Midterm season at UCLA has arrived, and finals are around the corner. Libraries are full, spaces are crammed, and everyone is preparing for their tests. In times like these, it can be hard to focus and find a comfortable space to lock in. But what if I told you our campus stretches beyond UCLA? As big as UCLA can sometimes feel, we have an even bigger campus waiting for us: Los Angeles.
And in our city of LA awaits so many libraries to discover. Libraries can become your new study spot and de-stressor, so grab your library card and let me give you a tour!
The first stop on our tour is located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles: the Los Angeles Central Library. Just this year, the beloved library celebrated 100 years since its opening in 1926! With more than 2 million books, it makes the perfect place for a change of scenery. From its unique architecture to its extensive resources, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new book or explore a new hobby, the library’s multimedia, art, music, and recreation resources offer plenty of opportunities to do just that.
If you want to get away from your studies for a bit, you can also explore the library’s available art and history exhibits, which are beautiful to admire. And, of course, since we’re here to lock in, they have more than enough study spaces for you. You can reserve a space to settle in and focus or wander around until you find a spot you like. However you prefer to study, the library offers another place to get through that midterm grind.
To continue our exploration, our second stop will be the Little Tokyo Branch Library. This library is the perfect place to get a taste of the city’s diverse culture. It’s almost like a little escape to another world.
The library is influenced by Japanese architecture, with many distinctive traditional features. It also offers Japanese and English literature and resources for you to discover. Some resources include cultural programs and community events, which are open to everyone.
To make your visit even more worthwhile, one amazing area you have to check out is the Urban Garden. The garden adds an entirely different scenery to the city. It makes for a perfect place to study as well! You’re able to take in nature, culture, and the city all in one place. This spot offers something a little different than your usual library study routine.
As we made our way back to finish our tour, we arrive at the Westwood Branch Library. Located not far from UCLA’s campus, the library offers events, clubs, and spaces for students to explore. It’s also a useful resource for college students looking to borrow books, access technology, or conduct research for their next paper.
During a busy time of year, it might be easier to visit somewhere close to home, and the Westwood Branch Library gives you the space you need. Whether it’s to study comfortably or explore the events, it’s a place where you can branch off from your usual routine.
Our tour of LA’s libraries has come to an end, but you can surely continue it. As exam season continues, don’t forget UCLA is made up of so much more than its campus. Los Angeles has so many libraries waiting to be discovered, so grab your library card and check one out!