Record-breaking paper pop up book at LA Public Library takes 10 people to turn pages
The LA Public Library system is full of books in all shapes and sizes – though only one is large enough to require its own room.
Reaching across the rotunda of the Richard J. Riordan Central Library in Los Angeles, California, USA, this massive story book dominates the space with 11 ft (3.35 m)-tall designs that were painstakingly crafted out of paper.
Created on 2 July by Los Angeles artist and printmaker Daniel González, the work titled Luceros y Penumbras (“Starlight and Shadows”) is officially the largest pop up book of all time, and was constructed in honour of the institution’s centennial anniversary.
When the book is opened, the 15.41 ft x 20.01 ft (4.70 m x 6.10 m)-sized cover expands into a beautiful scene stretching roughly 31 ft (9 m) wide. Featuring swirling designs of blue skies, ornate buildings, and animals and people frolicking through nature, the artwork was inspired by Daniel’s personal history, as well as the city of Los Angeles and their public library system.
In total, the finished piece weighs 1,800 lbs (816.5 kg), and it is entirely made from the same materials used to produce traditional books, including paper, adhesive, and fabric.
Requiring a team of 10 people – and some extra-large sticks – to carefully flip these gigantic pages, the pop up book is on display for free all year for those who want to see firsthand how the library’s vision for the “light of learning” comes to life.
In addition to Daniel’s incredible artwork, the pop up book’s paper was engineered by Matthew Reinhart and Ann Marshall, with full-scale fabrication completed by Goodnight & Co.
A team of 35 people helped with the construction, and they even had to build the pages in separate parts so they could fit the finished piece through the library doors.
The cover of the book is coated with a sleek blue linen fabric, and printed with the Luceros y Penumbras title, as well as a golden bird flying while holding a lit torch.
And inside the cardboard pages, two full spreads are featured – one depicting the library itself emerging from the night sky, printed with quotes from Daniel’s grandmother; and the second showcasing a massive Tree of Wisdom, populated with animals, symbols and quotes representing the pursuit of knowledge and the library's architectural theme, The Light of Learning.
“My hope is that this work not only celebrates a building but also the ideals and knowledge it was built to house, which have for me been transformative and a constant source of inspiration, growth, and hope,” said Daniel to the LA Public Library about the installation.
And their team certainly agrees, adding the following quote in their application to GWR: “This has been an incredible journey, and we are confident it will garner much publicity and positive attention for the library during its centennial year.”
So if you’d like to see this record-breaking artwork, head out to the Richard J. Riordan Central Library in Los Angeles before the centennial celebration (and the book’s cover pages) officially close at the end of 2026.
And while you’re there, why don’t you check out a regular-sized library book from the system – because even though it may not have a world record title, it’ll certainly be easier to bring home!