Since the reopening of the Central Library in 1993, the Library Foundation's award-winning ALOUD at Central Library series has provided the people of Los Angeles and beyond with lectures, readings, performances, and conversations featuring key figures in the arts and humanities, business, politics, and science. These dynamic programs, generally provided free of charge, are designed to stimulate conversation and provide a space for civic dialogue. Through audience Q&A, ALOUD inspires active participation, offering people a space to learn, to hear, and respect different points of view.

ALOUD at Central Library makes its home in the beautiful and intimate Mark Taper Auditorium, a place where issues ranging from the topical to the enduring are addressed; where ideas are exchanged; and where outstanding thinkers and artists from a wide variety of disciplines can be heard in conversation with local authors, journalists, academics and experts in their field.

ALOUD is curated by Louise Steinman, author and Director of Cultural Programs for the Library Foundation of Los Angeles.

Become a Registered Library Foundation User and enjoy easy registration for ALOUD and other Foundation programs and events. Your user ID also allows you to make online purchases through The Library Store.

Subscribe to the Weekly ALOUD eAlert and receive information about upcoming ALOUD programs.

Join the Library Associates, support the Los Angeles Public Library, and receive Library Foundation member benefits including the quarterly ALOUD newsletter, invitations to special member appreciation events, discount tickets to offsite ALOUD programs, 15% off purchases made through The Library Store, and more

Directions/Parking: Unless otherwise indicated, ALOUD programs take place at the Los Angeles Central Library's Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071.

Author Signings: Book signings follow most author programs. Books are available for purchase at the program, courtesy of the Library Store. Proceeds from book sales go to support the Los Angeles Public Library. Library Associate members receive a 15% discount on purchases made at The Library Store.

Reservation Policy: As the majority of ALOUD programs are free of charge, it is our policy to overbook. In the case of a FULL program your reservation may not guarantee admission. Unclaimed reservations will be released at the start of each program. We recommend arriving early. To reserve 6 or more tickets for a single program, please call (213) 228-7025.

The 2009-2010 ALOUD at Central Library series is made possible through the generous support of The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, The Annenberg Foundation, K & L Gates LLP, KPMG LLP, Vesper Society, City National Bank, Donna and Martin J. Wolff, and the Library Associates. Media support provided by The Los Angeles Times, Classical KUSC 91.5 FM, 89.3 KPCC, FORA.tv, and KCET.

To learn more about ALOUD at Central Library and funding opportunities for ALOUD programming, please contact Justin Veach, Associate Director of Cultural Programs, at (213) 228-7472.

Support for the Library Foundation of Los Angeles is direct support for the Los Angeles Public Library. Every dollar counts. Your gift to the Library Foundation helps the Los Angeles Public Library grow stronger.