Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

50th Anniversary Celebration: Art & Architecture

2025-06-21 14:00:00 2025-06-21 16:00:00 America/Los_Angeles 50th Anniversary Celebration: Art & Architecture Join us in the second and final installment of the 50th Anniversary Celebration! Learn about the history, art and architecture of the library designed by African American Architect Vincent Proby. For ages 18 and up A C Bilbrew Library - Meeting Room

Saturday, June 21
2:00pm - 4:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-06-21 14:00:00 2025-06-21 16:00:00 America/Los_Angeles 50th Anniversary Celebration: Art & Architecture Join us in the second and final installment of the 50th Anniversary Celebration! Learn about the history, art and architecture of the library designed by African American Architect Vincent Proby. For ages 18 and up A C Bilbrew Library - Meeting Room

A C Bilbrew Library

Meeting Room

Join us in the second and final installment of the 50th Anniversary Celebration! Learn about the history, art and architecture of the library designed by African American Architect Vincent Proby. For ages 18 and up

The celebration will conclude with a tour of the library's Golden State and Civic art collection. 

For Ages 18 and up. 

AGE GROUP: | Older Adults | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | History, Society, & Culture | Education & Literacy |

TAGS: | |

A C Bilbrew Library

Phone: 310.538.3350

Hours
Mon, Jul 14 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jul 15 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jul 16 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jul 17 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jul 18 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Jul 19 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Jul 20 Closed

About the branch

Located in a shopping center from 1964 to 1974, the North Enterprise Branch became the A C Bilbrew Library with the opening of the present building on November 2, 1974. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn was instrumental in the library obtaining funding through a Model Neighborhood Development Program to build a 21,000 square foot library with a capacity to house 100,000 books. The library was designed by Vincent Proby, an African-American architect and is named for Madame A C Bilbrew, a community leader and former deputy for Supervisor Hahn who was also a musician and poet.

In 1933, Mrs. Bilbrew was the first black soloist to appear on radio, and in 1928, she produced the first Negro chorus that was featured in Hollywood's first Negro talkie, titled "Hearts in Dixie." She was the first black person to have a radio show. Mrs. Bilbrew was also a producer of pageants and dramas, an outstanding dramatic reader, and choral director.

A C Bilbrew Library houses the Black Resource Center which supports research and study on social, historical, musical, and cultural aspects unique to the "Black Experience" such as Juneteenth and Kwanzaa. From 1980-2008, A C Bilbrew Library has hosted the County Library's African American History Month Celebration. The "Living Black History Tribute" first honoree was Eubie Blake. This became the "African-American Living Legend" Series. Past Honorees have included Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Rosa Parks, James Baldwin, Coretta Scott King, and Ray Charles. An interactive Living Legends digital display is featured in the main lobby. The library is located in an unincorporated area west of the City of Compton.

Upcoming events

Tue, Jul 22, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Activity Room
Learn about different art styles and join in with others to create a unique and imaginative work of art! Everyone will get a chance to add to the art as we pass our masterpieces around the room.  For kids ages 5 – 12.

Cancelled
Tue, Jul 29, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey. Rated: PG. All ages welcome.

Thu, Jul 31, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Activity Room
Learn the basics of watercolor painting through Georgia O’Keeffe’s distinct style and create unique floral artworks! For teens ages 13 – 17.

Wed, Aug 06, 11:15am - 11:45am
Activity Room
Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. Arts and craft extension activity included. For ages 2 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.

Thu, Aug 07, 3:30pm - 4:15pm
Activity Room
Have a quote or saying that inspires you? Put it on a mug!  Join us and decorate a mug with a positive quote or saying to motivate you when you need it using permanent markers. All materials provided.  For teen ages 13 - 17

Wed, Aug 13, 11:15am - 11:45am
Activity Room
Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. Arts and craft extension activity included. For ages 2 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.