SPECIAL EXHIBITION | COMING SOON
On view beginning July 11, 2026 at Richard J. Riordan Central Library
With original art created by Los Angeles artist and printmaker Daniel González and paper engineering by Matthew Reinhart, this ambitious feat of scale and storytelling to be constructed in the Rotunda of the Richard J. Riordan Central Library is inspired by the Library’s enduring “light of learning” and designed to surpass the current record for the world’s largest pop-up book.
As a centerpiece of the building’s centennial celebration, Luceros y Penumbras will unfold across two giant pop-up spreads that evoke memory, culture, and discovery through rich imagery drawn from González’s personal history, the spirit of Los Angeles, and the history of Central Library. Complementing the installation, a selection from the Library’s rarely seen Toy Movable Collection will also be on view.
“My hope is that this work not only celebrates a building but also the ideals and knowledge it was built to house, which have for me been transformative and a constant source of inspiration, growth and hope.”
— Daniel González
About the artist
Daniel González is a Los Angeles-based artist and printmaker known for his community-rooted work, including the major 2012 LA Metro art commission “Engraved in Memory” at the La Cienega/Jefferson Station and his illustrations for The Ballad of Huck and Miguel, a novel by Tim De Roche. His work is on permanent display at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County as part of the exhibition, Becoming Los Angeles. He has worked extensively with El Pueblo De Los Ángeles Historical Monument in Downtown Los Angeles and Self Help Graphics & Art in Boyle Heights, and currently teaches printmaking at Barnsdall Art Center and the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena. LAPL holds a portfolio of González’s original prints in its Special Collections.
Toy Movable Collection at LAPL
The Los Angeles Public Library’s rarely exhibited Toy Movable Collection is a captivating archive of more than 2,000 intricate pop-up books and interactive titles. These materials provide historical context for the art form and underscore Southern California’s unsung role in the global history of pop-up book production.
A series of free public programs including children and family story times and paper engineering workshops will be presented in conjunction with the exhibition, to be announced soon.
Visit the exhibition
Luceros y Penumbras: The World’s Largest Pop-up Book will be on view and open to the public in the Rotunda of the Richard J. Riordan Central Library during regular hours starting Saturday, July 11, 2026.
The opening date coincides with Library’s free, day-long festival to celebrate 100 years of Central Library. Designed for all ages, the Centennial Festival will offer music, workshops, author talks, community booths, giveaways, six Central 100-themed exhibitions on view, and more.
Please reference the Library’s website for hours, location details, and holidays.
Entry is free and all ages are welcome.
Our supporters
Credits
This project is made possible with support from:
Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
Debi and Norris Bishton
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
Hope and Steve Heaney
Pasadena Art Alliance
The Philip and Muriel Berman Foundation
Special thanks to Leading Centennial Celebration Sponsor:
Judith and Steve Krantz Foundation
Credits
John F. Szabo
City Librarian
Kren Malone
Director of Central Library
Stacy Lieberman
President and CEO of Library Foundation of Los Angeles
The exhibition team:
Todd Lerew
Curator and Director of Special Projects, Library Foundation of Los Angeles
Daniel González
Lead Artist
Matthew Reinhart
Paper Engineer
Ann Marshall/Annex Design Services
Project Manager and Exhibition Designer
Goodnight & Co.
Fabrication and Installation
Centennial Celebration
A signature initiative of LFLA’s Centennial Celebration Campaign, this exhibition highlights Central Library not only as an architectural landmark, but also as a living civic space—one that continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and access to knowledge for all Angelenos.
Explore upcoming Centennial events and experiences, learn more about the history of the Richard J. Riordan Central Library, and help us write the next chapter for the Los Angeles Public Library.
Frequently Asked Questions for Council Members
Questions? We’re happy to help.
Sherry Wickware, Director of Council Relations
sherrywickware@lfla.org | 213.228.7506
– Joining the Centennial Committee
– Hosting Centennial salons
– Library tours
– Nameplate gifts ($2,500)
– General questions or ideas
Alex Nguyen, Director of Major and Planned Gifts
alexnguyen@lfla.org | 213.292.6268
– Multi-year pledges
– Planned giving
– Passion assets
– Event sponsorship opportunities
– 100 for 100 leadership gifts
What is the Council Centennial Initiative?
The Council Centennial Initiative is the Council’s leadership effort within the Library Foundation of Los Angeles Centennial Campaign. Council members are working together to raise $1 million to support the Los Angeles Public Library system and help shape its next century.
Who can participate?
All Council members are welcome to support the initiative.
How long will the Council Centennial Initiative Last?
The Council Centennial Initiative will span three years.
What is the Council Centennial Nameplate recognition opportunity?
Council members who make a Centennial gift of $2,500 or more may have a personalized brass nameplate installed on a chair in the Central Library’s Children’s Department. A limited number of nameplates are available, and this recognition opportunity is reserved exclusively for Council members.
Nameplates may display a donor’s name or a tribute such as In Honor of [Name] or In Memory of [Name], becoming a lasting part of the Children’s Department.
What is the Centennial Celebration’s 100 for 100?
100 for 100 recognizes donors who commit $100,000 or more in honor of 100 years of creativity, connection, and possibility at the Los Angeles Public Library. These leadership gifts support the programs, collections, and services that make the Library a vital resource for Los Angeles.
Can I make a multi-year pledge?
Yes. Multi-year pledges and other philanthropic strategies are available.
Can I direct my Centennial gift to a specific library program, collection, or branch?
Yes. Gifts of $10,000 or more may be directed to the library program, collection, or branch that is most meaningful to you. Donors at this level will also be recognized with an engraved brass nameplate on a drawer of a vintage card catalog in the Central Library’s iconic Rotunda.
Can I make my donation using stock or other securities?
Yes. The Library Foundation of Los Angeles welcomes gifts of appreciated stock, mutual funds, or other securities. Donating securities may allow you to avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciated value while potentially receiving a charitable deduction for the full market value of the gift. We recommend consulting your tax or financial advisor before making a charitable gift.
Can I make my donation through my Donor Advised Fund?
Yes. Your gift to the Centennial Celebration may be made through your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) and is fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
How else can I help?
Council members can support the initiative by joining the Council Centennial Committee, hosting salons, introducing potential donors or corporate partners, attending Centennial events with guests, and sharing the initiative within their networks.
