✕
Jump to content

LA County Library

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

LA County Library
Map
33°55′40″N 118°09′41″W / 33.92778°N 118.16139°W / 33.92778; -118.16139
LocationDowney, California, United States
TypePublic
Established1912
Reference to legal mandate
County Free Library Act
Branches86
Collection
Size4,799,808
Criteria for collection
County residents
Access and use
Circulation13,026,434
Population served
3,375,417
Members3,045,433
Other information
BudgetUS$131,063,244 (2015/16)[1]
DirectorSkye Patrick, County Librarian
Employees1,483 (2010)[1]
Websitewww.lacountylibrary.org
References: [2]
Image
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.

History

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]
NamePhotographAddressCommunityNotes
A.C. Bilbrew LibraryImage 150 E El Segundo Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90061WillowbrookNamed for A. C. Bilbrew
Acton Agua Dulce LibraryImage33792 Crown Valley Rd, Acton, CA 93510Acton
Alondra LibraryImage11949 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650Norwalk
Agoura Hills LibraryImage29901 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills, CA 91301Agoura Hills
Angelo M. Iacoboni LibraryImage4990 Clark Ave, Lakewood, CA 90712Lakewood
Anthony Quinn LibraryImage3965 Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90063East Los Angeles
Artesia LibraryImage18801 Elaine Ave, Artesia, CA 90701Artesia
Avalon LibraryImage215 Sumner Ave, Avalon, CA 90704Avalon
Carson LibraryImage151 E Carson St, Carson, CA 90745Carson
Castaic LibraryImage27971 Sloan Canyon Rd, Castaic, CA 91384Castaic
Charter Oak LibraryImage20540 E Arrow Highway Suite K, Covina, CA 91724Charter Oak
Chet Holifield LibraryImage1060 S Greenwood Ave, Montebello, CA 90640Montebello
City Terrace LibraryImage4025 E City Terrace Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90063City Terrace
Claremont Helen Renwick LibraryImage208 N Harvard Ave, Claremont, CA 91711Claremont
Clifton M. Brakensiek LibraryImage9945 E Flower St, Bellflower, CA 90706Bellflower
Compton LibraryImage240 W Compton Blvd, Compton, CA 90220Compton
Cudahy LibraryImage5218 Santa Ana St, Cudahy, CA 90201Cudahy
Culver City Julian Dixon LibraryImage4975 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90230Culver CityNamed for Julian Dixon
Diamond Bar LibraryImage21800 Copley Dr, Diamond Bar, CADiamond Bar
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. LibraryImage17906 S Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746CarsonNamed after Martin Luther King Jr.
Duarte LibraryImage1301 Buena Vista St, Duarte, CA 91010Duarte
East Los Angeles LibraryImage4837 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90022East Los Angeles
El Camino Real LibraryImage4264 E Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023East Los Angeles
El Monte LibraryImage3224 Tyler Ave, El Monte, CA 91731El Monte
Florence LibraryImage7807 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90001Florence-Graham
Gardena Mayme Dear LibraryImage1731 W Gardena Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247Gardena
George Nye Jr. LibraryImage16600 Del Amo Blvd, Lakewood, CA 90713Cerritos
Graham LibraryImage1900 E Firestone Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90001Firestone Park
Hacienda Heights LibraryImage16010 La Monde St, Hacienda Heights, CAHacienda Heights
Hawaiian Gardens LibraryImage11940 Carson St, Hawaiian Gardens, CAHawaiian Gardens
Hawthorne LibraryImage12700 Grevillea Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250Hawthorne
Hermosa Beach LibraryImage550 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CAHermosa Beach
Hollydale LibraryImage12000 Garfield Ave, South Gate, CA 90280South Gate
Huntington Park LibraryImage6518 Miles Ave, Huntington Park, CAHuntington Park
La Cañada Flintridge LibraryImage4545 N Oakwood Ave, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011La Cañada Flintridge
La Crescenta LibraryImage2809 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta, CA 91214La Crescenta
La Mirada LibraryImage13800 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, CA 90638La Mirada
La Puente LibraryImage15920 E Central Ave, La Puente, CA 91744La Puente
La Verne LibraryImage3640 D St, La Verne, CA 91750La Verne
Lake Los Angeles LibraryImage16921 E Avenue O, #A, Palmdale, CA 93591Lake Los Angeles
Lancaster LibraryImage601 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534Lancaster
Lawndale LibraryImage14615 Burin Ave, Lawndale, CA 90260Lawndale
Leland R. Weaver LibraryImage4035 Tweedy Blvd, South Gate, CA 90280South Gate
Lennox LibraryImage4359 Lennox Blvd, Lennox, CA 90304Lennox
Littlerock LibraryImage35119 80th St East, Littlerock, CA 93543Littlerock
Live Oak LibraryImage22 W Live Oak Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007Arcadia
Lloyd Taber-Marina del Rey LibraryImage4533 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CAMarina del Rey
Lomita LibraryImage24200 Narbonne Ave, Lomita, CA 90717Lomita
Los Nietos LibraryImage8511 Duchess Drive, Whittier, CA 90606West Whittier-Los Nietos
Lynwood LibraryImage11320 Bullis Rd, Lynwood, CA 90262Lynwood
Malibu LibraryImage23519 W Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265Malibu
Manhattan Beach LibraryImage1320 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CAManhattan Beach
Masao W. Satow LibraryImage14433 Crenshaw Blvd, Gardena, CA 90249Gardena
Maywood César Chávez LibraryImage4323 E Slauson Ave, Maywood, CA 90270MaywoodNamed for Cesar Chavez
Montebello LibraryImage1550 W Beverly Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640Montebello
Norwalk LibraryImage12350 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650Norwalk
Norwood LibraryImage4550 N Peck Rd, El Monte, CA 91732El Monte
Paramount Express LibraryImage13451 Merkel Ave, Paramount, CA 90723Paramount
Pico Rivera LibraryImage9001 Mines Ave, Pico Rivera, CA 90660Pico Rivera
Quartz Hill LibraryImage5040 West Avenue M-2, Quartz Hill, CA 93536Quartz Hill
Rivera LibraryImage7828 S Serapis Ave, Pico Rivera, CA 90660Pico Rivera
Rosemead LibraryImage8800 Valley Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770Rosemead
Rowland Heights LibraryImage1850 Nogales Street, Rowland Heights, CA 91748Rowland Heights
San Dimas LibraryImage145 N Walnut Ave, San Dimas, CA 91773San Dimas
San Fernando LibraryImage217 N Maclay Ave, San Fernando, CASan Fernando
San Gabriel LibraryImage500 S Del Mar Ave, San Gabriel, CA 91776San Gabriel
Sorensen LibraryImage6934 Broadway Ave, Whittier, CA 90606Whittier
South El Monte LibraryImage1430 North Central Avenue, South El Monte, CA 91733South El Monte
South Whittier LibraryImage11543 Colima Road, Whittier, CA 90604Whittier
Stevenson Ranch LibraryImage25950 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381Stevenson Ranch
Sunkist LibraryImage840 N Puente Ave, La Puente, CA 91746La Puente
Temple City LibraryImage5939 Golden West Ave., Temple City, CA 91780Temple City
Topanga LibraryImage122 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290Topanga
View Park Bebe Moore Campbell LibraryImage3854 W 54th St, Los Angeles, CA 90043View ParkNamed for Bebe Moore Campbell
Walnut LibraryImage21155 La Puente Rd, Walnut, CA 91789Walnut
West Covina LibraryImage1601 W West Covina Pkwy, West Covina, CA 91790West Covina
West Hollywood LibraryImage625 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069West Hollywood
Westlake Village LibraryImage31220 Oak Crest Dr, Westlake Village, CA 91361Westlake Village
Willowbrook LibraryImage11737 Wilmington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90059Willowbrook
Wiseburn LibraryImage5335 W 135th St, Hawthorne, CA 90250Hawthorne
Woodcrest LibraryImage1340 W 106th St, Los Angeles, CA 90044Westmont

Bookmobiles

[edit]
  • Antelope Valley West Bookmobile
  • Antelope Valley East Bookmobile
  • East Bookmobile
  • Gateway Bookmobile

COVID-19 response

[edit]

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. Since the beginning of the program to 2025, more than 12,000 laptops were checked out.[22][23]

The laptop lending program is set to end at the end of 2025 after the Trump Administration's FCC terminated assistance for programs aimed at improving digital access. The Wi-Fi lending program's fate is unclear.[22]

References

[edit]
  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. 1 2 assignment, Destiny Torres is LAist's general; Reporter, Digital Equity (November 14, 2025). "You won't be able to check out a free laptop from LA County Library after next month. Here's why". LAist. Retrieved November 17, 2025.
  23. ↑ "LA County Library".

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]

Wikimedia Commons logo Media related to Los Angeles County Library at Wikimedia Commons

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=LA_County_Library&oldid=1356819499"