The Library

The Drum Barracks Library is dedicated to the memory of Don McDowell, a long time member of the Museum support group and author of the authoritative book on the military post called Beat of the Drum: A History of Drum Barracks. This excellent resource is available for purchase in the Museum Shop.

The research library contains basic volumes such as the 159 volumes of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies and Navies, and the additional 100 volume Supplement to the Official Records. 

The library is organized by Civil War subject matter with sections such as medicine, art and photography, naval warfare, biography and autobiography, campaigns and individual battles, regimental histories, prisons, the Union, the Confederacy, women, essays and commentaries, the War in California and the American Southwest, and children’s books.

A substantial number of periodicals are in the collections including volumes of major titles such as North and South, Blue and Gray, America’s Civil War, Civil War Illustrated, American Heritage, Old West and more.

The library is the site of the Richard Rollins Memorial Book Club, held on the second Tuesday of each month. There is no charge and the public is warmly welcomed to attend this lively program. Those interested may find the name of the current book being read by calling the Museum office at (310) 548-7509.

The inviting book-lined room, complete with brick fireplace, is also used for group meetings and receptions,

Visitors are welcome to use the library resources by making an appointment with Museum Director Susan Ogle at susan.ogle@lacity.org or (310) 548-7509.

The Richard Rollins Memorial Book Club meets the second Tuesday of every month in the Library.

Robyn Hunt and C. L. Hunt, the great-great grandchildren of Richard Coulter Drum, for whom the Barracks was named, visited here in 2004 and a reception and discussion was held in the library.

David Jackson and C. L. Hunt talk over some important literary matters.