The Santa Monica Public Library is presenting Ken Breisch speaking on the Los Angeles Central Library Sunday Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. in santa Monica’s Main Library’s MLK, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Touted as “a very special program celebrating all things library and the iconic Los Angeles Central Library,” the event is co-sponsored by the Society of Architectural Historians/Southern California Chapter (SAH/SCC) and features author Ken Breisch, Ph.D. discussing his new book “The Los Angeles Central Library: Building an Architectural Icon, 1872-1933.”
The construction of the Los Angeles Central Library marked the evolution of the L.A. public library system from an elite organization ensconced in two rooms in downtown L.A. into one of the largest public library systems in the United States. It was yet another factor in the “coming of age” of the city and the region.
Breisch, a former member of the Santa Monica Public Library Board, teaches architectural history at the University of Southern California (USC) and has been studying the architecture of libraries for decades. Here, Breisch draws upon a wealth of primary source material to tell the story of one of the most important American buildings of the twentieth century. Breisch is also past president of the national Society of Architectural Historians and a member of the Advisory Board of the local chapter. A book sale and signing follows the program.
This program is free and open to all ages. Space is limited and on a first arrival basis. The Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair accessible. For special disabled services, call Library Administration at 310.458.8606 one week prior to event.
