These are two different places, in two different cities. Both have LOTS of and very different genealogical holdings. And each has a website. You can have half your research done on-line before you ever reach the library. More time in the reader room, yahoo! per ••• http://www.familysearch.org ••• the nearest FHL/FHC to Los Angeles is: 10741 Santa Monica Blvd WEST Los Angeles, CA Phone: (310) 474-2202 Hours: F-Sat 9am-5pm; T-Th 9am-9pm. NOTE: CLOSED SUN & MON also, sometimes closed for special meetings, CALL FIRST Probable the largest holdings outside SLC. I've only been to a few others and they were VERY tiny. While the Temple top can be seen for miles, the address is deceptive. The bus stop, is in front of the Temple. The little gate in front, for pedestrians only, may or may not be open. Do NOT count on it being open when you leave. And, the walk is all cement stair steps. The better route for peds is the same for cars. Go up the side street, Manning, to the east of the temple, then left, and past the back gate house. About one block past the back gate, the FHC is in the basement on the west/left side of the parking street. There is a sign, but it is small. Directions are on the website. The website usually shows the current month's schedule of classes and meetings. ••• http://www.lafhc.org ••• Not much in the way of nearby food so bring your own. There is a TINY room for eating, with a limited supply of "snacks" and sodas. [no caffeine] This facility is worth a few days, if you travel far. There is a motel across the street, in case you can do a TUE, WED, THU 9am-9pm... doesn't that sound wonderful? The Los Angeles Public Library which is IN Los Angeles, downtown, has a website ••• http://www.lapl.org ••• Parking is... well a bus or train is the better bet here. The genealogy/history stuff is down a few floors. The easiest entrance is on 5th street. The bathrooms are near that entrance. And, on each floor. The facility is HUGE! Worth at least one full day of research, say MON 10am-8pm. And, they have computers for on-line use, reserve time at the desk. Lots of eating places near by. The library is open various hours... even a few on Sunday. There are hotels in the area, but the prices would be high :-( NOTE: MTA [bus & train] drivers are on strike just now. But, the MTA has a website, with a trip planner. ••• http://www.mta.net ••• Okay, I've rambled enough. And, have figured out what I will do the 2nd week after I am laid-off next month. :-) Delightful Diggin', tricia