Past Due: 100 Years of Central Library - Episode 5: A World of Puppets
In this episode of Past Due, we explore the Children’s Literature Department, highlighting the art and architecture, and explain how LAPL purchases the many resources for our diverse range of library patrons.Resources Mentioned:FOCAL Puppets on display:Pedro Puppet First year of the Focal Award for Pedro: The Angel of Olvera Street by Leo Politi. Currently on display in the Getty Gallery.Chef Roy Puppet Awarded in 2017. Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix by Jacqueline Briggs Martin (Author), June Jo Lee (Author), Man One (Illustrator). Currently on display in the Children’s Literature Department.Brenda Levin’s "Levin and Associates Architects" website.Libby/OverdriveCentral 100 Community Oral HistoryThe KLOS Puppet Theater in the Children's Area of Central Library Chef Roy Puppet Awarded in 2017. Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix by Jacqueline Briggs Martin (Author), June Jo Lee (Author), Man One (Illustrator). Currently on display in the Children’s Literature DepartmentMara Alpert showing off the Librarian and Wizard puppets
16 Apr 2026
Past Due: 100 Years of Central Library - Episode 4: Public Art
In this episode of Past Due, we talk with Stephen Gee, author of Los Angeles Central Library: A History of Its Art, to discuss the artwork of the Central Library past and present.We also explore the mystery of the missing Well of Scribes and highlight the tremendous work done by our Shipping Department.Resources Mentioned:Los Angeles Central Library: A History of its Art and Architecture by Stephen GeeSculptor Jud Fine Reflects on the Maguire Gardens’ SpineSpine: An Account of the Jud Fine Plan at the Maguire Gardens Central Library, Los Angeles by Jud FineAnn Preston's Lamps Illuminate the Bradley WingAlta JournalCentral 100 Community Oral HistoryThe Literate Fence located on 5th StreetThe Seven Centers Ceiling located in the Central Library lobby is by Los Angeles artist Renee PetropoulosAnn Preston's Illuminations can be found on various levels in the Tom Bradley wing of the Central Library. The one pictured is located on Lower Level 3 Chandeliers by Therman Statom located in the Tom Bradley wing of Central Library (view from the second floor) Found portion of the Well of the Scribes, previously located at foot of the West Garden
19 Feb 2026
Past Due: 100 Years of Central Library - Episode 3: Hidden Spaces and Forgotten Places (Part 1)
In this episode of the Past Due podcast, our host gets the inside scoop from a Central Library docent about some odd architectural features of Central Library’s past and present, and also explores some of the library’s special collections.Librarian Sheridan J. Cazares talks to docent, Tom McQuaide, to find out the differences between Central Library’s architecture from 1926 and today. Then, he talks to the Special Collections Department Senior Librarian, Angi Brzycki, about a rare resource called the Manzanar Free Press, created by interned Japanese-Americans during World War II.Resources MentionedThe blog post that inspired this episode was by Library Docent, Kenon Breazeale.Read the 1927 Handbook of the Central Building, from the Library’s California Index, that shows the library’s original floor plans, as well as the building’s extraordinary sculptures and murals.To view the issues of the Manzanar Free Press or other materials in our Digitization and Special Collections Department, make an appointment here.Regarding the Well of the Scribes, currently on exhibit in the Annenberg gallery, here is the 2020 press release offering a reward for information leading to the recovery of the sculpture.Come take an art and architecture tour of Central Library with our docents.At Central Library, a man looks through binoculars down at one of the large reading rooms, [circa 1927]. Security Pacific National Bank CollectionLoft in the Art Department that used to house drafting tables
5 Feb 2026
Past Due: 100 Years of Central Library - Episode 2: Famous Patrons of Central Library
Join the librarians of the Los Angeles Public Library as they revisit interactions with notable patrons, talk about L.A. History with Angel City Press, and dive into the mystery of Against the Grain, Inc.
Angelenos from all walks of life have visited the Library, including a few notable patrons.
Librarians share their experience with Octavia Butler, Man One, and Emilio Estevez.An interview with the Creative Director of Angel City Press about the link between library service and their role in the publishing industry.
An interview about an anonymous art installation.
On Persistence: Octavia E. Butler & Central Library blog post
The Public - IMDB Page + Movie Trailer
Man One Panel Presentation on YouTube
Angel City Press website
Kaos Theory by Ben Caldwell
Against the Grain wooden art book titled, God is Really Mad
13 Jan 2026
Past Due: 100 Years of Central Library - Episode 1: Los Angeles, You Need a Library!
In this episode of the Past Due podcast, we’ll discuss how the Library came to be built, an early architectural mystery about the library, and some of the intriguing details about one of the oldest books in the Library’s collection.
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