Moneta Branch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Moneta Branch
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Moneta Branch Library, May 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 | 4255 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, California |
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| Built | 1923 |
| Architect | Farwell, Lyman |
| Architectural style | Mediterranean Revival; Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals |
| MPS | Los Angeles Branch Library System TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 87001016 |
| Added to NRHP | May 19, 1987 |
The Moneta Branch library, also known as the Junipero Serra Branch, was once an important part of the Los Angeles Public Library system. It served the community south of Downtown Los Angeles for many years. This building is famous for its beautiful design and its history as a community hub.
Contents
Library's Early Days
The Moneta Branch started in 1908. Back then, it was just a small collection of books kept in a local store. It was like a mini-library where people could borrow books.
Opening a Formal Branch
In 1915, the library grew and opened as a proper branch. It moved into a rented store building on West 45th Street. The library got its name, Moneta, from Moneta Avenue, which was nearby.
Helping During World War I
During World War I, which happened from 1914 to 1918, the Moneta Branch did more than just lend books. It became a center for important war efforts. People could go there to help with things like selling Liberty bonds, which helped fund the war, and supporting the Red Cross.
New Building and New Name
The beautiful building you see in pictures today opened in 1923. It was built in the Mediterranean Revival style, which looks a lot like buildings you might see in countries around the Mediterranean Sea.
Renamed Junipero Serra Branch
In 1934, the library's name was changed. It became the Junipero Serra Branch. This new name honored Junípero Serra, a very important historical figure. He founded many of the famous California missions long ago.
A Historic Landmark
The Moneta Branch building is considered very special. In March 1984, the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission officially named it a Historic-Cultural Monument. This means it's an important part of the city's history and culture.
Added to National Register
In 1987, the Moneta Branch was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places across the United States that are important to history. Many other branch libraries in Los Angeles were added at the same time. The application noted that these libraries were built in different old-fashioned styles. They were designed to be the first branch libraries for the city of Los Angeles.
Building Description
The Moneta Branch building is a one-story structure. It's made of brick covered with a stucco finish, which gives it a smooth look. The front of the building is symmetrical, meaning both sides are mirror images. Its most noticeable feature is a square tower right in the middle.
Library Closes Down
Sadly, the Moneta/Serra Branch closed its doors in 1987. This happened after the Whittier Narrows earthquake. The earthquake caused damage, making the building unsafe.
Temporary and New Libraries
After the old library closed, a temporary library opened in a mini-mall. However, this temporary location was damaged during the 1992 riots in Los Angeles. A brand new, permanent library finally opened in 1998. This new library was much bigger, about three times the size of the old Serra Branch. It also had modern features like computers with internet access.
Community Support
A famous choreographer named Debbie Allen helped the new library. She led a campaign that raised $900,000. This money was used to buy books and other materials for the new Serra branch and another nearby library, the John Muir branch, which was also affected by the riots.
The original 1923 library building on Olive Street has remained closed ever since the 1987 earthquake.
