California Unique Libraries

Cerritos Public Library (left photo) at that city's civic center complex and Geisel Library on the campus of UC San Diego in La Jolla (right photo) include architecturally interesting buildings that invite the public to explore. Cerritos Library's exterior finish looks like gold when it shines in the late afternoon sun, while San Diego's library offers whimsical appeal. It is named for long time La Jolla resident, Theodor Seuss Geisel, or Dr. Seuss.

When you visit cities such as New York, you quickly learn about and see that libraries are sources of pride. The same can be said about California's libraries ranging from the Huntington Library in San Marino with rare manuscripts and books such as a Gutenberg Bible dating to around 1455, to The Autry Museum of Western Heritage with irreplaceable materials dating back to California's gold rush. Specialty libraries with unique collections span the state, attracting researchers, authors and even tourists to travel in search of information not accessible any other way. Examples include the Sherman Library & Gardens (Corona del Mar) which has a collection of antique & rare books about plants; Museum of Making Music's library focused on music, musicians and musical instruments; and the Dr. Seuss collection at UCSD. Who said libraries are boring?