LA Central Library

The Society for Calligraphy arranged a private tour of the LA Central Library's rare and vintage book collection.  The original building was built in 1926; in 1983 there was a very destructive arson fire.  The building was saved from demolition and instead renovated, adding a new 8-story atrium wing (to keep the addition at the same height as the original building, most of the new wing is subterranean).
The library is very beautiful - there are numerous large murals, statuary, and engraved inspirational quotes both inside and out.

Emma, the librarian who led our tour, showed us a sample of the different types of old books the library owns, including a collection of hand-written cookbooks, first editions, and autographs.  Below are some photos from my literary day :)

Downtown art and hotel

Main building, 5th St entrance

Entrance to new wing

Rotunda and solar system chandelier

Emma, our charming guide

Example of a home-made cookbook, written in wonderful script

The oldest document in the collection - 1500s

A book printed by William Morris' Kelmscott Press

Original score by Erich Korngold, movie composer
(Adventures of Robin Hood, etc)

Lobby of new wing, miniature-style

One of my favorite illustrators from the Golden Age of illustration
(I have one of his books!)

Statue of Civilization (lots of symbolism here!)