The branch was named after Felipe de Neve, the Spanish governor of California who oversaw the founding of Los Angeles.

The branch was opened on Felipe de Neve Day in 1929, celebrating the 148th anniversary of the founding of Los Angeles.

[3] The Felipe de Neve Branch was designated a Historic-Cultural Monument by the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission in January 1984.

A horseshoe-shaped cast stone border of a floral design surrounds the top of the seal and doors.

[4] Media related to Felipe de Neve Branch Library at Wikimedia Commons