Moneta Branch
Also known as: Serra Branch
Why it's listed
Built in 1923, this one-story brick library at 4255 South Olive Street in Los Angeles is finished in stucco and designed in a Mediterranean style. Architect Lyman Farwell gave it a symmetrical front facade dominated by a square central tower, with an arched entry portal and twin oak doors. Inside, a central charging desk sits beneath the open tower, which admits abundant light and has a beamed ceiling with corbels. Original oak tables and chairs and a tiled fireplace remain. The library began in 1908 as a book delivery station requested by the Moneta neighborhood and became a branch by 1915 in a rented store. During World War I it served as district headquarters for local war work. A new building was built in 1923 at a cost of $38,000. In 1934 the name changed from Moneta to Junipero Serra Branch. It has long served the South-Central community with exhibits, book drives and children's story hours, and its tower is visible from the Harbor Freeway.
Significance in brief: The nomination holds that the library has played an important role in the social and educational development of South-Central Los Angeles. It is described as a notable, picturesque building by a prominent local architect. It is also one of a thematic group of City branch libraries.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 87001016, listed May 19, 1987. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 4255 S. Olive St., Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| County | Los Angeles County |
| Listed | May 19, 1987 |
| Reference number | 87001016 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Lyman Farwell (architect) |
| Architectural style | Mediterranean |
| Areas of significance | Community Planning and Development, Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | The library continues to provide social and educational service to the local community; the interior includes original oak tables and chairs. |
| Acreage | 0.3 |
| Coordinates | 34.00589, -118.27979 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 87001016.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6898985
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.