Historic Time Capsule Revealed at Central Library's 100th Anniversary

Contents include photos, documents, and mementos from the library's early days

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:31pm

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As Los Angeles' Central Library celebrated its 100th anniversary, the contents of a recently unearthed 100-year-old time capsule were revealed, offering a glimpse into the city's past. The copper time capsule was buried in the building's cornerstone during construction in 1925 and contained a variety of historic documents, photos, and other mementos from the library's early days and the surrounding community.

Why it matters

The discovery of this time capsule provides a unique window into the history of the Central Library and the city of Los Angeles in the 1920s. The contents offer insights into the growth and development of the city during that era, as well as the role the library played in the community. The time capsule also contained an even older capsule from 1881, when the site was home to the State Normal School, the precursor to UCLA.

The details

The time capsule included photos, pamphlets, resolutions and booklets from local community organizations, annual reports, a copy of the city charter, engineering and fire department reports, coins, and copies of newspapers from 1925. The smaller 1881 capsule contained mementos from the funeral of President Garfield, holiday greeting cards, coins, newspapers, and various documents and booklets.

  • The time capsule was buried in the building's cornerstone during the library's construction in 1925.
  • The smaller 1881 capsule was originally placed in the cornerstone of the State Normal School, which previously occupied the same site and was dedicated in December of 1881 before opening the following year.
  • The Central Library celebrated its 100th anniversary on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

The players

John Szabo

The Library Director, who spoke at the start of the centennial anniversary celebration.

Todd Lerew

The Director of Special Projects at the Central Library, who put out the time capsule from 1926 for display.

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What they’re saying

“The public library is very much the people's university — and I worry about so many areas. Book bans are taking place around the country at a level not seen since the McCarthy era. It's happening in school districts, in public libraries … it's not a major threat in the city of Los Angeles, but it has certainly happened in Southern California. It's an issue that we should all pay attention to … and stand up for intellectual freedom.”

— John Szabo, Library Director (Los Angeles Daily News)

What’s next

The library plans to display the contents of the time capsule as part of its year-long centennial celebration, which will include various events and exhibits highlighting the library's history and role in the community.

The takeaway

The discovery of this historic time capsule underscores the Central Library's enduring importance as a civic institution and repository of Los Angeles' history. As the library celebrates its 100th anniversary, the contents of the capsule offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's past and the library's evolution over the decades.