Fairbanks Center for Motion Picture Study

When I found out they had the Clara Bow papers, I had to make a pilgrimage here for researching my 3^rd book.
I had tons of information that I’d found online already, but many of the items here are wonderful glimpses of the star’s life. They have several folders with samples of her old fan letters, letters from her one-​time beau Harry Richman, a file of clippings on her husband, Rex Bell, and multiple other folders of publicity material, etc.
As others have mentioned, the security is tight, which is a good thing. I’d hate to see all these wonderful materials walking about the door with every Tom, Dick and Harry who visits. It means they’re still there for the rest of us to enjoy.
My only quibble was that when I went in in the morning, the clerk noticed my large manuscript that I’d brought in (in case I had questions & wanted to clarify something). He just chuckled about it. When I checked out in the afternoon, I was scolded for bringing it in. Umm… scuse me, first visit. If the dude doesn’t tell me I can’t bring it in when I enter, how am I supposed to know that?
If you are a movie fan, you must make a visit. You won’t regret it.

Also known as the Margaret Herrick Library, named after the Academy’s first librarian. This library is a hidden gem.
Located in the historic Waterworks building, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the Oscar folks) refurbished this building and the architecture itself is simply wonderful.
This is a research library, although anyone is welcome to come in. They are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday to the public. 10 – 6 except on Tuesdays they are open until 8. The security is strict — you must sign in and have a photo I.D. before entering.
This is the most amazing facility if you are a movie lovin’ geek. If there is a book written about the film industry, it’s here. If there is a magazine, it’s here. They have files on every film ever made, many with photos. They have files on actors, actresses, directors, writers, cinematographers, etc. Files for each year of the Academy Awards, of course. They have a huge script library and old movie posters. They also have many special collections of film related materials donated by people in the entertainment industry who have passed on and donated their files to the Academy (from famous people like Alfred Hitchcock and Edith Head to lesser known people like makeup artist John Truwe and Jean Hersholt). These special collections are viewable by appointment only and generally are only for researchers to view.
Materials are available to be photocopied and stills may be printed for a price.
This is an amazing library full of very rare, historic materials from the film industry.

The fact that this library wasn’t even on the map was scary. Are you kidding me? Any fan of movies or mid-​westerner who came to Hollywood to become famous needs to check this out… let alone KNOW about it.
It is new and clean and security rivals that of any airport.
no phones or bags of any sort. in fact all you can bring is a pad of paper and a pencil or a laptop out of its case. there is a room filled with scripts. loads to learn and keep you occupied.