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 over 1,000 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.
