The Historic Venice Branch
historic place
The Venice Branch, located at 610 California Avenue in Los Angeles, holds a notable place in the area's history. This building, designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, was constructed in 1930 by architects Witmer and Watson. It served as a branch of the Los Angeles Public Library system for decades. Before this permanent structure, the Venice Branch joined the Los Angeles Library System in July 1926, initially operating from a storefront on Washington Boulevard. The building's architectural details include masonry construction, oak double doors with diamond-shaped panes at the front entry, and wrought-iron lamps flanking the entrance. In June 1984, the Venice Branch was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. It was later added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 19, 1987, as part of a thematic group of Los Angeles branch libraries. In 1995, a new Venice-Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library opened, and this historic building transitioned to a new role. Today, the former Venice Branch serves the community as the Vera Davis McClendon Youth and Family Center. This site is significant for its architectural style and its long service as a public library in Venice.