North Hollywood Branch
Why it's listed
This one-story red brick branch library sits in North Hollywood Park on N. Tujunga Avenue in Los Angeles. Completed in 1930 and dedicated on July 29, 1930, it was designed by local architects Eugene and Rex Weston, who were known for Spanish-influenced work and elaborate colored tile. A clerestory with seven multi-pane windows rises over the entry, flanked by two colorful terra cotta coats of arms, under a red Spanish tile roof. A porch with stylized concrete columns shelters much of the front. Inside are Mexican tile, leaded glass, oak doors, an open beamed ceiling and a fireplace with tiles bearing a quotation from poet Sidney Lanier, for whom the branch was first named. In 1956 architect John Landon designed an addition that doubled the building's size and blends so closely that the two parts are hard to tell apart. The library was renamed for Amelia Earhart in 1981. Its listing recognizes its design quality and its role as a regional cultural center in the San Fernando Valley.
Significance in brief: The nomination holds that the library serves an important cultural function in the San Fernando Valley and has architecture that stands out in an area with few buildings of noteworthy design. It was the next to last of the 1920s-era branch libraries and shows the high quality of public architecture Los Angeles sought. It was designed by architects known for Spanish designs and colored tile work.
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 87001018, listed May 19, 1987. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 5211 N. Tujunga Ave., Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| County | Los Angeles County |
| Listed | May 19, 1987 |
| Reference number | 87001018 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Weston and Weston (Eugene and Rex Weston); 1956 addition by John Landon |
| Areas of significance | Community Planning and Development, Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | A 1956 addition by John Landon doubled the library's size and matches the original in brickwork, roof and exterior detailing. |
| Acreage | 1.2 |
| Coordinates | 34.16614, -118.37919 (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 87001018.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7055653
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.