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Monday 10am - 8pm Tuesday 12:30pm - 8pm Wednesday 10am - 8pm Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm

Echo Park Branch - Los Angeles Public Library

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Echo Park Branch - Los Angeles Public Library

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http://www.lapl.org/branches/hist/08-h.html LAPL sought quarters of its own in 1925 when plans for a new park clubhouse began to take form.

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 facility 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.

10/16/2026

Drop by our library every Third Saturday of the month (10am-1:30pm) to take a look at our used book sale, sponsored by Friends of the Echo Park Library! All proceeds benefit our library. 📚

10/12/2026

All LAPL libraries are closed today in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We will re-open tomorrow, Tuesday October 13 at 12pm.

In the meantime, our online resources are available 24/7 at https://www.lapl.org/digital-library

10/09/2026

10/08/2026

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, Bilingual Vietnamese Storytime will take place on Saturday, October 10 at 2pm and we will be talking about Autumn. Come celebrate the Autumn season with us! 🍂

No Vietnamese language experience is necessary to attend. Bring your little ones and join us for a language-rich experience each month!

10/05/2026

It’s hot out Echo Park! But how hot? What you’re standing on could make a big difference.

Learn about surface temperature and how it impacts your community and health. Learn about California’s native plants and trees as we make environmental measurements together, and check out our library’s native plants garden!

All ages are welcome to attend.

10/02/2026

We have exciting news! Starting this Saturday, come into our library to participate in our Cover to Cover Reading Challenge in partnership with In-n-Out. 📚☺️🍔🎉

When: October 3 to November 14
Where: Echo Park Library
What: Earn an In-n-Out gift card for a free hamburger or cheeseburger
Who: Children ages 4-12
How: Read 5 books or 300 minutes to receive one gift card

To sign up, please ask staff at the Reference Desk and we will get you started. Happy reading!

09/28/2026

Acompáñenos este jueves 1 de octubre a las 3:30 p. m. en un taller práctico sobre alfabetización digital. Dirigido a adultos, este taller ofrecerá una introducción a Internet: cómo funciona y cómo utilizarlo de manera inteligente.

Los asistentes DEBEN traer su propio teléfono inteligente.

Join us this Thursday, October 1 at 3:30pm for a hands-on workshop on digital literacy. Geared towards Adults, this workshop will introduce everyone to the Internet: how it works and how you can use it wisely.

Those attending MUST bring their own smartphone. Workshop will be in Spanish.

09/22/2026

Join us this Thursday, September 24th at 3:30pm for a hands-on workshop on digital literacy. Geared towards Adults, this workshop will introduce everyone to the Internet: how it works and how you can use it wisely.

Those attending MUST bring their own smartphone. Workshop will be in English (a Spanish version is coming up next week!)

09/21/2026

Seniors of Echo Park: we want your input. What would your dream book club look like? What books would you discuss? What formats would you prefer? How long would you meet? We want to know! Join us for an informal discussion among your peers. Light refreshments provided.

Address

1410 W Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA
90026

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 8pm
Tuesday	12:30pm - 8pm
Wednesday	10am - 8pm
Friday	9:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday	9:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+12132507808

Website

http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=8, http://disclaimer.lacity.gov/accessibility.htm

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