“Books to Go” are available. Now standing before the Lincoln Heights Branch Los Angeles Public Library ponder its story. This library is more than just a building. It is a community hub in Los Angeles.
The Lincoln Heights Branch Library’s story began in 1900. It started as a delivery station. The station was located at Daly Street and Pasadena Avenue. In 1907, it merged with the East Main Branch. Together, they formed the East Los Angeles Branch. By 1913, the branch operated out of rented space on North Broadway.
Fast forward to 1911. Andrew Carnegie donated money to build six new libraries. The Lincoln Heights Branch was one of them. Plans were approved in 1915. Lester H. Hibbard and H.B. Cody designed it. They modeled it after the Italian Renaissance Villa Papa Giulia near Rome.
The library opened in August 1916. It was first known as the Northeast Branch Library. The design combines Italian Renaissance and Colonial styles. An outdoor reading garden offered open-air reading. The facility included an auditorium. It seated 340 people.
By 1919, the area was renamed Lincoln Heights. The library became the Lincoln Heights Branch. A bas relief of Abraham Lincoln was added in 1922. Mrs. William Wendt created it. The Auxiliary, B. of L.E., gifted it.
In 1975, a community vote renamed it. It became “Biblioteca del Pueblo de Lincoln Heights”. The area was predominantly Latino.
The Lincoln Heights Branch is one of three surviving Carnegie libraries in Los Angeles. The others are Cahuenga and Vermont Square.
The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission designated it a Historic-Cultural Monument in 1983. In 1987, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Its Classical Revival style has Beaux Arts influence. The floor plan is a segment of a circle. Arched entry is centered.
The 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake caused damage. The library closed in 1990. It did not meet earthquake safety requirements. A $3 million renovation project followed. It reopened in June 1996. The building was expanded to 12912 square feet. Seismic reinforcement was added. A skylight was uncovered. Computer workstations were installed. Ricardo Rodriguez Duffy’s ceramic art was placed on the columns.
Today, the Lincoln Heights Branch Los Angeles Public Library continues to serve the community. Visit the Lincoln Heights Branch. It offers free income tax preparation. California State University assists. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is available. Adults can improve reading and writing skills. Tutors are available for 15-20 minutes.
The Lincoln Heights Branch Library offers much more. Adults can learn practical English. There are classes. Children enjoy storytelling. Volunteers like Freida and Emma read. Children can take home a free book. The Lincoln Heights Branch also offers book bundles. These are great for readers on the go.
The Lincoln Heights Branch Los Angeles Public Library at 2530 Workman Street. Angelina Garcia is the Senior Librarian. You can call 323-226-1692. The Lincoln Heights Branch is a place for everyone.