Powell Library

“Lost in a book?” a voice whispered, pulling me back to the present. I stood before Powell Library, a grand Romanesque Revival structure at the heart of UCLA. Powell Library isn’t just a place to study. It’s a living, breathing piece of UCLA history. Established between 1926 and 1929, Powell Library was one of the four original buildings on the UCLA campus. Its architectural style, reminiscent of Milan’s Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, makes it an iconic landmark. Look closely at the entrance. You’ll find mosaics, including one depicting two men holding a book inscribed with a quote from Cicero’s Pro Archia Poeta: “These studies nourish youth and delight old age.” A fitting inscription for a library dedicated to undergraduate learning. Inside, the Main Reading Room on the second floor boasts Renaissance Printers’ Marks on its ceiling, a hidden detail for those who look up. The library’s namesake, Lawrence Clark Powell, served as UCLA’s University Librarian from 1944 to 1961 and Dean of the Graduate School of Library Service from 1960 to 1966. Powell Library is more than just bookshelves and study carrels. It’s a place where history was made. In 1951, Ray Bradbury drafted his dystopian masterpiece, Fahrenheit 451, within these walls, renting one of the library’s typewriters. Today, students affectionately call it “Club Powell”, a nickname reflecting its lively, sometimes louder-than-average atmosphere. It’s also a hub for de-stressing during finals week, with therapy dogs, origami stations, and a steady supply of snacks. Powell Library has hosted a vibrant array of events, from the Edible Book Festival to silent discos and video game orchestras. Powell Library has evolved with the times, offering 24/7 research help via chat and embracing its role as a dynamic center for undergraduate life at UCLA. It stands as a testament to the power of knowledge, creativity, and community, inviting all who enter to explore, discover, and connect.