Los Angeles Public Library is celebrating 100 years of the Central Library, making this the perfect time to spotlight the exceptional librarians who have overseen this remarkable building and everything within: its collections, programs, services, and staff. Over several weeks, we're highlighting the individuals who have served as Director of Central Library.
In Part 1 of this series,...

![Janos (John) Xantus, [ca. 1861]. Portrait by Miklos Barabas Janos Xantus in front of his sketch from his journal](https://www.lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/whats_on_list_120x90/public/blogs/2020-04/janosheader1.jpg?itok=KStlCODx)
![Pictured from left, are Vivian Vance, co-star, holding her Emmy for Best Supporting Actress, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball holding the Best Situation Comedy Emmy, [1954]. Herald Examiner Collection Pictured from left, are Vivian Vance, co-star, holding her Emmy for Best Supporting Actress, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball holding the Best Situation Comedy Emmy](https://www.lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/whats_on_list_120x90/public/blogs/2020-08/emmyphotoheader.jpg?itok=qp1lU8qS)

![The United States as viewed by California (Very Unofficial) Distorted and Drawn by Ernest Dudley Chase [1940] pictorial map of california (detail)](https://www.lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/whats_on_list_120x90/public/blogs/2024-02/blog-post-cover.png?itok=A9L4pCio)
![Tom Bradley on an escalator at the opening of the Red Line subway downtown Los Angeles, [1993]. Gary Leonard Collection Tom Bradley on an escalator at the opening of the Red Line subway downtown, 1-30-93.](https://www.lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/whats_on_list_120x90/public/blogs/2025-11/tombradleyheader.jpg?itok=4ydI9O9i)




