyone from East Hollywood to their new library. He told them to use all the books and resources. He also mentioned the auditorium and story time for kids.
Perry talked about the types of books available. He said, "Your boy can borrow here books on wireless telegraphy or raising rabbits; your girl, books on sewing or cooking." He also mentioned that the library would only buy "wholesome" books. This meant they avoided books that were considered "trash" or "sensational" at the time.
Andrew Carnegie paid for six libraries in Los Angeles. Today, only three of these original Carnegie libraries are left. They are the Cahuenga Branch, the Vermont Square Branch, and the Lincoln Heights Branch.
Library History
The Community Around the Library
The Cahuenga Branch was built in a busy part of the city. Many schools, hospitals, and cultural places were nearby. The first campus of UCLA was close by. Even after UCLA moved, its old campus became Los Angeles City College.
Other important places within a mile of the library include the Braille Institute, Barnsdall Art Park (with Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House), and the KCET public TV station. Also close by are Children's Hospital and Queen of Angels-Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital. All these nearby places meant many people needed the library's resources.
World War I Efforts
During World War I, the Cahuenga Branch helped with war efforts. Like other city libraries, it used some of its space for wartime activities. People would gather there to roll bandages. They also had community sing-alongs every week. More than 100 people would attend these events. However, the 1918 flu epidemic stopped these gatherings.
Changes in the Community
In the 1960s and 1970s, many older residents moved away. New families from Asia, Latin America, Russia, and Armenia moved into East Hollywood. To help these new residents, the Cahuenga Branch got money from the government. This allowed them to hire staff who spoke many languages. They also offered English classes and citizenship classes. The library even hosted fun events and festivals for the community.
Closing for Repairs
In 1990, the Cahuenga Branch had to close. It was found that the building wasn't safe enough for earthquakes. The library moved to a temporary spot for six years. During this time, the old building was made stronger and renovated.
In 1996, the library reopened. It looked much better! Before, it was described as a "dark and grotty hole." After the renovation, it was bright and welcoming.
The renovation also brought new technology. Computer workstations were added as part of the "Libraries Online!" project. This project was funded by Bill Gates and Microsoft Corporation. It's interesting that two very rich men, Andrew Carnegie (from steel) and Bill Gates (from computers), both helped fund this library, though many years apart.
100th Birthday Celebration
The library celebrated its 100th anniversary on December 3, 2016. Before the big day, the library got some fresh improvements. It was repainted, cleaned, and repaired. New landscaping and bike racks were added.
The celebration included fun for families. There was a talk about the history of Carnegie libraries. Community groups shared information. Students from Lockwood Avenue Elementary School performed music. Important people like L.A. City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell and City Librarian John Szabo gave speeches. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday to You" to the library and enjoyed a big birthday cake.
Historic Status
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The Cahuenga Branch was named a Historic-Cultural Monument in 1986. This means it's an important historical building in Los Angeles. In 1987, it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a national list of important historical sites. The library was recognized for being part of Los Angeles's first branch library system. Its design, in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, was also noted.
In December 2016, for its 100th birthday, a special plaque was placed inside the library. This plaque recognized its status as a Historic-Cultural Monument. A sign was also put outside on Santa Monica Boulevard. It celebrates the library's 100th anniversary and its historic importance.
