Beginning June 1, 2023. The Library hours are Tuesdays and Thursday-Saturday 9:00 - 4:00 p.m. and Wednesdays by appointment. If you stop by to drop off your books, please put them in the blue book bin found at Membership (setup near Ayres Hall)
The Botanical Information Consultant is available via phone and email (626-821-3236 | plantinfo@arboretum.org) as well as in person when the Library is open.
Avoid entering the library if you are experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms or feeling sick.
When we return on June 1, 2023, patrons will be able to:
We also encourage our Members to check out the large selection of e-books at the Library catalog and here for some featured e-books. Be sure to put “LA” in front of your membership number when you encounter the paywall. Curbside/Library Book Drop pick-up is also still available when the Library is open.
All books currently checked out can be returned in the Library book drop in front of the Membership Office when the Arboretum is open.
Our mission is to cultivate our natural, horticultural, and historic resources for learning, enjoyment, and inspiration. We strive to reflect Southern California’s distinct climate, community, and openness to new ideas. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site that includes Native American, Rancho Period, and late 19th century treasures. In addition to concerts and tours, we offer activities and events that cater to every audience.
Click here to search the Library Online Catalog
Did you know that you can search many of the resources the library offers in one click? Simply type your keyword or topic into the library’s search box and the most relevant results will appear for your research. Explore a variety of content from journals to e-books. With easy filtering options, you can narrow your results to the type of content, publication, date (and more) to find exactly the information resources you need.
Once you find the right result for your research, you can locate where the resource is held in the library.
Click here to search the Library Online Catalog
The Library is open to everyone with regular Arboretum admission. The general public may use library materials on-site. Arboretum members may check out materials. Please make an appointment with Librarian Leena Waller (Leena.Waller@arboretum.org or 626.821.3213) if you're planning to use only the Library and are not an Arboretum member. Appointments are not necessary for Library art exhibits and other special events, however, regular admission applies to these activities.
Library materials circulate to Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation members. Join today!
The Arboretum Library is located within The Arboretum at the top of the ramp near the entrance to the Gift Shop and east of the main bathrooms. During inclement weather (heat, cold, rain, or wind) go through the green gate and the Library is at the top of the ramps west of the entrance rotunda building.
"One of the nine objectives put forth in 1948 by the California Arboretum Foundation Board administrator for the newly founded Los Angeles State County Arboretum, was library service. A reference library for staff members only was the original intent in planning for a library, but since Arboretum objectives included both research and public information, it was soon apparent that the library must eventually become both a staff and a public resource."
From: What’s in an Arboretum Library by Lydia S. Bowen
LASCA Leaves Summer 1966 Vol. XVI No. 3
