Sphinxes, movie stars and 3m books: LA's beloved art deco library turns 100

The Los Angeles Central Library, an architectural gem in downtown LA, celebrated its 100th anniversary this week with an estimated 12,000 visitors streaming through its halls. The art deco building has served as a backdrop for iconic films such as "Heat" (featuring the famous street shootout) and "Ghostbusters," as well as TV shows like "Moonlighting," "Murder, She Wrote," and "LA Law."

However, the library has also witnessed darker moments. In 1985, serial killer Richard Ramirez, known as the Night Stalker, visited and asked for books on astrology and torture. The librarian directed him to the appropriate section and only recognized him after his arrest days later. In 1986, a still-unsolved arson destroyed 400,000 volumes, forcing the library to close for seven years.

Designed by architect Bertram Goodhue, the library blends Spanish, Egyptian, Byzantine, and Islamic influences. Key features include a central rotunda with Dean Cornwell's murals of California history, a zodiac chandelier, a colorful mosaic pyramid on the roof topped with a torch, and two black-gold sphinxes flanking a staircase.

During the centennial festival, visitors could type poems on vintage typewriters using old catalog cards, purchase small wax replica sphinxes from a restored vending machine dubbed "Mold-A-Central," and view the world's largest pop-up book, "Luceros y Penumbras" (31 by 20 feet). A highlight: 588 people signed up for new library cards.

The library remains a vital community resource, offering job-hunting assistance, citizenship classes, language learning, and the Octavia lab (named after author Octavia Butler) with 3D printing, sewing, and other modern tools.