History & Genealogy Department - Los Angeles Public Library

04/21/2026

The landmark Los Angeles Central Library opened to the public in July 1926. On January 29, 2026, to kick off the library's centennial year, a time capsule that was placed in the building's cornerstone during the original construction was unveiled to the public for the first time. This video highlights the year-long journey to recover the capsule and spotlights some of its unique contents.

The landmark Los Angeles Central Library opened to the public in July 1926. On January 29, 2026, to kick off the library's centennial year, a time capsule that was placed in the building's cornerstone during the original construction was unveiled to the public for the first time. This video highligh...

02/05/2026

Join us on Saturday February 7, 12PM @ Central Library as author Brian Dervin Dillon, Ph.D. tells the story of one of the most remarkable, unsung women of WWII, Alice Chong.

Chong was the only American-born Chinese female War Correspondent publishing articles in the Honolulu Newspapers (1938-1940), and the only American-born Chinese woman to work for General Claire (Flying Tigers) Chennault at his Kunming 14th U.S. Army Air Force base (1943-45) as his on-call interpreter and intelligence expert.

Dillon will give a presentation, take questions and sign copies of his book., An American Heroine: Behind the Lines with Alice Chong in Hawaii and China, 1909-1972.

Central Library - Meeting Room A, 12PM.

For ADA accommodations, call (213) 228-7430 at least 72 hours prior to the event.

Brian Dervin Dillon, Ph.D. presents his new book, An American Heroine: Behind the Lines with Alice Chong in Hawaii and China, 1909-1972, about Alice Chong, a war correspondent, intelligence officer, interpreter, and one of the most remarkable women to serve in World War II.

02/03/2026

It’s 2026, and we’re looking forward to commemorating 100 years of the Central Library. While the opening of the Central Library was truly momentous, it wasn't the only exciting thing going on in L.A. Visit the blog to see what else was happening in 1926: http://lapl.me/nT3yQAE

01/27/2026

https://www.lapl.org/whats-on/events/trivia-central

Test your knowledge by joining us tomorrow 1/28 for a game of trivia hosted by It Wonders Me Trivia. Bring your brains, leave your phones. Form a team or come alone. The prizes may be small, but the bragging rights are huge!

Join "It Wonders Me Trivia" for two knowledge-packed rounds of trivia and fun! Bring your brains, leave your phones. Form a team or come alone. The prizes may be small, but the bragging rights are huge!