Richard J. Riordan Central Library050

Egyptian motifs and glorious visual treats await at this magnificent library in LA's downtown historic district. An extensive children's section, children's theater, storytimes, special events, and friendly docents make the Richard J. Riordan Central Library a must-do for all ages.

The Children's Literature Department, surrounded by artist Albert Herter's California History murals, will astound you and your kids: over 250,000 books, an extensive Mother Goose collection, fairytales galore, a folk doll collection, and cozy nooks and crannies in which to read and dream. Located on the second floor, the Children's Department has its own phone number: 213.228.7250.

The remodeled Ronald McDonald Multimedia Center (located in the Children's Literature Department) has 23 PCs available for the 12 and under set; software includes interactive storybooks, and math and reading games.

Special showings from the library's Gladys English Collection of Original Illustrations of Children's Books, a traveling exhibit with over 200 pieces, are regularly scheduled, as are puppet shows, crafts, and family activities.

StoryTime is every Sat at 2pm in the KLOS Story Theater (in the back of the Children's Department); the Children's Story Theater Series is once a month at 2pm in the Mark Taper Auditorium (first floor, Tom Bradley Wing).

Older kids can join a guitar workshop or chess tournament at Teen'scape, on the second floor, or peruse the hefty collection of comics, teen magazines, college and job info, as well as CD's, videos, and cyberspace stations in the Reading Lounge and Study Room.

Teachers can arrange field trips with their classes for a specialized kids' tour, which includes a thirty- minute architectural tour of the building and a storytime in the beautiful KLOS Story Theater. (Call the Docent Office at 213.228.7055.)

Validated parking for people using the Central Library is available in the 524 S. Flower Street garage beneath the Maguire Gardens. Enter the garage from Flower Street. To obtain a validation, you must show your Los Angeles Public Library library card at the Information Desk on the first floor during regular Library hours. Library cards are available free of charge. Parking is $1.00 on Saturdays and Sundays and after 3 pm with validation.