LA County Library

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LA County Library
LA County Library
33°55′40″N118°09′41″W / 33.92778°N 118.16139°W / 33.92778; -118.16139
Location Downey, Los Angeles County, California, United States
TypePublic
Established1912
Reference to legal mandateCounty Free Library Act
Branches86
Collection
Size4,799,808
Criteria for collectionCounty residents
Access and use
Circulation13,026,434
Population served3,375,417
Members3,045,433
Other information
BudgetUS$131,063,244 (2015/16) [1]
DirectorSkye Patrick, County Librarian
Employees1,483 (2010) [1]
Website www.lacountylibrary.org
References: [2]
Reading areas at West Hollywood Library Reading Areas at West Hollywood Library.jpg
Reading areas at West Hollywood Library

LA County Library is one of the largest public library systems in the United States [3] which serves residents living in 49 of the 88 incorporated cities of Los Angeles County, California. United States, and those living in unincorporated areas resulting in a service area extending over 3,000 square miles (7,800 km2). [4] The LA County Library system provides local libraries to several unincorporated areas and cities across Los Angeles County.

Contents

History

On February 25, 1911, California enacted the County Free Library Law, by which all county governments were authorized to establish a "county free library" to serve all areas of the county where cities and towns had not already established free public libraries. [5] This led to the establishment of the Los Angeles County Free Library, later to become the Los Angeles County Public Library system of branches. c.1914, the collection was kept on the “10th floor of the Hall of Records, North Broadway and Franklin Streets.” [6]

The library system, headquartered in Downey, California, is overseen by the Library Commission of 20 appointed members who report on administration, operation, and service to the County Board of Supervisors who operate County Library as a special fund department. [7]

Skye Patrick was appointed County Librarian on February 1, 2016. [8]

Partnerships and community outreach

LA County Library initiated a partnership with the Los Angeles County Probation Department to serve systems-involved youth with an institutional library at Central Juvenile Hall. It offers collections and trained librarians to help improve literacy, teach parenting skills, and encourage respectful interactions. Programming at five Probation Juvenile Day Reporting Centers teaches life skills, builds self-confidence, and introduces potential career paths. [9]

LA County Library also partnered with County of Los Angeles departments to implement lived experience programs aimed at redirecting youth from engaging in at-risk behaviors. The My Brother's Keeper Peer Advocate program hires young adults of color with lived experience as advisors and liaisons. These Peer Advocates build community relationships, develop programming, and raise awareness of Library services. [10]

LA County Library launched three book kiosks located at County housing sites: Cedar Springs Housing in La Verne serving transition age youth, tenants with mental health disorders, and low-income families; Carmelitos in Long Beach; and Nueva Maravilla Senior Housing in East Los Angeles. [11] The Library installed bookshelves at 10 barbershops across South Los Angeles to encourage reading for boys ages 4 – 8 to help minimize the literacy gap between young men of color and their peers. [12]

In honor of Banned Books Week, LA County Library joined Books Unbanned in October 2023. [13] This service provides free library cards to all California residents ages 13–18. [14]

Awards and accolades

LA County Library was a finalist for the IMLS National Medal in 2018 and 2019. [15] [16]

LA County Library won the 2018 Marketer of the Year Award, [17] the 2019 Librarian of the Year Award for Skye Patrick, [18] and the 2019 Library of the Year Award. All three awards were from Library Journal, and this was the first time a single organization held all three awards at the same time. [19]

In 2023, LA County Library was selected as one of eight recipients of the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation's highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. [20]

Services and resources

The library provides many resources, including literacy services and programs for families and children. [21]

The library system offers consumer health information under CHIPS (Consumer Health Information Program and Services).

Branches

NamePhotographAddressCommunityNotes
A.C. Bilbrew Library A.C. Bilbrew Library.png 150 E El Segundo Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90061 Willowbrook Named for A. C. Bilbrew
Acton Agua Dulce Library Acton Agua Dulce Library.png 33792 Crown Valley Rd, Acton, CA 93510 Acton
Alondra Library Alondra Library.png 11949 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650 Norwalk
Agoura Hills Library Agoura Hills Library.png 29901 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Agoura Hills
Angelo M. Iacoboni Library Angelo M. Iacobini Library.png 4990 Clark Ave, Lakewood, CA 90712 Lakewood
Anthony Quinn Library Anthony Quinn Library.png 3965 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90063 East Los Angeles
Artesia Library Artesia Library.png 18801 Elaine Ave, Artesia, CA 90701 Artesia
Avalon Library Avalon Library.png 215 Sumner Ave, Avalon, CA 90704 Avalon
Carson Library Carson branch Los Angeles County Library 151 E Carson St - Feb 2024.jpg 151 E Carson St, Carson, CA 90745 Carson
Castaic Library Castaic Library.png 27971 Sloan Canyon Rd, Castaic, CA 91384 Castaic
Charter Oak Library Charter Oak Library.png 20540 E Arrow Highway Suite K, Covina, CA 91724 Charter Oak
Chet Holifield Library Chet Holifield Library.png 1060 S Greenwood Ave, Montebello, CA 90640 Montebello
City Terrace Library City Terrace Library.png 4025 E City Terrace Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90063 City Terrace
Claremont Helen Renwick Library Claremont Helen Renwick Library (2).png 208 N Harvard Ave, Claremont, CA 91711 Claremont
Clifton M. Brakensiek Library Clifton M. Brakensiek Library.jpg 9945 E Flower St, Bellflower, CA 90706 Bellflower
Compton Library Compton Library.png 240 W Compton Blvd, Compton, CA 90220 Compton
Cudahy Library Cudahy Library (1).png 5218 Santa Ana St, Cudahy, CA 90201 Cudahy
Culver City Julian Dixon Library Culver City Julian Dixon Library 4975 Overland Ave 02.jpg 4975 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90230 Culver City Named for Julian Dixon
Diamond Bar Library Diamond Bar Library.png 21800 Copley Dr, Diamond Bar, CA Diamond Bar
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library.png 17906 S Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746 Carson Named after Martin Luther King Jr.
Duarte Library Duarte Library.png 1301 Buena Vista St, Duarte, CA 91010 Duarte
East Los Angeles Library East Los Angeles Library.png 4837 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90022 East Los Angeles
El Camino Real Library El Camino Real Library.png 4264 E Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023 East Los Angeles
El Monte Library El Monte Library.png 3224 Tyler Ave, El Monte, CA 91731 El Monte
Florence Library Florence Library (CA).png 7807 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001 Florence-Graham
Gardena Mayme Dear Library GardenaMaymeDearPublicLibrary.jpg 1731 W Gardena Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247 Gardena
George Nye Jr. Library George Nye Jr. Library.png 16600 Del Amo Blvd, Lakewood, CA 90713 Cerritos
Graham Library Graham Library.png 1900 E Firestone Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90001 Firestone Park
Hacienda Heights Library Hacienda Heights Library.png 16010 La Monde St, Hacienda Heights, CA Hacienda Heights
Hawaiian Gardens Library Hawaiian Gardens Library.png 11940 Carson St, Hawaiian Gardens, CA Hawaiian Gardens
Hawthorne Library HawthorneLibrary2.jpg 12700 Grevillea Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250 Hawthorne
Hermosa Beach Library HermosaBeachPublicLibrary.jpg 550 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA Hermosa Beach
Hollydale Library Hollydale Library (1).png 12000 Garfield Ave, South Gate, CA 90280 South Gate
Huntington Park Library Huntington Park Library.png 6518 Miles Ave, Huntington Park, CA Huntington Park
La Cañada Flintridge Library La Canada Flintridge Library.png 4545 N Oakwood Ave, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 La Cañada Flintridge
La Crescenta Library La Crescenta Library.png 2809 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta, CA 91214 La Crescenta
La Mirada Library La Mirada Library.png 13800 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638 La Mirada
La Puente Library La Puente Library.png 15920 E Central Ave, La Puente, CA 91744 La Puente
La Verne Library La Verne Library.png 3640 D St, La Verne, CA 91750 La Verne
Lake Los Angeles Library Lake Los Angeles Library.png 16921 E Avenue O, #A, Palmdale, CA 93591 Lake Los Angeles
Lancaster Library Lancaster Library.png 601 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534 Lancaster
Lawndale Library LawndaleLibrary1.jpg 14615 Burin Ave, Lawndale, CA 90260 Lawndale
Leland R. Weaver Library Leland R. Weaver Library.png 4035 Tweedy Blvd, South Gate, CA 90280 South Gate
Lennox Library Lennox CA in Los Angeles County 03.jpg 4359 Lennox Blvd, Lennox, CA 90304 Lennox
Littlerock Library Littlerock Library.png 35119 80th St East, Littlerock, CA 93543 Littlerock
Live Oak Library Live Oak Library.png 22 W Live Oak Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007 Arcadia
Lloyd Taber-Marina del Rey Library Lloyd Taber-Marina del Rey Library 2024 Jan 01.jpg 4533 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA Marina del Rey
Lomita Library Lomita Library.png 24200 Narbonne Ave, Lomita, CA 90717 Lomita
Los Nietos Library Los Nietos Library.png 8511 Duchess Drive, Whittier, CA 90606 West Whittier-Los Nietos
Lynwood Library Lynwood Library.png 11320 Bullis Rd, Lynwood, CA 90262 Lynwood
Malibu Library Malibu branch LA County Library.jpg 23519 W Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265 Malibu
Manhattan Beach Library ManhattanBeachPublicLibrary.jpg 1320 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA Manhattan Beach
Masao W. Satow Library MasaoWSatowLibraryGardena.jpg 14433 Crenshaw Blvd, Gardena, CA 90249 Gardena
Maywood César Chávez Library CesarChavezMaywoodLibrary.jpg 4323 E Slauson Ave, Maywood, CA 90270 Maywood Named for Cesar Chavez
Montebello Library Montebello Library.png 1550 W Beverly Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640 Montebello
Norwalk Library Norwalk Library.png 12350 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650 Norwalk
Norwood Library Norwood Library.png 4550 N Peck Rd, El Monte, CA 91732 El Monte
Paramount Express Library Paramount Express Library.png 13451 Merkel Ave, Paramount, CA 90723 Paramount
Pico Rivera Library Library Pico Rivera.jpg 9001 Mines Ave, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 Pico Rivera
Quartz Hill Library Quartz Hill Library.png 5040 West Avenue M-2, Quartz Hill, CA 93536 Quartz Hill
Rivera Library Rivera Library.png 7828 S Serapis Ave, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 Pico Rivera
Rosemead Library Rosemead Library.png 8800 Valley Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770 Rosemead
Rowland Heights Library Rowland Heights Library.png 1850 Nogales Street, Rowland Heights, CA 91748 Rowland Heights
San Dimas Library San Dimas Library.png 145 N Walnut Ave, San Dimas, CA 91773 San Dimas
San Fernando Library San Fernando Library.png 217 N Maclay Ave, San Fernando, CA San Fernando
San Gabriel Library San Gabriel Library.png 500 S Del Mar Ave, San Gabriel, CA 91776 San Gabriel
Sorensen Library Sorensen Library.png 6934 Broadway Ave, Whittier, CA 90606 Whittier
South El Monte Library South El Monte Library.png 1430 North Central Avenue, South El Monte, CA 91733 South El Monte
South Whittier Library South Whittier Library.png 11543 Colima Road, Whittier, CA 90604 Whittier
Stevenson Ranch Library Stevenson Ranch Library.png 25950 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381 Stevenson Ranch
Sunkist Library Sunkist Library.png 840 N Puente Ave, La Puente, CA 91746 La Puente
Temple City Library Temple City Library.png 5939 Golden West Ave., Temple City, CA 91780 Temple City
Topanga Library Topanga Library.png 122 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290 Topanga
View Park Bebe Moore Campbell Library View Park Bebe Moore Campbell Public Library COLAPUBLIB 2024 January 01.jpg 3854 W 54th St, Los Angeles, CA 90043 View Park Named for Bebe Moore Campbell
Walnut Library Walnut Library.png 21155 La Puente Rd, Walnut, CA 91789 Walnut
West Covina Library West Covina Library.png 1601 W West Covina Pkwy, West Covina, CA 91790 West Covina
West Hollywood Library West Hollywood Library.jpg 625 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 West Hollywood
Westlake Village Library Westlake Village Library.png 31220 Oak Crest Dr, Westlake Village, CA 91361 Westlake Village
Willowbrook Library Willowbrook Library.png 11737 Wilmington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90059 Willowbrook
Wiseburn Library WiseburnLibrary1.jpg 5335 W 135th St, Hawthorne, CA 90250 Hawthorne
Woodcrest Library Woodcrest Library LA County Library branch.jpg 1340 W 106th St, Los Angeles, CA 90044 Westmont

Bookmobiles

COVID-19 response

When LA County Library was forced to close its doors in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Library established a Laptop & Hotspot Loan service, expanded Wi-Fi service to Library parking lots with Park & Connect, and developed virtual programs on YouTube and Webex Events for all ages and interests, such as programs about distance learning and workforce development. [22]

References

  1. 1 2 "Statistics County of Los Angeles Public Library" . Retrieved July 24, 2017.
  2. Skye Patrick (2017). "Statistical Information Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2016". LA County Library. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
  3. "ALA Library Fact Sheet 22 - The Nation's Largest Libraries". American Library Association. September 2011. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  4. "Statistics | County of Los Angeles Public Library". lacountylibrary.org. Retrieved March 7, 2016.
  5. County Free Library Law, Cal. Stats., 39th reg. sess., 1911, ch. 68, pp. 80-85.
  6. Standard Guide to Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Panama-California Exposition. Press Association. 1914.
  7. "Public Records". County of Los Angeles Public Library. 2009. Archived from the original on April 26, 2010. Retrieved March 26, 2010.
  8. "L.A. County chooses new librarian". www.signalscv.com. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  9. "LA County Library". LA County Library. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  10. "YOUR GIFT MATTERS | LA County Library Foundation". laclf. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  11. "LA County Library Installs Innovative Book Kiosks in Community Housing | Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl" . Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  12. "Barbershop Books Encourages Boys of Color to Read". Urban Libraries Council. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  13. Community (October 2, 2023). "Two California Library Systems Join in Granting Free Access to Banned Books for Young Readers". BOOK RIOT. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  14. "LA County Library". LA County Library. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  15. "2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Service". www.imls.gov. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  16. "2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service". www.imls.gov. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  17. "Past Winners". Library Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  18. III, John N. Berry (December 28, 2018). "Skye Patrick, LJ Librarian of the Year". Library Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  19. III, John N. Berry. "LA County Library Is Library of the Year 2019". Library Journal.
  20. "IMLS Selects Winners for Nation's Highest Museum and Library Honor". May 23, 2023.
  21. Murray, Stuart A. P. “The Library: An Illustrated History.” New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing, 2012, p. 263.
  22. "LA County Library".

Further reading

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Los Angeles County Library at Wikimedia Commons

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