The Shavelson-Webb Library is the only library in the world focused entirely on writing for the screen. Iconic, right? If that’s news to you or if you’re in need of a little refresher on how things work at the library, we have just the blog to fill you in. Click here to read it, then come back because we have some tips on how to turn a visit to the WGF Library into an even more marvelous day in LA.
It may be a surprise that the library is conveniently located by a plethora of places to visit, things to do, and foods to eat. So when you book an appointment to read Everything Everywhere All at Once or every episode ever made of Breaking Bad (which would take many, many appointments), count on visiting some of our neighbors!
On the day of your appointment, you can arrive anytime between 11am and 6pm and can come and go as needed. Don’t forget to keep your name-tag on when you leave to feed the meter or explore a little before returning to read more beloved pages. Not sure where to go? We have a list to help, including some WGF staff favorites.
Arriving Early?
Have a late breakfast at Sidecar Doughnuts:
Sidecar Doughnuts is a favorite of ours at WGF. It’s guaranteed to be in the office when someone on the team has a birthday. They are as delicious as they are beautiful. I recommend the huckleberry or whichever one has most recently come out of the oven – basically, you can’t go wrong.
Need a snack or lunch break?
Visit the Original Farmer’s Market:
Across the street from the WGAW building is a Los Angeles treasure, The Original Farmer’s Market. There’s great food, shopping, and depending on when you go, live music.
The Original Farmer’s Market really has something for everyone. Lawrence, our Development Manager, gives high praise to the Fritzi Coop, one of the many restaurants there. He says, “I still have a lot more restaurants around here to check out, but so far, their chicken sandwich and tater tots is the best lunch I’ve had since starting at WGF.”
While you’re there, walk through The Grove or hop on the double-decker trolley. Why not?
Have a bite at Canter’s Deli:
Canter’s has been in its current location on Fairfax since 1953, and has been popular in LA since it originally opened in Boyle Heights in 1931. One of WGF’s Librarians, Lauren, shares, “I love a good deli and Canter's is an L.A. legend. My go-to order is the corned beef reuben and, of course, a black & white cookie. It's a short walk up Fairfax from the library—and you'll be glad you walked after eating there.”
Time for dessert?
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Wanderlust Creamery:
Wanderlust Creamery, just two doors down on W. 3rd St., is also popular among WGF staff. Director of Communications & Events Enid says, “Every month they have a delicious menu of seasonal flavors (July, for instance, features Orange Flower Baklava and Yuzu Creamsicle). I love that you’ll always have something new to try and that the flavors are inspired by international cuisines and delicacies.” Lawrence also mentioned that Wanderlust’s ube malted crunch is a personal favorite.
On your way home?
Enjoy the convenience of walkable groceries:
If reading Ratatouille motivated you to cook dinner from scratch or if flipping through Pulp Fiction inspired you to make your own $5 milkshake, we also have grocery stores nearby. Hilary, our Archivist, says, “The fact that Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and CVS are all right on our corner means that I can always pick up an essential product with ease.”
after hours?
Continue the fun at the Academy Museum:
The Academy Museum has great screenings almost every day and is just down the street. Lauren says, “I highly recommend checking out their programming. It's just a few blocks from the WGA and makes for a perfect post-library activity. If you're a fan of Irish coffee (or beer) stop by Molly Malone's or Tom Bergin's for a pre-movie drink.” Look ahead and plan to read the screenplay with us before watching it in 35mm on the big screen!
Whether you find yourself exploring the area or spending all day exploring scripts, we’re looking forward to your next visit to the WGF Library!