A Los Angeles library opened a time capsule from a century ago, but when they got to it, there was a big surprise.
The unveiling took place on January 29, 2026, as part of the Los Angeles Central Library’s 100th anniversary celebrations. During a kickoff event marking the centennial of the iconic building, library officials revealed the contents of a copper time capsule that had been sealed into the library’s cornerstone during its original construction in 1925.
“The big surprise was the second complete time capsule located inside the 1925 box. We knew from the Board of Library Minutes that the 1925 capsule contained some objects from the 1881 State Normal School capsule, retrieved from the building that was demolished to make way for Central Library. What we did not realize was that the entire 1881 time capsule, a smaller box than that of 1925, had been resealed and placed inside the Library capsule,” a spokesperson from the library told Newsweek.
The event launched a yearlong celebration known as “Central 100,” which includes new exhibitions, special programs across all 72 Los Angeles Public Library branches, a limited-edition library card, and even birthday cake for attendees.
“What a privilege it is to celebrate 100 years in this glorious building,” City Librarian John F. Szabo said during the event. “Central Library has grown and changed through the last century along with the city it serves, but our core values—to serve and share the stories of all Angelenos—remain unchanged.”
A Year in the Making—and Retrieved Through a Restroom
Getting to the time capsule, however, was far from straightforward.
According to a library spokesperson, when the capsule was placed during construction in May 1925, officials thoughtfully documented what went inside—but left behind no instructions for how to retrieve it. Historical images eventually revealed that the cornerstone at the Fifth Street entrance had been designed with a cavity that allowed it to be lowered over the capsule.
Since the Central Library is a protected landmark at both the local and national level, the retrieval had to be done without damaging the historic structure. After drilling carefully into grout lines and inserting a small camera to confirm the capsule’s location—and to ensure the surrounding terracotta brick wall was not load-bearing—the team realized the only viable access point was from inside the building.
That access point turned out to be a men’s public restroom.
The process took more than a year of planning, coordination with city departments, and outside contractors. “There were a lot of meetings in that bathroom,” the spokesperson said.
What Los Angeles Left Behind in 1925
Inside the 1925 capsule was a carefully curated collection of municipal documents, including reports from the Los Angeles Public Library and other city departments, materials related to library staff and the Board of Library Commissioners, annuals from local civic clubs, and copies of every major daily Los Angeles newspaper published at the time.
Together, the items painted a clear picture of a rapidly expanding city—one transforming from a small pueblo into a major metropolitan center, driven by civic pride and public engagement.
But the biggest surprise came once the box was fully opened.
Inside the 1925 capsule was a second, smaller, fully intact time capsule dating back to 1881.
That earlier capsule contained municipal reports and newspapers, along with materials related to the Normal School. It also included a strikingly eclectic mix of items: ephemera from the funeral of recently assassinated President James A. Garfield, coins from around the world, and holiday greeting cards that doubled as advertisements for a local business.
A Strong Connection Across 100 Years
For the team involved, opening the capsule was both emotional and deeply personal.
“Opening the box after having worked on the project for over a year felt like an incredible accomplishment. There were so many times when it seemed like an insurmountable task. I also felt a strong connection to those who overcame so many odds to make Central Library a reality 100 years ago,” the spokesperson said.
One item stood out above the rest: a portrait photograph of Everett Robbins Perry, the city librarian who played a pivotal role in bringing Central Library to life.
“He deserved to have his photograph in the capsule,” the spokesperson said. “I’m glad he put it in there.”
