Central Library
How encouraging to read (Metro, May 16) of the reopening of the Los Angeles Central Library! I recall only too well my sadness over the two fires in 1986, and how they touched upon the tragedy of the arson at the Hollywood Library on Ivar Avenue prior to that.
Libraries have always been my first love, but the Los Angeles Central Library was my second home from the first day I entered it, back in the summer of 1955. The architecture alone was a tribute to Los Angeles historical buildings, and my favorite section was the Los Angeles Times on microfilm from 1881 to present day.
Senior citizens, mostly forgotten by the world, until recent years had found a haven of sorts in local parks. But lately, the city’s parks (i.e., MacArthur Park) have become so dangerous the oldsters had found the library offered safety and intellectual companionship so vital to their daily existence. Let’s hope the “new old” library survives.
EDDIE CRESS
Los Angeles
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