How about stepping into a time capsule right here at the Wilshire Branch Los Angeles Public Library? This isn’t just a repository of books. It’s a landmark. The Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society agrees. They gave the Wilshire Branch a Historic Landmark Award in 1999. That’s award number 66.
The Wilshire Branch Library opened its doors way back on December 6 1920. Imagine a tiny storefront. It was on Second and Hobart Streets. That’s across from the Cahuenga School. This original space was the smallest ever for a city branch library. It measured a mere 12 by 24 feet. It had room for only 1000 books. The branch started with just 900 books. Loans from the Central Library kept it afloat.
The Wilshire Branch’s popularity exploded. People loved to read. A new location became essential. In 1922 the Library Commissioners bought a lot. It was at St. Andrews Place and Council Street. The cost was $7350.
A bond measure passed in 1925. It provided $500000 for new libraries. The Wilshire Branch was included. Allen Ruoff was chosen as the architect. Completion was set for 1927. The Wilshire Branch had to move to larger quarters in 1926. They rented two stores on Western and Council. This was a temporary fix.
August 1 1927 marked a milestone. The new Wilshire Branch Library opened. It cost $56000. The style was Italian Renaissance. The building used stone tile. Tufa stone added trimming. The carved doorway was elaborate. It copied the Portal of Costanzo. That’s from the Cathedral of Perugia in Italy. A large club room became a community hub.
The Wilshire Branch Library supported war efforts during World War II. It hosted the Red Cross nutrition classes. It also hosted a children’s Victory Club.
The Wilshire Branch served the community at St Andrews Place. But then disaster struck. The Whittier Narrows earthquake forced its closure. That was on October 1 1987. Library service was interrupted for the first time in fifty years. On July 28 1988 the branch relocated temporarily. It moved to 316 N Western Avenue.
Renovations began on the historic St Andrews facility. A bond issue and community grants funded the work. Barton Choy Associates designed the renovations. The upgrades brought the building up to code. The renovated historic structure reopened on August 8 1996.
Today the Wilshire Branch Library boasts a unique collection. It highlights Korean and Spanish films. It also has foreign language films. The Wilshire Branch offers resources. These include Book Bundles To Go and public computers. It has a Neighborhood Science Kit. You can also find Tech2Go Bundles. Feel free to connect to the Wi-Fi. Wireless printing is available. ZoomText is also available.
So as you leave the Wilshire Branch Los Angeles Public Library remember its journey. From a tiny storefront to a historic landmark. It has always been a community treasure.