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The Malaga Cove Library is part of the statewide Doors Open California 2025: Unlocking the State's Hidden Treasures
For the second year in a row, the Malaga Cove Library is one of the featured sites in the statewide celebration of historic places sponsored by the California Preservation Foundation.
The Doors Open California program provides behind the scenes access to California’s most fascinating historic places. Over four weekends in September, more than 70 sites — from hidden garden courtyards and museum vaults to private architectural gems — will open for rare discovery. PVLD is excited to be one of these featured sites!
Visit the Malaga Cove Library for a FREE tour of the whole library - from top to bottom - and learn the history behind the Peninsula’s most treasured building.
Available September 13 only.
See our partner site, californiapreservation.org/doca. for the full line up of sites and schedule throughout the month of September.
AGE GROUP: | Teen | Senior | Adult |
EVENT TYPE: | Cultural Celebrations |
Opening as the Palos Verdes Public Library & Art Gallery on June 3, 1930, the Mediterranean Revival architectural style building was designed by Architect Myron Hunt, a local resident. The five-level, 16,550-square-foot building is constructed of hollow-cast double-walled reinforced concrete covered by stucco with a red mission tile roof. The surrounding landscape was designed by well-known landscape architect, Frederick Olmsted, Jr in 1930.
In 1962, an addition was completed on the south side of the building, and in 1997 the stone patio on the east side of the building was remodeled to provide improved handicapped access. Library furnishings include reproductions of original hand-carved walnut Italian Renaissance tables, chairs, and couches from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Vanderlip. The Library completed a DOLLAR renovation of the interior restoring it to its original.
The library has been designated as a Historic Landmark and it is listed on the California Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places.
