North Hollywood Regional Branch Library

North Hollywood Regional Branch Library
North Hollywood, California

The North Hollywood Amelia M. Earhart Regional Branch Library is located at the intersection of Tujunga Avenue and Magnolia Avenue occupying a rectangular lot at the corner of the North Hollywood Park. The original facility is a single story brick building in the Spanish Colonial Revival style of approximately 4,300 square feet, designed by Weston & Weston Architects. It was built in 1930 as one of several branches funded by revenue bonds voted by the citizens of Los Angeles in the 1920's. In 1956, an extensive addition in the same style by John Landon increased the library area to approximately 12,500 square feet. In 1984, the 1930's URM building was seismically reinforced to Division 88 standards. This project incorporates a second addition of approximately 2,500 square feet and the addition of new parking areas.

The 1930's portion of the facility is a clerestory volume with seven multi-pane windows centered over the entry. The clerestory has a shallow hip roof of red Spanish tile and two chimneys at the south end. On the south and east sides, a second tile roof below the clerestory windows extend over offices and a porch that asymmetrically covers three-quarters of the front. The porch roof is supported by a row of stylized concrete columns and capitals resting on a two-foot high concrete wall finished by a brick course. Entry is through a small rectangular vestibule, decorated with wrought iron gates, grilles, and Mexican tile. Doors of oak and leaded glass lead into the circulation and adult reading area with open wood trusses and a fireplace at the south end. The 1956 addition encompasses the existing reference area, staff area and children's area and matches the original exposed brickwork, clay tile roof and exterior detailing.