“This park is a great example of the community the Council Office and the two departments all working together” Councilman Herb Wesson once said about the Washington Irving Pocket Park. This small park sits next to the Washington Irving Branch Los Angeles Public Library. It opened in 2022. This is a testament to the library’s importance in the community. The Washington Irving Branch is more than just a place to borrow books.
The Washington Irving Branch Los Angeles Public Library has a rich history. Its original location at 1802 South Arlington Avenue was a beautiful Romanesque Revival-Mediterranean Revival building. Architect Allison & Allison designed it in 1926. It was even added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. Sadly the original building is now vacant. The library relocated to its current modern location at 4117 West Washington Boulevard in 2000.
The move wasn’t without controversy. Many residents fought to save the historic building. They envisioned it becoming a community center. The Los Angeles Times even covered the debate highlighting the community’s strong feelings about their library. The library commission ultimately decided progress was needed. A larger more modern space would better serve the entire community. The 12269 square foot building opened in 2000. It offers many more services and resources than its predecessor.
Today the Washington Irving Branch is a vibrant hub. It offers a wide range of programs and services. These include homework help workshops computer classes and bilingual book discussions. The library also actively participates in the annual Big Read program. This ensures the library remains a vital part of the Arlington Heights neighborhood. It continues to evolve meeting the ever changing needs of its community.
The Washington Irving Branch Los Angeles Public Library is a testament to the power of libraries. It’s not just a repository of books. It is a community center a learning space and a vital resource for all. So come inside and explore all that this important institution has to offer. You will discover a welcoming environment and a wealth of knowledge waiting to be discovered.