One of three surviving Carnegie libraries in Los Angeles, it has been designated as a Historic-Cultural Monument and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The history of the Lincoln Heights Branch began in 1900 with the establishment of a delivery station at Daly Street and Pasadena Avenue.

[3] In 1975, a community vote in the predominantly Latino area renamed the facility the "Biblioteca del Pueblo de Lincoln Heights.

With respect to the Lincoln Heights Branch, the application described the building as being designed in the Classical Revival style with strong Beaux Arts influence.

Carpeting and air conditioning were added, and a skylight covered for more than 50 years was uncovered and renovated, lighting the reference area.

Computer workstations were also installed, and ceramic works of art by local artist Ricardo Rodriguez Duffy were placed on and above the columns.