Echo Park Branch Library was established in the early 1900s as a depository for discarded books in the old Echo Park playground clubhouse. By 1908, the branch's first librarian was appointed and the facility was opened one afternoon and one evening each week. A small storefront at 1811 Temple Street was rented in April of that year, and the Library occupied it until the new Echo Park Branch facili
ty opened its doors at 520 Glendale Boulevard in 1928. Crowds of children attended the opening of the new facility, which was the thirteenth LAPL branch facility to be erected from a 1925 $500,000 bond fund. Circulation was high during the first year of operation. Neighborhood patrons borrowed over 104,000 books, and this pace continued until 1936, when depression budgets took their toll on staffing and new book acquisitions. In 1971 the facility sustained major damage during the Sylmar earthquake and was declared unsafe for occupancy by the Bureau of Public Buildings. The library relocated to its temporary site at 515 N. Laveta Terrace, where staff conducted a very successful community outreach program to the local Latino population between 1989 and 1992. Called Partnerships for Change, Libraries for Everyone, the program resulted in a 78% increase in library usage, and greatly expanded recognition of the library within the general Echo Park community. In 1988, an LAPL Branch Facilities Plan proposed obtaining a site for a new building, and funds were made possible by the passage of Proposition #1, the 1989 Library Bond Issue. The Board of Library Commissioners approved acquisition of property at 1410 West Temple Street in 1991, and ground was broken for the new facility on September 24, 1994. The new 17,543 square-foot Echo Park Branch Library building has a multi- purpose room, bookstore, two separate reading areas with raised bench seating for children and young adults, and a gallery wall to showcase local artists' works. A large parking area has been included, and there is access for the disabled. Originally designed by Lang / Lampert Architects and managed by the City Architect, the Echo Park Branch contains the electronic capacity to utilize state-of-the- art library technology, including LAPL's new automated circulation system and computerized catalog, which provides information about books available within the Los Angeles Public Library system. Designated an LAPL "Virtual Electronic Library," the Echo Park Branch will provide public access to the Internet and various ESL programs. The Branch has continued to receive support for these programs from its major donor, the Whitecap Foundation. Alejandro de la Loza created the public art component for the project, a large relief fashioned from sandstone and bronze, which depicts the celebration of life and represents the cultural diversity of the city. This 15' by 20' piece hangs over the interior doorway to the branch, and reflects the colors used in the building itself.
05/25/2026
Happy Memorial Day! 🇺🇲 All LAPL libraries are closed today in observance of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning U.S. military members who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May.
While we are closed today, our online resources are always available 24/7 at www.lapl.org
Highlighted book: “Memorial Day,” by Jacqueline S. Cotton.
05/21/2026
Another puzzle completed at our library! 🤩
We have a large collection of puzzles ranging in 50-2000 pieces for you to check out! Next time you’re at our library, don’t forget to borrow a puzzle to take home and complete at your own pace. And add a piece or more to our community puzzle located on one of our public reading tables!
05/21/2026
Another puzzle completed at our library! 🤩
We have a large collection of puzzles ranging in 50-2000 pieces for you to check out! Next time you’re at our library, don’t forget to borrow a puzzle to take home and complete at your own pace. And add a piece or more to our community puzzle located on one of our public reading tables!
05/19/2026
All LAPL libraries are closed today for Staff Development Day. We will be back tomorrow!
In the meantime, please go to lapl.org to visit our online resources, available 24/7!
05/11/2026
Celebrate AAPI arts, crafts, dance, authors, food and more on Saturday, May 16 from 11am-4pm at LAPL’s Central Library! For more information and a list of the day’s events, please go to: https://www.lapl.org/aapi-joy
05/05/2026
Join us at the Echo Park Library every Second Saturday of the month at 2pm for some fun with basic Vietnamese vocabulary, songs, and stories! Geared towards children ages 2-5 years old but all ages are welcome to attend.
This month, we will be talking about colors! 🎨
No Vietnamese language experience is necessary to attend. Bring your little ones and join us for a language rich experience each month!
05/01/2026
May is National Pet Month, amongst many other celebrations! 🐶🐕🐱🐈🐰🐇🐢
National Pet Month honors the joy pets bring to us and supports animal welfare. It focuses on enhancing pet health, volunteering at shelters, and celebrating the bond between pets and their owners.
Swipe to meet some of our staff members’ pets! And we have plenty of books on pet care. Drop by our library to check some out!
05/01/2026
May is National Pet Month, amongst many other celebrations! 🐕🐶🐱🐰🐈🐇🦮🐢
National Pet Month honors the joy pets bring to us and supports animal welfare. It focuses on enhancing pet health, volunteering at shelters, and celebrating the bond between pets and their owners.
Swipe to meet some of our staff members’ pets! And we have plenty of books on pet care. Drop by our library to check some out!
05/01/2026
May is National Pet Month, amongst many other celebrations! 🐶🐱🐕🐰🐹🦮🐈
National Pet Month honors the joy pets bring to us and supports animal welfare. It focuses on enhancing pet health, volunteering at shelters, and celebrating the bond between pets and their owners.
Swipe to meet some of our staff members’ pets! And we have plenty of books on pet care. Drop by our library to check some out!
Want your business to be the top-listed Government Service in Los Angeles?
05/25/2026
05/21/2026
05/21/2026
05/19/2026
05/11/2026
05/05/2026
05/01/2026
05/01/2026
05/01/2026