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Overview

The Los Angeles architectural partnership of Hunt and Burns designed the first branch library in the Los Angeles Public Library system, completed in 1913. The building's bilaterally symmetrical plan with the first floor elevated on a high, daylit basement, was common for many Carnegie Libraries, but its mix of stylistic influences was quite unusual.

Building History

Having opened 03/01/1913, the Los Angeles Public Library's Vermont Square Branch had the distinction of being the first permanent branch library building in the Los Angeles Public Library System, and the first of six Carnegie buildings financed by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie built in Los Angeles, CA.

Building Notes

The building is an interesting amalgam of Italian Renaissance Revival style details and Prairie Style influences.

L.A. Historic Cultural Monument #264, declared: 06/07/1983. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, Building #87001022.

Alteration

Due to its unreinforced masonry foundation and structure, the City of Los Angeles required that the building be seismically retrofitted. The Shimazu Partnership supervised a 1990-1996 renovation project at the Vermont Branch. A pamphlet published by the Los Angeles Public Library stated: "On May 26, 1990, this historic building was closed in compliance with the Los Angeles City Building and Safety Commission's earthquake hazard reduction order. Its masonry was unreinforced and did not meet seismic safety codes. Temporary quarters were set up at 5401 S. Figueroa Street. Thanks to Proposition #1, the 1989 Library Bond Issue, which made possible the Library's Branch Library Building Project, the Vermont Square Branch Library is now opened to the public at the original building. The Shimazu Partnership modernized and reinforced the renovated facility, making it accessible to the disabled and increasing the electrical capacity to accommodate modern library technology." (See Los Angeles Public Library.org, "Grand Opening Celebration for the Vermont Square Branch, 1201 W. 48th Street," accessed 05/08/2025.) The library sustained damage in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake that delayed its reopening until 05/11/1996.

PCAD id: 2555